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You know that burning sensation in your chest after drinking coffee? That’s acid reflux, and it’s no fun. For those with sensitive stomachs, the acidity in coffee can be a real problem. This can be a problem, especially when you’re drinking coffee at a high-street coffee chain such as Starbucks.
But what if I told you Starbucks offers low acid coffee options drink that won’t cause acid reflux issues?
In this article, I’m going to answer one of the biggest questions I get asked: “Does Starbucks have low acid coffee?” I’m going to spill the beans (pun intended) on the low-acid options available at this popular coffee chain.
What is Low Acid Coffee?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, Let’s start with the basics – what exactly is low-acid coffee?
Simply put, it’s coffee that has lower levels of acid compared to regular, off-the-shelf coffee blends. Now, coffee is naturally acidic due to the acids found in the beans themselves. But certain factors like roasting and brewing methods can impact just how acidic that morning cup of joe ends up being.
The thing about high-acid coffee is that, for some people, it can lead to digestive discomfort like heartburn, acid reflux, or an upset stomach.
So low-acid varieties are a game-changer for coffee lovers with sensitive bellies. It allows you to enjoy your favorite cup of coffee without paying the price later.
Roast Level and Acidity
One of the biggest factors that determines acidity is the roast level of the coffee beans.
Generally speaking, the darker the roast, the lower the acidity. That’s because the longer roasting time allows those pesky acids to break down more.
Good news – Starbucks has plenty of tasty dark roast options like their popular Pike Place Roast and Caffè Verona blends.
While they don’t outright advertise them as low acid, these darker coffees are likely less acidic than Starbucks’ lighter roasts.
Bean Origin and Acidity
Another trick is to look for coffee beans from regions known to produce naturally lower acid varieties.
A prime example? The Sumatra beans used in Starbucks’ Sumatra Dark Roast. The mineral-rich soil gives these beans an earthy, low acid flavor profile.
Starbucks’ Sumatra offering combines that low acidity bean origin with a dark roasting level – a double whammy for reducing acidity.
It’s one of their best low acid coffee options, in my humble opinion.
Coffee Preparation and Acidity
But roast and origin aren’t the only acid-reducing factors. How you brew and prepare the coffee also plays a role.
Cold brew, for instance, uses cool water instead of hot – a process that results in significantly less acid than regular hot brewed coffee.
Adding milk, cream, or plant-based milk alternatives can also help cut through some of the acidity. The protein and fat in dairy and nut milk have an acid-neutralizing effect.
Starbucks Low Acid Coffee Options
Now that we’ve covered what makes a coffee low in acid, let’s dive into the specific lower acidity options you can order at Starbucks to help avoid heartburn city.
Sumatra Dark Roast
One of the best low acid coffee choices at Starbucks, in my opinion, is the Sumatra Dark Roast.
This gem checks two major acid-reducing boxes – it’s made from the naturally low acid Sumatra beans and gets a nice dark roasting.
I’ve found the Sumatra to have noticeably less pucker-inducing acidity compared to Starbucks’ regular Pike Place blend. It’s still got those deep, earthy Sumatra flavors but goes down easier on sensitive stomachs.
Other Dark Roast Starbucks Drink Options
Speaking of dark roasts, any of Starbucks’ other darker offerings, like Pike Place Roast and Caffè Verona, are also likely to be lower in acidity than their blonde roast counterparts.
The longer roasting time helps break down those acidic compounds, taking some of the edge off.
So if you’re a dark roast fan in general, you’re already starting off on lower acid footing.
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee
Ah, the magical powers of cold brew! This chilled brew method is one of the most effective ways to strip away acidity from your coffee.
Instead of using hot water, which extracts more of the acidic oils, the cold brew process gently coaxes out just the deep, rich flavors.
Starbucks’ cold brew is a refreshing, low acid option worth trying.
Decaf Starbucks Coffee
Here’s an insider tip – decaffeinated coffee can also be easier on the tummy for acid reflux sufferers. That’s because much of coffee’s acidity comes from the very compounds removed during decaffeination.
So don’t dismiss Starbucks’ decaf blends and Pike Place Decaf. They might provide all the flavor with a little less of the stomach burn.
Ordering Low Acid Drinks At Starbucks
By now, you’re probably eager to try out some of these low acid coffee options at your neighborhood Starbucks. But how exactly do you order them?
And what other drink customizations can help tone down the acidity?
Here are some tips for getting a less acidic beverage during your next Starbucks run:
- When ordering a hot coffee, specifically request one of their darker roast options like Pike Place Roast, Caffè Verona, or the Sumatra Dark Roast. The barista will know these tend to be lower in acid.
- For an iced coffee, go for their cold brew. As we discussed, the cold brewing process creates a smoother, less acidic cup.
- Adding milk, cream, or dairy-free milk alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk can also help cut through some of the acidity. The fats and proteins have an acid-neutralizing effect.
- Popular espresso-based drinks like lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos contain milk, which mellows out the acidity from the espresso shots. An iced latte can be a refreshing low acid option.
- If you still want that coffee flavor but with minimum acid, try asking for a powerfully bold dark roast shot or two in a milk-based drink for subtle coffee notes.
The great thing about Starbucks is the customization. Don’t be afraid to make special requests to craft a less acidic beverage just for you.
Your barista will understand if you explain you’re trying to avoid digestive discomfort or reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Wrapping Up
For those of us who love coffee but loathe the heartburn, acidity, and upset stomach it can sometimes bring, Starbucks has some tasty low acid options.
The Sumatra Dark Roast hits that sweet spot with naturally lower acid beans and a deep roast level. Other dark roasts like Pike Place and cold brew coffee are also smoother sippers.
And don’t discount decaf – without those pesky caffeine compounds, it can be easier on sensitive tummies too. The key is experimenting with different roasts, brewing methods, and drink customizations.
Adding milk or dairy-free alternatives can further neutralize acidity.
So don’t give up your beloved morning Joe. With a little know-how on low acid coffees, you can keep enjoying Starbucks without repeating regret.
Your digestive system will thank you!
