Is Espresso Less Acidic Than Coffee? Let’s Find Out!

crazy by Editorial Staff | Posted on March 30th, 2023

Are you a coffee lover who’s curious about the acidity of your favorite beverage? You’re not alone! Coffee enthusiasts often wonder about the acidity levels of different types of coffee, especially when it comes to the bold and intense flavor of espresso. Let’s dive in and explore the world of coffee acidity together!


Key Takeaways:

espresso
  • Espresso is less acidic than regular coffee.
  • Dark roasting reduces the acidity of coffee beans.
  • Cold brew is a low-acid coffee option.
  • Tips for reducing acidity include choosing the right beans, using fine grinds, avoiding hard water, and controlling water temperature.

Understanding Acidity in Coffee

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what acidity means in the context of coffee. Acidity is measured on the pH scale, which ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral. When it comes to coffee, we’re generally looking at pH levels between 4.5 and 6, meaning coffee is mildly acidic. To put that in perspective, orange juice has a pH of around 3, and tomato juice is around 4.

Comparing Acidity Levels of Different Coffees

Type of CoffeeAverage pH LevelAcidity Level
Regular Coffee4.5-5Mildly Acidic
Espresso5.5-6Less Acidic
Cold Brew5.5-6Less Acidic
Drip Coffee4.5-5.5Mildly Acidic

Espresso: Concentrated, Bold, and Less Acidic

Espresso is a popular coffee drink that’s made by forcing pressurized hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. It’s a concentrated form of coffee that typically comes in 1-ounce servings, compared to the average 8-ounce cup of regular coffee.

Now, let’s address the big question: Is espresso more acidic than regular coffee? Surprisingly, the answer is no! Even though espresso is intense and has more caffeine per ounce, it’s actually less acidic than regular coffee. The average pH level of regular coffee is around 4.5-5, while espresso falls between 5.5-6.

Why is that? It all comes down to the roasting process. Espresso beans are usually dark roast coffee beans, which means they’ve been roasted for a longer time. As coffee beans roast, the acidic compounds break down, leading to a less acidic taste. That’s why espresso has a higher pH level and is closer to neutral on the pH scale.

Steps to Reduce Acidity in Espresso:

  1. Choose the Right Beans: Opt for Robusta beans or beans from low-acidity regions like Sumatra.
  2. Use Fine Grinds: Finer coffee grounds help extract more acid from the coffee.
  3. Avoid Hard Water: Use filtered or bottled water for brewing to reduce acidity.
  4. Control Water Temperature: Experiment with lower brewing temperatures for a less acidic cup.

In Conclusion

So there you have it, coffee lovers! Even though espresso is known for its bold and intense flavor, it’s actually less acidic than regular coffee. That’s thanks to the dark roasting process, which breaks down the acidic compounds in the beans. If you’re looking for a low-acid coffee experience, you might want to give espresso or cold brew a try.

At the end of the day, coffee is a personal preference, and the best cup of coffee is the one that brings you joy. Whether you’re sipping on a rich, aromatic espresso or enjoying a refreshing cold brew, we hope this article has given you some insights into the wonderful world of coffee acidity, complete with a handy comparison table and step-by-step guide to reducing acidity.

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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.