Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with over 2.25 billion cups consumed daily. However, coffee is acidic and can cause issues for those with sensitive stomachs. As such, some coffee drinkers seek out low acid coffee options, like French roast. But is French roast actually lower in acid than other roasts?
French roast refers to a very dark roast coffee that is roasted until the second crack or just before. The longer roasting helps break down some of the acids in the beans, but French roast is not necessarily lower in acid overall. The acid content depends on the bean type, origin, and roast level.
What determines coffee’s acidity?
Coffee contains over 1,000 different compounds that contribute to its complex flavor and aroma. The natural acids in coffee beans are a big part of what gives coffee its bright, tangy taste. The main acids found in coffee are:
- Chlorogenic acids – Make up 7-10% of green coffee beans
- Caffeic acid – Contributes to coffee’s aroma
- Quinic acid – Gives coffee its tart, fruity taste
- Ferulic acid – Adds a caramel or vanilla note
- Phenolic acids – Provide antioxidant benefits
The amount of these acids depends on:
- Bean variety – Arabica beans are higher in acids than robusta.
- Origin – Beans from Africa and Central/South America have more acidity.
- Processing method – Washed coffees have more acidity than natural processed.
- Roast level – Darker roasts have less acidity due to breakdown of acids.
- Brew method – Drip coffee accentuates acidity more than espresso.
- Grind size – Finer grinds extract more acids.
- Water quality – Soft water draws out more acids.
So the acidity of a particular coffee depends on many different factors from start to finish.
Does French roast coffee have less acid?
When coffee beans are roasted, they undergo both chemical and physical changes. As the beans are heated, the natural sugars, amino acids, and moisture in the beans caramelize, creating the rich, dark color and robust flavor associated with French roast.
Additionally, some of the natural acids break down during prolonged roasting. Chlorogenic acids are reduced by 24-50% in dark roasts compared to light roasts. Caffeic and ferulic acids are also lowered with longer roasting.
However, French roast still contains a significant amount of quinic and other acids that contribute to its tart, smoky flavor. In general, dark roast coffee has only around 15% less total acidity than light roast.
Acidity of light vs. dark roast coffee
| Roast Level | Total Titratable Acidity |
|---|---|
| Light roast | ~1.45% |
| Medium roast | ~1.35% |
| Dark roast | ~1.23% |
As you can see, there is not a huge difference in overall acidity between light, medium, and dark roasts. So while French roast may have slightly less acid due to its extended roasting time, it is not necessarily “low acid.”
Tips for reducing coffee’s acidity
If you are sensitive to the acids in coffee, here are some tips for minimizing acidity when brewing French roast or any coffee:
- Use a dark roast like French or Italian roast which are roasted longer.
- Choose Arabica beans which have less acidity than robusta beans.
- Stick to coffee from Brazil or Sumatra which are less acidic origins.
- Brew using the pour-over or drip method rather than espresso.
- Use a coarser grind size like for drip or French press.
- Always use good quality, filtered water.
- Drink your coffee with milk or cream which helps buffer acidity.
- Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
- Take an antacid like calcium carbonate if coffee causes indigestion.
Making these adjustments to your coffee routine can help reduce overall acidity. You can also try lower acid coffee varieties like Java Planet or Simpatico. But in general, French roast has only slightly lower acidity than other roasts.
Health effects of coffee acidity
For most people, the natural acids in coffee do not cause any issues. In moderation, coffee can be part of a healthy diet and may even offer some health benefits.
However, the acids can irritate the digestive tract in those with gastrointestinal conditions like:
- Acid reflux or GERD
- Heartburn
- Gastritis
- Ulcers
- IBS
Too much acidity can also lead to calcium being pulled from bones to neutralize acids. This may contribute to conditions like osteoporosis over time.
People with acid reflux or GERD should pay particular attention to coffee acidity, as it can relax the esophageal sphincter and exacerbate symptoms. Opting for lower acid options and avoiding coffee on an empty stomach can help minimize these effects.
Healthier ways to consume coffee
- Have coffee with breakfast or a snack – reduces acidity on an empty stomach.
- Avoid large meals right after drinking coffee – prevents acid sloshing up from stomach.
- Wait at least 1 hour after drinking coffee before exercise – prevents acid reflux.
- Avoid coffee 2-3 hours before bed – reduces nighttime acid reflux.
- Drink coffee slowly rather than all at once.
- Have no more than 2-3 cups of coffee per day.
As long as coffee is consumed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle, it can be enjoyed by most people without issue. Sticking to healthy brewing methods and avoiding coffee on an empty stomach can help prevent problems. Those with diagnosed acid reflux or other GI conditions should consult a doctor about individual dietary recommendations.
Conclusion
French roast coffee has a rich, smoky flavor and darker color due to its extended roasting time. This extra roasting does lower the amount of natural acids like chlorogenic acid compared to lighter roasts. However, French roast still contains plenty of acids that give it a tart, acidic taste. The reduction in acidity is only about 15% compared to light roast.
So while French roast is slightly lower in acid than light roast coffee, it is not enough of a difference to consider it truly “low acid.” People sensitive to coffee acidity need to pay attention to many brewing factors, like bean variety, processing method, and brew style. Making sure to consume coffee alongside food can also help minimize acidity issues. In general, coffee can be part of a healthy diet as long as you don’t exceed 3 cups per day and avoid drinking it on an empty stomach.