Frequently Asked Questions

It's the roasting method. We use a patented convection roasting process where hot air surrounds each bean evenly, rather than traditional drum roasting where beans tumble against hot metal. This even heat distribution breaks down Chlorogenic Acid (CQA) — the specific compound identified by UC Davis researchers as the cause of coffee-related heartburn — far more effectively than conventional roasting. No additives, no acid-neutralizing chemicals. The roasting does all the work.

Yes, 100%. Our blend uses Northern Sumatran organic beans and Mexican Chiapas Fair Trade Organic beans. Both origins are certified organic, meaning no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used in cultivation.

Our medium roast opens with a pleasant tanginess, transitions through subtle white pepper spice notes, and finishes with a rich sweet butter caramel. The overall mouthfeel is exceptionally creamy. People consistently tell us it's one of the best-tasting coffees they've had — low acid or otherwise.

In drum roasting (used by most coffee roasters), beans tumble inside a heated metal cylinder. This creates uneven heat — some beans are over-roasted where they touch the metal, others are under-roasted. The inconsistency means CQA compounds aren't fully broken down.

Convection roasting suspends beans in a stream of hot air. Every surface of every bean receives uniform heat. This thorough, even roasting breaks down CQA compounds far more effectively, resulting in coffee that's dramatically easier on your stomach.

Many of our customers report significant improvement in their acid reflux and GERD symptoms when switching to Low Acid Cafe. Our coffee has lab-verified CQA levels magnitudes lower than drum-roasted coffee, and CQA is the compound UC Davis researchers identified as the primary trigger for coffee-related gastrointestinal distress.

That said, everyone's body is different. We always recommend consulting your doctor about dietary changes, especially if you have a diagnosed condition.

CQA stands for Chlorogenic Acid, a family of compounds naturally found in coffee beans. UC Davis Coffee Center researchers identified CQA as the primary cause of coffee-related heartburn because it stimulates excess gastric acid production in your stomach.

Most 'low acid' coffee brands focus on pH, but all coffee is mildly acidic (pH 4.8-5.1) regardless of brand, and small pH differences aren't clinically meaningful. CQA content is what actually determines whether coffee will trigger your heartburn. Two coffees can have identical pH but vastly different CQA levels.

Most low-acid coffee brands either: (1) slow-roast to darken beans beyond what we'd consider optimal, which reduces some acid but kills flavor; (2) add alkaline compounds to artificially raise pH; or (3) use naturally low-acid bean varieties but still drum-roast them.

Low Acid Cafe is different because our patented convection roasting process addresses CQA at the source — during roasting — without sacrificing flavor or adding anything to the coffee. It's a fundamentally different approach supported by independent lab verification.

We currently offer two sizes:

12 oz bag — Perfect for trying it out or for lighter drinkers.
5 lb bag — Best value for committed coffee lovers who want to stock up.

Both are available in whole bean or pre-ground.

Our coffee works beautifully with any standard brewing method — drip, pour-over, French press, AeroPress, espresso, or cold brew. For the best flavor experience, we recommend:

- Use filtered water heated to 195-205°F
- A ratio of about 2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water
- If using whole bean, grind just before brewing for maximum freshness

Cold brew is particularly excellent with our beans — the long extraction really highlights the butter caramel finish.

We're working on a subscription program that will let you set your preferred delivery schedule and save on every order. Sign up for our email list to be notified when subscriptions launch.

Currently, Low Acid Cafe is available directly through our website. We're part of the Orange Burps family of digestive wellness products, so you may also find us at orangeburps.com. We're exploring additional retail channels and will announce expansions through our email list.

Not yet, but it's on our roadmap. We want to make sure our decaf offering meets the same quality and low-acid standards as our regular blend. Join our email list to be the first to know when decaf launches.

Our Mexican Chiapas beans are Fair Trade Organic certified, ensuring the farming communities that grow them receive fair compensation. Our Northern Sumatran beans are certified organic. We're committed to ethical sourcing across our entire supply chain.

For best freshness, store your coffee in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Avoid refrigerating or freezing, as temperature changes can introduce condensation. Whole bean coffee stays fresh longer — we recommend grinding just before brewing if possible.