Low Acid, Undefined.

Low Acid, Undefined.

Why LACCSA exists: to clarify a market without standards.

Why LACCSA exists: to clarify a market without standards.

No Common Standard – No Consistent Claims

Consumers are purchasing ‘low acid’ coffee, but there’s no widely accepted definition for what qualifies as ‘low acid.’ This creates a landscape full of marketing confusion, inconsistent claims, and little recourse for consumers. LACCSA enters as a much-needed standard maker.

Why do consumers look for low acid coffee? Dental science shows pH around 5.5 is a critical threshold for enamel health. GERD increases risk of dental erosion, and coffee is commonly identified as a heartburn trigger. Many seek low-acid options for these reasons, not medical advice.

The real problem: most ‘low acid’ coffees have no testing standard. Published research shows only 1 in 7 sampled coffees marketed as low acid had pH above 5.5—the rest were in typical commercial ranges. The lack of standards leaves buyers unable to compare products reliably.

Consumer need.

People experience discomfort, heartburn, or dental issues after drinking acidic coffee. They look for products marketed as low acid hoping for a gentler cup.

People experience discomfort, heartburn, or dental issues after drinking acidic coffee. They look for products marketed as low acid hoping for a gentler cup.

People experience discomfort, heartburn, or dental issues after drinking acidic coffee. They look for products marketed as low acid hoping for a gentler cup.

Science & Verification gaps.

Few studies actually test marketed ‘low acid’ coffees, and most don’t pass the 5.5 pH threshold. Without clear rules or standard labeling, meaningful comparisons are impossible.

Why Standards Matter

Undefined terms mean buyers can’t reliably compare products. Different roasting or reduction methods, additives, and unclear disclosures make the market noisy and confusing. LACCSA’s definition for ‘low acid coffee’ is measurable, transparent, comparable, and ready to evolve as new research emerges.

What LACCSA Is Doing

LACCSA standards create a clear, testable definition for low acid coffee. The framework provides transparent labeling (including for decaf/half-caff and reduced-acid methods), repeatable protocol references, and a pathway to expand as new data emerges. This helps consumers make informed choices when buying coffee.

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