How to Ask Your Barista for a Low-Acid Coffee (Without Sounding Picky) and Make It at Home

Imagine this: You walk into your favorite coffee shop, craving a rich, smooth cup of coffee. But there's just one problem, your stomach isn't a fan of acidity, and you don’t want to feel that uncomfortable burn after every sip. You hesitate before ordering, not wanting to sound overly picky or high-maintenance. Sound familiar?

I’ve been there. And so have plenty of our customers. The good news? You can get a delicious, low-acid coffee without feeling like you’re making an impossible request. Even better, you can make it yourself at home with a few easy tweaks.

So, let’s break it down. Here’s exactly what to ask your barista, and how to create the perfect low-acid brew in your own kitchen.

What to Say to Your Barista (Without Feeling Awkward)

Baristas love helping people find their perfect cup, but they also appreciate customers who know what they want. Instead of vaguely saying, “I need something low-acid,” try these simple, confident requests:

1. Ask for a Dark Roast

Contrary to popular belief, darker roasts are actually lower in acidity than lighter ones. The roasting process breaks down more of the acidic compounds, giving you a smoother sip. Try asking, “Do you have any dark roast options?”

2. Opt for a Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee is naturally lower in acidity because it’s steeped in cold water for an extended period. This method results in a mellower, sweeter coffee with about 60-70% less acidity than a regular hot brew. Say, “I’ll take a cold brew, please—black or with a splash of milk.”

3. Request a Low-Acid Coffee Bean

Some coffee shops carry single-origin beans that are naturally lower in acidity, like beans from Brazil, Sumatra, or Nicaragua. You can ask, “Do you have any coffee from Sumatra? I’m looking for something smooth and low in acidity.”

4. Skip the Espresso, Try a Pour-Over

Espresso-based drinks, especially those made with light or medium roasts, tend to be more acidic. A pour-over with a dark roast, on the other hand, allows for better flavor control and a smoother experience. Try, “Could I get a dark roast pour-over?”

Making Low-Acid Coffee at Home

Now that you know how to order like a pro, let’s talk about how to craft a stomach-friendly brew in your own kitchen.

1. Start with the Right Beans

Look for organic, low-acid coffee beans. Some of my favorite brands include beans sourced from Sumatra or Brazil. If you want to take it up a notch, try beans that have been treated to reduce acidity through natural processing methods.

2. Brew it the Right Way

• Cold Brew: Steep coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours for a naturally smooth, low-acid coffee.

• French Press: Using a French press with a dark roast coffee can help reduce acidity while maintaining full-bodied flavor.

• Low-Acid Drip Coffee: If you prefer a standard drip coffee, opt for a dark roast and brew with mineral or alkaline water to neutralize acidity.

3. Balance the Acidity Naturally

• Add a Pinch of Baking Soda: Just ⅛ teaspoon per cup can help neutralize acid.

• Use Almond or Oat Milk: These alternatives tend to be less acidic than regular dairy milk.

• Sprinkle in Some Cinnamon: Not only does it taste amazing, but cinnamon can also help lower coffee’s acidity while adding a hint of natural sweetness.

If you’ve ever struggled with coffee acidity, you’re not alone! What’s your favorite low-acid coffee trick? Do you have a go-to bean or brewing method that works wonders?

Here’s to enjoying coffee that loves you back—no stomach burn required!