Dr. Didem Gunduz

Is Coffee Acid Or Base? Here is the Answer!

In high school chemistry class, you learned that some substances are acids and some are bases. No need to split atoms! The pH level of the substance determines the acid or base classification. So is coffee an acid or a base? If coffee is acidic, what is the substance that makes it acidic? Bases are alkaline chemical elements with a pH of 7 or higher. Acids have a pH less than 7. When dissolved in water, bases turn red litmus paper blue. Acids turn blue litmus paper red. Do you remember? 🙂 In this article, we are talking about the classification of coffee that we consume very often during the day: acid or base?

Is Coffee Acid or Base?

Does coffee contain acids? is it acid or base?
Is coffee an acid or a base?

Coffee's acid content ranges between about 4 and 5 on the pH scale, making it an acid rather than a base. No matter how energizing coffee is, because it is acidic, it can be harmful to people with certain health problems. However, if we make a generalization, it may be reasonable to drink a cup of coffee with a pH level of 5. because many fizzy drink It is much more acidic than coffee. The pH of orange juice is between about 3 and 4. Fizzy drinks such as cola have a pH of about 2.5. In other words, drinking coffee with an average pH of 5 is completely safe, even though it is acidic.

Related Article: Are Caffeinated Drinks Harmful?

What Kind of Acid Does Coffee Contain?

Now we all know that coffee is acidic. So what makes coffee acidic? There are different acids in coffee that you've probably never heard of before. Let's make one thing clear before we get into that.

Does coffee contain acid?
Coffee contains acids, meaning it is an acidic beverage.

The fact that coffee contains acids does not mean that coffee is harmful to everyone. These acids are found in many of the foods we eat and beverages we drink. They are naturally occurring substances that can benefit the body in a number of ways. Acids can be harmful if you only have certain health problems that require you to follow a low-acid diet.

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Here are the different types of acids in coffee:

1. Chlorogenic acid

This acid helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce carbohydrate absorption. Found in eggplant, apples, carrots, kiwi and potatoes

2. Quinic acid

It provides better antioxidant effects and has anti-neuroinflammatory properties. Found in apples, peaches, and some types of strawberries

3. Citric acid

This acid can kill harmful bacteria and preserve different types of food; found in lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges

4. Acetic acid

It acts as a natural preservative that can kill bacteria; It is the main ingredient in vinegar and is found in many condiments and snack foods.

5. Lactic acid

This acid helps to improve the digestion of lactose; found in foods that go through the fermentation process, such as yogurt and pickles

6. Malic acid

It helps to remove dead skin cells from the body and increase saliva production; found in apricots, cherries, pears, plums and other fruits

7. Phosphoric acid

Along with calcium, this acid helps build strong teeth and bones and support kidney function. It is found in meat, beans, chicken, eggs and fish.

8. Linoleic acid

It lowers cholesterol levels, improves heart health and improves blood pressure. Found in sunflower oil, soybean oil, nuts and seeds

9. Palmitic acid

An acid that supports cellular function and helps the body store energy. This saturated fat is found in meat, dairy products, and coconut oil.

Summary About Coffee (Frequently Asked)

Is Coffee Acidic?

Yes, the pH level of coffee is less than 7 and it is in the acidic group.

Is Coffee Harmful Because It Contains Acid?

No, coffee is not harmful because it is acidic. There are various acids in many foods that we consume in our daily life. Cola is one of them and contains much more acid than coffee.

Can Anyone Drink Coffee Because It Is Acidic?

If you do not have a health problem against acidic foods, you can safely drink coffee. However, it should not be consumed too much during the day.

photo of author
Born in 1984, Dr. Didem Gündüz completed her education at the Faculty of Medicine. After specializing in internal medicine, she completed her higher education in dermatology. Didem worked in various public hospitals for many years and is currently serving her patients in a private clinic.

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