Coffee’s acidity makes it the perfect complement to cake, creating an aromatic balance with vanilla or chocolate cakes that contrast their smooth sweet textures. Acidity also brings out rich nutty and fruity notes in your cake, creating an overall sensory experience.

However, if you suffer from gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or acid reflux, high acid levels in coffee may cause discomfort and upset to your digestive tract lining. As an effective solution to this, decaf is often best because its acid levels are significantly reduced than caffeinated coffee varieties.

Be wary of products claiming to be caffeine free as these could contain decaf in addition to ingredients that resemble coffee’s taste, such as chicory.

As for how acidic coffee is, this depends largely on its variety (Arabica is less acidic than robusta), roasting and brewing method, and its level of chlorogenic acids (an antioxidant). You may be able to lower acidity with techniques such as using coarser grind coffee grounds that cover less surface area for less acid extraction.