Mainstream Coffee Chains
pH measurements for major coffee chains. Data sourced from published studies, lab measurements, and brand disclosures.
Transparency tier legend
Which mainstream coffee chains publish a pH?
6 entries, sorted by transparency tier then pH ascending. Every value shows its source and date.
| Entity | pH | Brew Method | Roast | Transparency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunkin' DonutsDunkin' | 5.18 | unspecified | unspecified | Tier 2 | HealthWise pH Challenge (competing brand's comparative test) |
| Starbucks HouseStarbucks | 5.53 | unspecified | unspecified | Tier 2 | HealthWise pH Challenge (competing brand's comparative test) |
| McCafé Premium RoastMcDonald's | Not published | unspecified | unspecified | Tier 4 | -- |
| Peet's Major Dickason'sPeet's | Not published | unspecified | unspecified | Tier 4 | -- |
| Tim Hortons Original BlendTim Hortons | Not published | unspecified | unspecified | Tier 4 | -- |
| Caribou Coffee brewed coffeeCaribou Coffee | Not published | unspecified | unspecified | Tier 4 | -- |
Matcha is less acidic than coffee -- but it is not alkaline
Brewed matcha is mildly acidic at pH 5.6-6.3 (Najman et al., Molecules (2023)). Brewed coffee sits around pH 4.85-5.1. Because pH is a logarithmic scale, that gap means coffee delivers several times more acid per cup than matcha -- a real difference, even though neither drink is alkaline.
Second lever: caffeine. Matcha contains roughly half the caffeine of a cup of coffee, and its L-theanine content produces a slower, steadier release. For people who experience jitters, crashes, or digestive discomfort from coffee, the combination of lower acidity and lower caffeine load is often the meaningful difference.
Note: this is general information, not medical advice. If you have GERD, acid reflux, or a digestive condition, consult a healthcare provider before changing your diet.