The pH of black coffee is slightly acidic but the ideal level is a matter of personal taste. It is this acidity which gives coffee its "brightness" and flavor characteristics such as fruitiness or citrus.
At a lower, acidic pH, coffee yields more vibrant flavors as found in light roasts which accentuate its natural acids. At higher, close to neutral pH 7.0, taste can be smoother with a more mellow or rounded flavor.
The ideal pH for most people tends to fall between 4.9 & 5.1 range. At this pH level, coffee's natural acidity is maintained while limiting harshness & providing a favorable flavor profile.
As a general rule, light roasts tend to be more acidic (lower pH) than dark since the roasting process breaks down some of the natural acids. Cold brews also tend towards higher pH (less acidic), while espresso and drip coffees are more acidic. The pH of the water used for brewing can also influence the final pH. Freshly distilled water is at neutral or pH 7 while water exposed to air can dip to pH 5.7. These strips can also test water pH; see Related Images below.
Indigo® pH 4.5-10 triple pad test strips are calibrated at ~pH 5.75. Changes can be subtle & appear different under fluorescent, incandescent or sunlight. So, tests done outdoors might appear a bit different when compared/repeated in a kitchen, lab, hatchery, roastery, etc.
I bought these to verify what the contractor said. I'm glad I did because they proved him correct. My tap water is close to 6.5pH, but the "5-gallon filtered bottled water" from the self-fill machine at the grocery store is between 6 and 5.5 pH. The grocery store water is slightly more acidic than the water from the sink/tap. The normal range is said to be 6 to 8.5. I'll have to research the meaning of these findings, perhaps try another store's water and see what I get. The purchase was well worth it!
— Patrick
2022-09-28
Surprised by the new packaging, but think it will be better than the old. Delivery as always was quick, we will continue to purchase these test strips.
— Linnea
— Indigo:
Thanks for your review and continued support. The packaging was changed by the manufacturer at end of 2021 to allow increased protection, quicker dispensing of strips and allow the new label layout to be utilized.
2021-12-12
These test strips are extremely accurate and I will only purchase the test strips from here! Thank you
Excellent product. The strips are packaged well and easy to use. The triple pads make it quite easy to read very accurately. The order was very well packaged and delivered quickly.
I have been using Indigo Instruments test strips around 10 years now. Before I found them I think I have tested maybe 15-20 different test equipment and have found that Indigo test strips are way superior to any and all the other test strips I have tried. Usually fast delivery I am in California and I have them 3-4 days in the mailbox.
— Swede
2017-12-02
Better sensitivity (0.5 units) than typical pH paper. Provides accurate results without the need for electronic pH tools in difficult environments for electronics. And NO calibration needed.
— Doug
2017-08-10
I discovered this company accidentally many years ago when I was seriously ill with no diagnosis. I used the pH strips to double check the medicinal test strips I had bought in order to diagnose myself. At first I bought only a bag of test strips; now they all come in a plastic box. The quality is very good; the tests are reliable; the strips last for over a year. The company ships immediately, and the product arrives to Norway in just a few days. I once sent an enquiry about the pH in drinking water (low due to acid rain), and I had an email discussion with a professional who works with the company. All in all, I consider Indigo a serious and professional website, and the pH tests of high quality.
— Efficiency and reliability at affordable costs
2017-06-01
This PH scale is extraordinary. Very precise.
Indigo's customer service is excellent. Very accommodating, attentive and prompt in their advice. Always a pleasure to order Indigo Instruments.
Thanks for your review and continued support. The packaging was changed by the manufacturer at end of 2021 to allow increased protection, quicker dispensing of strips and allow the new label layout to be utilized.