I enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the morning, but I do not like the side effects, such as heartburn, upset stomach and that jittery feeling. Coffee is an acidic product, and many of us suffer from the burn and pain of heartburn, if we have too much of it. I happened to find "Kava Acid Neutralized" Instant Coffee in my supermarket and have been thrilled with the results. I am writing up my experience with the hope that it will benefit others, as well.

I drink one or two cups of Kava Acid Neutralized Instant Coffee every morning, and I am thrilled to report that it does not give me any heartburn at all. Nor does it make me run to the nearest bathroom to relieve an upset stomach, which has happened to me with some other coffee brands. It really works!

For some reason, the jar of Kava does not make any claims about reducing heartburn. However, that's exactly what it does for me. Their marketing people are really missing a big opportunity, since so many people suffer from acid reflux/ GERD/ heartburn. The jar does claim that "Kava is Acid Neutralized so you can enjoy a rich, full bodied taste without the bitterness". To me, Kava is instant coffee, and it tastes like instant coffee. People who, like me, are satisfied with the taste of instant coffee will probably enjoy the taste of Kava. People who despise instant coffee probably won't like this one, either. To me, it has a pleasant coffee taste and aroma. It is not bitter and has no after-taste. I like it, but then again, I like almost any coffee, as long as it isn't very strong.

Kava is made by Borden, and comes in a 4 oz jar. The grounds look like normal instant coffee grounds, and they dissolve easily in water.

For me, Kava has been a wonderful find. I love having my cup of coffee in the morning or afternoon, and not suffering any consequences. I do not know the caffeine content of Kava, but I have a suspicion that it might be slightly lower than "regular" instant coffee, since it does not seem to make me as jittery. I now keep jars of Kava at home as well as in my office. I think I will start to bring it with me when I travel, too. Now that I've found Kava, I do not want to be without it!

In terms of negatives, there are two downsides. Kava can be difficult to find. I can reliably spot it in my Stop & Shop store, but I do not see it in many others around here. Of course, these days, we can buy just about anything online, including Kava. Second, it is more expensive than other brands of instant coffee. However, for me it is absolutely worth the expense.

Considering how many people suffer from heartburn, (otherwise known as GERD or reflux) these days, I cannot understand why Borden doesn't promote this product more. I think Kava has been around for decades, and I have a vague memory of seeing commercials for it ages ago. It seems to me that this product could become hugely popular, if more people knew about it.

Maybe the Borden people will see this review and decide to hire me to do their advertising!

Anyway, I've enjoyed writing up my experience, and I think I'll Kava notha' cup-a coffee now!

Recommended: Yes