Low-coherence spectroscopy (LCS) is a spectroscopic method that allows for quantitative and localized assessment of absorption spectra by combining reflection spectroscopy with low-coherence interferometry. We describe absorption coefficient $\left({\mu }_a\right)$ measurements by LCS in tissue simulating phantoms with varying scattering and absorbing properties. We used LCS in the $455–680\mathrm{nm}$ wavelength range with a spectral resolution of $8\mathrm{nm}$ to obtain ${\mu }_a$ spectra with $\pm 0.5{\mathrm{mm}}^{-1}$ accuracy. We conclude that LCS is a promising technique for the in vivo determination of tissue chromophore concentrations.