You either love coffee or you hate it. But for most, coffee is the answer to the lack of energy we find in our lives, all-nighters we pull for work or school, and maybe even a replacement for sleep. Coffee, however, isn’t the end-all, be-all for finding the energy that is missing from most of our lives. That’s where coffee alternatives enter.
With Starbucks interim CEO Howard Schultz announcing their new line of Olive oil infused coffee, it seems coffee is taking a new direction. However, if you prefer to stay far away from the bitter taste of coffee or that you have to cut back due to health reasons, such as insomnia and anxiety, coffee alternatives may be the better choice for you.
While coffee can be beneficial for you when it comes to heart health, lowering depression, and lowering the chance of type two diabetes, it’s not the best solution for just balancing energy levels.
Caffeine consumption is a big factor in many people’s lives, especially American lives. It has been noted that about 64% of Americans consume coffee every day, adding up to a total of 400 million cups of coffee every single day and 146 billion cups of coffee every year. That’s a lot of coffee, folks.
If coffee doesn’t happen to be your thing, or if you're looking for a switch to a healthier alternative for energy balancing, you’re in luck! There are many options out there when it comes to coffee alternatives.
Mushroom Coffee
That’s right, mushroom coffee exists and it’s a great coffee alternative for those who are looking for a healthier option than caffeine.
Mushroom coffee is a blend of different types of mushrooms instead of coffee beans, leaving you with more nutrients and less caffeine. While a small amount of caffeine can be found in certain types of mushroom coffee, this coffee alternative will not impact your anxiety levels like regular coffee will.
As well as mushroom coffee, MUD/WTR coffee alternatives are certainly making a big impact on people looking for healthy coffee alternatives. This coffee is a powder reminiscent of dirt that also includes mushrooms such as Chaga, reishi, and cordyceps that boost energy with little caffeine.
Herbal Teas
Yes, your calming herbal teas might be the answer to replacing coffee in your morning before heading out to work. While tea might not be the first thing on your mind when you wake up in the morning, it can actually help your energy levels rise with way less caffeine than coffee.
Herbal tea also has its own health benefits, as well. Teas can help boost the immune system while lowering high blood pressure and diabetes. Hardly any calories are in these specific herbal teas, as well—another added benefit to this coffee alternative!
But which teas are the best coffee alternatives? Here are some noteworthy teas to try:
Brewed Cacao
Brewed cacao is a drink that has been bringing people in southern Mexico energy since 1500 B.C., and it is a drink that tastes like a cup of dark chocolate, a treat for any sweet tooth out there. This coffee alternative has lots of antioxidants so your morning drink will actually be way healthier for you.
This chocolate drink contains mood-lifting chemicals that can also keep you focused and alert all through the day. It also contains antidepressant qualities and can help you lose weight, as well.
For this coffee alternative, you don't have to change your morning routine just to accommodate a replacement, either. Brewed cacao brews like traditional coffee, so you can keep a similar breakfast routine while having a healthier alternative.
Dandelion Coffee
Dandelion coffee is known to be an excellent energy booster when taken instead of traditional coffee. This alternative is completely caffeine free, fast to make, and still helps lift your energy levels. With a richly sweet taste to boot, this coffee alternative is reminiscent of instant coffee.
Since this coffee alternative has roasted dandelion, the health benefits include antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and so much more. Dandelion coffee supports health and energy levels, giving you the best of both worlds and tasting similar to the coffee you’re replacing at the same time.
Golden Milk
Next on the coffee alternative list is golden milk, a replacement that actually dates back thousands of years ago. As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, this alternative helps to better heart health, as well as fight cancer and depression. It includes ashwagandha as well, so golden milk actually helps fight stress instead of adding to your anxiety.
Mix this amazing coffee replacement with any kind of milk and enjoy!
Maya Nut
The Maya nut holds a special place in history as a traditional superfood in Mayan culture. The Maya nut offers many significant nutrients for your health, such as fiber, calcium, iron, protein, vitamins, and much more. It is also 100% gluten free.
If you want to avoid caffeine altogether in your coffee alternatives, then the Maya nut is a perfect fit. The Maya nut is generally prepared the same way traditional coffee is, making it an easy switch. This cinnamon-flavored coffee replacement is known to give energy boosts to those who drink it.
Teeccino
Love the flavor of coffee but want to switch to a healthier alternative? Teeccino has just the thing for you. Teeccino contains chicory, a prebiotic that keeps your digestive system healthier than regular coffee does.
This coffee alternative can give you natural energy with its high potassium and ability to restore electrolytes. This replacement is also easy to brew, as it can be made like traditional coffee and steeped in water like herbal tea.
This is a perfect coffee alternative for people who love tea and coffee as well, making it one of the best replacements for a healthier-but-still-coffee-morning-start for those early risers.
If you love coffee but want to get natural energy without the less savory side of coffee, then these coffee alternatives are worth a shot. Make sure to try some of these alternatives out before you give up the feeling of having a cup of anything that tastes like wonderful morning coffee!
