Are you one of the 66% of Americans who drink coffee every day1?
While coffee is a beloved morning ritual, there are plenty of other beverages that can give you a natural energy boost without the jitters or afternoon crash. Recent studies have even found that some coffee alternatives, like matcha and yerba mate, may offer unique health benefits.
Check out these 14 delicious and energizing coffee alternatives.
1. Matcha Green Tea
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that’s rich in antioxidants and amino acids. It contains a moderate amount of caffeine along with L-theanine, which promotes calm alertness.
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Whisk matcha powder into hot water for a frothy, verdant beverage that will leave you feeling focused and energized.
2. Yerba Mate
This South American herbal tea is said to have the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the joy of chocolate. Yerba mate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can boost energy, mood and mental focus without the jittery side effects of coffee.
Steep the loose leaves in hot water and sip from a traditional gourd.
3. Chai Tea
The robust spices in a cup of chai, like cinnamon, ginger and cardamom, can put a pep in your step. Black tea provides a caffeine boost while the spices may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
For an invigorating start, brew a cup of spicy chai tea with your favorite milk.
4. Kombucha
This fizzy fermented tea is known for its probiotics and energizing properties. The black or green tea base provides caffeine, while the fermentation process produces B vitamins that may help fight fatigue.
Look for kombucha on tap or grab a bottled version for a bubbly pick-me-up.
5. Rooibos Tea
Also known as red tea, rooibos is naturally caffeine-free but provides steady, jitter-free energy. It’s rich in antioxidants that may protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Steep this nutty, earthy tea and add a splash of milk and honey for a soothing treat.
6. Golden Milk
This sunny yellow beverage gets its color from anti-inflammatory turmeric. Blended with energizing spices like cinnamon and ginger plus a little black pepper to boost turmeric absorption, golden milk will wake up your senses.
Whisk turmeric, spices and a little honey into your favorite warm milk.
7. Lemon Water
Hydration is key for maintaining your energy levels. Jumpstart your system with a tall glass of water enhanced with a squeeze of invigorating lemon juice.
The vitamin C in lemon juice helps your body absorb energizing iron from plant-based foods. Add sliced lemon to your water bottle and sip throughout the day.
8. Mushroom Coffee
Don’t worry, mushroom coffee tastes nothing like mushrooms! Powdered medicinal mushrooms like cordyceps and lion’s mane are blended with regular coffee for an earthy, energizing brew.
The functional mushrooms may help reduce inflammation and support brain function. Find mushroom coffee blends at health food stores or online.
9. Yaupon Tea
Native to the American South, yaupon tea is the only caffeinated plant native to North America. With less caffeine than coffee but more than green tea, yaupon provides smooth, focused energy. Brew the dried leaves as you would any herbal tea and enjoy hot or iced.
10. Peppermint Tea
The zingy scent of peppermint can increase alertness and improve memory. While peppermint tea is caffeine-free, it can still provide an invigorating jolt to your senses. Steep fresh or dried peppermint leaves and inhale the energizing aroma.
11. Pu-erh Tea
This aged and fermented tea has an earthy, mellow flavor and contains less caffeine than coffee. The fermentation process produces probiotics and theobromine, which may help reduce stress and improve cholesterol. Steep pu-erh tea leaves in boiling water for a few minutes for a rich, grounding cup.
12. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is made by steeping fresh or dried ginger root in hot water. It has a spicy, slightly sweet flavor and is often used to soothe digestive issues like nausea and bloating.
Ginger contains gingerols, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Drinking ginger tea regularly may also help reduce pain, improve brain function, and lower blood sugar levels
13. Dandelion Root Coffee
Dandelion root coffee is made by roasting and grinding the roots of the dandelion plant. It has a nutty, slightly bitter flavor similar to coffee.
Dandelion root is rich in nutrients like vitamin A, calcium, and iron, and may help support liver health and aid in digestion. It’s naturally caffeine-free and can be enjoyed with cream and sugar just like regular coffee.
14. Licorice Root Tea
This naturally sweet herbal tea is caffeine-free but supports your adrenal glands to help your body cope with stress. Licorice root is also soothing for the digestive system.
You can steep dried licorice root in boiling water for a couple of minutes to enjoy the sweet, mellow flavor.
Source:
1. https://www.foodbeverageinsider.com/beverage-development/coffee-consumption-hits-record-high-in-us
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.