What Can I Drink in Place of Coffee?
Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most popular beverages around the world, with millions of people enjoying the energising effects of caffeine. But, it is also becoming increasingly clear that for many, coffee is an dietary or lifestyle necessity rather than a luxury. As a consequence, an increasing number of people are searching for alternative options that can be used in place of coffee.
Herbal teas, such as chamomile and lavender teas, are one such option. Refreshing and caffeine-free, herbal teas are known to work as a calming agent, improving the mood while providing a pleasant experience. In addition, herbal teas are believed to be beneficial to many aspects of one’s physical health, with lavender tea often being used as a natural remedy for headaches, stress and other issues.
However, herbal teas offer a taste that some may be unaccustomed to and because of this, other options that contain a similar taste and texture to coffee are being sought. One such beverage is chicory coffee. Chicory is a root that can be used as a coffee substitute with the taste and texture of real coffee. Chicory coffee is easily available, inexpensive and can still provide that additional burst of energy for those looking for an alternative to coffee.
Infusions are also extremely popular, and offer a vast array of interesting and exciting choices to coffee lovers who need an alternative. Types of infusions range from fruity and sweet to spicy and herbal, with some of the most popular being watermelon,: mint, chai, ginger and many more. These infusions, which can be found on the market in dried form or made at home, provide a detoxifying and revitalising experience while also offering a vast array of flavoured options.
For those looking for an alternative to coffee, Coconut Matcha Green Tea Latte is a great option. The combination of coconut milk and matcha green tea powder provide an extra creamy flavour, while also working as an energising and nourishing agent.Matcha green tea powder is renowned for its benefits, as just one cup contains the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of traditional green tea.
Beetroot Latte is another excellent alternative to coffee. Beetroot is known to improve circulation, boost stamina and concentration, provide an abundance of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins and offer a mild, earthy sweetness. Beetroot latte combines the nutritious effects of beetroot with protein-rich soy or almond milk, resulting in a delicious and nutritious beverage filled with numerous health benefits.
Finally, Kombucha offers an exciting option for those looking for an energising and stimulating substitute of coffee. Low in sugar and calories, Kombucha is made from fermented tea and provides effervescent notes as well as a range of vitamins, enzymes and probiotics. The beverage is also believed to be highly beneficial to digestion and the gut, with the health benefits providing an excellent excuse to enjoy a cup of Kombucha.
Adaptogenic Beverages
In recent years, adaptogenic beverages have gained increasing popularity as an energising, refreshing and healthy alternative to coffee. Adaptogenic beverages contain large amounts of herbs and other natural substances that are known to help the body adapt to stress and provide enhanced energy and concentration levels. Some of the commonly known adaptogenic ingredients are ashwagandha, tulsi, amla and licorice. Adaptogenic beverages are known to be higher in caffeine than their herbal counterparts but usually the effects are more subtle, slow-acting and long-lasting.
One such beverage is Iaso Tea. This is a unique health drink that can be used as a replacement of coffee. Iaso Tea is a blend of 9 all-natural ingredients, including holy thistle, gol sene and Maltodexrin. The drink is praised for its energising, cleansing and stimulating effects and is known to be beneficial to overall health and wellbeing.
As an added benefit, many companies have developed a variety of adaptogenic drinks with different flavours, ingredients and levels of caffeine, allowing each person to find a beverage that is tailored to their individual needs and requirements. Oftentimes, these beverages include ingredients such as matcha, turmeric, spirulina and blueberry, offering a distinctive taste.
In addition, these beverages can be found widely available in stores in ready-to-drink form. For those who prefer to make their own version of the beverage, there are multitudinous recipes online that offer instructions on how to make adaptogenic drinks of all sorts. Most adaptogenic drinks can be customised to one’s own taste, allowing for enjoyable variations and unique experiences.
Nutritional Shakes
For those who are currently looking for an alternative to coffee, nutritional shakes could provide a great option. Nutritional shakes are considered a healthy alternative to coffee as they can be used as a meal supplement, offering a high intake of vitamins, minerals and moderate energy while also providing energy and concentration due to the macronutrients and quality proteins present. In addition, many of these shakes are easily available in stores, or can be easily made at home.
For example, protein shakes are a popular way for individuals to enhance their overall protein intake. They are extremely versatile, easy to make and can be combined with almost any type of milk or nut milk such as soy, almond or coconut milk. Popular flavours include banana, strawberry, cocoa, vanilla and coffee.
Green smoothies are another healthy alternative to coffee and can provide a rare and tasty way of including fruits and vegetables in one’s diet. Green smoothies are typically made with a combination of spinach, kale, apples and/or other fruits, and are renowned for their energising effects. In addition, they can be combined with dairy milk, nut milk or yoghurt to add creaminess, flavour and additional nutrients.
Vegetable juices are also a great way to add nutrients and energy to one’s diet while providing a unique and distinctive flavour. Some popular choices include carrot, celery, cucumber, kale and spinach. Like smoothies, juices can be made with a variety of fruits and vegetables, allowing for endless variations and new experiences.
Roasted Grain Beverages
Roasted grain beverages have been gaining popularity recently as a delectable and refreshing alternative to coffee. Roasted/barley coffee is one such beverage and is created by roasting and grinding barley grains. The drink has a rich, flavoursome taste that can be satisfying and energising at the same time. Traditionally, barley coffee is boiled and served with a little sugar or honey, providing a soothing and restful experience.
Cereal coffees are also becoming increasingly known as a quality replacement to coffee. Made from cereals such as wheat, maize, barley and oats, cereal coffees are low in caffeine, making them ideal for those who wish to avoid caffeine. The beverage has a unique and satisfying taste that is made by roasting the cereals and grinding them into a powder. Cereal coffees can also be combined with other ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to further enhance the flavour.
Corydalis tea is also a great alternative to coffee. Made from the root of Corydalis yanhusuo plant, it is rich in alkaloids and flavonoids which create a subtly sweet earthy flavour and a calming effect on the body and mind. Corydalis tea is praised for its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety abilities, with one cup of the beverage being enough to provide both mental and physical comfort.
Finally, chicory root tea is a great coffee alternative for those looking for a caffeine-free beverage. With its bold earthy, nutty flavour and a range of health benefits, it can be a great replacement for coffee and is usually made from pure organic chicory root. Additionally, it is inexpensive and extremely easy to prepare, with the beverage being made by breaking up the chicory root into small pieces and then boiling it in water.
Herbal Tonics
Last, but by no means least, herbal tonics are highly popular, as they offer a natural and healthy alternative to coffee. Herbal tonics usually include adaptogenic, tonic and medicinal herbs, that together create a fine balance of flavour and beneficial effects. Tonic herbs are usually known for their revitalising and nourishing qualities, while medicinal herbs are known for their health-promoting effects.
For example, Rhodiola Rosea is an herb that is believed to reduce fatigue and stress, while promoting mental clarity. Reishi mushrooms offer adaptations that help the body to resist and adapt to stress. Ginseng is also considered as one of the best herbs for promoting energy, while Cordyceps are believed to help increase endurance and energy.
Providing an energising and refreshing substitute to coffee, these herbs can be combined with any other flavours that one desires. The herbal tonics can be combined with spices such as ginger, cinnamon and turmeric, teas such as green tea, fruit juices and even dairy products such as almond, soy or coconut milk.
For those looking for an additional boost, some herbal tonics can also be combined with adaptogenic beverages such as Iaso Tea and Kombucha that contain caffeine. In addition, it is easy to find pre-mixed herbal tonics as well as flavoured herbal tonics in stores. Customising your own herbal tonic can be a fun and interesting experience, with the potential for endless variations and unique flavours.
