When you need a pick-me-up in the morning, coffee is often the go-to. But, over-imbibing on caffeine can come with a host of unpleasant side effects such as jitters, insomnia, and headaches. In addition, coffee may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions or religious beliefs. Fortunately, there are plenty of interesting and flavorful alternatives to coffee out there, so you can still enjoy the benefits of a caffeine boost without the coffee.
One of the most popular coffee alternatives is tea. Tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis bush, and is usually enjoyed with a splash of milk or cream. Tea has a less intense flavor than coffee, and is also lower in caffeine. A cup of black tea contains about 14-70 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 95-200 milligrams in an 8-ounce cup of coffee. Tea is widely available in an array of flavors, including classic black tea, herbal blends, green tea, and chai tea.
Another great source of caffeine is the humble cocoa bean. When roasted and processed, the humble cocoa bean is transformed into the chocolate treat that we all know and love. The effects of drinking chocolate are milder and more gradual, due to its active ingredient, theobromine. A cup of hot cocoa is an ideal source of heat and caffeine which will help you power through the day. Plus, it’s delicious!
If you are avoiding all forms of caffeine, there are still plenty of options for getting a caffeine-free boost. Yerba mate is a traditional South American beverage made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. It has a strong, earthy flavor and is naturally caffeine-free. Yerba mate is also said to have therapeutic benefits, specifically in terms of improving physical and mental energy. Other caffeine-free options include kombucha, turmeric latte, and rooibos tea.
If you are looking for a ready-made, pre-mixed alternative to coffee, there are plenty of alternatives on the market. There are nut-based beverages such as almond milk coffee, macadamia nut coffee, and coconut milk coffee. All of these are dairy and caffeine-free and are available in various flavors. Or, you could opt for a caffeine-rich beverage such as energy drinks, soda, or matcha lattes.
Alternative to Coffee
Tea
Tea has been used for centuries for its health benefits and is the most popular beverage in the world after water. Tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush, and comes in a variety of varieties. Examples include green and black tea, oolong, rooibos and herbal. Depending on the variety and how it is brewed, tea can contain anywhere from 14 – 70mg of caffeine per cup, while coffee can range from 95 – 200 mg.
When it comes to health, studies have found that drinking tea may help lower the risk of cancer, reduce cholesterol, and even provide anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory benefits. In addition, the polyphenols contained in tea can help with digestion and may improve mental clarity. Tea is also rich in antioxidants, which can help your body fight off inflammation.
If you are looking for a ready-made alternative to coffee, you may want to consider matcha lattes, which are made from green tea powder and are available in a variety of flavors. Matcha powder is also rich in antioxidants and contains about 68 mg of caffeine per serving.
Cocoa Beans
Cocoa beans have been used for centuries for their delicious taste, and are now making a comeback as a healthier alternative to coffee. Unlike coffee, cocoa beans are naturally caffeine-free and are packed with vital nutrients, including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and B6, as well as calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, cocoa beans are also delicious and can be used to make hot chocolate, cocoa crystals or chocolate bars. Cocoa beans also contain a compound called theobromine, which is said to provide a mild, sustained energy boost, as opposed to coffee’s more intense spike. Cocoa beans also have mood-enhancing properties, which can make them a great coffee-alternative for those looking to take the edge off their stress and anxiety levels.
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is a South American herbal tea made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. It has a strong, earthy flavor and is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for those looking to avoid caffeine altogether. Yerba mate is also said to have therapeutic benefits, specifically in terms of improving physical and mental energy. It is also often said to provide a feeling of calmness and relaxation, making it a good alternative to coffee for those looking to feel relaxed and energized.
Yerba mate is widely available in both tea bag and loose-leaf form, and is often blended with other herbs and spices to give it an even richer flavor. There are also many other caffeine-free alternatives to coffee, such as kombucha, turmeric latte, and rooibos tea.
Energy Drinks
If you are looking for an energy boost, there are also several ready-made energy drinks now available on the market. Most of these drinks contain caffeine, so be sure to check the label before drinking. If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, it is best to choose a drink that contains half the amount of caffeine as coffee.
In addition to caffeine, energy drinks often contain a variety of other ingredients such as taurine, guarana, ginseng and B-vitamins. These ingredients are said
to help improve focus, alertness and physical performance, and are often added as natural stimulants. When it comes to health, it is advisable to limit your intake of caffeinated energy drinks.
Nut-Based Beverages
If you are looking for a ready-made, pre-mixed alternative to coffee, there are plenty of nut-based beverages on the market, such as almond milk coffee, macadamia nut coffee, and coconut milk coffee. All of these are dairy and caffeine-free and are available in various flavors. These drinks are also rich in nutrition, and many of them contain naturally occurring minerals and vitamins, such as calcium and magnesium.
Nut-based beverages are also often enriched with ingredients such as cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger, which are said to have additional health benefits. Nut-based beverages are a great way to get a caffeine-free pick-me-up without relying on sugary, caffeinated drinks.
Pre-Mixed Alternatives
For those who are looking for a pre-mixed alternative to coffee, there are plenty of beverages on the market. Iced tea, energy drinks, soda pop, and matcha lattes are all convenient and reliable sources of caffeine. Iced tea is often flavored with natural flavors such as lemon or mint, and is said to be an especially refreshing and energizing beverage.
Energy drinks can provide a quick and powerful caffeine boost, but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with high levels of caffeine. Caffeinated soda pop is a popular choice for many people and is usually made with natural sugars and a variety of flavors. Matcha lattes are also becoming increasingly popular, as they are made with green tea and provide a milder but longer-lasting caffeine boost than coffee.
