Need A Coffee Substitute? Here Are The Best Coffee Alternatives!  

Coffee is the most common morning drink of choice, but there are many who prefer (or need) to avoid it. With a high-caffeine content and a list of potential side effects, having a few coffee alternatives on hand is never a bad idea. 

Plus, many of the best substitutes for coffee have unique wellness benefits that are more than noteworthy. Here’s the coffee substitute lineup: 

DISCLAIMER: Some coffee alternatives may not be appropriate for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking certain medications, or who have certain health conditions. Always discuss changes to your lifestyle and wellness routine with your doctor. 

Chicory coffee is made from the roasted root of the chicory plant, and it’s one of the most well-known coffee substitutes because it has a flavor that is very similar to coffee. 

It also is a rich source of inulin, a soluble fiber that supports a healthy gut microbiome and can aid in the digestive process. In fact, inulin has been found to support the growth of both primary probiotic colonies–Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. It may also support bile production, which can help the body break down substances that are otherwise hard to digest, like fat. 

Chicory root coffee is pre-ground and roasted and comes in a form similar to coffee grounds. It’s also brewed the same way and can be made using any coffee machine, french press, or typical coffee-brewing method, making it an excellent coffee alternative for those who want to emulate the real thing. 

Coffee made with mushrooms is an excellent substitute for a normal cup of coffee. Some mushroom coffee formulas do contain small amounts of coffee, while others are formulated with only medicinal mushrooms and are designed to be a coffee replacement. Either way, mushroom coffee can be a great low-caffeine, therapeutic option for starting your day. 

Some of the medicinal mushrooms you may find in mushroom coffee include reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, tremella, maitake, shiitake, and more. The specific mushroom blend will determine the benefits you see from each dose. For instance, lion’s mane coffee is known for promoting focus and improving cognition, while cordyceps coffee may help to increase energy and endurance. 

Matcha is a powdered green tea made from Camellia Sinensis. The difference between green tea and matcha is that green tea is steeped and the leaves are strained away, while matcha is consumed by mixing the whole ground leaf with water.  

This makes all the difference–matcha offers a hearty dose of antioxidants, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known for a wide range of benefits from aiding weight loss and reducing the risk of diabetes to preventing and healing radiation damage. 

Matcha’s flavor is very green and earthy, and the beverage can be prepared hot or cold by mixing the matcha powder with water, milk, and other sweeteners and flavor additives. The best part about matcha as a coffee substitute is that it’s become so common that you can get it at most coffee shops.

Golden milk is a creamy warm beverage made by combining milk with therapeutic, warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, plus a hearty dose of turmeric and black pepper. Turmeric is known for a range of health benefits, and is specifically known for having anti-inflammatory effects thanks to its active component curcumin. The black pepper helps to aid curcumin’s absorption in the body. 

While this one doesn’t necessarily imitate the flavor or energy boost associated with coffee, it is loaded with just as many antioxidants. Golden milk may help to lower inflammation and may benefit the health of the brain and heart. Some research links turmeric to improved mood, lower anxiety and improved sleep, and improved brain function.

Yerba mate is a caffeinated tea made from the leaves of the South American holly tree. Like coffee, one of its main selling points is its high caffeine content, which sits at around 78 milligrams per cup. Like most teas, it’s loaded with antioxidants and may have benefits for the heart and brain. It also contains an array of vitamins and minerals, including riboflavin, thiamine, phosphorus, iron, calcium and vitamins C and E.

Research is limited, but suggests that yerba mate may aid in weight loss, help to prevent heart disease and possibly help lower blood sugar. 

This bold, smoky tea can be prepared black or with your favorite cream-and-sugar add-ins. If you buy dry yerba mate leaves, making a morning cup is as easy as steeping the leaves in hot water for 3-5 minutes. 

Chai tea is another hearty tea option that can replace a morning cup of coffee thanks to its bold, warm flavor and mood and focus-boosting effects. This black tea is commonly blended with warming spices, like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, & allspice. Cream or sweeteners may be added to make a beverage that’s close to a traditional cup of coffee. 

Chai is slightly less caffeinated than coffee but still has many of the same mental and cognitive benefits. Black tea may help to improve mental alertness, and the antioxidant properties of chai may help to support a healthy heart and brain. 

Rooibos is a caffeine-free option for those who want the antioxidant boost of tea without the jittery side effects. In fact, rooibos contains a substantial amount of antioxidants and has been linked to a range of health benefits, from reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer to reducing inflammation and potentially improving sleep. 

Rooibos is easy to brew by just adding the tea leaves to a cup of hot water for 3-5 minutes. 

Dandelion root tea is made with the roasted root of the dandelion plant, which are known for their earthy, bitter flavor. The flower of the dandelion tea may also be added, which adds a light sweetness to the brew. 

Dandelion is known to be rich in antioxidants and may help to support digestion. Dandelions are also a rich source of vitamins like Vitamin A, K, E, and C, as well as potassium.

You can buy dandelion tea in bags, but fresh dandelions can also be used to make a hot morning cup of tea. 

With so many options available, it can be hard to choose the best coffee substitute. Some are designed to emulate coffee’s taste and benefits, while others simply have unique benefits that may fit your needs. Luckily, many of the coffee substitutes on this list are accessible, so you can experiment with your morning cup until you find one that works for you.

One easy way to do that is to grab our Starter Kit. Try all three of our Lucid flavors (matcha, chai, and coffee) and enjoy the benefits of our nootropic stack (medicinal mushrooms, L-theanine, L-tyrosine, Alpha-GPC, and more) no matter which way you go. 

Read more about our ingredients to learn how the Lucid nootropic stack supports focus, energy, and immunity like no regular cup of coffee ever could. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Substitutes for Coffee

1. What are the best coffee alternatives for a caffeine substitute?

When looking for a coffee substitute without caffeine, you can consider options such as tea, matcha, green tea, yerba mate, black tea, or herbal tea. These beverages provide an energy boost similar to coffee but are caffeine-free and offer various health benefits due to their antioxidant properties.

2. How can I find a substitute that tastes like regular coffee?

If you are looking for a substitute that closely resembles the taste of regular coffee, you might want to try chicory root coffee. Chicory root has a flavor profile similar to coffee and can be a suitable replacement for those who enjoy the robust taste of coffee but want to avoid caffeine.

3. Are there beverages that provide an energy boost without the need to drink coffee?

Absolutely! There are several options for energy boost beverages that do not contain caffeine. Consider trying turmeric or golden milk, which are known for their health benefits and their ability to provide an energy boost without the jitteriness associated with caffeinated drinks.

4. Can herbal tea be a suitable coffee alternative for those who enjoy the taste of coffee?

Yes, herbal tea can be a great coffee alternative for individuals who like the taste of coffee

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