7 All-Natural Coffee Alternatives (and Why You Should Try Them)

Coffee makers have become a kitchen staple. However, despite its widespread popularity, coffee is far from the best way to wake up every morning.

Coffee drinkers are all too familiar with the jitters and energy crashes that follow their daily cup of joe. The caffeine in coffee has an addictive quality, forcing you to reach for a second, third, even fourth cup before the work day is done. Coffee works in a pinch, but drinking too much caffeine can lead to negative health consequences.

If you’re tired of the midday jitters or coffee’s bitter taste, check out these all-natural alternatives to coffee—some of which can energize you without an ounce of caffeine!

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  1. Water: The best morning routine kicks off with a simple glass of water. Even though water doesn’t have caffeine in it, a tall glass every morning can significantly boost your energy levels. Your brain and body need water to function properly. Not drinking enough water can lead to grogginess and a lack of focus. Kick caffeine to the curb by starting your day with water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add some cucumbers, mint and basil, and you’ve got a refreshing cocktail of nutrients!
  2. Matcha tea: Matcha has just as much—and possibly even more—caffeine than a cup of coffee. It’s a lot more potent than regular green tea because you consume the entire leaf in its dried, powdery form. One cup of matcha tea will satisfy your caffeine fix without giving you the jitters. Additionally, matcha powder contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which puts the mind at ease without making you feel tired. Combine that with caffeine, and you’ve got an abundant source of relaxed energy!
  3. Kombucha: Not a fan of matcha’s earthy taste? Try a cup of kombucha instead! Kombucha is fermented black or green tea, which means you still get the calming effects of L-theanine. Kombucha contains less caffeine than coffee, so it’s ideal for people who prefer a small pick-me-up. The fizzy drink also fortifies your gut with probiotics that support digestive health. Indigestion has been known to cause fatigue, so adding gut-friendly bacteria to your diet may support your energy levels and reduce your reliance on caffeine.
  4. Chicory root “coffee”: You can roast, grind and brew chicory root, and the result is a piping-hot beverage that smells and tastes just like coffee! However, there’s one caveat—chicory root is caffeine free. Chicory root coffee is the perfect option for people looking to wean themselves off coffee but miss the taste of it. When that midday slump hits, brew a cup of chicory root and trick yourself into thinking it’s coffee!
  5. Smoothies: Too many people rely on coffee to wake them up when the real problem is that they’re suffering from a nutritional deficiency. People who don’t get enough vitamins and minerals in their diet are left feeling sluggish throughout the day. Replace coffee with a daily smoothie for a caffeine-free source of energy. Throw in your choice of berries and veggies, then add a few scoops of maca powder. Maca supports focus and alleviates brain fog. Another great mix-in is carob, a sugar-free sweetener that uses pinitol to make you feel energized.
  6. Yerba mate: Yerba mate tea is brewed from the leaves and twigs of a South American holly tree. The beverage contains roughly the same amount of caffeine as coffee, making it a great all-natural alternative. While the caffeine content is the same, yerba mate produces a more mellow form of energy that lasts longer and won’t leave you feeling jittery. Plus, the herbal tea is packed with an array of vitamins and minerals, including more antioxidants than green tea!
  7. Golden milk: This rich, creamy beverage is a caffeine-free alternative to coffee that will lift your spirits in the morning. Supplements like Golden Milk Bliss combine turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger and vanilla with natural sweeteners to give milk a beautiful golden hue. Golden Milk Bliss features KSM-66 Ashwagandha, a type of ashwagandha extract that promotes relaxation while supporting healthy cognitive function. Golden milk tastes so good, you won’t miss coffee at all!

Coffee isn’t your only option in the morning. Opt for a similar, caffeine-free alternative or introduce your taste buds to something completely new. Coffee gives caffeine a bad reputation, but there are ways to get your fix without the jitters and afternoon crash. Who knows—you might fall in love with a different beverage and throw away your coffee pot forever!


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