When we’re tired or need a jolt of energy, many of us reach for a cup of coffee. In fact in 2017, coffee consumption has increased for the first time in four years and is increasingly popular amongst younger generations. The high caffeine content drink is well-touted for its ability to wake us after a bad night’s sleep or to get us through those afternoon slumps.
But, coffee does have its downfalls. Caffeine is known to cause headaches and sometimes irregular heartbeat. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or looking for a new drink to add to your energy boost line-up, you’re in luck! Keep reading to learn about 6 natural alternatives to coffee.
- Teeccino Caffeine-free Herbal Coffee
If you love the taste of coffee but cannot do the caffeine, try Teeccino Caffeine-free Herbal Coffee. This is one of the most popular coffee alternatives because it’s brewed and tastes just like coffee! The blend is made of barley, carob, chicory nuts, and other flavors, depending on the variety. The herbal coffee pairs nicely with milk or almond milk. It’s also delicious to drink with honey if you’re a fan of sweet coffee.
- Green Tea
Green tea has a little less caffeine than coffee but it’s just enough to give you a boost of energy without the annoying jitters. Aside from its ability to give you a much needed boost, green tea has also proven to be extremely healthy. There are all sorts of benefits to drinking green tea including:
- High antioxidant content to fight against disease and infection
- Increased fat burning
- Improved brain function
- Lowered risk of cancer
- Improved dental health
Paired with honey and lemon, green tea is the ideal beverage no matter the time of day. You can even add fruit to the tea to switch up your flavors each day.
- Coconut Water
Coconut water is a light milky liquid that is harvested from young coconuts. It’s naturally sweet and contains all sorts of bioactive enzymes. Coconut water is also high in electrolytes which will keep you hydrated throughout the day. Despite its name, coconut water isn’t always bursting with coconut flavor. If you want to spruce up your drink, consider mixing coconut water with:
- Pineapple juice
- Mango juice
- Strawberry lemonade
- Citrus fruits
If you’re a smoothie drinker, coconut water is a nice change of pace from water, milk, or dairy-free milk. Poured over ice, coconut water is nice to sip throughout the day. You can also drink it post-workout to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes.
- Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate comes from the leaves of the South American rainforest holly tree and is prized for its high caffeine levels. Though some people take it in natural supplements, yerba mate has also been turned into tea. The herbal tea is known for its many health benefits, including its high-level of antioxidants. The tea is also known for its metabolism revving capability, which is helpful in boosting weight-loss. Yerba Mate tastes great hot and cold and is a good replacement if you’re looking for a suitable coffee alternative.
- Chai Tea
Chai tea is a very soothing beverage that contains a variety of herbs and spices, including black tea, ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and even black pepper. The tea is brewed and then mixed with milk for a delicious beverage that you can drink both night and day. While chai tea doesn’t have caffeine, its flavor profile is enough to awaken your senses and give you that mid-afternoon boost. The creaminess of the drink is similar to coffee and cream, making chai tea a preferred alternative for coffee drinkers.
- Kombucha Tea
Kombucha is a type of yeast that is fermented with sugar, tea, and other natural ingredients to create an all-natural tea. Kombucha tea dates back thousands of years and is well-known for its high probiotic and antioxidant content. Probiotics are known to reduce inflammation, boost digestion, and aid in weight loss. Antioxidants are needed to fight infections and protect against free radicals. The tea has also been linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease.
While you can make kombucha tea at home, the process can be a little time consuming. If you’re looking for kombucha on the go, there are plenty of well-known companies that provide the drink in bottled form. Top names include GT’s Enlightened, Kombucha Wonder Drink, and B-Tea Raw.
Conclusion
Coffee isn’t the end-all be-all if you need a pick me up. There are a variety of alternatives that will help get you through the day without the caffeine headache or the java jitters. Consider these 6 natural alternatives if you’re looking for a healthier option, or you just want to try something new. Let us know your favorite coffee alternatives, leave a comment in the section below. Cheers!