Coffee is the elixir that most of us turn to in the morning and during long afternoons. Whether or not you still feel its effects, the taste and smell of it are enough to bring most of us back to life. Still, it’s good to be reminded every so often that there are alternatives to be tried.
Wellness companies worldwide continue to concoct healthy, plant-based alternatives to coffee, replicating its awakening effects and bringing a whole new flavour to our taste buds. If you’re thinking of going on a detox or simply looking to change things up, then you’ve come to the right place: there are endless teas, juices and other coffee alternatives that can step in for your daily cup of Joe — and we will explore some of those right here.
Matcha or Green Tea
Looking for a coffee alternative that’s a little earthier? Matcha and green tea are caffeinated and make a great way to energise in the early morning.
There is not as much caffeine in green tea or matcha as in coffee, meaning you won’t experience any of the jitters associated with coffee and only the energy spike. Another key element of green tea is L-theanine, an amino acid that can potentially fight anxiety by working with the neurotransmitter GABA.
Even better, it also may increase dopamine and alpha waves in the brain, among several other health perks — what more could you ask for from a morning drink? Both are also packed with antioxidants, which have a long list of credentials for your well-being. Try switching your morning Joe for a matcha latte or green tea with a dash of honey to set you up nicely for the day.
Wake up Supplements
Designed to minimise the strain of waking up in the morning, wake-up supplements will be a welcome change to your usual morning grogginess. This alternative to your morning coffee can mean you don’t need any energising beverage, due to the quantity of caffeine in the supplement equaling that of an espresso shot. That said, you still can drink your morning coffee if you want to, as wake up supplements do not stop you from being able to drink coffee or anything else caffeinated. To realise their full effects, take a wake up tablet seven hours before you plan to wake up. Just before you wake up, the supplement will take effect.
Golden Milk
Golden milk is simply a turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and milk combination. Though it won’t have the same energy-hoisting effects as a cup of coffee, turmeric comes with a host of health benefits that are arguably even better than a rush of energy.
Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, is famed for being an anti-inflammatory. If you struggle with any kind of inflammation, then, be it on your skin or in your gut, a daily dose of golden milk could be your all-natural solution to easing this inflammation.
Chai Tea or Latte
Chai tea is another caffeinated hot drink that could fill in for coffee by raising your energy levels in the morning, and in a manner less intense than with a cup of coffee.
If nothing else, it will certainly make for a comforting hot beverage to clutch while walking to the station or on a busy commute, as it is a famously comforting and fragrant hot drink.
Ginger Shot
A zingy morning ginger shot is sure to raise you from the dead pretty rapidly. The energising effects of the ginger shot could see you through for longer than a mug of dark roast. Plus, if you’re someone who feels slightly nauseous after an early wake-up, the anti-emetic properties of ginger will prove a life-saver.
English Breakfast Tea
Swapping your coffee for an English brew will make for a great alternative to a cup of Joe. With slightly less caffeine but enough to boost your energy levels, paired with the undeniably comforting taste and smell, a cuppa is bound to be a good swap if you’re looking to veer away from coffee.
And if you think putting milk in tea is abhorrent, why not try sipping some black tea instead? Besides lifting energy levels, black tea is believed to have various wellness benefits, owing to its antioxidant properties. Much more advanced research is needed, but some studies have noted a link between black tea consumption and lowered risk of heart disease!
Mushroom Coffee
Though the taste might take some getting used to, mushroom coffee is another viable beverage that can substitute traditional coffee. For those perplexed by how mushrooms can possibly be made into a hot drink, mushroom coffee is made with dried, powdered or pre-extracted adaptogenic mushrooms. It can increase alertness, provide immune support and is even believed to help the body manage stress. So, for an earthy, wellness-bolstering treat, try adding mushroom coffee to your morning regime.
Green Juice
Green juice has taken the wellness world by storm over the last decade. Celebrities and influencers alike have made millions promoting green juices, and it seems almost all of them have their own version of green juice to share with the world. And for a good reason: green juices, especially when homemade, are packed to the brim with nutrients.
As per the name, green juice usually contains green veg, such as celery, kale, spinach, cucumber, mint and parsley. There is solid evidence testifying that regular intake of leafy green vegetables can help fight inflammation, neurological decline and heart disease due to all of the vitamins and minerals they boast.
Lemony Hot Water
Sometimes, in the morning, less is more. Adding the juice of half a lemon to a cup of water, whether hot or cold, is a healthy, caffeine and calorie-free way to start your day.
It is loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects various aspects of your health, such as your immune system and skin. The tangy sourness of the lemon will lift your energy levels despite being a caffeine-free beverage.
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