For most coffee addicts lovers, the thought of making it through the day without the help of a double shot of espresso is simply unfathomable.
And we get it — the energizing kick of a caffeinated beverage is a savior the morning after a late night-out or when you need a boost to power through an afternoon slump at work.
However, there is much debate as to whether or not your favorite caffeine-laden morning pick-me-up is actually even good for you. After all, drinking caffeine in excess has been known to cause a host of negative side effects in some, such as upset stomach, increased heartbeat, nervousness, and irritability. (I, for one, always feel like my heart is going to beat clean through my chest four sips into a latte.)
While you may opt for a decaf blend to avoid the jitters, decaffeinated coffees and teas are not entirely caffeine-free. Worry not, whether you’re looking to kick a caffeine habit or want a little variety to your morning beverage lineup — here are five coffee (and tea!) alternatives that are sure to help get you through the day!
5 Tasty Coffee And Tea Substitutes To Get You Through The AM — Sans Caffeine
1. Chicory Root Coffee
Chicory root (Cichorium intybus) is a blue/purple-flowered perennial plant of the dandelion family. A staple in New Orleans coffee shops, chicory root is a naturally caffeine-free herb and one of the best coffee substitutes on this list thanks to its robust flavor and rich smell, both of which closely resemble that of a dark roast brew (albeit slightly nutty).
Chicory root is also one of the easiest coffee substitutes on this list to make (simply boil a cup of water, add two tablespoons of minced Chicory root, and simmer for 7-10 minutes!) and can be purchased online or at most grocery outlets.
2. Chaga Mushroom Tea
The nutrient-dense superfood chaga mushroom has increased in popularity over the years thanks to its widely touted potential health benefits: it may boost the immune system, lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, help prevent and/or fight cancer, and may help slow down the signs of aging. Whoa.
Of course, whether or not all of the aforementioned is actually true remains to be proven via clinical studies, *but* caffeine-free chaga mushroom tea is definitely a dead-ringer for the energy boost provided by caffeinated coffee sans the icky withdrawal headaches.
3. Warm Water with Lemon
Another caffeine-free (and super cheap!) alternative to coffee — warm water with lemon has been known to improve digestion, dental health, and skin problems, as well as cleanse the liver and hydrate your body.
Lemons are also major energy boosters thanks to their nutritional property and citric acid content — which can help balance blood sugar and boost circulation in the body!
4. Rooibos Tea
The rooibos plant (pronounced “ROY-boss”) provides a flavorful caffeine-free alternative to *both* coffee and tea when brewed. Also known as red bush tea or African red tea thanks to the red-brown coloring it gets when steeped, rooibos tea is made from the needle-like leaves of the South African shrub Aspalathus linearis.
With a naturally sweet flavor, rooibos tea is caffeine-free and high in vitamins, minerals, and energizing antioxidants!
5. Ayurvedic Roast Coffee
Ayurvedic roast is a USDA-certified organic, caffeine- and GMO-free herbal coffee made with the Ayurvedic herbs Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Shatavari.
Ayurvedic roast brews and tastes just like coffee and is available in original flavor and French Vanilla. (Yes, it’s vegan!)
*Warning: Side effects for all items contained in this list may vary. Those who are pregnant (or believe they could be pregnant), breastfeeding, currently using prescription drugs, or those who have underlying medical conditions should always seek a doctor’s approval before use.
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Photo: Alexandra Gorn via Unsplash, Suhyeon Choi via Unsplash
