Coffee alternatives

While coffee has long held a cherished place in our morning routines, there are some wonderful alternatives to coffee that you should try even if you love coffee.

Dandy blend

Is an herbal drink that is a completely caffeine-free beverage and coffee alternative made of only four ingredients. Those four ingredients are roasted barley extracts, roasted rye extracts, roasted dandelion root extracts, and roasted chicory root extracts. It has a similar look to coffee, even has that frothiness when you mix it, just like coffee and has the same dark texture to it as well. Although it's not coffee, it does resemble coffee in a lot of ways and some say it tastes better than coffee without all the ‘jitters’. So, why would you turn to this coffee alternative? Well, it could just be because you want to take a break from coffee, you don’t want those afternoon crashes that often happen with coffee, you want something less acidic or you just want to try something new. Dandy bend has great ingredients that actually help detoxify the body, such as dandelion root or Chicory root which contains inulin, a type of dietary fibre that serves as a prebiotic. Prebiotic's promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can improve digestion and support overall gut health.

Chai tea

Is a black tea that originated in India and has become a widely popular beverage. It is a spiced tea with spices such as cinnamon, cloves and ginger for example. The flavours combine to create a warm, aromatic and soothing tea drink. This is a great alternative to coffee as it contains caffeine but at a lower dose. So, if you’re still looking for some energy boost just not as strong as coffee then this is a great alternative. Also, the spices in the chai tea have some great health benefits. Cinnamon is great for blood sugar regulation and ginger, cloves and cardamom are great for digestion. It also provides you with that warmth and coziness that coffee provides, especially during colder months.

Green tea

Green tea is made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are usually unoxidized and undergo minimal processing, preserving their natural green colour and delicate flavours. Green tea may not have the same look and feel as the above examples, but it is still a powerhouse drink that should be top of mind when it comes to coffee alternatives. And that’s because green tea is super high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to neutralize harmful free radicals that can cause cellular damage to the body. Also, the polyphenols in green tea may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to various health issues. That’s some powerful stuff!

Matcha tea

​​Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that originated in Japan and has gained popularity because of its unique flavour, vibrant green colour and health benefits. It is made from shade-grown tea leaves that are carefully harvested, steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Some of matcha's health benefits include that it’s high in antioxidants, it’s also a natural energy booster and it’s helpful for brain health. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha is believed to support cognitive function, attention, and focus. So next time you want something other than coffee, give matcha a try, you might just fall in love with it!

Turmeric latte

A turmeric latte, also known as "golden milk," is a warm and comforting beverage. It is often admired for its use of turmeric, a vibrant yellow spice that contains the active compound curcumin, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric lattes have their origins in traditional Ayurvedic practices, which have been a part of Indian wellness traditions for centuries. Turmeric lattes are often promoted for their health benefits, primarily due to the presence of curcumin in turmeric. So, I know all the coffee lovers out there might be thinking, I’m not going to switch out my caffeinated coffee for a turmeric latte, but I’d say don’t knock it until you try it! I mean who doesnt want sunshine in a cup, it’s so beautifully yellow and bright.

So, why not give these coffee alternatives a try the next time you feel jittery or have an afternoon crash from drinking coffee. You’ll enjoy all of the benefits without all the side affects that some people experience drinking coffee. Or just add them as an additional beverage alongside your coffee for added health benefits.

By Marina Dimitrova