Substitutes

If I don’t mainline a cup of coffee first thing upon waking, my brain will suddenly play host to what feels like a small maniac wielding a jackhammer. My writing gets all wobbly and nonsensical. (Don’t worry, I’m caffeinated right now!) And I find it borderline impossible to focus, which, unfortunately, is kinda a prerequisite to being employed—which, also unfortunately, is a prerequisite to making money. Which, most unfortunately, is—you get it. So why would I go looking for the best coffee substitute on the market?

Coffee alternatives include chicory coffee, matcha, herbal teas, and other drinks

Chicory coffee

Caffeine-free, roasted, and brewed from chicory root
Tastes similar to coffee and is high in inulin

Matcha

A green tea that's high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals

Yerba mate

An herbal tea made from the dried leaves of a South American holly tree
Contains caffeine comparable to coffee

Herbal teas

Peppermint tea is caffeine-free and can help with focus and headaches. Rooibos tea is caffeine-free and can be used as a substitute for espresso
Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, and some studies suggest it can help balance the effects of caffeine

Lemon water

The natural sugars in lemons provide energy, and vitamin C may help with the immune system

Individuals who cannot consume coffee have a few alternatives to choose from. For individuals who have acid reflux or who want a less-stimulating caffeinated beverage, green tea is a healthy option.

Alongside its lower caffeine content, green tea also contains the health-promoting plant compounds L-theanine and epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG). L-theanine has been shown to promote a state of calm awareness, providing the attention and alertness associated with coffee, without the overstimulating side effects.

Brewed cacao powder(not to be confused with cocoa) is another healthy option that has even less caffeine than green tea. Cacao powder is made by cold-pressing raw cacao beans, and then that powder is brewed like coffee.

Cacao contains antioxidants and a compound called theobromine, which is a naturally occurring stimulant that promotes wakefulness and is less stimulating compared to caffeine. Brewed cacao may not be appropriate for individuals with acid reflux.