While society has changed dramatically - and we cannot emphasize dramatically enough here - over the past 1,000 years, at least one thing holds true: coffee remains popular.
500 years! Coffee in a version of its current form is thought to have been "discovered" around the 9th century around Ethiopia, made its way through the Middle East and then into Europe in the 17th century.
And still, it competes with tea as maybe the most common morning beverage throughout the world. But even with its massive popularity, history and malleability, it's not for everyone.
The taste can be off putting for some and the effects a bit too strong for others, so every day folks look for coffee alternatives to be part of their daily ritual. Previously we've laid out the coffee alternatives most popular for energy, but energy isn't the only thing folks want in the morning. Focus, taste or even metabolic benefits have all crept to the forefront of consumer minds as a need in their AM beverage of choice.
The search for metabolic benefits and struggle with caffeine ups and downs has led many folks to mushroom based coffee alternatives. For some, these options have served a great purpose and become part of a successful morning routine.
But for many others, the flavor has been hard to get by and made the mushroom-based coffee alternatives less of a pleasure to look forward to in the morning. And flavor is a key part of any morning routine - if you're not looking forward to what you're consuming, you're much less likely to stick with it to fully enjoy the benefits.
But fear not! There are many other tasty morning coffee alternatives that fit a variety of flavor pallets.
Cacao Coffee Alternative
Cacao is an excellent coffee alternative because it provides a natural energy boost without the jittery effects that caffeine can cause. While cacao does contain a small amount of caffeine, it primarily delivers a stimulating effect through theobromine, a compound that provides a gentler and longer-lasting energy. This can help maintain focus and alertness without the sharp peaks and crashes associated with coffee.Moreover, cacao offers a rich, chocolatey flavor that many find satisfying as a warm beverage. It also has mood-enhancing properties due to its ability to promote the release of endorphins and serotonin, contributing to a sense of well-being and reducing stress. The combination of these factors makes cacao a holistic and enjoyable alternative to coffee, especially for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake or explore a more nutrient-dense option.
Turmeric Coffee Alternative
Turmeric is a good coffee alternative for several reasons, particularly for those looking for a warm, comforting beverage with health benefits:
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Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Turmeric is renowned for its active compound, curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This can be especially beneficial for individuals looking to reduce inflammation-related conditions like arthritis, digestive issues, or general joint pain.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Curcumin is also a strong antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. This contributes to overall health and can support the immune system, making turmeric an excellent choice for those seeking to enhance their well-being.
- Promotes Digestive Health: Turmeric is known to aid in digestion by stimulating bile production, which helps break down food. This can be particularly soothing for people with digestive sensitivities or those looking for a natural way to support their digestive system.
Matcha Coffee Alternative
The effects vary widely between matcha and coffee and the flavor of matcha and black coffee are quite different as well - which reflects their distinct origins and preparation methods.
Compared to the strong, bold and bitter flavor of black coffee, matcha has a more subtle, slightly sweet, and vegetal taste with pronounced umami notes. It will generally feel less acidic and more creamy - especially when its paired with its frequent companion, oat milk.
From a health benefit standpoint, matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, enhanced immune function, and protection against certain chronic diseases. In fact, matcha contains significantly more antioxidants than regular green tea because you consume the whole tea leaf.
Green Tea Coffee Alternatives
Though that's not to say green tea isn't a perfectly acceptable coffee alternative on its own. Lighter and a bit more delicate than matcha, green tea has a slightly grassy flavor with subtle sweetness and a mild astringency.
With either green tea or matcha, it'll be clear you're consuming a more herbaceous drink than a cup of coffee. The lightness makes green tea easy to combine with other hot or cold beverages - especially lemonade, coconut water or honey water.
Other Tea Coffee Alternatives
If energy is your focus, black tea or oolong tea are the highest concentrations of caffeine among teas. If the priority for you in the morning is to remain relaxed as the stresses of the day kick in, chamomile tea has strong relaxation properties.
It's easy to feel left out of the mix when everyone at work goes to get a cup of coffee or your significant other pulls out the pour over station in the morning. But there are perfectly enjoyable coffee alternatives that can become every bit as important a part of your routine as a cup of coffee has been for many folks over the past 1,000 years.
