For coffee addicts, the thought of giving up their daily brew is terrifying. Like, terrifying.
But when we asked the question: Are you a coffee addict if you only drink one cup a day BUT can’t function without it? The response we received highlighted that even though we can all appreciate a good cup of coffee, having a break from caffeine from time to time had a whole bunch of positive benefits too.
So, if you’re looking to cut back on caffeine, here are nine delicious drinks that will still give you that much needed boost to take on the day.
1. Chai Tea.
Ahh, what’s not to love? It’s the perfect warming pick-me-up – especially in the throes of winter. With a black tea base, you’ll still get a bit of a caffeine hit plus the benefits of the spices.
- Cinnamon increases awareness and vitality while reducing fatigue.
- Cardamom is a mood elevator and detoxifies the body.
- Ginger, cloves and fennel help stimulate and support the digestive system, as well as being great at helping overcome sugar cravings.
2. Matcha Green Tea.
Made from a powder, this jade green tea not only looks amazing, it’s great for your body too. It contains caffeine BUT it also contains the natural relaxant, L-theanine. This combination allows matcha to provide you with steady energy minus the jitters or “crash” associated with the caffeine in coffee.
Try a Matcha Latte: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk of your choice, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of matcha green tea powder and 1 teaspoon of stevia. Warm over medium heat while whisking until hot and foamy and then pour into mugs to serve.
3. Hot Cacao.
This isn’t your regular hot chocolate. By substituting cocoa powder for raw cacao powder, your morning cuppa will include a whopping amount of antioxidants and minerals. Plus it will boost your mood too!
Superfood Hot Chocolate: In a small saucepan, place 1 cup of milk of your choice, 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder, 1/2 tablespoon rice malt syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Warm over a low heat, stirring until well combined and heated through.
4. Macaccino.
What’s better than coffee? How about a superfood hot chocolate? Try adding a teaspoon of maca powder to your normal hot chocolate. Maca helps reduce stress levels and boost energy (among other benefits).
5. Yerba Mate.
A popular tea among cultures of South America, Yerba Mate is traditionally consumed from a gourd (which is a cup made from the gourd plant), though a regular tea cup will also do the trick. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It contains theobromine and caffeine, though not as much as coffee, so it’ll give you a nice buzz without the jitters. Oh, and it’s also shown to improve insulin sensitivity.
To brew: Use hot water (not boiling as it will result in bitter tea). Allow to steep for 3-4 minutes and then strain into a tea cup.
6. Chia Fresca.
We’re big chia seed fans at IQS, so we were pretty excited to discover yet another delicious use for these clever seeds. A chia fresca is not only hydrating but super energising. We like to add in lime or lemon juice to make an alkalising beverage.
To prepare: Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, juice of half a lime or lemon and 1 teaspoon of rice malt syrup (or to taste) to 1 cup of water or coconut water. Stir well and allow to sit for 10 minutes while the chia seeds swell.
7. Dandelion Root Tea.
This is probably the best option for those who really enjoy the taste of coffee but want a herbal caffeine-free alternative. Dandelion root is a digestive aid that also helps improve liver and kidney function. Plus it’s got more protein than spinach! Many cafés now have dandelion lattes on the menu.
8. Kombucha.
If you’re feeling sluggish, your digestive system may need some help. Try some kombucha – a probiotic fermented beverage that does wonders for your gut health and increases energy. You can make your own (check out Sarah’s recipe) or buy a bottle from a health food store.
9. Green Smoothie.
Still searching for something better than coffee? One of the IQS team’s favourite ways to start the day is with none other than a green smoothie! Why? They’re super alkalising, plus you’ll get a big ol’ serve of greens first thing in the morning. Add a tablespoon of protein powder and some chia seeds to give yourself an extra energy boost.
We originally published this post in April 2014. We updated it in June 2017.
What’s your favourite coffee alternative? Let us know in the comments below.
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