Alternatives For Caffeine - 2023 Review
You may have noticed adverts all over social media for alternatives to coffee. Coffee alternatives are blowing up, and are big business. But why does everyone want to ditch coffee all of a sudden? What did it do wrong?
Like most of the population, I used to find it difficult to focus, function, and, more importantly, deal with humans before I’d had a cup of coffee. Throughout the day my energy levels were so up and down that I would reach for a cup of Joe a few times throughout the day. I had trouble sleeping, brain fog, procrastinated, and found it difficult to get through a day of working from home.
Then I discovered there are…alternatives to coffee.
Coffee alternatives in the morning have helped me to regain my energy, focus, and productivity.
Why Do I Need a Coffee Alternative?
The first thing to consider is why so many people are searching for a coffee alternative for energy. America runs on stimulants and it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t enjoy their daily fix of caffeine in the morning (me included!). In fact, for most of us, it's hard to imagine a day without it. Caffeine provides an immediate energy boost and protects against some illnesses according to Johns Hopkins. So that makes it a healthy drink, right?
Not quite.
For most of us, the side effects of many cups, or one large dose of caffeine are not so helpful. Anxiety, jitters, energy crashes, increased heart rate, irritability, and difficulty falling asleep.
But with so many alternatives for coffee out there, how do you know which one will work for you?
I’ve compiled a list of the best coffee substitutes to help you make a decision on what will get you off that caffeine-energy roller coaster.
Best Alternatives for Coffee - a Review
Find your Caffeine Substitute here!
1. Coffee Alternatives with Caffeine
Mud Wtr
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Possibly the most famous coffee alternative, Mud Wtr is a good option for anyone looking for coffee alternatives with caffeine. It contains only a fraction of the caffeine contained in coffee. Mud Wtr reviews are generally good, but some do not like the strong spice taste and find it difficult to drink.
Mud Wtr alternatives exist that do not have such a strong taste and can be blended with other drinks - while Mud Wtr is only blended with water. It is one of the more expensive options at $60 for a one month supply.
Matcha
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Matcha is a type of green tea made by steaming, drying and grinding the leaves of the plant into a fine powder, a natural caffeine substitute.
There is a small amount of caffeine in matcha, which makes it a popular caffeinated alternatives to coffee, however, the taste is not popular with many and the drink is not reported to provide energy and focus as much as caffeine alternatives containing functional mushrooms. You can, however, add matcha to milk, smoothies, and other beverages making it a versatile choice. The best part: the price. Matcha is inexpensive and even the top brands will only cost around $20 for a month’s supply.
Cacao
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One of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet, cacao is a low caffeine coffee alternative. While it won't taste like a cup of hot chocolate, brewed cacao is packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and phenylethylamine. Unlike caffeine, cacao contains theobromine which expands your blood vessels rather than constricting them so the energy boost it provides lasts longer. The downside to cacao is the taste - it can be bitter, heavy and is an acquired taste. Depending on the brand you buy, it can range from cheap to fairly expensive - I would recommend a trusted, high quality brand such as Keith’s Cacao.
2. Coffee Alternatives, No Caffeine
Powderful
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Powderful is a coffee alternative with no caffeine. It is a blend of functional mushrooms, adaptogens, spices, and zinc which boasts an impressive range of benefits - energy and focus, better sleep, skin and digestive health, supports immune function, and a feeling of calm. So far Powderful has 100% 5-star reviews, however, as a new company, the volume of reviews is limited. Powderful has a mild taste and can be mixed with anything including smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or just water. If you want more bang for your buck from your coffee alternative, Powderful is definitely a great option and one of the best alternatives to coffee I tried, with a mid-range price of only $33 a month when you subscribe.
Chicory Root Coffee Alternative, No Caffeine
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When roasted, chicory root takes on a coffee-like aroma and has a strong taste that's toasty and nutty. It's like a smoother, less acidic version of coffee that for many is easier on the taste buds and tummy. In fact, it contains inulin, a prebiotic that is great for gut health. It does not, however, provide lasting energy and focus - many have compared it to drinking decaf coffee. It is an inexpensive caffeine substitute and could be a good option for replacing your coffee habit during the day. A month’s supply can cost as little as $15.
So, What are the Best Alternatives for Coffee?
So in summary, what is the best substitute for coffee? In terms of value for money, versatility, health benefits, and range of ingredients, I’ll be sticking with Powderful as my coffee alternative. It tastes great and I just add it to water and lemon to get me going. You can also split the dose and have half on waking, and half at lunch as you still feel the energy boost with just half! A caffeine substitute will help with focus, productivity and sleep - give it a try and get some coffee alternative energy!
Check out our article about drinking coffee at the right time of day to optimize energy levels, here!