Is there anything better than the strong scent of coffee to get you out of bed in the morning? Coffee may be many people’s morning wake-up call, but others are unable to consume it either for health reasons or because they can’t stand the bitter taste. The good news is you don’t need to force down a cup of Joe to get your daily energy boost.
Instead, explore some healthy alternatives to coffee to find the one that fits your needs and taste buds. You can find a drink that isn’t bitter, provides energy, and gives you a nutritional boost.
If you’re looking for a nutritious, energy-boosting morning pick-me-up, try these six healthy alternatives to coffee.
3 Healthy Alternatives to Coffee With High to Mid Caffeine Levels
You don’t want coffee, but you need that caffeine fix. We hear you! The good news is there are many healthy alternatives to coffee that offer some caffeine to kickstart your morning or mid-afternoon. A delicious healthy tea is your best bet!
- Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is an herbal tea that is a bit lower in caffeine than coffee but high enough to give you a boost. Studies show yerba is packed with antioxidants, vitamins B, C, and E, and minerals like phosphorus, iron, and calcium.
Filled with nutrients and caffeine, this tasty tea is a great way to start your day and one of the most delicious healthy alternatives to coffee.
- Black Tea
If you don’t mind the bitter taste of coffee and want some caffeine, black tea is a good alternative. After all, black tea contains about half the caffeine as coffee, according to MayoClinic. It also offers numerous health benefits like lowering the risk of diabetes and cancer and reducing blood pressure.
The best part is how versatile the drink is: Add a bit of milk to make it creamy or honey to make it sweet, and black tea becomes quite an indulgent treat. Not to mention there are myriad black coffee flavors to try from fruity to spicy.
- Matcha
Matcha is a perfect choice for those who suffer from digestive issues with coffee but still want caffeine. It’s hard to gauge the exact amount of caffeine in a matcha drink compared to a cup of black coffee because it all depends on how concentrated you want your drink. In general, though, matcha contains about half as much caffeine as coffee. As a result, you’re less likely to get those common “coffee jitters” or digestive issues with matcha.
High in antioxidants, both matcha and green tea are great alternatives to coffee as they provide health benefits including, according to some studies, reducing the risks of both heart disease and cancer.
3 Healthy Alternatives to Coffee With Little to No Caffeine
If you’re in need of an energy pick-me-up but you want to limit your caffeine, stock up on these three healthy alternatives to coffee that contain little to no caffeine.
- Raw Cacao Snack or Smoothie
Raw cacao provides an indulgent snack that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Enjoy raw cacao in your morning smoothie for some added nutrition and energy. If you’d rather have a snack than a drink, raw cacao treats — like chocolate bars containing at least 70% cacao and ModBalls energy bites — are also great alternatives to coffee that you can easily pack with you on the go.
You can expect a plethora of health benefits from raw cacao. One study showed that flavanols found in cacao increase cognitive function and decrease insulin resistance and blood pressure. So relish that raw cacao smoothie as one of the tastiest healthy alternatives to coffee.
- ModBalls
Enjoy a true energy boost thanks to ModBalls’ 85 different fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts, and chocolate. Experts recommend at least 70% cacao chocolate, but ModBalls contain a whopping 85% cacao, so you’re getting a healthy dose of antioxidants and heart-protecting flavanols in each serving.
Each ball provides a small fraction of caffeine in comparison to a cup of coffee, perfect for those who wish to limit their caffeine intake. ModBalls are pure fuel for your body, so you can expect more energy that lasts longer. Filled with vitamins and minerals, ModBalls are great healthy alternatives to coffee that provide nutrition your body will thank you for.
- Chicory Coffee
The best thing about chicory coffee is that it tastes like coffee without all the caffeine. Just like coffee beans, chicory root can be roasted, ground, and brewed to provide a delectable drink. Studies show that chicory is one of the richest sources of inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that helps improve digestion.
Studies also suggested that chicory root can improve blood pressure and cholesterol. Out of all the healthy alternatives to coffee, this one might taste the most similar. So if you’re a fan of coffee flavor, try chicory coffee.
Try a Variety of Healthy Alternatives to Coffee
Whether you’re looking for a caffeine kick or to lower your caffeine consumption, these healthy alternatives to coffee can help you ditch the java and get an extra boost of energy to start your morning. When it comes to healthy alternatives to coffee, you’d be amazed by how many options there are from beverages to snacks.
Next time you get a craving for coffee or you feel a dip in energy, try one of these healthy alternatives to coffee and see which one will become part of your daily routine.
To learn more about the nutritional benefits of coffee alternatives, be an OddBall. Join ModBalls.