For so many of us, coffee is the very thing keeping us going every single morning.
Whether it’s you, a few of your loved ones, or that one coworker who is always slightly grumpy before noon, we all know someone who simply can’t survive without their daily cup of joe.
And rightfully so! Coffee is said to boost energy levels, improve brain function, help with weight management, and some studies have even linked it to lower risk of depression.
While black coffee certainly has its health benefits, let’s be real for a second-most of us aren’t drinking it like that.
When we hit the Starbucks and ask for that frappuccino, we’re not thinking about cognitive function as much as we’re thinking about that whipped cream.
Or maybe you do order it black, but then never consider how excess caffeine paired with poor sleeping habits is causing some serious problems for your body.
The bottom line? Java is great, but not for all of us. So it’s high time we start looking for some different, but equally great, options.
Here are 3 super healthy coffee alternatives that’ll help you kick that habit to the curb.
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves and other parts of the Ilex paraguariensis plant.
While has been a staple beverage throughout South America, it has recently gained some global popularity in various health and wellness communities.
Oddly enough, when it comes to health benefits, this tea is comparable to both coffee and chocolate.
That’s because it’s rich in antioxidants and has less caffeine than, but more caffeine than other teas; Which means it’s an effective stimulant, but likely won’t lead to the jitters or a huge crash after the caffeine wears down.
However, the taste is an acquired one and definitely not for everybody. It can be very smoky, slightly bitter, and likely startling to the tastebuds the first time around.
Chicory Coffee
If you like the instant, easy-to-stir element of preparing your morning brew, then chicory coffee just might be for you.
Made with the ground, roasted chicory root—a part of a dandelion-adjacent plant—this drink has very similar benefits to coffee, minus the caffeine.
It’s rich in fiber that aids in healthy digestive movement improves cholesterol, and suppresses a rise in blood sugar after eating.
Plus, it tastes similar to coffee, too! However, it does have a slightly earthy and nutty finish, like a warm wood or licorice infused drink.
It’s also important to note that brewed chicory root can act as a mild laxative, so if you have a sensitive stomach, this might not be the right alternative for you.
Kombucha
Kombucha might sound super fancy and foreign, but it’s nothing but a fizzy, fermented black or green tea.
If you want to take it a little further, it’s actually a drink that’s made with a mix of bacteria, yeast, sugar, and tea.
While that doesn’t sound delicious, it’s actually the very thing that makes it good for your digestive system and overall gut health.
Out of all the coffee alternatives, kombucha is the one that’s least like coffee in taste and benefit.
However, it does produce a good amount of iron, as well as small amounts of Vitamin B and caffeine during its fermentation which leads to a nice little energy boost.
It’s important to note that kombucha does produce a small amount of alcohol, so if you’re pregnant or avoiding alcohol for any reason, definitely try one of the other options instead.
