Once you hit your 20s and beyond, it’s almost a given that you’re facing at least a small caffeine addiction. It’s part of your daily routine – you wake up and make a cup, you make a second or third cup, then of course, you have to have an iced latte or coffee later on in the day.
While you might feel as though you’ve built up an immunity to the effects of caffeine, your body certainly is still feeling some of the effects. Maybe you feel jittery or shaky, maybe it’s underlying anxiety, or maybe it’s staring at the ceiling at two in the morning wondering why you can’t sleep. If this is you, it might be time to cut back on the coffee and find better-suited sources of caffeine. Keep reading to learn about several caffeine alternatives to coffee.
Kombucha
A very popular drink, kombucha is made from fermented black tea with yeast, bacteria and sugar. With many flavor options, from fruity to floral, this is a great substitute to coffee or other intense sources of caffeine. Not only is kombucha delicious, but it also offers many health benefits. Kombucha is full of probiotics, acetic acid and antioxidants, making it great to prevent and treat sickness.
Matcha Tea
A type of green tea, matcha tea gives you a large concentration of antioxidants, providing many health benefits. Regularly consuming matcha or green tea can help lower blood pressure and reduce weight. Still offering a good bit of caffeine, matcha is a great replacement to coffee for its unique, earthy flavor and many health benefits.
Chai Tea
If you love the taste of coffee and still need caffeine, chai tea might be the new drink for you. Its bold, spicy flavor makes it stand out against other teas. This black tea contains slightly less caffeine than a cup of coffee, but it still stimulates the mind to help you feel alert and active. Like the others above, chai tea contains many antioxidant properties. Also known for lowering the risk of heart disease, chai tea is the perfect bold, flavorful substitution for your morning coffee.
Yerba Mate
A more uncommon drink, yerba mate is a well-kept secret that has grown in popularity in the wellness realm. Yerba mate is a caffeinated herbal tea derived from the leaves of the South American holly tree. The caffeine content of yerba mate is extremely similar to that of coffee, making it a great alternative for those looking for a more natural source of caffeine. Yerba mate offers riboflavin, thiamine, phosphorus, iron, calcium, vitamins C and E, and antioxidants, making it a very healthy caffeine alternative.
Golden Milk
Another unique choice, golden milk is a rich beverage sure to soothe your soul. Golden milk is made with spices like ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and black pepper, but can also include cardamom, vanilla and honey. Turmeric, the reason for the drink’s golden color, provides many anti-inflammatory properties. This caffeine-free drink will make your mind feel at ease as you prepare for the day.
A cup of coffee is a decadent treat, but don’t let its jittery effects ruin your day. Use these alternatives to fuel your body for a healthy, happy day.
