Many people find that coffee isn’t the best morning beverage for them. Some find that it keeps them awake until late at night, while others are more concerned with medical conditions like high blood pressure. If you’re looking for an alternative to the nervous energy that coffee provides, there are tons of easy-to-find and enjoyable options like Kratom and CBD. Explore the list of the top alternatives here to find your new favorite drink!
- Chicory Coffee
Chicory coffee has been around for centuries, but many people still don’t know about this delicious coffee alternative. Chicory root can be roasted, ground, and brewed just like coffee, but it is completely caffeine-free. If you use coffee to keep you regular, chicory root is the perfect alternative for you, as it is a rich source of a soluble fiber called inulin. Studies show that inulin supports healthy digestion as well as the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
When it comes to brewing your chicory coffee, it can be bought pre-ground and roasted and popped in any coffee maker, espresso machine, or French press. The recommended amount of chicory grains is two tablespoons for every six ounces of water. As you get used to the flavor, you can adjust the ratio according to your preference.
- Kratom Powder
Kratom powder, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, comes from Southeast Asia and can be used in nearly anything, including baking and cooking. Many people like to brew either the leaves or powder into a tea. Depending on the vein color and alkaloid makeup of the leaves you choose, kratom can be uplifting and energizing or soothing and relaxing. For a pick-me-up in the mornings, look for white vein kratom leaves or powder.
Brew a premeasured amount in hot water, strain the mixture, and drink the remaining liquid. Whether you use leaves or powder for your tea, you should always strain with a cheesecloth or similar material before drinking, as kratom is known for its very intense flavor.
- Matcha Tea
Matcha has been gaining popularity around the world for years, and many are familiar with this frothy, green powdered tea product. Originally from Japan, this type of tea is consumed wholly instead of being strained away like other tea leaves or powder. When you consume the whole leaf like this, you’re getting a much more concentrated dose of all the beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals present in matcha. In addition to keeping you alert, matcha has tons of other benefits, including lowering your risk of high blood pressure and helping you lose weight.
To brew matcha powder, you will need a small ceramic bowl and a traditional bamboo tea whisk to get the best results.
- Lemon Water
Finding an alternative to coffee doesn’t have to be as complicated as buying new products and accessories! Something as simple as lemon water can make a huge difference to your day. When you squeeze half a lemon into a cup of water, you’re getting your daily dose of vitamin C in a low calorie and caffeine-free beverage.
Mix up your lemon water creations with a few slices of your favorite fruits or vegetables, like cucumbers, strawberries, basil, and apples. Lemon water can be drunk hot or cold according to the weather and your preference!
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great coffee alternative that can give you energy without affecting your blood sugar levels. Just one to two tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar with some water and honey can help you stay hydrated and greet the day with a little extra enthusiasm! If you think apple cider vinegar might be right for you, make sure you never skip the water and take a straight shot of apple cider vinegar. You must dilute the acetic acid in this liquid to ensure it doesn’t burn your mouth.
- Kombucha
You’re probably already familiar with black tea, but what you might not know is what happens when you ferment this tea with a little bacteria, sugar, and yeast. Creating kombucha results in a drink that has tons of antioxidants, probiotics, and the same acetic acid that makes apple cider vinegar so effective. Kombucha has tons of benefits that can help you stay alert including improving your cholesterol levels, managing your blood glucose levels, and boosting your immune system.
Kombucha is available in most grocery stores, so luckily you don’t have to make your own! Pop over to your favorite market and pick up a couple of bottles to help you start your day right.
Kick the Coffee Habit
While there are certain benefits to coffee, the drawbacks associated with caffeine may make you want to try something new. Check out these suggestions and choose your favorite for a healthier you!