A few observational studies have linked the consumption of maca root to benefits like improved mood and energy levels. One study found that maca root may be beneficial in alleviating anxiety and depression in post-menopausal women.

Maca fans often recommend Maca as a great alternative to coffee , but don't expect it to taste anything like coffee! Not everyone acclimatizes well to the pronounced earthy, nutty taste with a "hint of butterscotch".

Try blending maca root powder with your favourite kinds of milk and smoothies for an improved taste if the flavour just isn't your thing. Yerba mate is a type of herbal tea that can help support your energy levels. It's made by steeping the Ilex paraguariensis tree's dried leaves in hot water.

But you can serve it either hot or cold based on your preference. The plant contains several compounds beneficial for human health, including antioxidants, polyphenols, minerals, and vitamins. Yerba mate does contain caffeine. At 80mg per cup, it's almost the same amount of caffeine that you can find in a cup of regular coffee.

But many people who drink yerba mate report that while it increases mental alertness, it doesn't cause caffeine jitters. Scientists have yet to confirm this, so if you plan to try it, start with smaller amounts of yerba mate.

Also, it's best to avoid yerba mate if you consume alcohol, smoke regularly, or are pregnant. Some people may also experience side effects with yerba mate. Matcha tea is a type of green tea that contains caffeine but in smaller amounts. It's one of the best caffeine alternatives to coffee because it doesn't generally have the same type of side effects you would expect from a cup of joe.

Coffee contains 96 mg of caffeine per ml cup, whereas matcha tea, depending on how it was prepared, contains 38 to 88mg of caffeine per 60ml cup standard size. Matcha tea also has several proven health benefits.

As an alternative to caffeine, it is seen to help improve attention, memory, and reaction times. At the same time, it has a compound called L-Theanine that helps alleviate anxiety and stress , making you feel calmer.

Research tells us that peppermint tea has compounds that benefit in reducing fatigue and increasing energy. It's also seen to contribute to memory , concentration, and focus. Peppermint has a compound called menthol that gives it its sweet, minty-ish flavour and cooling effect.

Peppermint tea can be enjoyed in any number of ways. For a simple and light energy boost, enjoy your peppermint tea with a dash of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice! Kombucha is made from fermented tea mostly green or black tea with probiotics, which creates an energizing drink that is packed with nutrients, antioxidants and B vitamins.

It contains less sugar than energy drinks, so it's better for your health while still providing a nice jolt of energy. Since kombucha is made from tea, most kombuchas does have some amount of caffeine , although in much smaller amounts than regular tea.

You can find non-caffeinated kombucha, depending on how it is brewed. Check the label to be sure if you're sensitive to caffeine, even in small amounts. Kombucha is available in a variety of different flavours and has the taste and texture of a fizzy drink. Lemon water is a popular and refreshing drink that can match up to your favourite fizzy or soda in taste.

Aside from hydrating you, lemon water also gives you the benefits of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Lemon juice also helps in the prevention of kidney stones.

Try blending lemon water with mint leaves, ginger, and honey for a great-tasting, naturally revitalizing beverage. Alternatively, slip a few lemon slices into your water pitcher and guzzle throughout the day.

There is no perfect substitute for caffeine, but if you're looking for the next best thing to support energy levels, these alternatives may help - chicory coffee, golden milk, maca tea, yerba mate, matcha tea, and peppermint tea. If you're looking for alternatives to soda and energy drinks, try kombucha and lemon water.

Read more about them by scrolling up! Low energy can sometimes be the result of poor lifestyle choices. People who're perenially waking up late and struggling to stay alert often don't get enough sleep. If you're sensitive to caffeine and drink tea or coffee close to bedtime, you may have difficulty falling asleep.

This can make you feel unrested when you wake up the next day. The basics, such as good nutrition, regular exercise, managing stress effectively, and sleeping the required hours, all contribute to how much energy you have to get through the day.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that increases activity in the brain and the nervous system. It provides a quick energy boost and helps improve focus and concentration.

B12 is a vitamin that occurs naturally in animal food sources and has several important functions to play in the human body. It's important for the formation of healthy red blood cells and your DNA. It's also necessary for the healthy development and functioning of your brain and nerve cells. If you're low in Vitamin B12, you could feel tired and lethargic.

Optimizing your B12 levels can help you feel more energized and alert. Vitamin B12 is essential to help the body function at its best, unlike caffeine which the average adult on a healthy lifestyle can do without. The closest non-caffeinated beverage that comes close to coffee in taste is chicory coffee, also known as chicory root coffee.

It has a nuttier and sweeter flavour compared to traditional coffee. Chicory also helps reduce the bitterness of regular coffee if you're mixing the two to reduce your caffeine intake.

We've listed some great non-caffeinated beverage options in this article scroll up! Aside from that, ensure you're eating well, getting enough exercise, and sleeping the required hours every night. Poor health and irregular sleeping habits can contribute to a lack of energy. During pregnancy, it is important to keep caffeine intake to a minimum.

Studies suggest that excessive consumption may increase the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and other problems. Thankfully, there are decaf coffee options and many healthy substitutes, such as herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, and cranberry. Turmeric and Chai lattes along with rooibos tea are also caffeine-free options full of extra antioxidants.

Flavour your water naturally with berries, watermelon, mint, cucumber, or citrus fruits for a refreshing beverage. Caffeine may be the closest thing we have to modern-day happiness since sliced bread, but the fact is not everyone benefits equally from consuming it.

If you're having a hard time with caffeinated beverages generally and are looking for healthier alternatives, this list has several options worth trying. Remember to start off in small quantities as you test the waters and to prevent some of the side effects that can come with consuming natural plants and herbs.

We are always trialling and testing the best science-backed stuff we can find to help support and improve our health, performance and lonegvity! The list below showcases some of our favourite finds in some key areas of health and happiness - check them out:.

Check Product: Athletic Greens AG1. Or Click Here To Read Our Full Review. Like mate, yaupon is an herbal tea. Native to the US, it has a mellow grassy flavor similar to green tea.

It contains chlorogenic acid and antioxidants that are purported to decrease inflammation and boost energy. This tea has 60 mg caffeine per cup and also provides theobromine, a compound structurally similar to caffeine found in cocoa beans and many teas.

Theobromine increases blood flow and may increase energy and alertness, but this boost is slower to start and lasts longer than caffeine, which provides a quick but short-lived boost. Downside: The combination of theobromine and caffeine may increase heart rate and interfere with sleep, especially if you drink a large amount of yaupon or sip it too close to bedtime.

Matcha comes from the same Camellia sinensis plant as green tea. However, unlike green tea, matcha is grown in the shade, which protects it from sunlight and oxidation and contributes to its bright green color and higher polyphenol content.

Whole tea leaves and stems of matcha are ground into a fine powder, which is then whisked with hot water or milk. Matcha contains about 40 to mg caffeine per cup and has the same antioxidant polyphenols as green tea, specifically theanine and catechins.

However, because whole leaves are used to make matcha, it may contain higher concentrations than standard green tea.

Downside: While green tea has low to moderate amounts of caffeine, matcha can have very high amounts, even more than coffee. Chicory is the root of the Chicorium Intybus plant that is dried, roasted, and ground to produce a beverage.

Chicory contains prebiotic fiber called inulin that caramelizes during roasting, giving the drink a dark brown color with a nutty, sweeter, and less bitter flavor than traditional coffee. It tastes similar to regular coffee but does not offer the same energy boost, as it is caffeine-free.

Some people mix chicory coffee with brewed coffee for a lower-caffeine drink. Animal studies show that chicory root has anti-inflammatory properties.

Inulin may benefit the gut microbiome and bowel health, but the small amounts found in chicory coffee are not likely to provide such a benefit. Downside: The chicory plant comes from the same family as ragweed, so chicory coffee may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed pollen.

Coffee-alternative wellness drinks may contain similar plant compounds to those found in regular coffee and green or black tea. It's fine to choose them if you like the taste.

Just don't assume that they're healthier, because no strong evidence supports claims of weight loss, heart health, or cancer prevention. These beverages are best enjoyed plain or with only a touch of lemon, honey, unsweetened milk, or plant milk.

Studies have linked high, regular intakes of 1—2 liters per day to increased rates of certain types of cancer 18 , Yerba mate provides a similar amount of caffeine to coffee along with riboflavin, thiamine, phosphorus, iron, calcium and vitamins C and E.

Chai tea is a type of black tea blended with strong herbs and spices. Though it contains less caffeine 48 mg than coffee, studies suggest that black tea may still improve mental alertness 20 , 21 , Black and green teas are both made from the Camellia sinensis plant, but black tea undergoes a fermentation process, which changes its chemical makeup.

Both types seem to have powerful antioxidant properties Although more research is needed, some observational studies have linked drinking black tea in moderation under 4 cups per day with a lower risk of heart disease 24 , 25 , To make a chai tea latte, simply use 1 cup ml of milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative instead of water in the above recipe.

Chai tea is a spiced black tea with robust flavor and a modest amount of caffeine. Observational studies suggest that black tea may lower your risk of heart disease. Rooibos or red tea is a caffeine-free beverage that originated in South Africa.

Unlike coffee and other teas, rooibos is low in tannin antioxidants, which can be beneficial but also interfere with the absorption of iron 27 , Despite a low tannin content, rooibos provides a substantial amount of other antioxidants Studies are extremely limited.

One animal study suggests that rooibos may help protect against heart disease, while a test tube study found potential for reducing cancer risk 29 , One human study from showed that consuming 6 cups of rooibos tea a day for 6 weeks resulted in an improved lipid profile Rooibos has a longer steep time than most teas and over-steeping does not result in a bitter taste.

Instead, rooibos has a slightly sweet, fruity flavor. To prepare yourself a cup, use a tea filter to steep 1—1. Optionally, you can add lemon and honey to taste. Rooibos is a caffeine-free tea with a slightly sweet and fruity taste. It provides plenty of antioxidants and is low in tannins, a compound that interferes with iron absorption.

Apple cider vinegar ACV is made by fermenting crushed apples using yeast and bacteria. This process produces a compound called acetic acid, which may have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, according to some studies.

Those who took ACV had significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels and increased insulin sensitivity Although there is not yet much evidence, ACV may also increase feelings of fullness after meals and assist with modest weight loss 33 , A basic AVC beverage combines 1—2 tablespoons of raw or unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 1 cup ml of cold water and optionally 1—2 tablespoons of honey or another preferred sweetener.

Do not drink ACV without diluting it first. It can also wear away tooth enamel if used regularly, so swishing water before and after drinking ACV is recommended 35 , Apple cider vinegar is a caffeine-free alternative to coffee that may have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels.

It may even assist with weight loss. Kombucha is made by fermenting black tea with bacteria, yeast and sugar. The fermentation process creates a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, commonly referred to as a SCOBY.

After fermentation, kombucha contains probiotics, acetic acid and antioxidants — all of which may have health benefits 36 , Animal and test-tube studies suggest that kombucha may boost your immune system, improve cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.

However, the purported health benefits in humans are largely anecdotal 39 , Overall, kombucha is not considered harmful for healthy people. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions should avoid kombucha Kombucha is fermented black tea that contains probiotics, acetic acid and antioxidants.

Many animal studies suggest potential health benefits, but few have been done in humans. While coffee has many health perks of its own , it may not necessarily be for you.

However, there are plenty of other options. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. White ginseng is dried naturally, while red ginseng is steamed before it is dried, which increases its efficacy.

The most important compounds in ginseng are ginsenosides and gintonin [ 3 ]. Ginseng is one of the most popular caffeine substitutes. Various research demonstrated that this plant is able to improve brain functions, boost mood and memory, help against fatigue, and increase energy levels.

Aronia berries are becoming increasingly popular among consumers because of their many demonstrated health benefits.

Aronia plants are native to North America but are also commonly found in the Baltic region of Europe. Brainberry® is an Aronia berry extract researched and developed by BioActor.

It was demonstrated that the daily consumption of Brainberry® is able to boost mental energy and focus without side effects. An ideal alternative if you want to get rid of caffeine! The main constituent of Brainberry is an anthocyanin called Cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, a powerful antioxidant that can improve brain health and support brain function.

If this sparked your interest, you can find out everything you need to know about Brainberry®, brain health and improving your focus here. Rhodiola is a plant that can be found in Europe and Asia.

Like ginseng and maca its root is consumed for health benefits. Rosavin and salidroside are believed to be its most profitable compounds. Rhodiola has been used for many years and has been mostly recommended to treat headaches, hernias and has also been used as an astringent.

Nowadays, rhodiola is often consumed by people during stressful times. The stress-lowering and energizing effects of rhodiola make it a great natural replacement for coffee. It is often found in North America, Europe, and Asia.

It has properties that are believed to be neuroprotective. That is because two novel nerve growth factors have been discovered in this mushroom [ 4 ]. It can improve memory and helps to lower feelings of stress and anxiety.

This makes it an ingredient that can help consumers cut down on their caffeine consumption. We all love a good cup of coffee in the morning. However, there are several reasons to reduce caffeine intake and look for a substitute. Matcha green tea powder makes a perfect banana matcha smoothie, or the popular mango avocado matcha smoothie.

With all the healthy combinations available, the possibilities are endless. Kombucha is a fermented drink made with bacteria, yeast, black or green tea, and sugar. It has become a popular source of probiotics, and though there are many purported health benefits, the research on the drink is quite limited.

If you partake, make sure you know the source of your kombucha is a trusted one. If you are, however, looking for an alternative to coffee, the bitter, smokey flavored tea will certainly make you sit up and take notice.

There can be both physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. The best way to make the switch is gradually. While reducing your caffeine intake, increase your water intake.

Hydration will help with the restless, irritable, headache feelings of caffeine withdrawal. Be patient, be persistent, and find some alternatives to caffeine that taste, and feel, good.

If you start to experience discomfort, it might be time to call it quits. Doing so is a process that may involve temporary withdrawal symptoms such as jitters, or angst. nutrition Medically Reviewed.

Medically Reviewed by. Written by. Time to quit the caffeine? There are plenty of other options to keep your energy, and your mood, high.

Why Look for Caffeine Alternatives? Popular Caffeine Alternatives Maca Maca is a hearty cruciferous root vegetable that is related to both the turnip and radish, and looks like a giant radish.

Chicory root Chicory coffee is a coffee substitute made from chicory root , a plant that is native to Asia, North Africa, and Europe. You're unique. Your supplements should be too.

It has been used for centuries as a fertility enhancer in humans and animals, but now more benefits of consuming maca are being discovered. The benefits of maca root vary, and evidence shows it may help increase energy levels and improve mood. Additionally, other findings show that maca can help against feelings of anxiety and stress.

This makes Maca a good alternative to caffeine, which can have the opposite effect. Like maca, ginseng is a herb made from the root of its plant.

It has been one of the most important products for health care in Asia. There, it has been used to make traditional medicine for centuries. There are different types of ginseng, which vary in the way they are grown and processed. White ginseng is dried naturally, while red ginseng is steamed before it is dried, which increases its efficacy.

The most important compounds in ginseng are ginsenosides and gintonin [ 3 ]. Ginseng is one of the most popular caffeine substitutes. Various research demonstrated that this plant is able to improve brain functions, boost mood and memory, help against fatigue, and increase energy levels.

Aronia berries are becoming increasingly popular among consumers because of their many demonstrated health benefits. Aronia plants are native to North America but are also commonly found in the Baltic region of Europe. Brainberry® is an Aronia berry extract researched and developed by BioActor.

It was demonstrated that the daily consumption of Brainberry® is able to boost mental energy and focus without side effects. An ideal alternative if you want to get rid of caffeine! The main constituent of Brainberry is an anthocyanin called Cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, a powerful antioxidant that can improve brain health and support brain function.

If this sparked your interest, you can find out everything you need to know about Brainberry®, brain health and improving your focus here.

Rhodiola is a plant that can be found in Europe and Asia. Like ginseng and maca its root is consumed for health benefits. Rosavin and salidroside are believed to be its most profitable compounds.

Rhodiola has been used for many years and has been mostly recommended to treat headaches, hernias and has also been used as an astringent. Nowadays, rhodiola is often consumed by people during stressful times. Remove from heat. Step 2: Pour the mix into a blender and add the cashews.

Blend until frothy, and then serve in a mug. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy! Start your morning with an energy-boosting smoothie that will not only serve as a great coffee replacement but will fuel your body, keeping you satisfied until lunch.

Things like coconut or MCT oil, sliced avocado, and almond butter make great smoothie add-ins for some serious energy, and blood sugar support. Toss in your favorite fruits like blueberries, a frozen banana, and a handful of spinach. Mix it all together with your go-to dairy-free milk.

Want an added boost? Add in a spoonful of chia or hemp seeds for fiber-rich plant-based protein addition. The combination of fiber and protein will not only keep you satiated, but it will also give you an energy boost! Herbal coffee like Teeccino is made from herbs, and this particular brand uses Chicory root with a blend of natural ingredients like almonds and carob.

It tastes like coffee but also nourishes your body without the added acidity or caffeine jitters. Another blend worth trying? Dandy Blend Coffee Alternative Beverage. Similar to Teeccino, Dandy blend has that bitter coffee taste and is made with all-natural herbs like Chicory root.

Best of all, it will provide you with a coffee-like boost thanks to the 16 naturally occurring trace minerals that support adrenal function with no added jitters. Try sipping on it in your favorite mug with a splash of coconut milk and a drizzle of raw honey for a caffeine-free way to start your day.

Hydrating with water as a caffeine alternative? We know this one sounds far-fetched, but sipping on a glass of water first thing in the morning comes with some serious health benefits including energy. Being dehydrated is basically a recipe for serious fatigue and brain fog — and it happens faster than you think.

Energy aside, dehydration contributes to a major decline in mood. We have to break the overnight fast with a tall glass of water and a nourishing meal.

This will help rehydrate the body, helping us feel more alert, and will help prevent dehydration from setting in. Add a flavor boost by squeezing in some fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of ginger.

Try opting for decaf first, and then transition yourself onto one of the other caffeine alternatives. When you're low on energy, is it worth trying yerba mate, yaupon tea, matcha, and other beverages invading the coffee and tea space that promise similar energy perks and health benefits?

Often marketed as wellness drinks, coffee alternatives like these are trending , according to the International Food Information Council. So, how do a few popular alternatives stack up nutritionally? Do they rely on caffeine for an energy boost? Do they contain potentially healthy or unhealthy plant compounds?

Observational studies have linked compounds in coffee beans called polyphenols and antioxidants with health benefits , including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Yet most of us probably don't drink it for those reasons.

Coffee aficionados enjoy a caffeine energy boost that improves clarity and focus, and savor its fragrance and rich, deep flavor. Still, not everyone is a fan: caffeine makes some people feel jittery, and the caffeine and acidity can irritate sensitive stomachs.

Coffee's cousin, tea, is the second most popular beverage globally behind water, and is enjoyed by a third of Americans. Most types of tea contain about half the caffeine of coffee herbal teas have little to none with less acidity. Tea contains health-promoting antioxidant compounds, such as flavanols.

Caffeine comparison: 8 ounces of brewed coffee contains about 95 mg caffeine; instant coffee about 60 mg; black tea about 47 mg; and green tea about 28 mg. Yerba mate or mate is an herbal tea from the Ilex paraguariensis tree in South America that has an earthy and more bitter flavor than other teas.

It contains antioxidant polyphenols like chlorogenic acid, plus as much caffeine as coffee or more 80 to mg per cup.