For many of us, the day begins with a cup of coffee, and thinking of alternating it with something else is a nightmare for real. But what if I told you that there are certain beverages that not only beat coffee’s taste but also its ability to kick-start your mornings?
Here is a list of the best coffee alternatives available to us. Let’s take a look!
Coffee Alternatives
The amazing list of coffee alternative includes chicory root coffee, kombucha tea, matcha green tea, water, green smoothies, yerba mate, hot apple cider, coconut water, protein-based smoothies, and more. [1]
Matcha Green Tea
Matcha green tea is one the best alternatives to coffee, as a two gram serving of it contains enough caffeine to give your morning that boost. The good thing about matcha green tea is its caffeine content which is only 1/4 of that in coffee. And due to the presence of L-theanine, its effects are long-lasting and energizing. [2]

An espresso shot can give you a boost of energy. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Water
If you are feeling tired, then one of the primary reasons can be the lack of water in your body or dehydration. Starting your day with this amazing coffee alternative will not only help you keep energized, but will also improve your overall health. So make sure you keep yourself hydrated at all times. [3]
Green Smoothie or Vegetable Juice
Green vegetables are popular for their great nutrition and antioxidant content. They help in boosting the energy levels in the body. You can make green smoothies or juices out of these vegetables, and what’s more, you can also add matcha tea powder or spirulina to your recipes to give them a better taste. [4]
Yerba Mate
Without the complications of coffee, including disturbed sleep and jittery mornings, yerba mate tea is another popular coffee alternative. A popular drink in Brazil and Argentina, it gives a similar boost to the body just as coffee. It contains 3/4 of the caffeine in coffee with lots of other minerals and nutrients.
Protein-based Smoothie
Recent studies suggest that protein helps in boosting energy levels, making for one more reason to add protein-based smoothies or shakes to your diet. Along with green vegetables, you can add chia seeds, butter, and hemp to your smoothie for additional protein. You can also go for supplements that are made from brain broth and are high in collagen and protein. [5]
Kombucha Tea
Kombucha tea is another great alternative to coffee as it helps in promoting focus and regulating blood pressure. Kombucha is a type of yeast that you can ferment with water and sugar. [6]
Chicory Root Coffee
A perfect substitute for coffee, chicory root brings that same frothy flavor to your mouth as coffee. It also helps prevent caffeine overdose and reduces the stress levels in the body. [7]

Kombucha may reduce heart disease risk. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Coconut Water
A good replacement for coffee and other sugary sports drinks, coconut water not only hydrates the body with the vital nutrients but also gives your body an energetic boost.
Hot Apple Cider
Loaded with nutrients, hot apple cider can easily be consumed as a coffee alternative, thanks to its amazingly tangy and sweet taste. It also serves many benefits that coffee cannot.
Other Types of Tea
There are many different varieties of tea that you can drink as a coffee alternative. They are good for health as well as invigorating to start your morning with. They include:
- Licorice tea
- Siberian ginseng tea
- Reishi mushroom tea
- Schizandra tea
- Peppermint tea
- Ginger tea
- Rooibos tea
- Green tea
- Turmeric tea
- Regular tea
Other Juices
There are a variety of juices that you can drink in order to give yourself that energy boost. These coffee alternatives include:

Pomegranate juice contains a high level of antioxidants. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
- Lemon water
- Pomegranate juice
- Prune juice
- Wheatgrass juice
So, one coffee lover to another – Don’t think twice, it’s alright!