Alternatives to Coffee

Health

By Lily Date, 2023

Published 03/02/21

Top left: Chai tea. Bottom left: Kombucha. Right: Lemon water. Credit Google Images.

Coffee is a morning go-to for many, but not everyone likes it. The high caffeine can cause jitters and headaches for some, while others just don’t enjoy the flavor. However, alternatives exist to this popular morning drink to avoid these problems, but still wake you up.


Chicory Coffee


The root of chicory can be ground to create a taste similar to coffee but is caffeine-free. It is also a rich source of insulin.


Matcha


Matcha is a type of tea made by grounding leaves into a fine powder. It has high concentrations of antioxidants and can have less caffeine if prepared correctly. The caffeine in matcha also is gentler than coffee and doesn’t have the crash effect that coffee can leave.


Lemon water


Lemon water is both caffeine and calorie-free and is a great way to start the day and wake you up. A tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of cold water gives you 10% of your recommended daily vitamin C.


Chai


This black tea, blended with herbs and spices, has less caffeine than coffee but can still improve mental awareness. Chai may also lower your risk of heart disease.


Kombucha


This fermented black tea contains probiotics, acetic acid, and antioxidants, and can be easily found at the store in multiple flavors.