9 Best Alternatives to Coffee (That You Must-Try)

Last updated on June 30th, 2025 at 11:48 am

Are you struggling with energy crashes or caffeine jitters? Or you’re simply curious about better-for-you sips?

Today, we’re doing something a bit different. I usually talk about coffee, I mean, it’s called Coffee Voilà for a reason. But here’s the thing… as much as I love a bold espresso or a slow pour-over, sometimes coffee isn’t your best friend.

There were days I’d feel wired one minute and wiped out the next. My sleep took a hit. For some people, it causes gut problems.

That’s when it makes sense to explore other coffee alternatives. We still want to enjoy a hot cup in the morning. But it doesn’t always have to be coffee.

In this guide, you’ll discover 9 of the best coffee alternatives. Some are caffeine-free, some with a gentler kick, which can still boost your energy, focus, and well-being.

Whether you’re cutting back or want to switch things up, there’s something here for you.

Top 9 Alternatives to Coffee

Here’s a glance at all 9 coffee alternatives, what they offer, and why they’re worth trying. If something catches your eye, scroll down for the full scoop.

Alternative	Caffeine?	Energy Boost Style	Key Benefits	Best For
Matcha Green Tea	✔ Light	Calm + focused	L-theanine + antioxidants	Daily energy, mental clarity
Yerba Mate	✔ Moderate	Uplifting + smooth	Vitamins, minerals, sustained focus	Morning pick-me-up
Chai Tea	✔ Mild	Warming + balanced	Spices + gentle stimulation	Cozy afternoons
Golden Milk	✘ None	Soothing	Anti-inflammatory, calming	Evenings, wind-down routines
Chicory Coffee	✘ None	Coffee-like ritual	Gut-friendly inulin, bold flavor	Coffee detox, digestive support
Mushroom Coffee	✔ Low	Focused + stable	Adaptogens (e.g., lion’s mane, cordyceps)	Productivity, immune support
Herbal Coffee Blends	✘ None	Smooth + steady	Tastes like coffee, no crash	Coffee lovers easing off caffeine
Green Smoothies	✘ None	Nutrient-fueled energy	Clean energy from fruits & healthy fats	Mornings or post-workout boost
Hot Cacao	✔ Very light	Mood-lifting + gentle	Theobromine, magnesium, antioxidants	Sweet tooth, afternoon lift

1 – Matcha Green Tea

If you’ve never tried matcha before, know it isn’t your average green tea bag situation. Matcha is made from stone-ground green tea leaves. So you’re drinking the whole leaf and not just its steeped version.

That means more nutrients, more flavor, and a more potent effect. The first time I made a matcha latte at home, I expected a soft little buzz.

Instead, I got this calm, focused energy that lasted hours. I didn’t get that jittery spike I sometimes get with coffee. And that has to do with L-theanine, an amino acid that smooths out the caffeine high and helps with mental clarity.

Here’s the interesting part:

Usually, matcha has less caffeine than coffee (about 70mg vs. 95mg in an 8 oz cup). But because it’s absorbed more slowly, the energy boost is longer and steadier.

I often whisk mine into hot water with a bamboo chasen, then pour over oat milk for a creamy and earthy latte.

I also recommend ceremonial grade for a sweeter, smoother flavor. For example, brands like Ippodo or MatchaBar offer great quality and taste.

2 – Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a traditional drink from countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. They consider it more than a drink but a social thing.

Unlike the jittery spike-and-crash you might get with coffee, mate gives you a smooth and focused buzz. That’s because of the combination of caffeine, theobromine (the same stuff in chocolate), and several antioxidants and micronutrients.

I find it especially useful in the mid-afternoon slump. It perks me up without messing with my sleep later. If you’re starting out, try it in a tea bag form-

I suggest brands like Guayakí. You can easily find and make mellow blends with beginner-friendly mint or citrus.

Notes: The taste is grassy and slightly bitter at first. But give it a couple of sips. It grows on you, and your body will probably thank you later.

3 – Chai Tea

The mix of black tea with spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves hits differently. Especially when you add a splash of milk.

Chai isn’t just about the caffeine boost (though it has some because of the black tea); it’s about the vibe. It feels indulgent and calming at the same time.

I usually brew mine with oat milk and a bit of honey, which brings out that sweet-spicy balance without being too heavy. And if you’re trying to avoid that intense coffee jolt, chai gives a lighter, more sustained energy lift.

For convenience, you can grab chai concentrate (like the ones from Tazo or Oregon Chai) and mix it with milk.

But if you’ve got the time, steeping loose-leaf chai or boiling your own spice mix is next-level good. Just simmer the spices first, then add tea and milk.

Bonus tip: chai lattes iced are amazing in summer. Warm or cold, this one’s a year-round favorite.

4 – Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

So, the first time I tried golden milk, I dumped too much turmeric. Big mistake. It came out tasting like spicy chalk. But once I figured out how to balance it, it became an enjoyable nighttime drink.

Golden milk (or turmeric latte) is a cozy blend made with ground turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and milk. Often sweetened with honey or maple syrup.

It’s completely caffeine-free, which makes it a great option if you’re cutting back or want something soothing before bed. And thanks to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory benefits, it’s also a healthy choice.

Now, here’s my tip:

You want to start light on the turmeric. For example, half a teaspoon max if you’re new to it. You can always add more later, but it can get overpowering fast.

I like using oat or almond milk for a creamier base. I’ll sometimes toss in a pinch of black pepper to help with absorption.

You can buy pre-made turmeric latte mixes (like those from Gaia Herbs or Golde) or make it from scratch if you’ve got the spices at home.

5 – Chicory Coffee

If you’re looking for something that feels like coffee but doesn’t jack your system with caffeine, chicory coffee is seriously underrated.

Chicory is made by roasting the root of the chicory plant. Then you brew it like coffee grounds. You can use a French press, moka pot, or even drip if you get the grind right.

The taste? You can expect something earthy, a bit bitter, and weirdly comforting like coffee’s quieter, herbal cousin. I’d say the flavor lands somewhere between a dark roast and a strong tea.

Furthermore, it’s caffeine-free and naturally high in inulin, which is a type of prebiotic fiber that supports gut health.

That makes it a great choice if you want to reset your system without giving up the comfort of a warm morning cup.

If you want a solid brand to try, look at Café du Monde (New Orleans-style) or Teeccino. Both offer great chicory blends.

Pro tip: mix it with a little regular coffee at first if you’re not ready to go full herbal.

6 – Mushroom Coffee

I’ll admit, I was skeptical the first time I saw mushroom coffee on a shelf. Mushrooms? In my brew? But after diving into it more (and even writing about it here), I realized it’s not some weird health fad.

Actually, it’s a solid option for people looking to boost energy and focus without going full throttle on caffeine.

Mushroom coffee commonly blends regular ground coffee or herbs with functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, or reishi. These mushrooms are known as adaptogens.

In other words, they help your body adapt to stress and promote balance. For instance, Lion’s mane is great for cognitive support (think focus and memory).

Meanwhile cordyceps is often linked to stamina and physical energy.

What surprised me most was how normal it tasted. You can expect earthy, but not in a dirty-water way.

Some blends lean more herbal; others taste almost like regular coffee. Just with half the caffeine and more wellness perks. If you’re trying to cut down without quitting coffee completely, this is one of the easiest transitions.

I recommend brands like Four Sigmatic and Ryze. They are a good starting point. I’ve found mushroom coffee especially helpful during midday slumps when I need a brain boost without the crash later on.

7 – Herbal Coffee Blends (e.g., Dandy Blend, Teeccino)

If you love the taste of coffee but could seriously do without the caffeine rollercoaster, herbal coffee blends might be your new thing. You still get that deep, roasted flavor without the crash or jitters afterward.

I enjoy brands like Teeccino and Dandy Blend. Usually, blend up things like roasted dandelion root, chicory, carob, and sometimes barley or figs. I know it sounds weird at first.

But brewed up, it’s earthy, nutty, and comforting. You can drink them black, with milk, or even iced. Plus, they work with most brewing methods: drip, French press, and even espresso machines (if you get the grind right).

Bonus: dandelion and chicory root support digestion and liver health thanks to compounds like inulin, a prebiotic fiber.

So not only do you skip the caffeine, but you might actually feel better because of it. If you want to wean off coffee without feeling like you’re giving something up, this one’s worth trying.

8 – Green Smoothies

(Not my kind of thing, but hey it might be yours.)

I’ve never been a huge green smoothie person. Maybe it’s the texture, or maybe it’s the time I tried blending kale with nothing but water and banana (pro tip: don’t do that).

But I get why people swear by them especially as a caffeine-free energy boost.

Basically, green smoothies are a fast track to loading up on fruits, leafy greens, and good-for-you fats like avocado or chia seeds. You can throw in spinach, frozen mango, a splash of almond milk, and maybe a scoop of protein powder if you’re feeling fancy.

They give you clean, sustained energy without any crash. You’ll find them perfect if you’re skipping coffee. I’ve seen some people add a spoonful of nut butter or coconut oil too, which helps with satiety.

And while I don’t reach for them every morning. I will say they’re great post-workout or during warmer months when you want something more refreshing.

If you’re trying to cut caffeine but still want that “go” signal for your brain, this might be your thing.

9 – Hot Cacao

Unlike regular hot chocolate (which is often packed with sugar and dairy), true hot cacao is made from raw or minimally processed cacao powder.

It’s earthy, slightly bitter, and smooth enough to feel like a treat. What makes it special for me is the theobromine. It’s a gentle stimulant, similar to caffeine.

You get alertness and energy but without the jumpiness or those mid-morning crashes. Plus, cacao is rich in magnesium, iron, and a bunch of antioxidants that make your body and brain feel good. I swear, it even helps with my focus when writing.

Sometimes I’ll mix in oat milk, cinnamon, or even a dash of cayenne. And if you’re used to a sweet drink, you can always stir in a little maple syrup or honey.

Why Switch from Coffee?

Well, coffee is coffee! But sometimes, you just hit the point where it’s no longer doing you any favors. Whether it’s the jitters, the energy crash, or that nagging stomach upset.

I’ve found that even the most loyal coffee drinkers (myself included) can benefit from a little break. So here’s a few more reasons:

1 – Caffeine Sensitivity

If coffee makes your heart race or hands shake, you’re not alone. Caffeine sensitivity is real, and for some people, even a single cup can lead to anxiety or restlessness.

For this reason, swapping it out for gentler options like matcha or mushroom coffee can give you energy without the overstimulation.

2 – Gut Health and Digestion

For anyone with acid reflux, IBS, or a sensitive stomach, coffee’s acidity and oils can be irritating. Chicory coffee, golden milk, and herbal blends are much gentler on the digestive system.

3 – Better Sleep and Recovery

Even when I had coffee in the morning, it sometimes snuck into my sleep schedule. The fact is caffeine has a long half-life, and it lingers longer than expected for some of us.

So, switching to caffeine-free drinks like hot cacao or green smoothies may help you sleep better and wake up more refreshed.

4 – Health Benefits from Other Sources

One of the coolest parts about trying coffee alternatives? The added perks. You get adaptogens in mushroom blends, antioxidants in matcha and cacao, anti-inflammatory goodness from turmeric.

Last Thoughts

So, have you tried any of these coffee alternatives yet? Maybe you’re a die-hard matcha fan, or you’ve got a secret mushroom blend that changed your mornings.

Or hey, maybe there’s something wild and wonderful I didn’t include here. I’d like to read your comment below and discover new things.