My Favorite Coffee Alternatives

In my last post I shared some of my observations of not drinking coffee for the past few weeks. If you missed that post, click here: http://wp.me/p5E8l7-9j

For this post, I’d like to offer up some suggestions for what you could drink instead if you too choose to take a hiatus from the coffee.

Here are some of my favorite coffee alternatives:

Non-Caffeinated Options:

Rishi West Cape Chai Caffeine-Free Tea

Ingredients: Organic rooibos, organic cinnamon, organic ginger root, organic cardamom, organic ramón nut, organic star anise, organic licorice root, organic fennel seed, organic black pepper, organic cloves, organic peppermint.

Tastes like chai without the caffeine. I like to brew a cup then blend it with coconut oil for an added flavor (like a latte without the milk).

Not only does this herbal tea taste great, but one of its main ingredients is rooibos, a plant native to South Africa that is naturally rich in polyphenols, compounds in the plant which possess antioxidant properties. Learn more here: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/health-benefits-of-red-rooibos-tea.html

Rishi Tea West Cape Chai, 3 Ounce

Traditional Medicinals Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Tea

Dandelion root tea has a slightly bitter taste (like coffee) with a smoky/roasted herbal flavor. Drink it plain or add milk, coconut milk, or blend with coconut oil for additional flavor.

Health Benefits: dandelion is supportive to the liver and can also help stimulate a bowel movement, so if you use coffee as a means to initiate elimination, give this a try instead. Learn more here: http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/products/roasted-dandelion-root/

Traditional Medicinals Organic Roasted Dandelion Root, 16-Count Boxes (Pack of 6)

Teecino Herbal Coffee — French Roast Organic

Ingredients: Roasted organic carob, organic barley, organic chicory, organic ramon seeds, natural coffee flavor.

This option would appeal to those who enjoy a dark-roasted coffee. It carries that roasted flavor of coffee without any of the caffeine.

There is also a barley-free option for those who are sensitive to gluten, though the company has had this product third-party tested and it appears to be gluten-free. They also make different flavors such as hazelnut, orange, and vanilla though this is favorite.

Teeccino French Roast Herbal Coffee Alternative, Caffeine Free, Acid Free, 11oz (Pack of 3)

Caffeinated Options:

So if you haven’t yet read my last post, I did mention that there were a few days where though I didn’t drink coffee, I did enjoy some green tea.

Though I’m not advocating heavy consumption of these alternatives to coffee, I think in small amounts they are quite healthy, and maybe some speculate healthier than coffee. I say “maybe” because I know there is some research in favor of coffee and its benefits as well.

Do-Matcha — Organic 2nd Harvest Matcha

This is by far my favorite way to consume green tea. If you haven’t yet experienced the matcha type of green tea, you’re in for a treat!

I like to make mine with water and then blend in a tablespoon of coconut oil and occasionally some honey or maple syrup to slightly take off the mild bitter taste.

Though green tea contains caffeine, it brings with it a totally different feel than the caffeine that coffee yields. This may be due to the fact that matcha and green tea contain a compound called l-theanine, a type of amino acid that results in a relaxed, yet focused state of mind. I find that I don’t get the jittery or super hyper feeling when drinking matcha that can sometimes accompany coffee drinking. I also find that the energy can last a lot longer throughout the day (more sustained instead of a spike of energy followed by a dip like coffee). In fact, the caffeine from matcha can keep me awake sometimes at night so be forewarned.

To learn more about the traditional Japanese uses of Matcha, read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matcha

DoMatcha DoMatcha Organic 2nd Harvest Matcha, 2.82oz.

Crio Bru Ground Cocoa Beans

These ground cocoa beans are a fairly recent new discovery to me. Here are some benefits of cocoa beans (according to the packaging of this product):

– Boost your immune system with antioxidants
– Increase energy naturally with theobromine — learn more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobromine
– Support your heart, brain and bones with magnesium (naturally occurring in the cocoa)

I’ve been using my French press to brew this drink, and I like to blend with coconut milk or oil though you can use your favorite milk alternative or just enjoy black. Tastes like a weaker version of coffee in my opinion, but still close enough to a coffee taste to enjoy.

Crio Bru Ground Cocoa Beans, Cavalla Ivory Coast, 12 Ounce

Give one of these coffee alternatives a try if you’re taking a break like I have from coffee! I think you’re sure to enjoy at least one of these. Keep me posted and let me know what you think once you have.

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