If you want to quit coffee or decrease your coffee consumption, here are various choices of healthier coffee replacements that can still keep your energy levels up. 

 

 

Who doesn't drink coffee? 

Maybe not entirely everyone, but we know that a huge amount of people do. In fact, the national consumption rate of coffee in Australia alone has reached 1.96 million sixty kilogram bags in the year 2020. This proves that many people, even globally, are consuming coffee every day. 

But what is it about this dark brown-colored drink that everyone loves? Is it the bittersweet taste? Is it its beautiful versatility when it comes to being blended with other ingredients to formulate many kinds of drink variations? Is it its unique ability to keep us awake at times when we feel tired? 

Indeed, coffee has plenty of good qualities. However, that doesn't mean it has no downsides to it too. Coffee contains caffeine. If you consume too much caffeine every single day, it can lead to health issues like headaches, insomnia, restlessness, abnormal heart rates, anxiety, and dehydration. 

But if you quit coffee, how else are you going to revitalize your energy? 

Fortunately for you, there are plenty of healthier coffee alternatives that can still help in generating energy that you need for work or simply your day-to-day life. Read on to find out what they are!

 

 

11 beverages that can help you reduce your coffee consumption

If you love coffee but have to quit coffee, then this list might be helpful in the process. 

 

Matcha tea

Matcha green tea is one of the best coffee alternatives. It's made from ground tea leaves that are rich in beneficial compounds. Drinking matcha green tea can help increase your energy without the feeling of shakiness, jitteriness, or anxiety because its caffeine releases more slowly throughout the day compared to regular coffee. Every sip can make your mind feel relaxed without any hint of drowsiness. It's a perfect partner for when you're attending hours of yawn-inducing meetings or sitting in front of your computer all day as you finish your reports. 

Also, matcha green tea contains plenty of antioxidants that some say are ten times more than what you'd get from a cup of green tea. These antioxidants might help protect you from serious medical conditions. You would say that it's "matcha-made in heaven". 

 

Green tea

Green tea is not just one of the healthiest teas out there, it's also one of the best coffee substitutes. For those who love coffee so much, this would be a much healthier alternative because the caffeine in it keeps your mind active and focused while also increasing your metabolism (great for those who are trying to burn more calories). Studies also suggest that drinking green tea may reduce the risk for many types of cancers such as bladder, lung, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic.

So if you're looking for a coffee replacement, green tea would be a great candidate to consider! 

 

Apple cider vinegar 

Vinegar? Wouldn't that be too sour? Yes, it would be, but apple cider vinegar is actually a great coffee substitute if you're quitting coffee and looking for something that can help you with generating energy. Apple cider vinegar is known to boost energy levels because of its potassium and enzyme content. This is also a great way to relieve muscle pain and fatigue, thanks to the amino acids found in apple cider vinegar. 

Don't get me wrong, you don't necessarily have to drink a full cup of this. The taste might be too strong so try starting with two teaspoons added to a glass of water. 

 

Black tea 

Quitting coffee isn't as easy as singing A-B-C, so it would be best to find a healthier alternative to keep you away from craving it. Black tea is a great coffee alternative that still has a bit of caffeine in it that will make the withdrawal process a lot easier. Lots of people who do not drink coffee opt to drink black tea for them to enjoy sipping a hot beverage. Black tea is also great for the body because it's rich in antioxidants that may protect you from chronic illnesses and it also promotes good bacteria in the stomach. 

If you want to keep your energy levels up while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle, black tea would be an optimal choice. It won't be the same as drinking coffee but every sip would still be a worthwhile experience. 

 

Peppermint tea

Not all coffee substitutes have caffeine in them, just like peppermint tea! Peppermint tea is caffeine-free but it can boost energy for mental capacities. The sharp flavor and enticing aroma of peppermint make it one of the most memorable teas and coffee substitutes there is. Peppermint tea is also known to help treat colds and upset stomachs. 

It also has other benefits, according to Northumbria University. Drinking peppermint tea was found to improve mood, memory, and alertness. This makes it not only a healthier alternative but also a great tool to help increase energy! 

 

Yerba Mate tea

Yerba mate used to be a morning tea drink by the indigenous tribes that created it. It possesses a smoky flavor blended with deep, earthy notes. It's a good coffee replacement in terms of its bold taste and aroma, as well as its ability to boost energy because it contains more caffeine than green tea. However, yerba mate tea isn't just a healthier coffee alternative, it's also used for many other things. It was served in social gatherings, used in dream interpretations, and added as an ingredient to various energy drinks. 

So if you love coffee because of its ability to increase energy levels, then you are surely going to love this one. 

 

Ginger tea

Known as one of the world's greatest spices, ginger also makes an excellent tea and coffee replacement to boost energy levels. Ginger tea is also recognized for its various health benefits such as its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve blood flow. Having an increased circulation actually helps increase energy in the body, allowing you to perform and function better in your daily activities. 

 

Licorice Root tea

Reducing coffee consumption may sometimes lead to lower energy levels as well as stress. Fortunately, this is one of the best coffee substitutes to help! Licorice root tea is a type of tea that can help reduce stress levels and increase energy. It contains compounds that help regulate hormonal production as well as stimulates glands to increase blood flow and boost energy.

Also, licorice root is sometimes delightfully blended with other herbal teas to mellow out their flavor. 

 

Hot Cacao

When it comes to cold or wintery nights, a cup of cocoa would usually do the trick. Some might think that hot cacao is only ideal for relaxing or helping you sleep but it's also one of the ideal coffee alternatives. Its rich flavor may remind you a little bit of coffee and it has properties that help with mood-boosting. The better mood you have, the more energy there is to function. The best way to enjoy this coffee replacement is by whisking the cacao powder with warm milk. 

 

Gotu Kola

People mostly drink coffee to generate energy in their bodies. However, the side effects of caffeine sometimes ruin the experience. Gotu Kola is an herb full of nutrients and phytochemicals. Many use this for increasing energy as well as reducing fatigue and depression. This can certainly help you quit coffee! 

 

Ashwagandha tea 

This tea is made of ashwagandha, an adaptogen that is great for boosting energy levels. This is a great replacement if you're trying to avoid drinking coffee because it can still keep you up and moving without the side effects of caffeine. Furthermore, a 2012 study discovered that the ashwagandha root extract also helped reduce the stress and anxiety in people who consumed it. Drinking coffee may also increase our stress and anxiety levels so, therefore, ashwagandha makes a healthier coffee alternative. 

 

Not ready to stop drinking coffee yet? These healthier coffee alternatives might be a good start! 

For some, drinking coffee has become not just a want but a necessity. It tastes great and almost goes with anything. It also has its own health benefits. But when it comes to generating energy, some of us become totally dependent on it to the point that we even disregard the consequences that come with it. 

It's okay to love coffee, but it's important to drink it in moderation. Let's not put our health at risk for something that can be resolved in many other ways. If quitting coffee is what it takes to reduce your caffeine intake, then so be it. The important thing is that you have all these healthier coffee substitutes to fall back on. This way, you can still enjoy the perks that you get from drinking coffee without actually drinking coffee. 

Here at Life of Cha, we offer many great coffee alternatives for energy boosts. Our beautifully blended teas will give you an unforgettable experience in each sip, not to mention the health benefits. Click here to shop now.