Coffee. There’s no denying the super magical hyper-caffeinated brew is the nectar of the gods. So, get out of here with that ambrosia nonsense.
But, while there are plenty of benefits to enjoying a cup of coffee – chatting with your local barista, leaving your desk in the middle of the day, seeing how far you can push your sardonic mug game before HR says something. But, for some, coffee can do a number on the digestive system. Thankfully, there are a myriad of coffee alternatives on the market that claim to improve energy. But do they actually work?
We tested a few coffee alternatives to find out.
4 Popular Coffee Alternatives
Matcha
Matcha is made of finely ground green tea leaves and is loaded with antioxidants, so it may be able to improve your focus and even help you burn more calories. Sounds promising. Then again, so did hoarding Beanie Babies in the 90s. Can I interest anyone in a Patti the Playtpus?
I ordered some Jade Leaf Green Tea Matcha Powder online and made myself a matcha latte with my frothing wand, mixing the matcha with warm almond milk and some stevia. At first, I found the beverage to be as bitter as I was upon seeing my ex’s new girlfriend. But eventually, I became acclimated to its bright, earthy, sharp flavor. Coincidentally, that’s exactly the opposite of how I’d describe her.
Energy-wise, the coffee alternative didn’t cause me to levitate, but I felt pleasantly productive.
Caffeine: There are 34-70 mg in one cup of matcha vs 95mg of caffeine for 8 oz. of coffee.
Taste: Tastes vaguely of freshly-mowed grass.
Energy: Richard Simmons teaching an aerobics class.
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
Yerba Mate
The instructions on the KissMe Organics Organic Yerba Mate package said, “Put your bombilla into your gourd,” which sounds like something even Christian Gray wouldn’t do. Luckily, you can make mate tea by steeping the yerba mate leaves in a French Press or a drip coffee maker, which are much more commonly found in a household kitchen or sex dungeon.
When I opened up the package, it smelled like a cemetery. Ah, childhood. But I made some in my French Press anyway (because science), took a sip of the brewed beverage and I nearly spit it out. No amount of sweetener can save this, I thought, but I added a teaspoon of stevia and tried again. Nope. I made it through two sips. My therapist will be hearing about this.
Caffeine: Mate has a wide caffeine range depending on how it’s brewed, but can range from 30mg to 440mg.
Taste factor: Never want to see someone again? Serve them a cup of Yerba Mate in the morning.
Energy level: Zilch, but to be fair, we didn’t expect much from drinking a tablespoon of tea.
Get it from Amazon for $13.25.
Maca
When I opened the Zen Spirit Maca Root Powder package and sniffed it, I found it had a nutty, almost caramel-like aroma. Maca fans claim the plant has many health benefits, saying it can balance hormones, increase libido, and help boost fertility. Word is out on whether it will do your taxes.
The maca smoothie recipe I followed used almond milk, dates, vanilla, flax, almond butter, and cinnamon. It was incredibly delicious and I definitely felt more awake. It’s great as a coffee alternative, but I wouldn’t recommend throwing this adaptogen in your moon milk.
Caffeine: 0 mg
Taste factor: Let’s face it, it’s hard to make a gross smoothie.
Energy level: I can’t say I suddenly had tons of energy and a raging libido, but I felt pleasantly… alert.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
Kombucha
Some find kombucha to be an acquired taste, but I’ve grown accustomed to the tart, almost vinegar-y flavor.
Kombucha is usually made from water, tea, sugar, flavoring, and a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). Because it’s fermented, kombucha may contain trace amounts of alcohol.
At around $4 a bottle, kombucha isn’t a budget-friendly alternative to coffee – unless you’re already buying a $4 latte a day, or are willing to brew your own kombucha (which I’m not, because I’m afraid of poisoning myself with DIY fermenting).
Caffeine: Kombucha typically contains 10-25 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces
Taste factor: Like vinegar or sour beer. Who’s up for balsamic shots?!
Energy level: I definitely feel a little pep when I drink kombucha, but that’s probably due to its fizzy nature and my taste buds reacting violently to the intense taste.
What’s your favorite coffee alternative?
Rebecca Swanner
My background is in publishing (I've worked at Parade, Men's Journal, Us Weekly, Stuff, Blender, Beachbody, and more), mostly with a focus in health, fitness, and entertainment. I've also run my own baking company and competed on Cupcake Wars, so hit me up with your baking questions!
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My favorite coffee alternative is Dandy Blend!! It’s roasted dandelion root so it has a very similar taste to coffee AND it supports the liver. It doesn’t have any caffeine so it’s more of an alternative for the taste rather than for the pep in your step. The only down side for me is the actual ritual of making coffee is lost. I like to grind my own beans, heat up water, and pour into a french press. Every step is needed for my satisfaction however, with Dandy Blend it’s just a powder you scoop, add hot water, and stir. Check it out and let me know what you think.
I’ll have to try it! Thanks!
I love matcha and put in my smoothie. Matcha is also great in cold milk with sweetener
Oh, wow. Awesome ideas. I have no plans of giving up my coffee as of now, but who knows about the future?
These sound like some really great alternatives to coffee, I keep hearing a lot about matcha that is something I should really think about trying sometime.
I have been trying to cut back coffee. I need to try your suggestions because I really haven’t been able to do it at all
I did hear that matcha tea has great benefits and does act like coffee. However, I don’t think I would ever be able to give up coffee. I like it too much. 🙂
I’ve heard nothing but good things about matcha. I really like the flavor of it. I’m a big coffee drinker myself but the matcha is a close second.
I’ve been looking into coffee alternatives because I definitely had some pretty bad crashes from all the sugar rushes. My caffeine intake has been overwhelming. Thanks a bunch for making such a great post!
I had no idea that kombucha contains a small amount of caffeine! I had never heard of the third thing you listed, and have had better experiences than you with the first two…but I still love my coffee (and my caffeinated teas as well)!
I love the coffee alternatives and I will have to give them a try. I just really enjoy the taste of coffee in the morning too, but the Matcha would be perfect in my breakfast smoothie!!!
We love coffee but alternatives are great. We love to add maca to our smoothies for extra energy as well.
I have heard a lot about Matcha. I have wanted to check it out as I honestly am not much of a Coffee fan. But your review gives me pause. On the other hand, I really love Kombucha. I don’t know why but I do.
Kombucha is one of my favorite things ever! I have a bottle almost every day and it helps keep me healthy and well. Matcha is a new one to me, but one I’ve been wanting to try for a while.