If you’re attempting to kick a morning joe habit or are merely looking to dial down your daily caffeine intake, we have good — and perhaps delicious — news. Today, there is a wider variety of coffee alternatives on the market offering the smoothness and texture of an actual cup of coffee with healthier benefits.
Intended to put a pep in your step without sacrificing flavor, these coffee substitutes are made with natural superfoods that can potentially provide you with more energy, focus, and mental acuity. The next time you’re craving a hit of java, consider sipping a latte or other drink made with ingredients like mushrooms, dandelion root, and ashwagandha.
Boasting ashwagandha, a plant known to help calm the brain and lower blood pressure, Joey also features L-theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid that reduces stress and anxiety levels. The roasted, full-bodied creation features a hint of sweetness and spiciness, evoking a cozy coffee concoction.
Spoiler alert: MUD/WTR is not actually mud. The cacao- and mushroom-based beverage has just a touch of caffeine and tastes like a chocolaty masala chai with hints of cinnamon and turmeric. The organic, sugar-free elixir is packed with antioxidants, which can boost energy and immunity protection
Japanese matcha is having a moment, and this brand takes the coffee stand-in to the next level with vegan creamer mixed in alongside useful adaptogens like mushrooms. The blend was designed to be effective immediately as well as build long-term benefits with daily use, especially for the uber-stressed.
This caffeine-free coffee alternative is crafted from roasted dandelion root, known to support liver health. Both paleo and vegan, the instant plant-based beverage has a dark and earthy yet totally sweet roasted flavor that pairs well with chocolate. Plop the powder in a glass with cold or hot water, and top it off with milk for a sweet treat.
This chicory root cocktail strikes a balance of richness and sweetness with its nutty, buttery flavors. This superfood blend promises physical and cognitive benefits, including decreased stress and increased joint relief. Chico comes in three flavors: mint cacao, caramel, and vanilla.
Meet coffee’s caffeine-free sibling made from organic roasted figs. The single-ingredient substitute was born after Figgee’s founder learned that coffee was rationed in England during World War II and beefed up with roasted figs because of its similar taste. It can be brewed just like regular coffee. Best of all? It’s rich in fiber and antioxidants.
— Mia Brabham is a staff writer at Shondaland. Follow her on Twitter at @hotmessmia.