Coffee isn’t the only source of caffeine, and it’s not the best remedy when it comes to keeping you awake during those lazy morning hours. Here are 10 great plant-based alternatives to your morning coffee.
Matcha tea
Matcha isn’t a new drink, but it’s one of the trendiest alternatives to coffee that will keep you awake and healthy. There’s a lot to be said for its detoxifying properties, but what we love most about matcha is that it’s loaded with caffeine, L-theanine, and can be mixed into a mouth-watering, energy-packed latte to give you that morning boost you need.
Licorice tea
This sweet drink has no caffeine, but it will still keep you awake because it mainly works on the adrenal glands. It is a kind of adrenal tonic that naturally boosts energy levels without any additives. Nutritionists also believe that it can help you shed a few pounds. What’s not to like?
Yerba mate
Yerba Mate is strong, great tasting, and will give you more energy than coffee ever will! Cook it the traditional way in a calabash with a metal straw and you will immediately feel its amazing effect! Not only is Yerba Mate rich in antioxidants, but it’s also incredibly nutritious, improves blood flow, and will give you a dose of vitamins – something coffee could never do!
Chicory tea
Chicory tea tastes so much like coffee that it is even commonly called “chicory coffee”. But don’t be fooled by the name – chicory tea has nothing to do with coffee beans and is made from the Cichorium intybus plant. Although chicory tea looks and tastes similar to coffee, it has many more benefits: it protects the liver, provides you with soluble fiber, prevents inflammation and improves digestion.
Tea with ginseng
This tea is made from the bitter root of ginseng, which has more health benefits than all the teas on this list combined. We are not exaggerating! Ginseng has been known in China for hundreds if not thousands of years. It improves the immune system, fights fatigue, increases energy levels, improves brain function, reduces stress and can even be used to treat diabetes. Ginseng tea on its own can be too strong, so add a teaspoon of natural honey to make it taste really great.
Masala tea
Also known as masala chai, this sweet milky drink is packed with delicious spices that make it both delicious and incredibly healthy. It might not be our number one pick for early mornings, but if you’re craving something to fuel you up after dinner, this drink is pure perfection. Masala tea is made with rich black tea, milk, and a bunch of spices like cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, and ginger. It’s also great for keeping warm in cold weather.
Reishi mushroom tea
If you’re comfortable eating mushrooms in ways other than fried in an omelet or on a pizza, then try one of the oldest Chinese medicinal teas made with reishi mushrooms. Add some green tea, ginger or honey to make the taste more fragrant. This tea will do wonders for your body! But keep in mind that it won’t give you a caffeine boost.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea is spicy and warms you from the first sip. It will give your digestive system the boost it needs early in the morning, especially if you combine ginger with a few lemon wedges. Ginger tea has no caffeine at all, but it will still give your body the wake-up call it needs after all those hours of sleep.
Green tea
Green tea is probably the best alternative to your morning cup of joe. It has the same amount of caffeine, but you won’t feel the unpleasant “chill” afterwards. It’s good for your mind, body and soul! Green tea gives you extra antioxidants (catechins) that fight disease and boost your immune system. Make sure you invest in high-quality green tea, making sure it has all the health benefits.
Puer tea
Pu-erh tea, which comes from China’s Yunnan province, is probably the strongest tea in the world. Pu-erh is usually produced in the form of a pressed disk, from which parts must be taken and brewed in hot water to obtain a dark and fragrant drink. There are many varieties of pu-erh tea – some lighter, some stronger, but we can assure you that there is nothing like this herbal drink in coffee! This is one morning drink that will give you instant energy and some weight loss benefits.
