Energizing Coffee Alternatives That Will Keep You Buzzing

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Many people cherish coffee for its rich flavor and energizing properties. However, excessive caffeine consumption can lead some individuals to reduce or completely eliminate coffee from their diets due to the potential side effects associated with high caffeine intake.

Nutrition expert Toby Amidor, MS, RD, emphasizes that those affected might experience too much caffeine or an adverse reaction to it. The FDA suggests a daily caffeine intake of up to 400 mg, equivalent to four 8-ounce cups of coffee.

Consuming too much caffeine can result in issues like insomnia, an upset stomach, increased anxiety, and a noticeable dip in energy later in the day.

In light of these concerns, many coffee drinkers are exploring healthier options and alternatives to coffee, leading to a surge in alternative beverages in recent years.

“This shift is significantly influenced by the wellness movement, which encourages individuals to seek out natural and sustainable energy sources,” notes Jack Hartmann, founder and CEO of Kubo Tea. “Younger generations, especially, are pursuing a lifestyle centered around mindfulness and balance, looking for energizing options devoid of the drawbacks associated with standard coffee.”

Those who have tried quitting coffee abruptly can attest to the challenges involved. Luckily, the marketplace has diversified with a broad range of flavors and health benefits, making it simpler to move away from traditional coffee.

What do coffee alternatives look like?

When searching for coffee substitutes, tea often comes to mind first. Various types of tea deliver caffeine in smaller quantities than coffee, alongside several health perks. For instance, matcha is known for its antioxidants and the calming amino acid L-theanine.

Chai, a traditional Indian tea, not only contains caffeine but is also rich in additional health benefits.

“The cultural significance of chai extends beyond mere energy; it also serves as a means to alleviate stress and regulate bodily functions,” states Esar Aadil, owner and director of marketing at Soul Chai. “The warming spices used in chai possess synergistic properties that enhance their effects when combined, such as black pepper amplifying ginger’s immune-supporting benefits.”

Another popular option gaining traction is adaptogenic mushrooms, which have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Varieties such as cordyceps, chaga, and lion’s mane are believed to provide sustained energy, improved mental clarity, and antioxidant support.

“Mushroom-based beverages aren’t intended to eliminate caffeine, but rather to optimize its effects,” advises Zachary Patterson, co-founder of Fun Earth Co.. “Rather than an overwhelming caffeine spike, consider a balanced approach using functional mushrooms. This method captures the essence of coffee—the ritual, the focus, the energy—while mitigating the subsequent crash.”

Regardless of the alternative selected, it’s vital to be conscious of potential health risks. Some adaptogenic mushrooms may interact adversely with certain medications or health conditions. Amidor advises consulting a healthcare professional to confirm that your chosen alternative is safe.

“Many claims surrounding these alternatives can be inflated; there’s often insufficient evidence backing them,” notes Amidor. “This can lead to unrealistic expectations and excessive spending. Numerous options, particularly those featuring adaptogens and other complex compounds, have not been rigorously tested as a whole, but rather evaluated on individual ingredients.”

If you’re considering reducing your caffeine intake, here are some noteworthy coffee alternatives, accompanied by recommendations from Amidor.

David’s Tea Ceremonial Matcha Tea

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Matcha stands out as a widely favored coffee substitute. This Japanese green tea boasts lower caffeine levels with the added benefit of L-theanine, known for enhancing focus and providing a calming effect.

“Many people opt for matcha as a transition from coffee,” remarks Amidor. “It’s rich in antioxidants and is associated with several health benefits, including support for cognitive functions.”

Everyday Dose Premium Adaptogenic Mushroom Coffee

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If you’re curious about adapting to mushroom-based alternatives but are unsure where to start, Everyday Dose could be an ideal entry point. “This product blends adaptogenic mushrooms, nootropics, and collagen protein with low-acidity coffee extract,” highlights Amidor, noting it features 80% less caffeine than regular coffee.

Fun Earth Co. Morning Routine

Food & Wine / Fun Earth Co.

The Morning Routine blend from Fun Earth Co. encompasses equal parts of cordyceps, lion’s mane, and chaga mushrooms, providing an earthy, nutty flavor. This blend is suitable for everyday consumption and can effortlessly be incorporated into coffees, teas, or smoothies.

Patterson, the co-founder, also emphasizes their range of matcha infused with mushrooms and other functional mushroom blends flavored with fruits, ensuring a pleasant taste experience.

Soul Chai

Food & Wine / Soul Chai

“Soul Chai combines black Assam tea with a medley of spices including ginger, cardamom, sweet cassia cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves,” explains Aadil, highlighting its rich antioxidant profile which supports the immune system, aids digestion, and enhances metabolism while also helping regulate blood sugar levels.

While the Original Masala Soul Chai contains less than one-third the caffeine found in a standard cup of coffee, a naturally caffeine-free version made with rooibos is also available.

Ryze Mushroom Coffee

Food & Wine / RYZE Superfoods

Recommended by Amidor, Ryze Mushroom Coffee merges coffee with a mix of six functional mushrooms and contains only 48 mg of caffeine. “This drink aims to provide both energy and a sense of calm, along with benefits for digestion and the immune system,” she notes.

Hijita Cacao

Food & Wine / Hijita

Cacao and coffee share botanical ties yet differ significantly in caffeine content. In cacao’s native regions, it is often enjoyed in a coffee-like beverage.

“Hijita is a women-owned cacao supplier based in Atlanta, providing exquisite 60% single-origin Oaxacan drinking chocolate that is lightly sweetened, featuring unrefined sugar, botanicals from Veracruz, and ancestral spring salt from Puebla,” shares Aadil.

Kubo Tea

Food & Wine / Kubo Tea

For those who desire a caffeine boost paired with a more stable energy experience, Kubo offers tea blends enhanced with adaptogenic mushrooms and other botanicals.

“Our high-energy tea blends, such as those incorporating green and black teas infused with green tea caffeine, provide an energetic lift comparable to coffee, yet with a smoother, more controlled energy release,” Hartmann states.

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