Katie
If you’re looking for an interesting variation on coffee, give coffee kombucha a try. But if you’re looking for healthy coffee alternatives, keep reading.
Why not drink coffee?
Ever wonder why coffee affects you differently from someone else? There may be a genetic factor at work. The gene called CYP1A2 determines if a person is a slow or fast metabolize of caffeine, and some people have a gene variant that doesn’t let them tolerate caffeine at all.
Hot coffee alternatives
Dandelion root tea
This herbal tea is similar to coffee as it is dark and strong. Many don’t like the taste when they approach it as a tea, but enjoy it when they think of it as coffee (since it has similar strong taste).
Dandelion root tea can also be mixed in a blend to enhance the coffee-like taste.
Bone broth
Homemade bone broth is a great replacement for coffee as its rich in taste and nutrition. It doesn’t taste like coffee but it can be just as warm and comforting!
Herbal coffee
This herbal coffee drink is my go-to for a coffee alternative. It’s easy to make at home and the added healthy fats and collagen make it really nutritious. It also fits the requirements for most autoimmune diets.
Chicory root “coffee”
This coffee alternative has a very similar mouth feel to coffee and has a lot of health benefits. Chicory root contains prebiotics (fiber that feeds good bacteria in the gut) as well as a small amount of almost every essential vitamin.
Brew chicory coffee from 100% chicory root granules or try a chicory blend designed to replicate the taste of coffee
Turmeric tea (golden milk)
This ancient beverage is a great coffee alternative. Granted, it tastes nothing like coffee but this creamy tea with a touch of spice and sweetness is so comforting.
Cold/iced coffee alternatives
Lemon water
Lemon water can help you wake up in the morning without caffeine! It’s refreshing and uplifting and has many health benefits too.
Coconut water
Coconut water is naturally high in electrolytes which helps keep the body hydrated. It’s naturally sweet too which can be a nice choice for those who prefer their coffee sweet. You can also try coconut water kefir, which is fermented coconut water.
Vanilla latte
This Superfood Vanilla latte recipe can be made with coffee but also with any of these herbal coffee alternatives. It’s a great way to ease into making the switch as the added vanilla flavor and sweetness (if you add stevia) makes this taste like a coffee shop latte!
Coffee Alternatives: Bottom Line
Whether you tolerate coffee or not, taking a break from coffee (and the caffeine it contains) can be beneficial for anybody. Coffee breaks, meetings, and dates are a huge part of American culture so many of us (me included) are reluctant to give it up entirely. However, coffee/caffeine dependence is pretty common and simply trying a different morning beverage (even just sometimes) can make a huge difference!
Courtesy wellnessmama.com
