Coffee is a very popular drink around the world. But for lots of people trying to stop drinking it, whether they have a good reason or not, giving it up without finding something else they like can be hard.
If you're seeking something different to sip or snack on instead of coffee, we've compiled a list of favorite choices for alternatives to coffee.
In this article we'll cover:
- Pros and Cons of Coffee: How Does It Impact Health?
- Who Should Consider Coffee Alternatives?
- The Best Coffee Alternatives
- What to Consider When Looking for a Coffee Alternative
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Pros and Cons of Coffee: How Does It Impact Health?
Scientists have studied how coffee affects health a lot. Sometimes they don't agree, and some say different things.
For example, experts from Harvard say lots of evidence shows coffee doesn't cause heart disease or cancer. But too much coffee might not be good for some, making their heart beat faster and causing anxiety.
So, what's the bottom line? How coffee affects health depends on how much you drink and what you put in it, like cream or sugar.
Pros
Coffee is famous for its caffeine, which wakes up your brain and gives you energy.
Recent studies show that drinking coffee might have good effects on health, like:
- Lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes
- Lower chance of getting some cancers
- Lower chance of heart disease
- Less chance of feeling sad
- Lower chance of Alzheimer's or other brain diseases
- Better body shape
- Helps your brain and liver
- Makes digestion better
Cons
Here are some potential drawbacks of drinking coffee:
- Potential for anxiety and nervousness
- Disruption of sleep patterns
- Digestive issues like stomach upset
- Risk of dependency on caffeine
- Increased heart rate
- Teeth staining over time
- Dehydration due to caffeine's diuretic effects
Who Should Consider Coffee Alternatives?
Cutting back on coffee might be a choice some people make, but it can be important for certain health reasons, like:
- People who feel strange after having caffeine
- People with high blood pressure
- People who have bladder problems
- People who get anxious or have other mental health issues
- People who have trouble sleeping or other sleep problems
- People with tummy issues like heartburn or sensitive bowels
- Pregnant people or those planning to have a baby or breastfeeding
- People taking meds that might not mix well with caffeine, like other stimulants or diabetes meds
- People worried about their bones, because caffeine could make it harder for the body to absorb calcium
If you're worried about how much coffee or caffeine you're having, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before making big changes.
The Best Coffee Alternatives
If you're looking for an alternative to coffee but still need caffeine, consider these option:
Black Tea
Black tea has more caffeine than green tea, but less than coffee. It gives a boost like green tea, but with fewer side effects than coffee.
Caffeine Gum or Pills
Taking coffee with you on long trips is hard. You can get energy from food or a small tablet you can keep in your pocket instead.
Having a piece of caffeine gum with 50 milligrams of caffeine in the morning might make you feel awake, like coffee does. Since gum is easier to have than a whole cup of coffee, it could be a good choice. But be careful, the amount of caffeine in each piece can change depending on the brand, so make sure you know how much you're getting.
Chai Tea
Chai tea is a warm and spicy drink made by mixing black tea with flavorful spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. It contains caffeine, providing a gentle energy boost, not as strong as coffee, and the spices can help with digestion and make you feel cozy.
So, if you're looking for something different from coffee, chai tea could be a good choice.
Green Tea
Green tea has much less caffeine than coffee, only about 30% of what coffee has. It also has plant compounds called polyphenols, which might help manage weight and lower the chances of getting heart disease or diabetes.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea, sometimes black tea, that might be good for your gut. If the kombucha you're drinking has caffeine, it's probably very little, making it a good option for those sensitive to caffeine.
But more research is needed, especially on gut health, to be sure of its overall benefits. Also, there are tiny amounts of alcohol in kombucha.
Matcha Tea
Matcha is made from powdered green tea leaves. It's got caffeine like coffee, but less—about 70 milligrams per cup compared to 100 to 120 milligrams in coffee.
Matcha also contains an amino acid called theanine, which might help reduce anxiety and stress, so you're less likely to feel jittery compared to coffee.
Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a traditional South American herbal tea. It's made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant and has an earthy, bitter taste.
It contains 80 mg of caffeine per cup, but when mixed with other active compounds like purine alkaloids, polyphenols, saponins, and minerals, it gives a smooth, longer-lasting energy boost without jitters.
Some studies suggest yerba mate might help with healthy weight loss and cholesterol levels, but more research is needed to be sure.
What to Consider When Looking for a Coffee Alternative
When you're choosing a coffee alternative, it's essential to think about why you want to switch. Is it because of caffeine? Maybe you don't like the taste of coffee, or it upsets your stomach.
Answering these questions can help you find the best alternative for you. Talking to a doctor or dietitian about your experience with coffee or caffeine can also guide you towards the safest and most suitable option based on your preferences and health goals.
Final Thoughts
While lots of people love their morning coffee, these seven other options have different health perks and can boost your energy without too much caffeine.
Try them out to see which one you like the most and fits your lifestyle. It's a healthier way to start your day. But remember, it's important to not overdo it and find a balance to keep your energy up all day long.
Frequently Ask Questions
Are there any health benefits to switching from coffee to other caffeinated drinks?
Yes, many alternative caffeinated drinks contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can support overall health. For example, green tea is rich in catechins, which have antioxidant properties and may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Are there any potential side effects or drawbacks to switching from coffee to other caffeinated beverages?
Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms if they are used to the higher caffeine content in coffee. Additionally, some alternative drinks may contain added sugars or other ingredients that could impact health if consumed in excess.
What drinks are the best for you instead of coffee?
The healthiest coffee alternatives are those without extra stuff like milk or creamer, which might take away some of the good things in drinks like tea. For a healthy choice, think about having green or black tea with a bit of lemon, honey, unsweetened milk, or plant-based milk for taste.
What's the best drink for a boost of energy instead of coffee?
Some good options that have caffeine are matcha, green tea, black tea, kombucha, and caffeine gum or tablets.
What's a good option instead of coffee for pregnant people?
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) suggests pregnant folks should have no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day, which is about one 12-ounce cup of coffee. If you're pregnant and want to skip caffeine altogether, you might try things like chicory root, beetroot, or mushroom coffee as alternatives.
