Coffee is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it doesn’t agree with everyone.
From mid-morning jitters to sky-rocketing anxiety levels and digestive mayhem, the caffeinated drink is a catalyst for several unwanted bodily woes.
Which is why it’s worth investigating the substitute options on the market. Alternative coffee options may still be in their infancy, but that hasn’t stopped interest in the replacement beverages. Google reports that searches for natural coffee alternatives have increased by 140 per cent in the last year alone. In the same period, there has also been a 50 per cent increase in the search for healthy alternatives to our daily cup of Jo as well as a 40 per cent increase in mushroom coffee. Another report noted that decaffeinated coffee sales are at their highest in January due to people's New Year resolutions. The stats speak for themselves: people want more coffee alternatives.
So, where to start? There’s nothing quite like leisurely sipping on freshly brewed java, but there are a handful of options sure to tickle the tastebuds of traditional coffee drinkers.
Some popular alternatives to coffee include:
- Turmeric lattes: turmeric blends which are highly anti-inflammatory and free from caffeine
- Chicory coffee: a caffeine-free root that aids digestion and can lower blood sugar
- Matcha tea: processed green tea leaves that improve brain function and are rich in caffeine, antioxidants and amino acids
- Chai tea: a fragrant, spicy tea which helps to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system
- Rooibos tea: a naturally caffeine-free coffee alternative that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties
- Kombucha: contains probiotics, acetic acid and antioxidants that aid blood pressure levels and support the immune system
- Cacoa: hot chocolate-like blends that can be jazzed up with mushroom, cardamom, cinnamon and more
It may not be as simple as popping a jar of instant into your shopping trolley during the weekly shop, yet the aforementioned products will help to reduce jitters, digestive woes and nausea caused by too much coffee. Not to mention, it’s a great way to expand your palette and zhuzh your kitchen counter aesthetic.
Discover new, delicious coffee alternatives to introduce into your morning routine below.
Inika Superfoods Golden Milk Plant Shake 350g
Golden lattes, aka turmeric blends, are one of the favoured alternatives among former coffee fiends. The gluten and lactose-free plant shake doesn't just look appealing, but it’s set to tickle your taste buds. Fragrant notes and potent herbs will perk you right up in the morning, while flavour-rich, anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric, cardamon, cinnamon and ginger work their magic on your mood and digestive system.
Buy now £30.99, Selfridges
clevr Golden Superlatte
Sip on a softly spiced blend of Fairtrade turmeric, organic ashwagandha and lion's mane with this palate-pleasing Golden Superlatte. The radiant beverage is filled with delicious goodness, including SuperCreamer, adaptogens and probiotics to aid digestion. Vegan, organic and sugar-free, the must-try blend soothes anxiety, thanks to the core ingredients of turmeric and black pepper which also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Buy now £17.82, Healf
Cheerful Buddha Lion's Mane Latte 150g
They say health is wealth - and Cheerful Buddha couldn’t agree more. The brand stocks many coffee alternatives which are ripe for the picking. This Lion’s Mane Latte features 150 grams of lion’s mane mushroom, turmeric coconut milk powder and other fragrant ingredients to indulge in. Simply add one teaspoon to a small amount of hot water or milk and mix thoroughly until dissolved.
Buy now £13.99, Holland and Barrett
Rheal Magic Matcha Organic Superfood Blend
Matcha has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, no doubt due to its many health benefits. The energy-rich drink is a superfood that is an antioxidant. It is linked to improving memory, boosting metabolism, lowering cholesterol and reducing stress. There is even some suggestion that it can prevent cancer.
The ingredient takes a starring role in the aptly named Magic Matcha drinkable blend. The ceremonial-grade component is paired with ashwagandha and lion’s mane mushrooms selected to support brain and cognitive function. Mix up with water or froth up with milk.
Buy now £39.99, Selfridges
Vahdam Teas Ginger Latte Mix 100g
Less expensive but still saturated with 100 grams of goodness, Vahdam Teas’ Ginger Latte Mix is ideal for those who love the zesty flair of ginger drinks. Made with naturally sourced and pure ingredients, the vibrant latte mix is spiced with turmeric, black pepper and ginger - ingredients believed to ward off bugs, help digestion and boost immunity. Mix yours with milk and brew cold or hot.
Buy now £9.99, Holland & Barrett
Ancient + Brave Matcha + Collagen
With the beauty editor's seal of approval, Ancient + Brave is the innovative collagen brand to know. The wellness label has combined its potent collagen supplement with matcha so you can cut down on your coffee consumption, boost energy levels and consume 2500mg of the nourishing hydrolysed peptide with every cuppa. There is also lion's mane mushrooms contained within the powdered formula, an adaptogenic component that is said to boost focus.
Alongside matcha, you will also find collagen with cacao, coffee or reishi blends that have a whole host of benefits ranging from stress relief to balancing blood sugar levels and so you can easily incorporate them into your daily routine.
Buy now £34.00, Ancient + Brave
Cheerful Buddha Cacao Bliss
Chocoholics, we hear you and we see you. Allow the taste of warming chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth with Cheerful Buddha’s sensory offering. Rich in polyphenols, which are naturally occurring antioxidants, the cacao blend further incorporates ashwagandha, cinnamon and turmeric. Good for your body, good for your brain.
Buy now £12.99, Holland and Barrett
Barleycup Magnesium Coffee Alternative Cereal Drink 100g
There’s no need to break the bank in the name of coffee. Barleycup’s Magnesium Coffee Alternative Cereal Drink is just £3.99, making it cheaper than most supermarket traditional coffee offerings. Inside the brew, you’ll find barley, rye and chicory - the latter of which encourages smooth digestion and lowers blood sugar.
Buy now £3.99, Holland and Barrett
Four Sigmatic Hot Cacao Mix Reishi
These easy-to-use hot chocolate sachets might not look like much at first, but each packet is filled to the brim with reishi mushrooms. What’s more, Four Sigmatic promises that this hot chocolate tastes just like you’re childhood favourite instant powder, with no gritty mushroom taste. At only 25 calories per packet, this is a true guilt-free, wellness-boosting beverage.
Buy now £9.90, Amazon
Matcha & Co Rooibos Matcha Tea
Keen to kick the caffeine dependency? Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free coffee alternative that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Matcha & Co’s attractive rendition isn’t just 100 per cent organic but is traditionally produced in South Africa and is a natural antihistamine. Drink yours in the morning or at night knowing you’ll be able to sleep soundly with no caffeine-induced brain buzz to keep you awake.
Buy now £17.95, Matcha & Co
Chai Guys The Ultimate Chair Starter bundle
Tea is a crowd-pleasing offering, but done Indian-style and it comes with a whole other taste sensation. Chai Guys offer masala and kadak tea blends in its starter kit, which also comes with a stainless steel strainer and every Desi household must-have, a packet of Parle G biscuits. IYKYK.
Buy now £47.95, Amazon
