6 Delicious and Healthy Alternatives to Coffee You Can Try
When we want to skip sleeping or focus more, the first thing that might come to mind is drinking some coffee. It’s known as one of the most common drinks nowadays, but in addition to some benefits, it has a few side effects that can occur if overconsumed. There are many other drinks out there that have nearly the same function as coffee, but they may or may not contain the main compound, caffeine.
In this article, 5-Minute Crafts has prepared some cool variants and healthy alternatives you can try instead of coffee.
1. Chicory coffee
The chicory root can be roasted, ground, and brewed the same way as coffee beans and is used as a great alternative to a healthy, non-caffeinated version of regular coffee. The taste differs and is not identical, but the flavor is rich and really enjoyable. The drink can brew like regular coffee grounds in a filter coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine. The most interesting thing about this alternative is that you can grow it yourself.
- Health benefits: It can lower blood glucose and may be beneficial for fat digestion.
Note: This coffee alternative is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
2. Matcha tea
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that is produced by covering the green tea plants 20-30 days before the harvest. This technique will increase chlorophyll production in the tea plant and provide it with a dark green pigment. The leaves are later prepared and ground into powder. Matcha has a fresh flavor and is higher in caffeine than regular green tea. The drink can be easily made and is really tasty. The preparation is the same as regular tea, requiring you to mix the powder with brewed water — or if you want to try a matcha latte, add frothed milk on top.
3. Hot cocoa
Cocoa comes in powder form and is prepared from cocoa beans, the fruit of the cacao. It is used to make beverages and contains caffeine, but much lower than that of coffee. The drink can be prepared with milk or water and has a bitter taste.
- Health benefits: It can reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.
4. Yerba mate
Yerba mate is a type of tea that contains less caffeine than coffee, but more than regular tea. It is yellowish-green in color and has an impressive toasted flavor and bitter taste. This coffee alternative is an excellent option for people who like to be completely focused and easily prepared, as it’s a lot like regular tea.
- Health benefits: It might aid in weight loss.
5. Ayurvedic roast coffee
Ayurvedic roast coffee provides nearly the same experience as drinking coffee, only without caffeine. This alternative contains the following compounds: ashwagandha, roasted barley, chicory, Brahmi, rye, Shatavari, and vanilla flavor. With roasted chicory holding a place as the main ingredient, this coffee alternative tastes the closest to coffee. It has a smoky taste and is brewed like regular coffee.
- Health benefits: It calms the mind and body.
6. Chai tea
Chai tea is a mixture of black tea combined with specific spices and strong herbs. This drink contains less caffeine than coffee and has a robust flavor and calming taste. Preparing a chai tea latte is really simple and easy — simply brew it like regular tea and add milk on top.
- Health benefits: It boosts heart health and improves digestion.