The Best Coffee Alternatives to Keep You Energized

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Ask a room full of people to raise their hands if they drink at least one cup of coffee every day and chances are you’ll see arms flying. While the type of coffee consumed varies—from Starbucks lovers and latte drinkers to cold-brew aficionados and drip coffee fans who can’t give up their coffee subscriptions—a majority of Americans reported drinking some version of the caffeinated beverage, while 62% of the adult population said they drink coffee daily, according to a 2020 report released by the National Coffee Association.

This isn’t a bad thing, given that there are some proven health benefits of coffee, and sipping on a cup can bring people joy. That said, many people are trying to reduce their coffee consumption and/or caffeine intake—whether it’s to reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, or another reason—and are searching for the best coffee alternatives.

If you identify with the latter category, and are on a journey toward eliminating your morning cup from your routine, you may be thinking, “well, what can I have instead?” We got you covered! There are tons of options out there that you can steep, brew, or drink straight from the fridge, all containing various amounts of caffeine. The Prevention Test Kitchen tasted coffee substitutes to find the ones that have the highest potential of filling the mug-shaped hole in your heart.

No Ordinary Joe

Made with a combination of yerba mate, dandelion root, chicory root, and cocoa husk—and not much else (no sugars, flavorings or preservatives)—this tastes pretty close to the real deal. “There is a nice natural sweetness to it,” notes Samantha MacAvoy, assistant food editor. “You wouldn’t have to add sugar!”

Matcha

While containing less caffeine than most coffees (and more caffeine than other teas), matcha delivers a good dose of antioxidants as well as L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and alertness.

RELATED: The Health Benefits of Matcha, According to Experts

Organic Green Tea

A cup of green tea also packs a caffeinated punch—about 30 mg per 8 ounces—but with a more subtle flavor than matcha. The Prevention test kitchen has steeped dozens of teas over the years, and this Japanese green tea continues to stand out as a favorite.

RELATED: Can Green Tea Really Help You Lose Weight? Here's What a Clinical Nutritionist Says

Instant Herbal Beverage with Dandelion

Of all the drinks we tried, this caffeine-free one delivered the most coffee-like flavor. “It’s like a campfire in a cup,” says MacAvoy. Plus, you'll get a gentle energy boost without the crash, thanks to the dandelion greens and the chicory root—two ingredients rich in inulin fiber. This compound has a host of health benefits ranging from improving bowel function and relieving constipation to boosting your immune system.

Turmeric Powder Oat Milk Instant Latte

If your mornings typically start with some sort of frothy latte, you may appreciate this celeb-endorsed coffee alternative. Sweetened with monk fruit, it’s a solid stand-in for the sugary drinks you’d get from a coffee shop. Each cup is full-bodied with a hit of sweetness, and features adaptogens, mushrooms, and probiotics.

Adaptogenic Mushroom Coffee Alternative

Have adaptogens piqued your curiosity? This mushroom coffee is a delicious way to give them a try. (Seriously, the Prevention test kitchen tried a lot of adaptogenic mushroom goods and this one was next-level). Each bag consists of maca, ashwagandha, rhodiola, chaga mycelium, and reishi—adaptogens that are utilized in Ayurvedic medicine and associated with increasing mental focus and decreasing stress.

Coffee Pu'erh Tea

“The coffee pue’erh is the gateway tea for coffee diehards. It smells and tastes like coffee with the added benefits of tea,” says Susan Choung, recipe editor. “It’s a great option for those looking to wean off of coffee (or maybe don't like the flavor of tea) and ease into tea.”

Mushroom Elixir

Prefer something that is ready to drink? These cans offer the same convenience as a canned cold brew, with 85 mg caffeine. While a few varieties are available, tasters overwhelmingly preferred the passion fruit, orange and guava—noting that it has just the right ratio of distinct, delicious flavors.

Paris Tea

Need a little extra help staying awake? Brewed black tea contains higher caffeine levels, averaging at almost 50 mg per cup. For a little more oomph, we recommend this blend from Harney & Sons—which features a hint of vanilla and caramel.

RELATED: 10 Black Tea Benefits, According to Experts

Yerba Mate Peach Revival

Yerba mate is a popular coffee substitute and energy drink alternative. Each caffeine-packed can contains zero added sugars, but still has a sweetness to it (note: it tastes best straight from the fridge). Associate food editor Becca Miller appreciates it's classic iced tea flavor, similar to Arizona Iced Tea. She says, "I love the pairing of the sweet peach and the slightly earthy yerba mate."

Bengal Spice Herbal Tea

Hoping to eliminate caffeine from your routine completely? One editor claims that this non-caffeinated tea is one of the few substitutes that can actually satisfy the same way a traditional cup of coffee would.

Kombucha

This fermented tea beverage boasts great potential benefits to your overall gut health, largely due to its probiotics. Since it is fruitier and more acidic, kombucha can be a satisfying swap for people who prefer a blond roast. Tasters enjoyed the balance of sweet, tart and acidic in this brand's brews.

RELATED: What Is Kombucha, and Does It Really Have Health Benefits? Dietitians Explain

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