Drinking coffee isn’t for everyone. Those who are caffeine-sensitive may experience negative side effects, including feelings of anxiety, accelerated heart and breathing rate, nausea, and more. So whether you’re prone to getting the caffeine jitters, don’t have the stomach for it, or simply don’t enjoy its taste, there are other ways you can still get your daily caffeine fix.
Below, we listed 4 alternatives to drinking coffee:
Matcha
Matcha contains about 45-60 mg of caffeine per serving, which falls in between coffee and regular green tea. Matcha makes an excellent alternative to coffee because while it’s high in caffeine, it’s slow-releasing and sustains your energy, so you won’t feel jittery or experience an afternoon “crash” (which often occurs when drinking coffee). Matcha is also packed with antioxidants and promotes a calming energy.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate made from cocoa powder contains about 25 mg of caffeine per serving. However, the ready-to-drink packets of powdered hot chocolate found in most grocery stores contain a much lower percentage of caffeine, ranging between 0-5 mg. While hot chocolate doesn’t contain a large amount of caffeine, it can still make for a tasty afternoon pick-me-up drink – especially if you’re a chocolate lover!
Tea
Tea is an excellent source of caffeine. In general, black and pu-erh teas contain the highest amount of caffeine (roughly 50-60 mg), followed by oolong teas, green teas, white teas, and purple teas. There are plenty of tea varieties and flavors to choose from to cater to everyone’s preferences! You can also enjoy multiple cups of tea a day without worrying about feeling wired (as you might when consuming a few cups of coffee).
MUD\WTR
MUD\WTR, pronounced mud water, is an adaptogenic mushroom coffee-alternative drink that contains 1/7 the amount of caffeine in coffee. It consists of a blend of mushrooms and organic spices, which give this drink its masala chai and hot cocoa flavor. This drink provides energy and focus, without the jitters and caffeine dependency. Evidence also suggests this drink can help improve mental clarity, boost focus, and increase awareness.