I've tried 8 healthy Coffee Alternatives... here’s what works [2025]
Three years ago, coffee and I decided to take a break. It wasn’t a dramatic split — I just couldn’t handle the crashes, jitters and poor sleep anymore. I was always chasing that next cup and really felt captive to my caffeine addiction. So, I ventured into the world of healthy coffee alternatives, searching for something that could energise me without the side effects. I wanted the taste and profile of coffee, without the nasty side effects that were plaguing me.
After trying everything from mushroom blends to golden lattes, I’ve narrowed down to what worked — and what didn't — for me, in hopes that I can empower some of this wisdom onto others. Even if I can help just one person with their coffee dependency, then I'd call this exercise a success. Oh, before we dive into the comparisons...
Why switch from Coffee?
Coffee is great for a quick pick-me-up, but it’s not always kind to our bodies. Is pumping our body with caffeine first thing in the morning really the best for our heart long-term? Here’s why you might consider switching:
- Energy spikes followed by crashes — it's like a rollercoaster,
- Jitters and increased anxiety — paranoia galore,
- Disrupted sleep patterns — you might not even realise it, and
- Sensitivity to acidity or caffeine — have you actually tried to stop your caffeine consumption? The detox is a horrible feeling.
For me, it was the inconsistency in energy and stomach problems that finally tipped the scales. It took me almost a year to work out why my gut health was so bad, until I realised it was coffee.
What are Coffee Alternatives?
Coffee alternatives are drinks that mimic the ritual, flavour, or energy of coffee without relying on caffeine. Caffeine levels can vary depending on the product and brand, however 99% of them don't offer anything more than 10% of the caffeine found in your regular cup of coffee. For me, reducing my caffeine intake by 90% was more than enough for me. Many Coffee Substitutes also come with added health benefits, like antioxidants or adaptogens, making them a more sustainable choice for daily energy.
Each one has pros and cons, so I've tried my best to outline each of these for you. Please keep in mind these are my personal preferences, but ultimately I wasn't interested in finding something that didn't replicate the full coffee experience: clean energy and flavour profile.
Table of Contents
1. Decaf Coffee
What It Is: Decaf is your standard coffee with most of the caffeine removed —around 97% less than regular coffee.
My Experience: It was a nice safety net at first. I could still enjoy the coffee flavour I loved, but without the caffeine. However the taste often felt flat, and coffee roasters didn't put as much care into their decaf range, or just didn't offer one at all. My top 3 normal coffee roasters don't even offer decaf. Sad. :(
The Science: Decaf reduces caffeine intake but retains antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, which may support heart health. It doesn’t address the acidity that can bother sensitive stomachs.
Verdict: A fair compromise if you’re attached to the coffee taste but want less caffeine.
Rating: 7/10
2. Chai Tea
What It Is: A spiced tea made with black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, often served with milk.
My Experience: Drinking chai feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold day. The spices are comforting, but it didn’t give me the same kick as coffee. It also doesn't really share the same flavour profile to coffee. I would say it's coffee adjacent.
The Science: Chai contains a small amount of caffeine from the black tea, and spices like ginger and cinnamon may offer anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Verdict: Great for the vibes, but not a strong contender for replacing coffee.
Rating: 6/10
3. Matcha Tea
What It Is: A powdered green tea known for its vibrant colour, packed with antioxidants and a moderate caffeine boost.
My Experience: Matcha was energising but smooth— no crashes or jitters. It’s a bit grassy for my taste, but with the right milk (hello, oat), it’s pretty good. However I want something that tastes like real coffee, so this didn't hit for me. It's also green, so, yeah. Gimme that brown...
The Science: Matcha is rich in L-theanine, which promotes calm focus, and antioxidants that may support brain health and metabolism.
Verdict: A solid choice for sustained energy and focus, if you don’t mind the earthy flavour. Not very coffee-like.
Rating: 5/10
4. Rooibos Tea
What It Is: A naturally caffeine-free tea from South Africa with a sweet, nutty flavour.
My Experience: It’s lovely, but it’s more of a soothing evening drink than a morning energiser. Again this didn't really remind me of coffee. It was also difficult to brew like a coffee. I like mine with frothy milk and this still resembled your normal tea consistency...
The Science: Rooibos is high in antioxidants and may support heart health and reduce stress.
Verdict: Perfect for winding down, but not a coffee replacement.
Rating: 4/10
5. Yerba Mate
What It Is: A South American tea made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant, offering a caffeine kick without the jitters.
My Experience: Yerba mate was energising and earthy, but it lacked the creamy richness I wanted in a morning drink. It also still resembled a tea consistency, when I really wanted that thick coffee texture that I could add frothed milk into...
The Science: It’s packed with antioxidants and nutrients like potassium and magnesium, with less caffeine than coffee.
Verdict: A strong contender for an energising alternative, but not as satisfying as some others.
Rating: 6/10
6. Turmeric Latte
What It Is: A golden blend of turmeric, ginger, and other spices, often with a creamy milk base.
My Experience: Turmeric lattes are warming and comforting, but they felt more like a treat than a daily drink. It was quite sweet when I needed that bitter coffee profile. I lowkey fell in love with this drink and will have these from time to time, but it's nowhere near the daily driver I'm looking for.
The Science: Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Verdict: Delicious and healthy, but not energising enough for a coffee substitute.
Rating: 7/10
7. Cacao
What It Is: A rich, chocolatey drink made from raw cacao powder, packed with antioxidants and minerals.
My Experience: Cacao is indulgent and slightly energising. It’s a good choice when I’m craving something chocolatey, and it's a pretty good coffee alternative! It is quite chocolate-y though, and I'd prefer it with other ingredients to bring some of that bitter and spice back into it. Careful where you source this from, some suppliers can be unethical in their supply chains. I much prefer brands that are ceremonial-grade with their cacao.
The Science: Raw cacao contains theobromine, which provides a mild, long-lasting energy boost.
Verdict: A tasty, feel-good option and almost a coffee dupe.
Rating: 8/10
8. Functional Mushrooms
What It Is: Blends made from mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi, often combined with other superfoods.
My Experience: Holy moly, this stole the show here. Functional mushroom blends are smooth, delicious, and gave me steady energy without the crash. They're also the closest I could get to that bitter, spicey profile I get from coffee. It's also a much thicker, coffee-like consistency than say a tea alternative. The energy kick is undeniable in these. Mixes extremely well with frothed milk, or just straight on its own. Can leave some sediment, but products like self-stirring mugs fix this problem right away.
The Science: Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane may support brain function, while Cordyceps may promote energy and endurance.
Verdict: The clear winner. Functional mushroom blends hit all the marks: flavour, energy, and health benefits.
Rating: 10/10
The Takeaway
Switching from coffee doesn’t have to mean sacrificing energy or enjoyment. While some alternatives fell flat, functional mushroom blends proved to be the perfect replacement — delicious, energising, and packed with health benefits.
We're Earthrise, and we've created the best functional mushroom blends Australia has to offer. Earthrise are currently giving 30% off your first 2 months on Starter Kits! Now is the best time to jump in and try functional mushroom coffee alternatives.
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