Best Coffee Alternatives That Taste Like Coffee

For many people, the first task after waking up is brewing coffee to start the day with energy. Among these people, some have stopped using coffee altogether due to its disadvantages.

However, the strong taste of coffee and the kick it gives you are not easy to forget. Such people are always looking for some good alternatives for coffee with similar properties.

Let’s have a look at some healthy alternatives for coffee.

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Coffee Alternatives That Taste Like Coffee

You could be looking for an alternative for any reason. Perhaps you like how it gives you a zing to start your mornings, but you don’t particularly like the taste.

Some people avoid coffee to get rid of the side effects that come with it, such as acidity or anxiety.

Either way, there are plenty of options available in the market to choose the perfect alternative. You just need to explore a little and settle for something you like.

While some options may not give you the energy buzz that a cup of Joe can provide you, there are better options with numerous health benefits.

You must also understand that consuming too much of these seeds or herbs can cause side effects, just like coffee. Hence, moderate consumption is encouraged.

Some coffee alternatives are as follows:

1. Chicory Coffee

Chicory roots have been in consumption for a long time now. Centuries ago, Egyptians used it to treat jaundice, gouts, and enlarged livers. In America, when the New Orleans port was blocked during the Civil War, people from Louisiana used it to extend their coffee supply which was faltering.

A great thing about Chicory roots is they can be manipulated into a beverage whichever way you prefer. For instance, they could be brewed, roasted, or grounded.

Also, it is caffeine-free. Chicory roots have numerous benefits, and some are listed below:

Chicory roots are rich in inulin which helps in digestion and helps the body absorb the minerals it needs.
It also helps control diabetes by maintaining blood sugar levels.
It is also known to aid in weight loss.

Since it is caffeine free, the boost of energy you get from the beverage is natural. Moreover, it is similar to the coffee taste, making it an excellent alternative.

Before you try it out, it is essential to note that you could be allergic to the chicory plant. If you have ragweed or birch pollen allergies, it is best to avoid chicory coffee.

How to Make it: Pre-ground or roasted chicory is not hard to find. The grounds are prepared just like coffee when you brew it.

The suggested proportion is 2 tablespoons of ground chicory to 6 ounces of water. You may adjust as you prefer.

There is not much research about consumption during pregnancy or nursing. Avoiding it during this time is the best option.

2. Barley Coffee

We are all guilty of investing in expensive machinery to brew that perfect cup of coffee.

Once you decide that you wish to avoid consuming coffee, the money spent on these machines feels like a waste.

However, if you choose barley coffee as an alternative, you may not need to get rid of them.

People who consume barley coffee suggest using an espresso machine for a great quality cup of this beverage.

Also, if you are looking for an alternative that tastes exactly like coffee, this isn’t it. Although it covers the earthiness and the bitter taste, it lacks richness.

Since it is caffeine free, it is a good alternative while you wean off coffee. You can slowly cut down the java cups and replace them with barley coffee until you are entirely off the Joe.

Here are the health benefits that barley coffee has to offer:

Improves your digestion.
Since barley is high in fiber, regular consumption will help relieve constipation.
It maintains your blood sugar levels.
Barley coffee is an effective anti-inflammatory.
It is an excellent source of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, and B.

How to Make It: Barley coffee is available in different variants. You can easily find powder barley and even pods like coffee. Barley coffee is made the same way as coffee. You can even make it on a coffee pot.

Consuming too much barley coffee can cause gas, bloating, constipation, and cramps.

3. Dandelion Coffee

Dandelion coffee is made by brewing dandelion roots. This beverage has a rich and robust taste but is on the sweeter side instead of bitter.

It is often combined with different options, such as chicory roots, beets, and barley rye.

Most brands have instant versions or dandelion tea bags that you can quickly make in the morning or during lunch to reenergize yourself.

Dandelion coffee has many benefits, just like other natural ingredients:

Some people avoid coffee because of its caffeine content. Dandelion roots have no caffeine whatsoever.
It is more nutritious than coffee and is an excellent source of vitamin A, B, C, and D.
Much like chicory, it helps in digestion.
The root has plenty of antioxidants to detoxify your body, strengthen your immune system, and also prevent your DNA from damage.
Dandelion coffee has numerous health benefits since it contains probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

However, you must also know that having too much dandelion coffee can cause heartburn, excessive stomach acid, and skin irritation.

In case you have any kidney or gallbladder issues, you must consult with your doctor before you indulge in consuming this beverage.

4. Brewed Cacao

People who prefer finer things in life love the sophisticated blend of Mocha Java and would deeply enjoy a cup of brewed cacao.

Many people are fond of coffee because of the bitter taste, and brewed cacao can satisfy people looking for that taste in an alternative.

The bitterness in cacao comes from theobromine, an alkaloid that is very similar to caffeine. Theobromine is also the reason for the energy that the brewed cacao gives.

Here are some benefits of brewed cacao:

You feel active for a longer time after consuming a brewed cacao beverage than you usually would after a regular cup of coffee.
It has the potential to take the place of your morning coffee to wake you up since it gives you more energy.
Cacao has antioxidants that improve your immune system.
It expands your blood vessels, while coffee does the opposite.
Regularly drinking brewed cacao will help you sleep better.
Cacao naturally contains serotonin, also known as a “feel-good” brain chemical that aids in combating depression and reducing anxiety.

Brewed cocoa comes in plenty of flavors. The bitter taste and health benefits make it an excellent morning coffee alternative.

Some brands have started packs with different flavors, which is a good way to try this new option and see if it can take coffee’s place in your day.

5. Matcha

Matcha has gained popularity over the years, thanks to online viral trends. Fortunately, it is one of the few good finds from the social media frenzy.

If you are fine with eliminating the taste but still want those energy-boosting nutrients, matcha is the right fit for you.

Matcha comes from the same tree as green tea. However, it has its own flavor profile and is considered quite versatile.

Matcha is not just used as a beverage. In fact, people even consume it in cooking and baking. Furthermore, it combines well with different ingredients as well.

Hence, it has become quite a popular alternative to coffee. Following are some benefits of matcha:

Matcha contains antioxidants that can prevent chronic diseases.
Research shows that the consumption of matcha can help reduce liver damage and the risk of catching a liver disease.
Matcha is known to improve memory and elevate attention span. Moreover, it helps the brain function properly.
Matcha reduces the risk and prevents the human body from catching different diseases.

Matcha contains caffeine, but it is less than coffee. However, it contains l-theanine, which is an amino acid that slows down the absorption of caffeine.

Just like coffee, you can incorporate matcha in different things. You could make smoothies, desserts, and even mix matcha in your dinner to benefit from this magical herb’s healthy nutrients and antioxidants.

Of course, anything in excess can cause harm. You may experience headaches, insomnia, and diarrhea. In addition to this, it might make you irritable.

The Final Verdict

You have your reasons for quitting or reducing the consumption of coffee. While it may be America’s most popular morning beverage for adults, it does have its disadvantages.

Brewed cacao and chicory coffee are the closest alternatives when it comes to taste. However, there is no harm in trying other options if you are looking for something to replace coffee.

All of these options, when taken in recommended quantities, have excellent health benefits and have the potential to be your next daily morning beverage to start your day.

Remember, most of these alternatives are either made from seeds or herbs. It is crucial to fully understand the ingredients to make sure it does not contain anything you might be allergic to.

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