5 Energizing Morning Drinks That Aren't Coffee

For many people, the day doesn't truly begin until they've had their first cup of coffee. While coffee remains most people's go-to morning drink, it doesn't work for everyone. Some people experience jitters, digestive discomfort, or energy crashes that leave them feeling worse than before.

Excessive caffeine consumption has been linked to anxiety, heart palpitations, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, coffee's acidic nature can worsen symptoms for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or sensitive stomachs. For those who experience afternoon energy crashes or find that coffee interferes with their sleep patterns, exploring alternatives can provide sustained energy without the unwanted side effects.

That's why we'll be discussing 7 alternatives for coffee that will give you just as much pick-me-up energy with some added health benefits. The drinks highlighted below do more than just give you a quick energy boost. A lot of them are packed with antioxidants that help fight off cell damage, anti-inflammatory ingredients that support your overall health, and digestive aids that keep your gut feeling good.

1. Chicory Coffee

Chicory coffee is made from the roasted root of the chicory plant, a blue-flowered herb native to Europe that closely mimics the flavor profile of traditional coffee. Chicory has been used as a coffee substitute for centuries, particularly during times when coffee was scarce or expensive. The roots are dried, roasted, and ground in a process similar to coffee bean preparation, resulting in a dark, rich beverage that can be brewed just like regular coffee.

Benefits of Drinking Chicory Coffee

Chicory coffee packs some pretty cool health benefits that go beyond just being a caffeine swap. One of the main perks is its high inulin content, which is a type of prebiotic fiber making up about 68% of raw chicory root. This fiber helps feed the good bacteria in your gut, leading to a healthier microbiome and better digestion overall.

Chicory also helps reduce constipation and improve bowel function by adding bulk to stool, making it easier to go. Plus, it gets your bile production going, which helps break down fats and can boost bile production by up to 62%.

For individuals managing blood sugar concerns, chicory root shows promise due to its inulin content. Inulin is a type of prebiotic fiber that may help manage blood sugar levels. While research on chicory coffee itself is still developing, studies on inulin have demonstrated potential benefits for blood sugar and insulin resistance.

For instance, one small study found that people with prediabetes who took 30 grams of inulin daily for two weeks showed a significant reduction in insulin resistance compared to a placebo group.

How to Prepare Chicory Coffee

Use 2-4 tablespoons of ground chicory per cup of water, following standard coffee brewing methods. Many people prefer mixing chicory with a small amount of regular coffee to create a lower-caffeine blend while maintaining familiar flavors.

Who Should Avoid Chicory Coffee

Pregnant Individuals: Pregnant women should avoid drinking chicory coffee, as it may stimulate menstruation and has been associated with a higher risk of miscarriage.

People with Allergies to Ragweed or Pollen: Chicory belongs to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family, which also includes ragweed, marigolds, daisies, and chrysanthemums. Individuals allergic to these plants or to birch pollen should avoid chicory coffee, as it can cause mouth tingling, pain, and swelling.

Individuals with Gallstones: Chicory stimulates the production of bile, which aids in digestion. For someone with gallstones, this increased bile flow could potentially cause problems or worsen their condition.

People Taking Diabetes Medications: Chicory roots are known to lower blood sugar levels. When taken alongside diabetes medications, it could cause blood sugar to drop too low (hypoglycemia). If you have diabetes, it is essential to monitor your blood sugar closely and speak with your doctor before adding chicory to your diet.

Breastfeeding Individuals: There is not enough reliable information to determine if chicory is safe to use in medicinal amounts while breastfeeding. To be safe, it is best to avoid using or seek a doctor's advice before taking it.

2. Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a traditional South American beverage made from the dried leaves of the holly tree Ilex paraguariensis. This naturally caffeinated herbal tea has been consumed for centuries by indigenous peoples and remains deeply embedded in South American culture, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil.

Yerba mate typically contains 70-80mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, positioning it between green tea and coffee in terms of caffeine strength. However, the caffeine in yerba mate is released more slowly than in coffee, often providing a steadier energy boost without the sharp peaks and crashes.

Regular yerba mate drinkers frequently report experiencing more sustained and less jittery energy compared to coffee. The beverage contains additional compounds that may mellow out caffeine's effects, creating what many describe as a smoother, more focused kind of energy. This makes yerba mate an excellent middle ground for those who find green tea too weak but coffee too intense.

Benefits of Drinking Yerba Mate

Yerba mate boasts an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and E, along with riboflavin, thiamine, phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. This comprehensive nutritional profile surpasses that of many other caffeinated beverages.

How to Prepare Yerba Mate

Traditional preparation involves using a gourd (mate) and a metal straw (bombilla), allowing for multiple infusions throughout the day. For modern convenience, yerba mate tea bags or loose leaves can be steeped in hot water for 3-5 minutes. The flavor is often described as earthy and herbaceous, with a slight bitterness that many find pleasant and energizing.

Who Should Avoid Yerba Mate

Heavy drinker and long-time user: Studies have linked drinking large amounts of yerba mate (about 1–2 liters daily) over long periods to an increased risk of certain cancers, including cancer of the mouth, throat (esophagus), and lungs. This risk is significantly higher for people who also smoke tobacco or drink alcohol.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Yerba mate is considered possibly unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The caffeine content has been linked to miscarriage and low birth weight, and it is unknown if the potential cancer-causing chemicals can be transferred to the fetus or pass into breast milk.

People with Certain Medical Conditions

• Diabetes: Caffeine can affect how the body processes sugar, which may complicate blood sugar control.

• Glaucoma: Yerba mate can increase the pressure inside the eye for at least 90 minutes after consumption.

• Bleeding Disorders: Caffeine may slow blood clotting, which could worsen bleeding disorders. But so far, no case has been reported.

• Individuals with Liver Sensitivity: In very rare cases, yerba mate has been linked to clinically apparent liver injury. While this is not a common side effect, those with pre-existing liver conditions should be aware of this possibility.

3. Rooibos Tea

Rooibos, meaning "red bush" in Afrikaans, is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the leaves of Aspalathus linearis, a shrub indigenous to South Africa's Cederberg region. Traditional rooibos goes through a fermentation process, which gives it that unique red-brown color and a naturally sweet, nutty taste.

Benefits of Drinking Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is particularly rich in unique antioxidants not found in other teas, including aspalathin and quercetin. These compounds provide powerful cellular protection against oxidative stress and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Fermented rooibos is really good at calming down inflammation in gut cells and works just as well as some anti-inflammatory meds in lab tests. Meanwhile, unfermented rooibos does a great job of strengthening the gut barrier, which could help keep "leaky gut" syndrome at bay by boosting the proteins that help keep the intestines healthy.

Rooibos tea can be great for your heart. One study showed that drinking it for six weeks led to better cholesterol levels, with lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and higher HDL (good cholesterol). Plus, it might help keep your blood pressure in check by blocking certain enzymes that make your blood vessels tighten up.

Unlike traditional teas, rooibos contains very low levels of tannins, compounds that can interfere with iron absorption. This makes it perfect for anyone who’s worried about low iron or is taking iron supplements. Plus, since it doesn’t have much tannin, it won't turn bitter if you steep it too long, giving you more room to prepare it however you like.

How to Prepare Rooibos Tea

Rooibos can be prepared like any other tea, steeping for 5-7 minutes in hot water. It can also be prepared as a concentrate and mixed with plant-based milk for a rooibos latte. Many commercial blends combine rooibos with other herbs and spices to create all sorts of tasty flavors.

Who Should Avoid Rooibos Tea

Generally, rooibos tea is pretty safe and usually doesn’t cause any serious problems. That said, some studies have shown that, in extremely scarce cases, rooibos tea could lead to liver issues. If you have a liver condition like hepatitis, it’s probably a good idea to steer clear of this tea. Checking in with a healthcare professional can help you figure out if it’s safe for you to drink rooibos.

4. Dandelion Coffee

Often dismissed as a weed, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has been used medicinally for centuries. Roasted dandelion root creates a coffee-like beverage that's naturally caffeine-free but provides a similar bitter, roasted flavor that coffee lovers often crave.

Dandelion coffee can satisfy the psychological aspects of coffee drinking while providing different health benefits. The roasted roots create a dark, rich brew that can be prepared using standard coffee-making methods.

Benefits of Drinking Dandelion Coffee

Dandelion is known as a "liver tonic" in traditional medicine, and modern studies back up this reputation. Its root has compounds that can help boost bile flow, which is key to how the liver functions and for breaking down fats. When bile production goes up, it helps the liver detox and clear out waste more effectively.

Dandelion is packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and polyphenols that help keep liver cells safe from damage caused by toxins and free radicals. This is especially helpful for people who are exposed to environmental toxins or have liver problems.

Dandelion acts as a natural diuretic, which means it can help reduce water retention and give your kidneys a bit of support. This gentle diuretic helps flush out extra fluids and toxins from your body, easing the load on your liver and helping with overall detoxification.

How to Prepare Rooibos Tea

Dandelion coffee can be prepared using a French press, drip coffee maker, or by simmering the roots on the stove. Start with about one tablespoon of roasted dandelion root per cup of water and adjust to taste. Since it's bitter, you can add plant-based milk or a natural sweetener to adjust the taste.

Who Should Avoid Rooibos Tea

Individuals with Ragweed and Related Allergies: Dandelion belongs to the Asteraceae plant family, which also includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies, and marigolds. People with allergies to these plants are more likely to have an allergic reaction to dandelion, which can manifest as a rash (contact dermatitis) or other allergic symptoms.

People with Kidney Problems: Dandelion has the potential to reduce the amount of oxalate excreted in urine. While this might offer benefits in certain contexts, it's important to consider that individuals with kidney failure or other kidney-related conditions may face an increased risk of complications.

Those Taking Certain Medications: Dandelion can interact with a number of prescription drugs, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects.

• Diuretics (Water Pills): Dandelion possesses natural diuretic properties and is rich in potassium. Combining it with potassium-sparing diuretics can lead to excessively high potassium levels in the body.

• Antibiotics: Dandelion might decrease the body's absorption of certain types of antibiotics (quinolone antibiotics), potentially reducing their effectiveness.

• Blood Thinners: Dandelion root may slow blood clotting. Taking it with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Diabetes Medications: Because dandelion might lower blood sugar, taking it alongside antidiabetes drugs could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.

• Lithium: Dandelion's diuretic effect can decrease the body's ability to get rid of lithium, potentially leading to a dangerous buildup of the drug.

5. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is made from the leaves of Mentha × piperita, an aromatic herb that's a cross between watermint and spearmint. Native to Europe and Asia, peppermint has been used for thousands of years both as a flavoring agent and for medicinal purposes. The tea is naturally caffeine-free and provides a refreshing, invigorating start to the day.

Benefits of Drinking Peppermint Tea

Peppermint's reputation as a digestive aid is well-established and scientifically supported. The herb contains essential oils including menthol, menthone, and limonene, which provide its characteristic cooling properties and therapeutic effects. Menthol acts as a natural antispasmodic, helping to relax the muscles of the digestive tract and reduce symptoms like gas, bloating, and indigestion.

Peppermint tea does more than just help your digestion—it’s great for mental clarity and your respiratory system, too. The refreshing smell of menthol can wipe away that mental fog and help you feel more alert, making it a perfect caffeine-free choice for the mornings.

How to Prepare Peppermint Tea

Steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves or use a peppermint tea bag in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Fresh mint leaves can also be used for a more vibrant flavor. The tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and blends well with other herbs like ginger for additional digestive benefits.

Who Should Avoid Peppermint Tea

Individuals with GERD or Acid Reflux: It's important to note that peppermint tea isn't suitable for everyone. The menthol in peppermint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. This can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, which can trigger or worsen symptoms of heartburn and indigestion for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia.

People with Kidney Stones or Gallstones: While some sources suggest peppermint can be beneficial for kidney function, it is generally not recommended for those with a history of kidney stones or gallstones.

Those Taking Certain Medications: Peppermint can interact with several types of prescription drugs, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects.

• Cyclosporine: Peppermint has the potential to slow the breakdown of this medication, which is commonly used by organ transplant patients to prevent rejection. As a result, it may lead to increased levels of the medication in the body.

• Medications Metabolized by the Liver: Peppermint may affect how the liver breaks down various drugs, including some antidepressants and antifungal medications. This can alter the medication's effects and side effects.

• Drugs that Reduce Stomach Acid: Taking peppermint alongside antacids, H2 blockers (like famotidine), or proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole) can cause the enteric coating on peppermint oil capsules to dissolve too early, leading to heartburn.

• Blood Pressure or Diabetes Medications: Peppermint may lower blood sugar and blood pressure. Combining it with medications for these conditions could cause levels to drop too low.

• Blood Thinners: There have been case reports suggesting that high amounts of peppermint tea could interact with warfarin, affecting its anticoagulant properties.

Conclusion

Switching from coffee to other morning drinks doesn’t have to be a sudden switch. Many people find success by gradually reducing their coffee intake while incorporating one or more of these alternatives. Start by replacing one cup of coffee per day with your chosen alternative, then gradually increase the substitution as your body adapts.