For many of us, coffee is a sacred part of our morning routine. Who are we kidding – it’s the star of our morning routine and the very first thing we do (drink the coffee, then do the things). Beyond its comforting and delicious taste, coffee provides us with a (much-appreciated) energy boost to power through our morning. With that said, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Don’t get us wrong, if your relationship is going strong and steady, continue your coffee love affair. But if you’re sensitive to caffeine, there are other energy-boosting caffeine alternatives that may be better suited for your needs. Whether you’re ready to ditch (or cut back on) the coffee habit or coffee just doesn’t settle with you, we have some energy-boosting tips.
Read on as we share all the details on our top ten favorite caffeine alternatives that will leave you feeling energized and productive all morning.
The 101 on Caffeine
Ok, so what’s the deal with caffeine? Are we really telling you not to have that morning cup?
While research shows that caffeine intake up to 400 mg per day, which equals roughly 4 cups, is usually tolerated by most healthy adults, caffeine definitely isn’t for everyone. Plus, everyone’s caffeine tolerance is extremely different.
For those who don’t tolerate caffeine well, caffeine jitters may hit hard after drinking that morning brew. For others, caffeine may lead to some pretty uncomfortable digestive upset.
But, we all could use a little pick-me-up in the morning, right? So, while caffeine may not be the best choice for all (at least in excess), we’re sharing some game-changing caffeine alternatives that are sure to leave you feeling energized without feeling edgy. From ice-cold showers to cozy herbal beverages, you’re gonna want in on these hacks.
Ready to boost your energy? We got you.
10 Caffeine Alternatives to Leave You Energized to Tackle The Day
#1 Try Golden Milk
We love golden milk around here. Not only is it delicious, but it’s an incredibly nutrient-dense way to start your day and fuel your body with powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients. And, if it’s just the warm, comforting beverage you’re looking for first thing in the morning, swapping your coffee with this cup of gold is an easy win!
Here’s a yummy and nourishing turmeric latte recipe. P.S. it’s one of our all-time favorite caffeine alternatives that even makes a yummy dessert swap.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat milk, or milk of choice
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground ginger
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Drizzle of honey
Directions:
Step #1: Add the milk to a saucepan over medium heat. Once warm, add the rest of the ingredients and whisk.
Step #2: Pour into a mug and enjoy!
#2 Bring in the Natural Light
Hop out of bed and open those blinds! Thanks to an increase in vitamin D and serotonin, getting more light in the morning may help boost your mood and help you feel more alert. Plus, getting more light in the AM, and staying away from that blue light coming from our electronics at night helps regulate our circadian rhythms.
The result? Feeling more awake in the morning and ready to wind down your day when it’s actually time to hit the hay.
#3 Add Some Cold Water to Your Shower
Right before you get ready to get out of the shower, turn on the cold water. While this may sound like the last thing you want to do, it may give you that much-needed morning energy boost.
Cold showers have been found to help us feel more alert, making it a great way to get the energy flowing without the caffeine.
#4 Sip on Some Peppermint Tea
There’s something super refreshing about peppermint tea, and it may just give you that pep in your step you need first thing in the AM.
Research suggests that peppermint may come with some energy-boosting properties. In fact, simply smelling peppermint’s essential oil could be enough to combat sleepiness and fatigue. And, if you’re feeling really adventurous, grow your own peppermint at home to make a DIY brew each morning (yum!)
#5 Try Chai Tea
Chai tea fans, this one’s for you. While traditional chai tea does have some caffeine, it’s much less than that morning cup of coffee. Plus, you can get decaf to avoid caffeine altogether. But, keep in mind that many coffee shop chai tea lattes contain lots of added sugar. So, skip the on-the-go options and try making a simple recipe at home!
Delicious Vanilla Chai Latte
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 cups oat milk
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- Drizzle of pure maple syrup
- Splash of pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup cashews, soaked
Directions:
Step #1: Heat the oat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add all of the ingredients, except the cashews, and stir gently to combine. Remove from heat.
Step #2: Pour the mix into a blender and add the cashews. Blend until frothy, and then serve in a mug. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!
#6 Blend Up An Energy-boosting Smoothie
Start your morning with an energy-boosting smoothie that will not only serve as a great coffee replacement but will fuel your body, keeping you satisfied until lunch.
Try blending together lots of energy-boosting foods (we’re looking at you, healthy fats!) Things like coconut or MCT oil, sliced avocado, and almond butter make great smoothie add-ins for some serious energy, and blood sugar support.
Toss in your favorite fruits like blueberries, a frozen banana, and a handful of spinach. Mix it all together with your go-to dairy-free milk.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, breakfast is taken care of, and you’re giving your body all the healthy fats it needs for sustained energy all morning.
Want an added boost? Add in a spoonful of chia or hemp seeds for fiber-rich plant-based protein addition. The combination of fiber and protein will not only keep you satiated, but it will also give you an energy boost!
#7 Brew Some Herbal “Coffee”
If it’s more the flavor of coffee that you’re looking for, try giving this caffeine alternative a try. Herbal coffee (like Teeccino) is made from herbs, and this particular brand uses Chicory root with a blend of natural ingredients like almonds and carob.
It tastes like coffee but also nourishes your body without the added acidity or caffeine jitters.
Another blend worth trying? Dandy Blend Coffee Alternative Beverage. Similar to Teeccino, Dandy blend has that bitter coffee taste and is made with all-natural herbs like Chicory root. It also contains Dandelion root – an herb that’s particularly good at supporting the liver and digestion. Best of all, it will provide you with a coffee-like boost (thanks to the 16 naturally occurring trace minerals that support adrenal function) with no added jitters.
Try sipping on it in your favorite mug with a splash of coconut milk and a drizzle of raw honey for a caffeine-free way to start your day.
#8 Hydrate With Water
Hydrating with water as a caffeine alternative? We know this one sounds far-fetched, but sipping on a glass of water first thing in the morning comes with some serious health benefits (including energy).
Being dehydrated is basically a recipe for serious fatigue and brain fog – and it happens faster than you think. Even mild dehydration (which occurs with as little as 1-2% decrease in fluids) leads to an energy dip. Energy aside, dehydration contributes to a major decline in mood. We have to break the overnight fast with a tall glass of water and a nourishing meal. This will help rehydrate the body, helping us feel more alert, and will help prevent dehydration from setting in.
Add a flavor boost by squeezing in some fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of ginger.
#9 Resort to Decaf If Needed
Want to drop the caffeine, but aren’t ready to do away with coffee completely? Try opting for decaf first, and then transition yourself onto one of the other caffeine alternatives.
Heads up — If you’re used to drinking caffeinated beverages in the AM, don’t quit cold turkey! This can lead to massive headaches and irritability. Wean yourself off slowly to help avoid that extremely uncomfortable caffeine withdrawal.
#10 Get Moving With Your Favorite Music
Play your favorite music on your morning walk or press play on a FitOn PRO workout where you can stream top hits before your busy day gets started. Exercise is an ideal way to get the blood flowing, helping us feel more energized. Plus, it releases endorphins and our feel-good hormones, serotonin, and dopamine, contributing to increased energy and mood.
RELATED: Can Music Improve Your Workout?
Still Want Your Morning Cup? Try Drinking it Like This Instead
For the die-hard coffee lovers out there, we got you covered too. If the idea of giving up your morning cup seems like an impossible feat, we have some tips to help you supercharge that cup of joe, and possibly ease some of those caffeine jitters.
- Add a healthy fat like 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to your morning cup of coffee.
- Use ½ decaf, ½ regular to limit your caffeine intake.
- Sprinkle in some stress-busting spices like cinnamon and turmeric
- Use pure maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, or monk fruit extract as your sweetener vs. regular sugar.
- Skip the heavy cream and choose a dairy-free option like coconut cream instead.
- Limit your morning caffeine intake to just 1-2 cups of coffee.
Caffeine Alternatives That Actually Boost Energy
You’re officially a caffeine alternative pro and know all the hacks to boost those morning energy levels without that cup of joe. So, if one of your health goals is to get off of caffeine or limit how much you consume, give one of these hacks a try. It may just do the trick to help you start your day, caffeine-free!
