5 Best Coffee Alternatives for Energy

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Finding a the right coffee substitute is not just a matter of adjusting to a new morning drink—we still need to get things done over here.

This is why I did some research and found the 5 best coffee replacements on the market right now that include energy boosting ingredients that are not necessarily caffeine. Most of them are also certified organic, gluten-free, whole 30, sugar-free, etc, since I care about that sort of thing.

Here’s what we’re covering in this post:

  • Why I’m quitting coffee

  • What can I drink that tastes like coffee?

  • What are some Low Caffeine coffee alternatives?

  • What are some Caffeine Free coffee alternatives?

  • What can I drink for energy instead of coffee?

Why I’m quitting coffee

My search for coffee replacements is fueled by this idea: while some elements of stress are totally created in the mind, wouldn’t I be doing my body some good by removing physical stressors as well?

To reduce anxiety – Lately I’ve noticed a clear difference between the grounded stress that pushes me to tie up last-minute details before an important meeting, and the caffeine-induced heart rate that develops after I finish my morning cup of joe.

The caffeine in coffee causes our system to produce cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Cortisol activates the fight or flight response and is important when we’re in danger.

However, overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can disrupt our body’s processes. It alters the immune system response, suppresses digestive system, reproductive system, just to name a few.

To improve gut health – Inflammation in our gastro intestinal system has been linked to anxiety and depression. The acidity in coffee doesn’t help.

What I like about coffee

Lifts my mood – I can’t deny the mood-lifting effects of my morning coffee. I hold my first cup until I sit to start work for the day, but the promise of post-caffeine high energy alone is enough to get me moving through my morning.

Love the smell – Even on my grumpiest mornings, I smell the roasting beans wafting through the streets while on my morning walk and that is enough to motivate me to finish so I can head home and enjoy the drink.

Wakes up my brain – This reason is actually the biggest concern I have about sustaining a decaf lifestyle. Caffeine helps me focus.

Specific taste – I can adjust for all the above by simply substituting a chai or earl grey tea in the morning, but the taste of coffee has a grounding effect on me.

Even with these perceived benefits in mind, I’m committed to finding a better way. All in the name of reduced anxiety.

So let’s dive into the 5 best coffee alternatives for energy:


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What can I drink that tastes like coffee?

Teeccino – Out of all the alternatives I’ve seen out there, people rave that Teeccino tastes closest to coffee. It has that full, robust flavor that we all love in the morning. And yes, it’s 100% caffeine free.

If you’re working on gut health, like me, you’ll appreciate the chicory root base of their blends. Chicory contains a prebiotic called inulin, which feeds your probiotic gut flora and aids in digestion.

What gets me excited is the functional herbs that each variety includes on top of what I mentioned above. The dandelion blend supports the liver’s natural detoxification processes. 

They even have adaptogen blends with Ashwagandha and Lion’s Mane which helps the body’s stress response. I’m looking forward to trying and reporting back.

What are some Low Caffeine coffee alternatives?

Ceremonial Cacao – I’m very excited to try ceremonial cacao. I ordered a sampler pack from ORA Cacao recently.

Cacao is high in theobromine, a compound that helps the body release dopamine, and only has about half (50mg) of the caffeine in coffee. 

That may sound high for caffeine-sensitive folks, but it also has magnesium which counteracts the effects of caffeine. Thus, it has mood-boosting benefits without the jitters.

MUD/WTR – I’ve tried and enjoyed the MUD/WTR experience. The taste resembles chai tea, it’s full of mushroom adaptogens, and it also includes cacao.

One cup only has 30 mg of caffeine, so this could be a good option for those who want to take the low caffeine route.

However, it wasn’t enough to wake up my brain. I didn’t feel tired or anything, but I did find myself struggling to focus within a few hours of drinking. If I were to try MUD/WTR again, I’d add some L-theanine for focus into my routine.

I’ll admit, I did try to go cold turkey on kicking coffee so the contrast was very obvious for me. My recommendation to folks trying MUD/WTR is to blend it with your coffee over a few days and gradually transition to only MUD/WTR.

What are some Caffeine Free coffee alternatives?

Besides Teeccino mentioned above, here are a few options that are designed to give you energy.

Four Sigmatic – Their Focus Blend is completely caffeine-free and relies on adaptogens like Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Rhodiola for balanced focus. The energy in this mix comes from a healthy dose of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin).

In terms of taste, this one might be a bit earthy, given the mushrooms and fruity due to the blueberries.

RASA – This is another chicory-based herbal alternative to coffee. It also includes burdock and dandelion roots, to support the gut and liver.
The adaptogens here are chaga, ashwagandha and rhodiola and reishi, so it helps the body adapt to stress over time.

Rasa also has a bold, slightly bitter taste, like coffee. Even the preparation is akin to coffee–french press, Moka pot, Keurig… you pretty much have all the options. 

What can I drink for energy instead of coffee?

  • Vitamin B12 - Not a drink, per se, but VitaminB12 is a helpful way to sustain energy levels. I prefer liquid tinctures or gummy vitamins, and I like to make sure they taste good. This My Kind Organics tincture is a brand I trust and have tried before.

What I’m trying:

Over the next few months I’ll aim to try these alternatives and report back! Let me know which ones you’d like me to try by pinging me at thais[at]dezstrategy[dot]com (I read all my emails!)

  • Cacao

  • Teeccino

  • Four Sigmatic

I’ll be keeping tabs on my stress throughout the day and ability to focus.



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