Coffee. Oh, how we love it. That ritual, that smell, that first glorious sip. But there are moments when those jitters and the wired-but-distracted energy can make us feel like we’re losing our minds. Even though coffee is a mainstay of global culture, occasionally those beloved beans are just a bit too much.
The good news? The switch to coffee substitutes might just unlock a whole new world of delicious, functional beverages.
To help you with the leap, we’ve brewed up a list of coffee alternatives that will totally refresh your routine. From comforting classics like Chai to unexpected powerhouses like Apple Cider Vinegar, there’s a winner here for you—whether you’re looking to totally detox from caffeine or just want to swap out a cup or two.
11 alternatives to coffee
Coffee alternatives with caffeine:
- Black Tea
- Yerba Mate
- Matcha
- Green Tea
- Chai Tea
The caffeine-free coffee substitutes:
- Rooibos
- Turmeric Latte (aka Golden Milk)
- Chicory Coffee
- Kombucha
- Lemon Water
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
For a deep dive into sourcing your perfect daily cup—including our favorites like Tielka and Vahdam—be sure to check out our complete guide on the best tea brands in the world.
The caffeine crew
Whether you need a near-coffee level of caffeine or something comforting to sip all afternoon, the world of Camellia sinensis (and its herbal cousins) has you covered. You’ll find options here ranging from high to low caffeine.
The medium to high caffeine alternatives (closest to coffee):
Black tea
By far the most popular tea globally, black tea is the biggest coffee competitor on this list. It delivers a similar medium level of caffeine, making it an excellent like-for-like swap that still delivers the goods. Black tea is a veritable chameleon—drink it black, with cream, or iced with lemon for a crisp sweet tea. It’s versatile enough for any time of day.
Matcha
Matcha is where tradition meets serious energy. This vibrant, fine concentrated green tea powder, customarily used in Japanese ceremonies, isn’t steeped—it’s more of an instant-mix powerhouse. It offers a medium to high level of caffeine but, crucially, often provides a smoother, more sustained lift due to the presence of L-Theanine. The best part? It’s easy to prepare. Just whisk it into hot water for a warm hug, or chill it down for a vibrant iced drink.
Yerba mate
Gaining a lot of buzz in recent years, Yerba Mate is a traditional South American herbal tea made from the leaves of the yerba mate tree. Fair warning: it contains about the same amount of caffeine as coffee, so if you’re trying to cut back on all stimulants, this isn’t your stop. However, if you want coffee’s high-octane energy without the same level of jitters, Mate is a fantastic choice. Among its numerous benefits, it’s packed with antioxidants and is known to help with focus.
The medium-to-low caffeine alternatives:
Chai tea
If your usual coffee order is one of those wonderfully “complex” drinks (like lattes and cappuccinos) from your local café, then Chai Tea may be the coffee alternative for you. This cozy concoction combines multiple teas and warming spices like cinnamon to create a flavorful, invigorating option. Its spices give it an extra little kick, and it has a higher level of caffeine than basic green or black tea. Sweeten it with honey, sugar, or cream to create your preferred taste profile.
Green tea
If you’ve ever tried to stave off the siren call of coffee, chances are green tea was the first thing you grabbed. And for good reason! It has about half the caffeine of coffee, is delicious served warm, and its mild flavor allows you to mix in cream and sugar just as you would with your regular cup.
The caffeine-free club
Looking to ditch the stimulant entirely? These beverages offer flavor, wellness benefits, and that comforting ritual, with zero caffeine.
Coffee-like substitutes:
Chicory coffee
Craving that rich, earthy flavor of coffee but want zero caffeine? Say hello to Chicory Coffee. Made from the roasted and ground chicory root rather than beans, it has a beautiful, deep flavor with pleasantly low acidity. It’s super easy on the stomach and, as a bonus, contains inulin, which is thought to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. It tastes very similar to coffee but is caffeine-free.
Turmeric latte (aka golden milk)
Here’s a sip that’s pure function and flavor. Turmeric Lattes, or “Golden Milk,” skip the tea leaves entirely. That’s right—it’s totally caffeine-free! The turmeric and ginger make this blend rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Served hot or cold, this drink brings flavor and is especially good for you. The powder can even be mixed into yogurt or smoothies. Golden milk is a rich, caffeine-free substitute for coffee.
Rooibos
Hailing from Southern Africa, Rooibos, or red tea, is celebrated for its warm, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor. Since it’s free of caffeine, most people drink it as a gentle coffee alternative, a straight tea substitute, or as a cozy afternoon treat.
The wellness shots:
Kombucha
If you like the fizz of soda or the tangy kick of coffee, Kombucha might be your drink. This fermented tea uses sugar and yeast to create a slightly sour, effervescent drink. Many fans swear by its probiotic properties for digestion and overall gut health. It’s a great choice when you want that bold flavor and satisfying mouthfeel.
Lemon water
Simple, humble, and seriously effective. Switching up your morning beverage doesn’t have to be complicated. Squeezing a lemon into hot or cold water is an easy way to load up on Vitamin C and boost your immune system. Aside from its refreshing, unsweetened lemonade-like taste, lemon water is a digestion aid that gives you natural, clean energy. Many devotees swear by this as the ultimate morning ritual starter. Plus, it’s calorie- and caffeine-free.
Apple cider vinegar (acv)
Okay, we’re not going to lie: ACV can be tough to down. It has a strong, harsh smell and taste (it is vinegar, after all). But here’s the kicker: its health effects can’t be overstated. We love it for its potential to help with metabolism and gut improvement. If you’re truly looking for something that delivers the same bracing punch as a strong espresso, ACV should be your go-to power shot. Water it down, or take it in one quick gulp!
Why can you trust Luxe Digital?
We’re coffee lovers, too. We personally tried switching up our beverage routine with the drinks listed below—and came away feeling the difference.
But wait, there’s more. Beyond our own sips and swigs, we did the homework. We conducted extensive research to find their true taste profiles, documented their bodily effects, and looked into the experiences of everyday users to bring you only the best recommendations.
Frequently asked questions about coffee alternatives
While there’s no single healthiest coffee, there are coffees that are better for you than others. We recommend freshly brewed black coffee without sugar or excessive cream. When possible, organic beans are always best as they are free of chemicals found in other coffees.
Both tea and coffee offer numerous health benefits, so there’s not necessarily one that’s better than the other. Both have antioxidants, caffeine, and nutrients. Some coffee and tea varieties have different origins, farming methods, and preparation techniques, so each variety could be different. When possible, we recommend getting organic, fair-trade certified coffee and teas.
The drink that tastes the most like coffee, but isn’t coffee, is chicory coffee. They both have a nutty, flavorful flavor and they both are delicious served hot or cold.
