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If you’re here because want reduce or eliminate (go you!) your coffee intake, you’re in the right place.

This is not another list of coffee alternatives in which the author suggests you replace your favorite morning ritual with a cup of chamomile tea and chill out.

Here’s why: I LOVE COFFEE.

I didn’t get into this addictive drink until my mid-twenties while I was leading a retreat in Brazil. Since then, it’s become an important part of my food adventures when I explore new places.

But that one time, I was told to quit caffeine all together for three weeks.

That’s when I set out on a quest to find a healthy coffee alternative. I was looking for something that offer not only a full-body flavor, but also a burst of energy, and an opportunity for a mindful ritual.

The options I found at a health food store almost made me give up on finding a solid coffee substitute.

They tasted horrible.

I kept digging, asking and testing.

Now, 2 years later, I have a solid rotation of coffee substitutes that I feel confident offering people that I love.

I created this list of the best coffee substitutes so that you don’t have to repeat my mistakes.

While I still drink coffee (especially homemade cold brew – its acidity is lower than hot coffee), I tend to take breaks from it OR at least replace my second cup of coffee with one of these alternatives – especially when traveling or undergoing other types of stress.

For a doctor’s perspective on coffee, and a consideration on why you might want to take a break from it, listen to my podcast interview with Dr. Weil.

The Best Coffee Alternatives 

Here’s the list of the best coffee substitutes:

Get a discount on most of the products mentioned below with code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS.

1. Rasa Adaptogenic Blend
2. MUD\WTR Coffee Alternative
3. Jnantik Mayan Seed Superfood
4. Ceremonial Cacao
5. Dandy Blend Dandelion Beverage
6. Bonus #1: Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane (read the full Four Sigmatic coffee review)
7. Bonus #2: Matcha Green Tea
8. Bonus #3: Pique Tea Crystals
9. Bonus #4: Wooden Spoon Herbs Herbal Coffee

Before we get into the list, here are my 3 tips for reducing or quitting coffee:

1. At first, reduce the amount of coffee you consume instead of quitting cold turkey.
2. Stick with it. I’ve quit coffee every time I’ve done the CLEAN Program 21-day cleanse (it’s terrific!). By the end of the three weeks, my coffee habit was GONE.
3. Find a coffee alternative that actually works for you – in both how it feels and flavor.

Let’s get to it!

This list of the best healthy coffee substitutes includes caffeine free coffee alternatives, as well as ones that contain caffeine. 

Coffee Alternative #1: Rasa

Rasa is a functional coffee alternative with organic adaptogens and sustainable herbs.

Here’s what I love about Rasa:

1. Clean, functional ingredients that are certified organic, non-GMO and sustainable.
2. Rasa draws its power from adaptogens which are said to help your body adapt to stress (find out more about adaptogens in this podcast with Sage Dammers).
3. Earthy and rich flavor.
4. The brewing process is similar to coffee: I brew it for 10+ minutes in a french press, which makes it a lovely ritual (if you prefer no ritual, scroll below for instant coffee alternatives).
5. Calm, sustained energy.
6. 100% caffeine-free flavor options.
7. Organic, sustainably sourced and packaged.
8. Rasa is great both hot and iced.
9. No sugar, added sweetener or added flavors.
10. Rasa’s founder, Lopa van der Mersch is a fantastic human whose integrity I trust (get to know Lopa van der Mersch in this podcast interview).
11. The variety of flavors is incredible! Their sampler pack includes all three of my favorites: Super Happy Sunshine, Spicy Rose and Weldlerberry.

How to prepare:

Brew Rasa in a French press and a drink on its own like a black coffee, or blend with your favorite nut milk and sweetener to make a delicious latte.

PRO TIP: If you’re not ready to give up coffee, brew Rasa 50/50 with coffee. The energy buzz it gives you will be a lot more smooth and sustained! Alternatively, buy Dirty Rasa – it already has coffee in it.

Bonus: you can use Rasa to in baking, such as donuts and cookies, add it to your favorite morning smoothie, make coconut ice cream with it, or use it to make an affogato.

All Rasa products are Whole 30 approved, certified organic, gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free.

Rasa comes in multiple flavors, and these are some of my favorites: 

1. Original Rasa: The signature 12-herb formula, also available in AIP version for those sensitive to nightshades. 

• 0mg of caffeine
• Ingredients: Roasted chicory, burdock & dandelion roots; eleuthero, shatavari, he shou wu, codonopsis, chaga mycelium, ashwagandha, rhodiola, Ceylon cinnamon, reishi extract.
• Price: $28 for 8oz – Contains 32 servings (~.87 cents per serving)

2. Cacao Rasa: 

• 5mg of caffeine (from cacao)
• Fair-trade Ecuadorian criollo cacao; roasted chicory, burdock, & dandelion roots; eleuthero, shatavari, he shou wu, codonopsis, chaga mycelium, ashwagandha, rhodiola, Ceylon cinnamon, reishi extract.
• Price: $26 for 8oz – Contains 32 servings (~.81 cents per serving)

3. Dirty Rasa (contains coffee):  

• 35mg of caffeine
•  Ingredients: Roasted chicory, burdock & dandelion roots; eleuthero, shatavari, he shou wu, codonopsis, chaga mycelium, ashwagandha, rhodiola, Ceylon cinnamon, & reishi extract, fair-trade coffee.  
• Price: $24 for 8oz – Contains 32 servings (~.75 cents per serving)

4. Bold Rasa 

If you like the sound of Rasa, and want to make sure you get the energy boost you’re looking for, Bold is an epic choice. It contains 9 adaptogenic herbs in their clinically-studied effective doses.

• 0mg of caffeine
•  Ingredients: Roasted burdock, chicory, & dandelion roots; cacao, shatavari, codonopsis, eleuthero, he shou wu, eleuthero extract, rhodiola extract, Ceylon cinnamon, cordyceps extract, lions mane extract, schisandra extract, gynostemma extract, shilajit extract, chaga, <1% cassava dextrin.
• Price: $48 for 8oz – Contains 30 servings (~$1.6 per serving)

My personal Rasa favorites are Cacao and Bold. I also love the Super Happy Sunshine and Elderberry flavors.

Where to buy: wearerasa.com. Use code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS for 15% off your order.

Coffee Alternative #2: MUD\WTR

MUD\WTR is a coffee alternative with functional mushrooms, cacao, spices and black tea – it does have caffeine, but it’s only 1/7 the caffeine of coffee.

Here’s what I love about MUD\WTR:

1. A grounding, chai-like flavor.
2. MUD\WTR is super easy to brew: just add hot water or milk/nut milk of your choice.
3. Mud is jam-packed with adaptogens that can help with mental and physical performance, recovery and immunity, inflammation and mood. They include lion’s mane, chaga and reishi.
4. No sugar, added sweetener or added flavors.

MUD\WTR is USDA organic, non-GMO, Whole 30 approved, kosher, gluten-free, and vegan.

MUD\WTR Facts: 

• • 14mg of caffeine (from cacao and black tea)
  • Ingredients: Organic mushroom blend (chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps mycelial biomass cultured on organic oats), Organic cacao, Organic Spice Blend (organic cinnamon, organic turmeric, organic ginger, organic cardamom, organic black pepper, organic nutmeg, organic cloves), Organic black tea powder, Himalayan pink salt.
  • Price: $40 for 6.4oz. – 30 servings (~$1.33 per serving).

Where to buy: mudwtr.com

☕ Read our full review of MUD\WTR coffee alternative ☕

Coffee Alternative #3: Jnantik 

Jnantik is a coffee alternative is made from the nutrient rich, adaptogenic Maya seed.

Here’s what I love about Jnantik:

1. A short, clean, simple list of ingredients.
2. An earthy, nutty, satisfying flavor.
3. It’s super easy to make – just add hot water. The ground Maya seed will settle on the bottom of your cup, and you can compost it or use it in baking.
4. The Maya seed is an adaptogen that is high in antioxidants and nutrients, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron.
5. The Maya seed is high in prebiotic fiber, which supports gut health.
6. It is great for pregnant and nursing mothers as a coffee alternative, and is also a natural galactogogue known to aid in milk production!
7. No sugar, added sweetener or added flavors.

Fun fact:Traditionally maya seed is sun dried and ground into powder that’s used in breads and tortillas.

How to prepare:

Pour hot water, stir, and it’s ready! Discard or compost the ground Maya seed that settled on the bottom of your cup. Jnantik is delicious on its own. Alternatively, you can mix it with your favorite nut milk or creamer and sweetener.

All Jnantik products are paleo, vegan, GMO-free, organic and gluten-free. 

Jnantik comes in 3 flavors: 

1. Jnantik Maya Seed Coffee Alternative (original):

• • 0mg of caffeine
  • Ingredients: Roasted & Ground Maya Seed (Breadnut).
  • Price: $19.95 for 8oz – Contains 30 servings (~.67 cents per serving)

2. Jnantik Maya Seed Coffee Alternative with Cinnamon:

• 0mg of caffeine
• Ingredients: Roasted & ground Maya Seed (Breadnut), ground cinnamon.
• Price: $19.95 for 8oz – Contains 30 servings (~.67 cents per serving)

3. Maya Seed Mocha:

• • 5mg of caffeine (from cacao)
  • Ingredients: Roasted & ground Maya Seed (Breadnut), cacao powder.
  • Price: $19.95 for 8oz – Contains 30 servings (~.67 cents per serving)

My personal favorite flavors are the original Jnantik Maya Seed Coffee Alternative and Jnantik Maya Seed Mocha.

Where to buy: jnantik.com. Use code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS for 5% off.

Coffee Alternative #4: Ceremonial Cacao

Ceremonial cacao is a nutrient-rich whole food that boosts not only your energy, but also can activate creativity.

Ceremonial cacao is not the same as commercial hot chocolate or even cacao powder.  Known as the “food of the gods”, ceremonial cacao is not only tasty but filled with nutritional benefits. What makes it ceremonial is intentional sourcing and production every step of the way, bringing you a product that is rich in antioxidants, healthy fat and theobromine (a stimulant that has a similar structure to caffeine). 

Here’s what I love about ceremonial cacao:

1. Ceremonial cacao gently activates your energy and awakens creativity. I always drink a cup before recording interviews for my podcast, and it helps me stay present!
2. The ritual, or “ceremony” around cacao is a whole world of its own that brought an incredible community into my life. Find out more about cacao ceremony.
3. Ceremonial cacao is a whole food product that keeps you nourished for a while. It also satisfies chocolate cravings without the extreme amounts of sugar!
4. No sugar, added sweetener or added flavors in the brands recommended below.

How to prepare:

Blend 1/4 cup chopped ceremonial cacao with 1 cup hot (not boiling) water and a sweetener of your choice, like monkfruit, a date, coconut sugar or honey. You can also add spices like cinnamon (warming) or cardamom (cooling), vanilla, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cayenne or chili pepper. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to make it extra thick and frothy.

Alternatively, you can use nut milk or 50/50 hot water and nut milk to make a cacao latte. Drink it right away or place in the fridge and serve chilled.

Where to buy high integrity ceremonial cacao:

1. Cacao Laboratory

Favorite flavors are plain cacao (the only ingredient is organic cacao paste) and Water Element cacao bar (Theobroma Cacao, Maca and Coriander.)

Use code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS for 15% off

2. Legacy Cacao

The legend goes that the Mayan Priestess of Cacao chose Legacy to spread the native plant medicine to open your heart, maximize your zone of genius, and nourish your body. It’s a fair profit company and they only have one blend: an original recipe with vanilla, panela and spices. You receive your cacao with a beautiful handwoven Mayan cloth bag, and each cacao bag is blessed and marked with the day it was made on according to the Mayan Sacred Calendar – it makes a gorgeous gift!

3. Ora Cacao

Favorite flavors are Tantric Rose Blossom (cacao and rose blend) and Connected Colombia (100% cacao).

Find out more about ceremonial cacao, its history and preparation.  

Use code “breakfastcriminals” for 10% off

4. Keith’s Ceremonial Cacao

Keith’s ceremonial cacao blocks come pure with nothing added, making it a powerful way of connecting with pure cacao and a flavor playground to add spices and superfoods you’re drawn to.

Keith’s Cacao is said to be the world’s first “ceremonial” cacao founded by Keith Wilson, aka “The chocolate shaman.”

Use code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS for 5% off 

Coffee Alternative #5: Dandy Blend Dandelion Beverage

Here’s what I like about Dandy Blend:

1. Dandy Blend has a rich, full bodied flavor.
2. It’s made from the water soluble extracts of barley, rye, chicory roots, and dandelion roots grown on certified organic farms in Poland.
3. It has the consistency of instant coffee and can be served hot, cold, or in recipes – add water and stir. 
4. No sugar, added sweetener or added flavors.
5. Dandy Blend is the most affordable caffeine alternative on this list.

Dandy Blend is gluten free, kosher, vegan, vegetarian, and GMO-free.

Although this alternative is made up of roots and grains, Dandy Blend tastes somewhat like coffee. Though it includes grains that contain gluten – barley and rye – the drink is still considered to be gluten-free since the blend only includes water extracts of rye and barley. The gluten that would typically be found in barley and rye is left behind during the extracting process making the blend gluten-free. Dandy Blend has a natural sweetness thanks to chicory, a natural sweetener and prebiotic, along with the dandelion, another great prebiotic.

Pro tip: Use Dandy Blend to make coconut milk ice cream, a fudge “coffee” sauce, or use it to make your favorite baked goods – like this delicious brownie.

Dandy Blend is gluten free, kosher, vegan, vegetarian, and GMO-free.

Dandy Blend Facts: 

• • 0mg of caffeine (from cacao and black tea)
  • Ingredients: extracts of roasted barley, rye, chicory root, dandelion root, and sugar beetroot.
  • Price: $25.99 for 11oz. – 156 servings (~.17 cents per serving).

Where to buy: amazon.com.

Bonus Coffee Substitutes: 

Bonus #1: Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane

This option is not exactly an alternative to coffee. Four Sigmatic with Lion’s Mane is coffee, but elevated with the power of mushrooms. I recently got into cold brewing it and I love the flavor and its mind-clearing effects.

Where to buy: foursigmatic.com

Bonus #2: Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is processed green tea leaves that have been stone-ground into a powder (typically in Japan, where it’s been used in the legendary tea ceremonies by Zen Masters for centuries).

It’s different from green tea because you ingest the whole powdered green tea leaf, not just the brewed water. Matcha does have caffeine, but it’s only about half of the caffeine in coffee.

I’m on a massive matcha kick after listening to Dr. Andrew Weil, one of the top natural medicine doctors in the world. Get to know Dr. Weil in this podcast interview I am grateful to have recorded!

There are lots of things to love about matcha – my favorites are its energizing effect, and the fact that it doesn’t make you jittery or give you a caffeine crash.

Learn more about matcha green tea, its benefits, and how to prepare a delicious cup of matcha or matcha latte.

Where to buy ceremonial matcha:

• Pique Sun Goddess matcha
• matcha.com (yes, Dr. Weil owns this baller domain!)
• Matchaful Hikari Matcha

Bonus #3: Pique Tea Crystals

I promised that I wouldn’t include any boring options on this list – and I’m sticking to it. Pique is not just regular tea, it’s tea crystals. Whaaat? Thoughtfully sourced, perfectly extracted, pre-brewed tea with antioxidants preserved – that’s what tea crystals are. All you need to do is add water – hot or cold.

Drink it as is or make a delicious latte by adding your favorite milk.

My favorite flavors are Bergamot Black Fasting Tea (Dr. Will Cole approves this choice of a morning beverage on my podcast), Bergamot Green Fasting Tea, Chaga Energy Elixir and Pu’Er Black Tea. Pique Tea Sun Goddess Matcha is outstanding, too – one of the best matcha teas I’ve ever had.

Bonus #4: Wooden Spoon Herbs Herbal Coffee

Wooden Spoon Herbs is a small-batch herbal apothecary and their Herbal Coffee is a deliciously crafted powder made out of Organic Roasted chicory root, Organic Dandelion root, Organic Maca root, Organic Burdock root, Organic Mesquite pod and Organic Cinnamon bark.

READ NEXT:

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How To Make The Best Matcha Green Tea & Top 5 Matcha Benefits

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Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor and your own body on what works for you.