Sixty-five percent of Americans drink coffee daily, likely due to its deliciously complex flavor and its ability to zap us to life and prepare us for the busy day ahead.[1]
But if you’re looking to circumvent the jitters or crashes that come with drinking coffee, you might be seeking an energy-boosting alternative.
Discover how to increase energy and motivation without relying on regular coffee beans. Whether you’re interested in a more expansive flavor variety or you’re adjusting to a new morning ritual, today we’re reviewing the advantages of healthy coffee alternatives for energy—and providing some of our favorite alternatives to try.
Why Seek Coffee Alternatives for Energy?
Along with avoiding the unwanted side effects of coffee, there are several reasons you might want to partake in healthy alternatives to coffee for energy, including:
- Caffeine sensitivity – While some people delight in a midday energy buzz via a heavily-caffeinated double espresso oat milk latte, not everyone responds to such a large amount of caffeine in one serving. Those who are sensitive to caffeine may appreciate coffee alternatives for their ability to energize with a lower caffeine concentration.
- Increased hydration – Caffeine increases your urine output, therefore lowering your overall level of hydration.[2] Many coffee alternatives consist of mostly water or herbal infusions, bringing you one step closer to your daily hydration goals.
- Functional benefits – Some coffee alternatives may offer additional mood or cognitive benefits, like reducing stress, improving your immune system, and enhancing your focus.
See related: How to Improve Mood
Natural Herbal Teas for a Gentle Energy Boost
If you enjoy the feeling of a warm mug of coffee nestled in the palms of your hands, you might enjoy switching out your regular coffee beans for a cozy cup of natural herbal tea.
Many herbal teas offer approximately half the caffeine of an eight-ounce cup of coffee and less acidity. They also contain antioxidant compounds, which may support immune health and neutralize free radicals.[3] Whether you go for black tea, matcha green tea, or a fragrant herbal tea, these substitutes will not only help you reduce your caffeine intake but also provide a variety of health benefits as well.
Delicious Superfood Smoothies for Vitality
Superfoods may not be superheroes, but they are certainly super nutrient-dense. They may also promote improved health and increased energy levels by improving your immune function.[4]
From avocados and dark leafy greens to beets and berries, there is an infinite combination of superfoods you can add to your daily smoothie that’ll add a little pep to your step. Your daily smoothie can quickly become the perfect coffee substitute and give you the sustained energy you need to keep you going throughout the day.
But what are a superfood’s superpowers, exactly? Many superfoods contain a significant amount of the following beneficial nutrients:[4]
- Antioxidants
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Fiber
- Healthy fats
Healthy Snacks to Power Up Your Day
Fueling yourself goes beyond eating your daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you want to amp up your energy levels, consider nibbling on some of these healthy snacks throughout the day to keep you energized for hours:
- Nuts – Full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, nuts can also help you restock your electrolyte supply. An adequate serving size is about a quarter cup.
- Fruit – From berries to bananas, healthy carbs to the rescue. If you’re looking for extra hydration, opt for melons. They contain a higher water content alongside their healthy fiber.
- Dairy – From cottage cheese to yogurt, dairy is a protein and carb-filled power combo that can give you a quick energy boost.
Harnessing the Power of Adaptogens for Energy
Don’t let the long name scare you away. Adaptogens are simply a fancy name for certain types of plants that help our bodies manage stress. But not every herb and mushroom on the market qualifies. To fit the bill of adaptogen, it must adhere to the following guidelines:[5]
- It’s nontoxic in single-serving sizes
- It helps your body cope with stress
-
It assists in returning your body to a balanced state
Some popular adaptogens include:
- Rhodiola
- Lion’s mane
- Ashwagandha
- Reishi
- Tulsi
When taken on a regular basis, adaptogens can be a healthy alternative to your morning coffee.
Exploring Kava for Balanced Energy
Kava is another caffeine alternative for energy. Used in the Pacific for centuries, the Piper methysticum shrub has become popular in Western culture in recent years due to its energy-boosting promise.
Unlike coffee, which comes in only one ingestible form (liquid) you can comfortably consume kava in a variety of convenient forms depending on your preference, such as:
- Powders – Mix kava powder into your favorite smoothie for a healthy dose of focus and energy.
- Capsules – If you’re sensitive to certain flavors, you might prefer taking flavor-free kava capsules.
- Tonics – Kava tonics are small and convenient. With only one ounce, you’ll receive an entire dose of kava meant to provide sustained energy—without the unwanted crash.
Embark On an Energy-Filled Journey with Botanic Tonics
With coffee alternatives for energy, you can have your tasty beverage and your energy, too.
At Botanic Tonics, we’ve utilized traditional natural substances, like kava, to create our kava tonic and capsules. Either choice will give you the all-natural energy you crave, on the occasions that you need it.
If you’re looking for focus, calm, and a gentle energy boost, checkout our products and find your fit.
Sources:
- NCA. Coffee continues reign as America’s favorite beverage: Spring 2023 National Coffee Data Trends report. https://www.ncausa.org/Newsroom/Coffee-continues-to-reign-as-Americas-favorite-beverage
- Mayo Clinic. Do caffeinated drinks, such as coffee or energy drinks, hydrate you as well as water? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/caffeinated-drinks/faq-20057965
- Harvard Health Publishing. Energy-boosting coffee alternatives: What to know. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/energy-boosting-coffee-alternatives-what-to-know-202302222893
- Cleveland Clinic. What Is a Superfood, Anyway? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-a-superfood/
- UCLA Health. What are adaptogens and should you be taking them? https://www.uclahealth.org/news/what-are-adaptogens-and-should-you-be-taking-them
About The Author
Jamal Bouie is an accomplished professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis. Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Biomedicine at Salus University. Jamal has worked in several industries; he began his career in pharmaceutical manufacturing and transitioned to the cannabis industry, where he specialized in analytical testing and manufacturing, playing a vital role in ensuring product safety and compliance. Now, Jamal has turned his attention to the dietary supplement field, combining his scientific acumen with his passion for health and wellness.
