4 Alternatives to Morning Coffee

Although coffee has its advantages, there are other delicious drink options that can also give you a boost in the morning. Try these expert-recommended non-coffee alternatives if you're looking for a warm beverage option with little to no caffeine or a slightly caffeinated option outside of your typical cup of joe.

Matcha Green Tea Latte:

Commonly used in Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha tea is hand picked, ground into a powder and flash frozen to preserve freshness before being packaged into a container. Although it’s a delicate, young variety of tea, it’s jam-packed with nutritional benefits.

"McKel Hill, R.D.N., founder of Nutrition Stripped, highlights matcha tea's abundance of antioxidants, amino acids, and chlorophyll, contributing to its vibrant green hue. Unlike regular teas, matcha contains the whole leaf, boosting its nutritional value. Hill also emphasizes its brain benefits, citing the caffeine and theanine combination for improved focus. Her go-to way of enjoying matcha is a morning latte for a productive day."

Ingredients:

• Half a cup of hot water
• Half a cup of organic light coconut milk (almond milk can be used instead)
• One teaspoon of powdered matcha tea
• One tablespoon of maple syrup, honey, or stevia, depending on preference

Prepare matcha paste by whisking matcha tea powder with hot water in a mug. Blend in hot coconut milk and water, add sweetener if desired. To add froth, froth some coconut milk separately and pour over matcha. If no bamboo whisk, stir matcha with hot water using a spoon. Finish with coconut milk and sweetener.

Nut and Seed Milk:

Steeped in Ayurvedic tradition, this nut and seed milk blend promotes overall wellness with its rich nutrients. Indu Arora, a yoga and Ayurveda therapist, highlights its tridoshic nature suitable for everyone and its abundance of magnesium, iron, calcium, protein, and fiber. Enjoy this nourishing drink daily to maintain stable blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support the nervous system.

Ingredients:

Put the following in a half-full glass of water and let it soak for the entire night:

• 1 dried fig
• 1 medjool date
• 1 tablespoon raw pumpkin seeds
• 5-6 golden raisins
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon white poppy seeds
• 1-inch piece fresh peeled ginger
• 8-10 raw almonds

Drain the water in the morning, peel the almonds, remove the date pit, and combine all the ingredients in a blender. Blend in 6 to 8 ounces of hot or warm water until smooth, then serve.

Lemon-ginger Drink:

After a good night's sleep, focus on rehydration to combat bloat and digestive discomfort. Try this favorite duo of Lyssie and Tammy Lakatos, authors of The Nutrition Twins’ Veggie Cure, to recover from a night of indulgence. Ginger has anti-inflammatory benefits, protecting cells from damage, while lemon provides a vitamin C boost and helps restore fluid balance in the body.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 lemon, cut in half (reserve half for garnish)
• 1 cup of hot water

Boil water and steep ginger in a cup. Strain tea into a glass, add lemon juice, and garnish with lemon slices. Enjoy warm or chilled.

Black Tea:

A more healthful choice than coffee, tea contains less caffeine but numerous health benefits. Sports nutritionist Marie Spano highlights how the blend of caffeine and L-theanine in tea can induce alertness and relaxation with regular consumption. Regularly drinking three cups of black tea can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, and some studies suggest tea's potential for cancer prevention. For a fresh take on tea, consider trying mint in green or oolong varieties to aid digestion and enhance flavor.