There's nothing that touches your soul like that first sip of coffee in the morning, or is there? While coffee has health benefits, consuming too much, as many Canadians do, can have adverse effects on your health. According to the Coffee Association of Canada, adults between 18-79 consume coffee more than any other beverage, water included! You may find yourself turning to coffee for many reasons, whether to provide an energy boost, you enjoy the flavour, or maybe it’s just become a habit. Regardless of the reason you consume caffeine, if you’re looking to quit or just lessen your consumption, here are 5 healthy coffee alternatives. 

1: Coffee Hybrids

If you don't want to quit coffee cold turkey, coffee hybrids may be the right alternative for you. A coffee hybrid mixes mushrooms or adaptogens with coffee. These blends contain half the caffeine of a regular cup of Joe, so if you consume multiple cups of coffee per day, this could be an excellent way to still get your caffeine fix, but in lesser quantities per cup. Four Sigmatic is a popular natural health company that formulates these elixirs. Their Adaptogen Coffee Mix is paired with the popular adaptogen, ashwagandha, which provides a feeling of balance, and their Think blend mixes coffee with Lion’s Mane mushroom to promote concentration. Four Sigmatic formulas are made with 100% organic Arabica coffee beans, taste just like coffee and are ready to drink when mixed in hot water, which makes them a convenient swap for busy mornings or to make on the go. When shopping for these blends, select a high-quality brand that tests its ingredients for heavy metals and allergens and doesn’t use pesticides. 

Matcha green tea is another great coffee alternative that still contains caffeine but in lesser doses. Matcha is rich in antioxidants and fights free radicals, it boosts cognitive function, and thanks to its L-theanine properties, it boosts energy and provides mental clarity without the crash. Matcha also supports heart health and healthy cellular development and may help reduce unwanted weight. There are many different brands of Matcha to choose from, so make sure to select a brand that is clean, GMO-free, organic, and doesn’t contain pesticides or fillers. 

2: Mushrooms

Mushrooms are growing in popularity and can be found in many formulations. They make a great alternative to coffee because they provide a consistent energy boost without the crash and can help enhance concentration. You can mix single mushrooms with hot water or hot milk or use a mushroom blend such as Kickstart by Harmonic Arts which blends Chaga mushroom with adaptogens and raw cacao to create a non-GMO, organic coffee substitute that won’t leave you feeling jittery. Mushroom Elixir Mix With Cordyceps by Four Sigmatic is another option that’s organic and gluten-free. This blend tastes fresh and is easy to mix with hot water to give you a healthy energy boost without the crash. Many people are turning to mushrooms in place of caffeine, and they can be found on many cafe menus because they pack a healthy punch by supporting the immune system, promoting gut health, are easy on the stomach, boost cognitive well-being and provide a dose of vitamins and other nutrients. 

3: Greens

You’ve likely been told at some point in your life to eat your greens and for good reason. Greens provide many nutrients, vitamins and minerals that enhance your health and energy too! Green powders make a great healthy alternative to coffee because, as mentioned, they’re packed with nutrients like b vitamins which provide an energy boost without causing jitters or a crash. They also mix well in water, making them convenient and hydrating. Our favourite greens powders include Enerex Greens because it is a potent and filler-free formula and Genuine Health Greens+ Energy which comes in an array of tasty flavours and provides a natural energy boost. We also like Naturopathic Labs liquid chlorophyll that can be taken as a shot, offers a nice natural taste, is preservative free and lets you say goodbye to coffee breath because it even freshens breath and deodorizes your body. 

4: Adaptogens

Herbs, known as adaptogens, help your body adapt to stress and adverse situations. These herbs include maca, ashwagandha, mushrooms, ginseng, Yerba mate and more. They make great alternatives to coffee because they naturally help increase energy without a crash or making you jittery, and they support your adrenal glands and overall health. This is a great option if you often feel anxious when you consume caffeine or if you want to consume less coffee. You can use single herbs like maca and ashwagandha by adding them to a power smoothie or use ready-to-mix blends by simply adding them to hot milk or water. We love Organic Traditions Macaccino drinks mix because it’s certified organic, packed with antioxidants and tastes great. We also like maca for its energizing effects, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s known to increase your libido too ;) Organic Traditions also makes a Yerba Mate Mint Latte mix with probiotics that will uplift your energy and feed your good gut bacteria. 

5: Hydration

Lastly, nothing quite wakes you in the morning like an old-fashioned glass of water. We know, not what you were expecting to see on this list, but hear us out. 

Upon waking you are often dehydrated, which can feel even worse if you live in a dry climate. This can make you feel sluggish; therefore, hydrating with a glass of lemon water, a hydration mix, trace minerals, or coconut water can help hydrate, wake up your cells, and help you feel energized. Since drinking multiple cups of coffee a day can be dehydrating, swapping out all or a few cups with water can be beneficial not only to your energy levels but your overall health. When looking to hydrate, we enjoy Hydration Mix by Biosteel because it’s sugar-free, preservative-free, and derived from a mix of fruit and vegetables. This hydration powder comes in many flavours to suit your fancy; and is also the official hydrator of the NHL; if it's good enough to keep them hydrated during games, it can surely help keep you hydrated and energized all day too.

Where To Buy Quality Coffee Alternatives

Whether you’re looking to break up with coffee for good or just see it less, these healthy swaps will not only help the transition but may have you forgetting about your former friend altogether. Just like when shopping for coffee, you want to make sure you’re selecting a high-quality coffee alternative that’s made from pure ingredients. You can find many of these items online and in person at a natural health food store, and if you still have questions, our team of certified holistic nutritionists and naturopaths are here to help. 

If you have tried or are going to try these suggestions, leave a comment below, we’d love to hear how the switch was or what you're excited about.