Want the Buzz of Coffee but Not the Crash? Try These Coffee Alternatives With Added Health Benefits

Coffee is beloved for many reasons. It’s perhaps most celebrated for its familiar buzz and stimulating effects. There are, however, some downsides to consuming too much caffeine, causing some to cut back or eliminate the high-octane stuff altogether.

“Perhaps they are overconsuming caffeine, or the caffeine doesn’t agree with them,” says Toby Amidor, MS, RD, nutrition expert and best-selling author of Health Shots. “According to the FDA and dietary guidelines for Americans, it’s recommended to drink up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to about four 8-ounce cups of coffee.”

Caffeine overconsumption can cause sleep difficulties and gastric issues. It can also contribute to anxiety and result in a crash of energy for some later in the day. 

Aside from cutting back on caffeine, some people seek additional health benefits from their morning brew. Enter, the rise in coffee alternatives.

“This trend is really driven by the wellness movement, with people looking for more natural, sustainable ways to stay energized,” says Jack Hartmann, founder and CEO of Kubo Tea. “Younger people, in particular, are shifting toward mindfulness and balance, looking for energy solutions that fit their lifestyle without the drawbacks of traditional coffee.”

Anyone who has tried to give up coffee or caffeine cold turkey knows it can be difficult. Over the past few years, the coffee alternatives that have flooded the market offer a wide range of flavors and health benefits. It’s never been easier to give up the java.

What do coffee alternatives look like?

When people seek an alternative to coffee, the first option they often consider is usually tea. Many varieties of tea provide caffeine in lesser amounts than coffee alongside other health benefits. Matcha, for example, contains antioxidants and L-theanine, which is thought to have a calming effect. 

Chai, an Indian tea, still offers caffeine but has other benefits. 

“Chai tradition is culturally important not only as a means of energy but also to ease stress and regulate the body,” says Esar Aadil, owner and director of marketing at Soul Chai. “These warming, aromatic spices have synergistic properties that are amplified when consumed together. For example, the active compounds in black pepper enhance the absorption and effectiveness of ginger’s immune-supporting properties.”

Adaptogenic mushrooms have also become a popular alternative to coffee. Used widely in traditional medicine, mushrooms like cordyceps, chaga, and lion’s mane are thought to deliver sustained energy, mental clarity, and an antioxidant boost. 

“Mushroom-based drinks aren’t about replacing caffeine entirely, but optimizing it,” says Zachary Patterson, co-founder of Fun Earth Co. “Instead of a massive caffeine hit, try combining a moderate dose with functional mushrooms. This approach scratches the same itch as coffee — the ritual, the focus, the energy — but without the crash.”

Whichever alternative you choose, it’s important to be aware of potentially harmful health effects. Some adaptogenic mushrooms may interact negatively with some medications or medical conditions. Amidor recommends to check with a doctor to ensure what you choose isn’t harmful. She suggests some caution. 

“Some claims are exaggerated, as there just isn’t enough science to make some of the claims,” says Amidor. “It can give people false hope and have them spending a lot of money. Many of these alternatives, especially with adaptogens and other such ingredients added, have not been tested as a whole with the variety of ingredients, but rather base the claims on individual ingredients.”

If you’re interested in cutting down on caffeine, here are some of the best coffee alternatives we’ve tried, along with some suggestions from Amidor.