5 Healthy Coffee Alternatives to Boost Energy & Productivity

Coffee has been America’s drink of choice for decades. Today, nearly 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee each week, and well over 50% drink it every single day. Moreover, the average coffee drinker consumes about three cups of coffee per day. Going without often means fatigue, headaches, irritability, nausea, and anxiety. Is this trend really sustainable? 

In the past few years, more and more people –– thousands every day –– are now opting for healthy coffee alternatives to wake them up in the morning and keep them going through their day. 

Many of these beverages are readily available at popular chains and your favorite local cafes. Things like matcha and chai lattes, protein-boosted superfood smoothies, yerba mate, and even “adaptogenic coffees” made from powdered mushrooms abound. But are these healthy alternatives to coffee fit to power your day-to-day? 

We did some digging to find the best coffee alternative drink available today; one which provides the same kind of boost in energy and productivity, without the spike, crash, or general health problems associated with high caffeine intake.

Why Should I Quit Coffee?

There are countless reasons why people are researching healthy alternatives to coffee, and each person’s desire to kick the habit will be unique to their needs. 

There is a wide range of tolerance for caffeine – some people feel wired after one cup, others can knock back five or six with ease. For the highly caffeine sensitive among us, coffee consumption can lead to unpleasant side effects like anxiety, stomach aches, digestive issues, and poor sleep. Also, ingesting caffeine too late in the day can induce insomnia or cause people to wake up in the middle of the night.

Foregoing coffee can also lead to lower blood pressure – this also has to do with coffee’s high caffeine content, which tends to cause brief but dramatic spikes in blood pressure, even in those without chronically high blood pressure. Not to mention, coffee has a tendency to stain teeth over time, which can be costly to reverse. 

So if you’re ready to explore the best healthy coffee alternatives for energy that is sustainable, read on! 

What Are the Most Popular Coffee Alternatives?

There are a variety of healthy coffee alternatives that are already very popular, especially among younger generations. While coffee in and of itself isn’t unhealthy, people who are highly sensitive to coffee’s caffeine levels may find that tea puts a similar pep in their step without the spike or crash associated with coffee. 

Tea

Potent black tea brewed long and well can offer caffeine lovers a boost of energy that rivals coffee. Additionally, the American Council on Exercise has found that tea may have the potential to lower the risk of heart disease and cancers in certain individuals.

Green tea has less caffeine per cup than black tea, but it’s well known to reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Matcha has become especially popular — especially in latte form — and is rich in catechins, which are powerful antioxidants.

Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate has also made waves as a caffeinated replacement for coffee. Each cup offers more caffeine than the average cup of black tea, but less than that  found in a cup of coffee. 

That said, some people are looking for caffeine alternatives, or for drinks that will still provide a similar energy boost to coffee. So if you’re feeling wary when it comes to tea time, keep reading for more healthy alternatives to coffee for energy.

What Should I Drink if I Don’t Like Tea or Coffee?

For those trying to avoid caffeine entirely, there are a host of tea and coffee alternatives to enjoy. Juice cleanses, protein-packed smoothies, and kombucha have been trending for years, with many people opting to begin their day with these health-focused drinks.

Kombucha 

This healthy coffee alternative has gained some notoriety in the past several years. Today, it’s revered for the added benefit of probiotics, which encourage a healthy gut microbiome. Kombucha is fermented tea, so drinkers can buy (or brew!) caffeinated or non-caffeinated options. 

Adaptogenic “Coffee” 

This caffine alternative is becoming more popular, but don’t expect it to be at every local cafe just yet. Adaptogens are said to help the body and mind recover from and resist stressors, so it’s easy to see why these drinks have become popular! Adaptogenic coffee alternatives are often made with powdered mushrooms, cacao, turmeric, and chai spices, and tend to have a coffee-adjacent earthy, slightly bitter taste.

Green Juice & Smoothies

One of the biggest health crazes in recent years, “green juice” offers many of the nutritional benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, cold-pressed juice often lacks fiber and protein –– two vital components of a balanced and nutritious meal. Smoothie enthusiasts may circumvent this problem by adding plant milk, oatmeal, nut butter, or protein powder to their favorite recipes. However, the energy provided will be more  similar  to that found in a meal. So be warned that your smoothie may ultimately lack the same boost to focus, energy, and productivity that is associated with coffee, or caffeinated beverages.

While all these tea and coffee alternatives come with their own perks, people looking for that familiar buzz may find themselves disappointed. 

What Is the Healthiest Alternative to Coffee?

Those looking for a clean source of long-lasting energy should look no further than Kenetik. This plant-based, keto-friendly, healthy coffee alternative drink will help you power through your day – without the crash or jitters that come with coffee. 

Kenetik is a ketone drink that harnesses the benefits  of exogenous ketones and electrolytes — not caffeine or added sugar — to provide you with hours of performance-enhancing energy, focus, and clarity. 

So what are ketones, you ask? Well, when your body runs out of glucose to burn for fuel, your liver will begin transforming stored fat into ketones, an efficient and powerful source of energy. 

Exogenous ketones — “exo” meaning “exterior or external”, and “genous” meaning “origin” — are simply ketones that you don’t have to make yourself. Anyone who has attempted the keto diet or rigorous fasting knows that tricking your body into creating and using ketones instead of burning carbs can be a lengthy and difficult process. Kenetik’s exogenous ketones are here to shorten your route to optimal health.

Kenetik helps you get and stay on top of your game. Studies show that ketones are linked with the production of proteins known as brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF). Today, BDNF has been found to play a vital role in facilitating learning and enhancing memory, improving overall cognitive performance and giving you that extra boost in productivity. Also, Kenetik is delicious! It’s currently available in an effervescent, tropical flavor that’s refreshing and tasty without being too sweet!