If you're reading this, you're like me and have spent years making a beeline for a cup of coffee first thing in the morning and probably half a dozen times throughout the day. And now you're looking to cut down on caffeine and not lose the pick-me-up you get from traditional coffee.
I've tried many coffee substitutes over the years, and if I'm honest, most of them are not up to much. Even the ones I do like, for the most part, don't always taste great.
That said, I have a new favorite that landed on my desk only a couple of weeks ago and an upgraded formula of a coffee alternative I would probably have ranked at about 5th in the past. But now, they're steaming ahead to the top of the pack. So, if you're interested in kicking the habit and switching up your morning cup of coffee for something a little different, then you're in the right place as I break down the best coffee substitutes on the market.
Now, most of the best coffee alternatives still have some caffeine, but a couple of these have 5mg per cup, which is 20 times less than a strong brew because many things that make an excellent hot drink have some caffeine. Even cocoa has a little bit. But we're talking about cutting out most of the caffeine. Things like matcha tea, for example, do have some, but they also contain things like L Theanine, which balances out the damaging crashes you get from caffeine and still tastes great.
If I had written this just a week ago, this would have been a bit lower down the list, but the 2.0 release of Nootrum's Mushroom Coffee alternative is a mile ahead of anything else on the market now. It works better to boost your energy and keep me focused throughout the day.
As a brand, they're known for standardized mushroom extracts, and they've now taken this same standardized extraction process to their powder. The thing is that mushroom coffees often rely on cordyceps for the energy boost, and the thing is, you'd need about 10 grams to get the best out of it because cordycepin doesn't make up much of the mushroom. And this is true across all of its ingredients. It's also great for gut health thanks to ginger and reishi and long-term brain function, as it includes a lion's mane extract standardized for erinacines.
As for taste, we've got a gingery, smoky, earthy profile with a hint of vanilla. Of course, the vanilla extract is organic, and they've included a bit of manuka honey for its immune-boosting properties and to sweeten the coffee. It's fantastic, and I couldn't recommend it highly enough. It's recently replaced Mud Wtr as my daily go-to and, as such, tops the list of coffee substitutes.
Mud/WTR is crafted for those looking to replicate the richness of coffee without the caffeine—at least, that's how they pitch it. However, the taste is not as good, and it will take some getting used to. I have used Mud WTR for a long time, so I like it, but the marketing can be a bit overhyped.
It combines adaptogenic mushrooms like chaga, reishi, and lion's mane, which are celebrated for supporting focus, immunity, and stress relief. Although a few of these are under-dosed, you'll notice that you get better consistency from Nootrum. Cacao adds a chocolatey undertone and a hint of caffeine, while turmeric and cinnamon introduce warm, spicy notes that comfort each sip. It's designed to give a steady, calm energy boost that lasts through the morning, avoiding the midday crash often associated with coffee. Mix a spoonful with hot water or milk for a latte-like experience. If you're after a mellow, earthy drink with a hint of spice, Mud/WTR is a solid choice.
Clevr's Matcha SuperLatte is a lovely matcha blend, especially if you like creamy and smooth lattes. This one combines oat milk and coconut cream powder to give it a luxuriously thick texture, along with adaptogens like ashwagandha and lion's mane, which does help with stress reduction and also with sleep, so if that's the reason you're looking to cut down on the coffee then it's a good pick. The MCT oil boosts brain function, making it a lovely morning pick-me-up. Plus, the taste is approachable—mellow, lightly sweet, and a touch grassy from the matcha.
It's not super strong, so if you're used to a big caffeine kick, you may need an extra cup later. Also, it's a bit pricy for the small serving size.
Renude's Chagaccino brings the rich taste of cocoa with chaga mushroom's immune-boosting properties, which taste pretty good. That said, it's more to replace the flavor than something that will give you the same kick as caffeine, as nothing in here will pick you up.
It has an almost dessert-like and deliciously chocolatey vibe, and the slight sweetness from coconut sugar makes it easy to enjoy without adding anything extra. The claim is that the chaga offers a gentle, steady boost without caffeine, but it doesn't do anything. Mushroom-wise, you're looking for cordyceps and lion's mane. But it does taste nice, and the cinnamon adds a subtle spice that rounds out the flavor nicely.
For those who like coffee's bitterness, this may be too sweet. It's a great treat but doesn't quite hit the coffee spot if you're craving that bold kick.
Joey Coffee Alternative offers a robust and bold taste with chicory root and dandelion, hitting close to the coffee mark for people who miss that bite. This is probably the closest to regular coffee on the list for getting that coffee-like flavor. It's not perfect, but Joey is well worth a try.
Maca and beetroot add a subtle sweetness and a touch of smoothness, while cinnamon and black pepper give it a nice, warming finish. It's packed with nutrients, and dandelion is excellent for liver support, making it one of the more health-focused options.
It's definitely on the bitter side—great for some, but maybe too intense for others. Also, the beetroot flavor is faint but noticeable, which could be a hit or miss, depending on your taste.
Rasa's Cacao blend combines adaptogens and cacao to create a satisfying, caffeine-free alternative that again tastes good but lacks the energy kick you may be looking for in your coffee substitute. The rich chocolate flavor of cacao combines beautifully with cinnamon and clove, creating a warm, slightly spicy chocolate experience. Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Eleuthero work in the background to boost stress resilience and provide calm energy.
The cacao is delicious but a bit earthy, and it lacks that sharp bitterness you might want from a coffee replacement. It's more of a cozy, comforting option than an energizing one.
Yerba mate is one of the oldest options for a coffee alternative. It's generally more well-known in South America and gives you sustained energy and a morning boost without the jitters.
Now, I need to note that this is not a caffeine-free option; in fact, the caffeine in yerba mate is comparable to coffee.
However, most people report that the energy feels more stable and less likely to lead to a crash. Yerba mate is also packed with antioxidants, and a few studies support the idea that it can improve focus and mental clarity. Historically, people have drunk it from a gourd with a metal straw, but brewing it in a teapot or French press for a more straightforward experience is excellent.
Yerba has a slightly bitter taste, which can be much for some people. You won't like this if you do not like robust herbal flavors. Even though it's slightly lower in caffeine than coffee, it's not caffeine-free, so if you're sensitive to caffeine, you may still experience some effects.
Now, let's move on to the completely caffeine-free alternative options. I won't include golden milk here, even though we've seen a few breakdowns. Realistically, it tastes nothing like coffee and doesn't boost energy to function as a coffee substitute despite the overall health benefits. So, if you want to get some energy into your morning routine without the caffeine, this is the section for you.
Rasa Original focuses on a blend of adaptogenic herbs that boost caffeine-free energy, helping you stay alert without the coffee jitters. Although it's not so much of an energy boost, it doesn't work the same way as your cup of joe. However, it improves focus by reducing cortisol (the stress hormone), helping you focus better.
As for taste, burdock, dandelion, and chicory roots bring a bitterness that's surprisingly close to coffee, while rhodiola and eleuthero support energy and resilience. A hint of cacao rounds it off with warmth, making it an excellent alternative for those looking to step away from caffeine altogether.
The bitterness can be overpowering, especially if you're expecting something sweeter. Also, if you're not used to herbal blends, getting used to the robust and earthy taste may take a few tries.
Four Sigmatic's main coffee alternative uses coffee beans, so even though it's a good product, it's not the same if you're looking for a coffee alternative. However, their Mushroom Cacao Mix is a good option. Due to the hot chocolate flavor, it's quite a decadent way to enjoy mushrooms without tasting them. The dark chocolatey flavor is front and center, with reishi added for a calming, anti-stress effect that makes it perfect for winding down in the evening. It's lightly sweetened with coconut palm sugar, and cinnamon adds warmth, making it feel like a sweet treat.
It's more of a dessert drink than a coffee substitute, so if you're craving something bold and bitter, this won't quite satisfy. Plus, some may find it a bit too sweet.
Om Master Blend is just mushroom coffee; it's nothing but mushrooms. As you'd expect, it tastes earthy and exactly how you'd expect it to taste. Many people add it to herbal teas and coffees, and it doesn't taste amazing if I'm being sincere. Lion's mane and cordyceps help with focus and energy, while reishi and chaga provide immune and stress support. This means it's a solid option if you want to go down the mushroom route for your coffee alternatives.
But if you don't like the taste of mushrooms, this isn't for you. And you do need to take it daily to get any of the health benefits.
Wooden Spoon Herbs' Herbal Coffee leads with roasted chicory, where most of the flavor comes from. Generally speaking, chicory coffee is the closest if you want something to replicate coffee flavor.
That said, even though ashwagandha and burdock add adaptogenic benefits that can improve focus, you won't get much of an energy bump. Still, this is the caffeine-free section, so it's to be expected.
It's worth noting that the carob and cinnamon add a smooth, slightly sweet edge, making it a versatile choice for hot or iced drinks. It's a great way to get a coffee-like experience without caffeine or acidity, packed with nutrients.
The carob adds a slightly sweet, almost "molasses" flavor that some may not love, especially if you're after a pure coffee taste. Also, the price tag might be steep for anyone who likes to stick to basics.
To wrap up, Nootrum Powder is the best option for health benefits and energy boosts if that's what you want to capture. But if you're looking for the taste of coffee, you'll want to go for one of the chicory coffee alternatives on the list.
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine, have existing health conditions, or are taking medications. Individual results and experiences with the products mentioned may vary. The author has no affiliations with any brands listed unless explicitly stated. Product prices and availability are subject to change—please check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.
