Healthy Coffee Alternatives that Actually Taste Like Coffee!

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Who plans on celebrating National Coffee Day this week on September 29^th? Who would love to participate but hates the way coffee makes them feel?

I see those hands. While I will never be able to fully cut coffee from my life, I can’t deny that sometimes my body needs a break from it.

Studies show there are benefits to drinking coffee. However, when it’s consumed in excess, paired with sugary creamers, or added upon existing health issues, coffee often has negative effects.

For instance, superfluous (love that word) caffeine intake can lead to adrenal fatigue, insomnia, nervousness, dizziness, acid reflux, increased blood pressure, nausea, and other symptoms.

So, what’s a coffee lover to do?!

Thankfully, several healthy coffee alternatives exist for people who like the taste but need to avoid caffeine or regular brew for any reason.

Last year, I shared my favorite seasonal beverages from local coffee shops (blog here), but if you’re seeking a healthy coffee alternative, I’m here to tell you which ones are actually worth trying!

Teeccino

I only recently tasted Teeccino and was quite impressed. You can read the creation story here.

What makes this brand great?

1. Unlike a lot of healthy coffee alternatives, Teeccino makes several flavors. They all smell incredible, too! I like the mocha but the hazelnut and vanilla are sweet and nutty and make great lattes.

2. Teeccino herbal coffee is 100% caffeine free. Made with a variety of herbs and spices that are cleansing and supportive to your overall health, this coffee alternative won’t give you jitters or break down your digestion with heavy acidity.

3. Depending on your dietary needs, they have paleo, keto, gluten and nut free blends. However, many blends are made with barley and almonds, so be sure to select a specific collection to avoid certain allergens.

4. Teeccino brews just like coffee. You can use a drip or traditional percolator, but to get the most from these robust flavors, I recommend using a French press.

The only downside is it is a bit pricier than the others on this. But Amazon sells a sample pack (below) so you can at least try it out before you fully invest.

Dandy Blend

This was the first healthy coffee alternative brand I ever tried, and I’m still a fan. Dandelion and chicory root make up a robust, toasted flavor in this powder blend that dissolves instantly in hot liquid.

What makes it great?

1. Dandy Blend tastes similar to coffee, with only a slight natural sweetness occurring from the chicory root.

2. A little bit goes a long way. Whether you try the 25 individual packets or a 2 lb. bag, Dandy Blend still costs less per cup than coffee!

3. There are multiple health benefits. Dandelion root alone supports healthy digestion, encourages natural liver detox, replenishes kidneys and fights bloating, regulates blood sugar, boosts your immune system with antioxidants (more than coffee!), and can help reduce inflammation. This product is also gluten, dairy, and caffeine free.

4. Doesn’t cause headaches from caffeine withdrawal. If you’re avoiding real coffee for a body cleanse, et cetera, most never feel any side effects when switching to Dandy Blend.

You can sometimes find this product at Sprouts or other healthy food stores, but it’s generally cheaper to purchase through Amazon.

MUD/WTR

MUD/WTR has naturally occurring caffeine from the masala chai ingredient, but it’s still only a fraction of what would come in a hot cuppa joe.

What makes MUD great?

1. If you like an earthy spice to your morning cup, this blend will work for you. Functional mushrooms also make up a big portion of this powdery mix, which enhance clarity, digestion, and immunity.

2. Just add hot water or milk of choice. Mix well and continue to mix as some sediment does occur.

3. First box comes with a handheld frother! I use that thing all the time, honestly, not just for lattes.

4. One can will last about a month, depending on your consumption habits.

Just a warning, if you are more of the “add some coffee to my cream and sugar” coffee drinking type, you will most likely be tempted to sweeten this concoction up a lot.

KITU Super Coffee

While this product really is coffee and actually has two times the amount of caffeine, KITU’s Super Coffee also adds antioxidants and other necessary vitamins to make it more absorbable.

Although it isn’t a coffee alternative, I decided to include this brand because it is still a healthier coffee option that still offers great taste!

What’s great about Super Coffee?

1. You can find this brand in most any store nowadays! They also offer first time discounts and savings on bundle purchases through their site.

2. Can be customized for dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten free, keto, vegan, or on the Whole30 diet, KITU Super Coffee fits within the boundaries.

3. Can be bought as grounds or pods for convenience.

4. Super Coffee is sustainably sourced and grown without pesticides or chemicals. They also add in important vitamins like B3, B6, B12, Vitamin D & E, as well as amino acids that support focus and calm so you can start your day right without the caffeine crash!

‘Tis the season for pumpkin everything, right? Super Coffee currently has their maple pumpkin flavor available. I haven’t tried it yet, but you better believe I’m about to!

nuJo

This brand is the only one I haven’t tried yet on this list, but as I’ve heard good things, I figured I’d tack it on as an honorable mention.

Made with roasted quinoa, chicory, prebiotics, coconut oil, and organic spices, this blend is completely plant-based, gluten free and sugar free. Also, 0% caffeine.

You can either purchase individual brew packs to steep or use the grounds in a normal percolator or French press.

What I respect most about this brand is it is inspired by a woman’s experience fostering and adopting a child. Some proceeds from nuJo are dedicated to the National Angels, which lends support to families within the foster care system in the U.S.

Final Thoughts - Happy National Coffee Day!

I’m a firm believer that a good hug in a mug is as much about the creamer as the coffee (or coffee alternative) itself.

I’m not as brave as those plain, black coffee drinkers and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

If you need a dairy free coffee creamer, Trader Joe’s has a yummy maple flavored oat milk right now that is the perfect blend for the season. Laird coconut creamer is also an option, and you can find their flavors at Costco, too.

Or, if dairy isn’t an issue but you prefer chemical free and sugar free, check out Super Coffee’s monk fruit sweetened creamer.

Enjoy National Coffee (Alternative) Day, however you see fit!