The Best Coffee Alternative: Tea

Black tea

Black tea can give coffee lovers their caffeine fix plus other health benefits. An 8-oz. cup of black tea has around half as much caffeine as that in an 8-oz. cup of coffee, according to the FDA. "Keep in mind that the actual caffeine content of a cup of coffee or tea can vary quite a bit. Factors such as processing and brewing time affect the caffeine level," the Mayo Clinic, the American academic center says. Registered dietitian Marie Spano told the American Council on Exercise (ACE): "The combination of caffeine and naturally occurring L-theanine produces a dose-dependent alert, yet relaxed state, though a few cups may be needed to notice an effect.

Green tea

Green tea is another healthy alternative to coffee in the morning. A cup of green tea also has roughly half the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee, according to the FDA. Dr. Anthony Kouri from the University of Toledo Medical Center told Bustle: "The caffeine in green tea helps to improve mental acuity as well as [increased] metabolism. "Multiple studies have shown that people who drink green tea are much less likely to get bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. In addition, research indicates that green tea helps reduce type 2 diabetes and heart disease," Kouri said.

Yerba mate tea

Yerba mate is a herbal tea and its caffeine content has been shown to enhance mental focus and energy levels. Some advocates say mate tea doesn't give drinkers the jittery feeling associated with coffee, according to a Healthline article reviewed by Dr. Debra Rose, a health psychologist and nurse. While mate has nutrients known for their anti-inflammatory and stimulant effects, drinking mate tea also comes with some health risks. Registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky from the Mayo Clinic warns: "Yerba mate isn't likely to pose a risk for healthy adults who occasionally drink it. However, some studies indicate that people who drink large amounts of yerba mate over long periods may be at increased risk of some types of cancer, such as cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs. "Drinking very hot yerba mate—149 F (65 C) or hotter—is associated with a higher risk of cancer than is drinking yerba mate at cooler temperatures," she adds.

Kombucha

Willow Jarosh, a registered dietician-nutritionist and health expert for Health-Ade Kombucha drink brand, told Bustle: "Kombucha uses tea as its fermentation medium, so drinkers get the benefits of L-theanine working along with the caffeine to create a more even energy without jitters. "But, kombucha contains less caffeine per cup than a plain old cup of tea, so for people who want a mild and gentle caffeine boost, kombucha is great. In addition, it delivers probiotic bacteria as well as a wake-you-up fizziness," she adds.

Chicory Coffee

Like coffee beans, chicory root can be roasted, ground and brewed into a delicious hot beverage. It tastes very similar to coffee but is caffeine-free. It is also a rich source of inulin. This soluble fiber may aid in digestion and support a healthy gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria — particularly Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli . Chicory root can be found pre-ground and roasted, so it’s easy to prepare. Simply brew it like regular coffee grounds — in a filter coffee maker, French press or espresso machine. Use 2 tablespoons of grounds for every 6 ounces (180 ml) of water, or adjust this ratio based on your preferences. Keep in mind that chicory root may cause digestive symptoms in some people. Although inulin is great for your health, it may have side effects such as bloating and gas. In addition, you should avoid chicory root if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding since research on its safety under these circumstances is lacking.