If the occasionally bitter taste of decaffeinated coffee doesn’t appeal to you, tea or grain-based coffee alternative may hit the spot.
Coffee replacements are combinations of roasted grains blended to provide coffee flavor without coffee acidity or caffeine.
In this review, you will discover five of the best coffee substitutes that are great tasting and help replace your old coffee habits.
Best Coffee Alternatives
Teecino Herbal Coffee Alternative
For brewing convenience, teas that taste like coffee offer terrific flexibility.
The Teecino Coffee Alternative Variety Pack lets you brew up a single cup of flavored coffee substitute to the intensity of your choice.
While many flavors are based on roasted grains, the Teeccino gluten free products made with dandelion offer those with gluten intolerance a delicious chance to enjoy a smooth coffee substitute.
Teecino comes in a variety of flavors from vanilla bean to chocolate. It should be pointed out that many of these products contain almonds; those with nut sensitivities should review labels carefully.
Beyond Coffee (Blend of Roasted Chicory, Barley, and Rye)
If you’re looking for an organic coffee alternative, consider Beyond Coffee. This dark combination of roasted grains including rye and barley with chicory root. It is roasted and bagged in Maine.
This substitute for coffee can be brewed in a drip pot, a French press or a percolator and also works well in reusable K-cups. You can also mix this with regular coffee to slowly reduce your caffeine intake over time.
Beyond Coffee contains barley, and barley contains gluten. If you’re gluten intolerant, any coffee substitute may trigger a gluten response unless the gluten has been removed from the barley in the manufacturing process.
Ayurvedic Roast – Caffeine Free Certified Organic Coffee Substitute
The herbs included in Ayurvedic coffee include Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Brahmi.
Ayurvedic roast is another of the ground healthy coffee alternatives on the market that includes barley, rye and chicory root.
In addition to these roasting agents that provide a dark, rich flavor, Ayurvedic blends includes herbal supplements to help you stay alert and feel the brain boost generally associated with caffeine.
This product is loose ground in the bag and can be brewed on its own or blended with roast coffee grounds.
Dandy Blend – Instant Herbal Beverage With Dandelion
If you are interested in coffee replacements but need a gluten free option, Dandy Blend is an excellent choice. This dandelion coffee substitute can be mixed directly with water; no brewing needed.
Dandy Blend is very sensitive to moisture and should be purchased in small batches and used quickly.
Double wrapping in airtight containers and refrigerating it can also protect it. If exposed to too much moisture, this product turns into a brick and loses flavor.
You can vary the strength of the flavor by increasing the amount of Dandy Root powder you add to the water, and you can mix it hot or cold. This product has a natural sweetness, so if you like your coffee with sweetener, you may be able to cut back.
Pero Instant Natural Beverage
Pero, like Dandy Blend, is an instant coffee substitute. This product can be mixed with hot or cold water for coffee-flavored beverages.
By upping the ratio of Pero powder to water, you can raise the flavor intensity.
Like many grain-based and chicory coffee substitute, Pero does contain gluten. However, fans of Postum who miss that grain based beverage will be happy to use Pero as a replacement.
Alternative Coffee FAQs
What is the best coffee substitute?
The best coffee substitute is the one you’re going to use consistently. If you are accustomed to starting your day with a cup (or a pot) of coffee, try one of the ground grain replacements and blend it with your favorite coffee over time to slowly wean yourself off caffeinated coffee. Rushing this process can lead to headaches and other misery, so if possible, go slow. Eventually, you can adapt to 100% caffeine free.
Is there a tea that tastes like coffee?
Teecino offers coffee fans the chance to carry tasty decaf blends in a tea bag and brew up a cup whenever they like. These blends are made with roasted grains and may have additions including carob for extra flavor.
Are these brands better than decaffeinated coffee?
Decaffeinated coffee is generally made from robusta beans, and is often bitter and rather flat.
However, the coffee replacements listed above are made with roasted and ground grains, the rich flavor of chicory root, and sometimes dandelion root. These products impart a rich, varied flavor.
Do coffee substitutes taste just like your favorite coffee?
Probably not, at least at first sip. However, they are much more flavorful than standard decaffeinated coffee.
Final Thoughts
The coffee habit can be hard to quit. Using a great-tasting coffee substitute, blended in over time, is a great way to wean yourself off a daily dose of coffee.
While these beverages may not provide the exact flavor of your favorite coffee blend, you can blend many of these products into your regular ground coffee and allow your taste buds to adjust.
