For many people, coffee is more than a drink. It is the aroma that begins the morning, the warm cup held between both hands and the familiar pause before the day gathers speed. Wanting an alternative does not necessarily mean that coffee is “bad” or that you must give it up completely. You might simply want less caffeine, a drink you can enjoy later in the day, a new flavour or a different kind of daily ritual.

The good news is that there is no shortage of choice. Matcha and yerba mate provide caffeine in very different flavour profiles. Black tea and masala chai feel familiar and comforting with milk. Hojicha and chicory offer roasted notes, while rooibos, herbal tea and golden milk create a satisfying cup without caffeine.

This guide compares 12 of the best coffee alternatives by caffeine level, flavour, preparation and ideal use. Whether you want an energising morning drink or a completely caffeine-free evening cup, you can use it to find an option that genuinely suits your routine.

What Is the Best Coffee Alternative?

The best coffee alternative depends on what you want to keep from your usual cup. Choose matcha or yerba mate if caffeine still matters; black tea or chai if you want a bold drink that works with milk; hojicha or chicory if you enjoy roasted flavours; and rooibos, herbal tea or golden milk if you want to avoid caffeine.

There is no universal winner because coffee drinkers are not all looking for the same thing. Someone replacing a double espresso before work has different priorities from someone searching for a cosy caffeine-free drink after dinner. Start by deciding whether flavour, stimulation, creaminess or the ritual itself matters most to you.

Coffee Alternatives at a Glance

Caffeine figures are approximate. Variety, quantity, serving size and preparation can all change the final amount. The European Food Safety Authority uses approximately 90 mg for a 200 ml filter coffee and 50 mg for a 220 ml black tea as practical reference values. Always check the information supplied with a specific product when caffeine intake matters to you.

Why Look for an Alternative to Coffee?

Coffee can form part of a balanced diet, and many people enjoy it without any difficulty. The search for healthy coffee alternatives should therefore not begin with the assumption that every other drink is automatically healthier. It is more useful to think about your own reason for making a change.

You might be looking for a coffee substitute because you want to:

• reduce your total caffeine intake without abandoning a warm morning drink;
• avoid drinking another coffee in the afternoon or evening;
• discover a gentler, fresher or more varied flavour;
• make a colourful café-style latte at home;
• replace a sweet energy drink with an unsweetened infusion;
• keep the comfort of a daily ritual while changing what is in the cup.

Caffeine sensitivity varies considerably. According to the European Food Safety Authority, intakes of up to 400 mg across the day do not generally raise safety concerns for healthy adults, excluding pregnant women. EFSA also notes that even a 100 mg dose may affect sleep in some adults when consumed close to bedtime. Your own tolerance, medication, pregnancy and health conditions may change what is appropriate, so seek personalised advice from a healthcare professional when needed.

12 Best Coffee Alternatives to Try

1. Matcha: The Best All-Round Alternative for a Caffeinated Ritual

Matcha is finely ground Japanese green tea. Instead of steeping leaves and removing them, you whisk the powder into water and consume the suspended tea itself. This gives matcha its concentrated flavour, brilliant green colour and unmistakable preparation ritual.

Its taste can range from fresh and grassy to creamy, sweet and deeply savoury. High-quality ceremonial matcha is especially pleasant with water, while culinary and latte-oriented matcha works well with milk, fruit and other ingredients.

Matcha is not caffeine-free. A scientific review of matcha composition reported 18.9–44.4 mg of caffeine per gram. A two-gram serving could therefore provide approximately 38–89 mg, although the actual amount depends on the matcha and how much you use. Matcha also naturally contains L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea. Research discussed in the same review suggests that caffeine and L-theanine together may support attention, but they do not guarantee a particular feeling or eliminate caffeine-related effects for everyone.

How to prepare it: Sift 1–2 g of matcha into a bowl, add approximately 60–80 ml of water at around 70–80°C and whisk until smooth and lightly frothy. Drink it as it is, or add warm or cold milk for a matcha latte. Avoid boiling water if you prefer a smoother, less bitter cup.

Best for: People who want a distinctive morning ritual, flexible preparation and a meaningful amount of caffeine without drinking coffee.

Explore: Browse the complete Leaf & Spice matcha tea collection, or begin with Biomatea Organic Ceremonial Matcha from Kagoshima.

2. Yerba Mate: A Bold, Naturally Caffeinated Alternative

Yerba mate is made from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a plant native to South America. It is traditionally prepared in a gourd, topped up repeatedly with water and sipped through a filtered metal straw called a bombilla. It can also be brewed much like loose-leaf tea, which makes it easy to add to an everyday routine.

The flavour is usually earthy, herbal and pleasantly bitter. Pure yerba mate will appeal to drinkers who enjoy a robust cup, while blends with lemon, ginger, mint or berries make the transition from flavoured coffee or tea easier.

Yerba mate contains caffeine. A review of yerba mate cites approximately 80 mg in a 150 ml cup, broadly comparable with coffee. However, preparation makes a major difference. A lightly brewed mug and a traditional gourd refilled several times should not be treated as the same serving.

How to prepare it: For a tea-style cup, follow the instructions on the pack and use hot water below boiling. For traditional preparation, partially fill a mate gourd, tilt the leaves, add warm water and insert a bombilla before adding hotter water. Beginners may prefer a flavoured blend served hot or over ice.

Best for: Coffee drinkers who still want a substantial caffeine contribution and do not mind an earthy, bitter edge.

Explore: Discover the full yerba mate tea collection. For an approachable first cup, try Original Mate Organic Lemon & Ginger Yerba Mate; for a traditional base, choose Organic Yerba Mate Loose Leaf Tea.

3. Black Tea: The Familiar, Full-Flavoured Choice

If matcha feels too vegetal and mate too unfamiliar, black tea may be the easiest step away from coffee. It has enough body to work with milk, a broad range of flavour profiles and a familiar brewing method. Assam can be rich and malty, Ceylon bright and brisk, Earl Grey citrusy, and smoked black teas intensely aromatic.

Black tea contains caffeine, but a typical cup generally provides less than filter coffee. EFSA uses approximately 50 mg for 220 ml of black tea, compared with around 90 mg for 200 ml of filter coffee. Brewing time, leaf quantity and tea variety all affect the result.

How to prepare it: Use freshly boiled water for most black teas and steep according to the pack instructions, commonly three to five minutes. Add milk if desired. If bitterness becomes excessive, shorten the steep rather than diluting an over-brewed cup.

Best for: Anyone who likes a strong, uncomplicated drink and wants an easy coffee alternative with moderate caffeine.

Explore: Find classic breakfast teas, aromatic blends and distinctive loose leaves in the Leaf & Spice black tea collection.

4. Masala Chai: The Best Alternative for Latte Lovers

Masala chai combines tea with warming spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and black pepper. Recipes vary across households and regions, which is part of its appeal. Some cups are intensely spiced, some are tea-forward, and others are creamy and gently sweet.

Traditional chai commonly uses black tea, so it usually contains caffeine. The amount depends on the proportion of tea, the strength of the concentrate and the final serving size. A café chai made mostly with sweetened milk may taste indulgent but provide relatively little tea, while a strongly infused homemade chai may contain considerably more caffeine.

How to prepare it: Simmer or steep the chai according to the product instructions, add warm milk or a plant-based drink and sweeten only if needed. For an iced chai, prepare a more concentrated base, cool it and pour it over ice and milk.

Best for: Cappuccino and flavoured-latte drinkers who value creaminess, aroma and warming spice as much as caffeine.

Explore: Browse tea lattes for café-style drinks at home, including Biomatea Organic Chai Latte Powder with Black Tea & Spices.

5. Green Tea: A Lighter Everyday Swap

Green tea is a versatile alternative when you want to keep some caffeine but prefer a lighter cup. Depending on its origin and processing, it may taste grassy, marine, floral, nutty or gently sweet. Sencha, jasmine green tea, gunpowder and flavoured green blends can feel like entirely different drinks.

Green tea generally contains less caffeine than coffee, although there is no single amount for every cup. Leaf type, water temperature, infusion time and the quantity used all matter. Tea made with more leaves or brewed for longer is not necessarily “low caffeine” simply because it is green.

How to prepare it: Many green teas taste best with water below boiling, commonly around 70–85°C. Start with the time and temperature printed on the pack. If the result is harsh or bitter, lower the temperature or shorten the infusion.

Best for: People seeking a fresh, lower-intensity morning or early-afternoon drink.

Explore: Compare delicate, classic and flavoured options in the green tea collection.

6. Hojicha: Roasted Flavour with Less Intensity

Hojicha is Japanese green tea that has been roasted. That process transforms the familiar fresh-green profile into something warmer: toasted nuts, caramel, wood and a gentle smokiness. These roasted notes make hojicha particularly interesting for people who miss the aroma and depth of coffee but do not need the same level of stimulation.

Hojicha is often lower in caffeine than matcha or many other green teas, but it is not caffeine-free. Exact values vary with the leaves, stems, serving size and preparation, so anyone who is highly caffeine-sensitive should still treat it as a caffeinated tea.

Loose-leaf hojicha can be steeped in hot water. Powdered hojicha is whisked in a similar way to matcha and works particularly well as a creamy latte.

Best for: Anyone seeking a mellow drink with roasted character, especially as an afternoon alternative to another coffee.

Explore: Try Biomatea Organic Hojicha Roasted Japanese Green Tea Powder, or choose the convenient Biomatea Organic Hojicha Latte Mix.

7. Rooibos: The Best Naturally Caffeine-Free Tea Alternative

Rooibos comes from the South African plant Aspalathus linearis, not from the caffeine-containing tea plant Camellia sinensis. It is naturally caffeine-free rather than decaffeinated. Its smooth body, rounded aroma and gentle sweetness make it one of the easiest caffeine-free alternatives to serve with milk.

Pure rooibos has warm woody and honeyed notes. It also pairs beautifully with vanilla, cinnamon, orange, cocoa, caramel, fruit and flowers. That range makes it useful for both simple everyday infusions and dessert-like evening lattes.

How to prepare it: Use freshly boiled water and steep for approximately five to seven minutes, or follow the product instructions. Rooibos does not usually become as astringent as black tea during a longer infusion, so you can brew it strongly before adding milk.

Best for: Anyone who wants a satisfying tea ritual without caffeine, including later in the day.

Explore: Browse the rooibos tea collection. Start simply with Mabura Organic Pure Loose Leaf Rooibos, or try Biohême Organic Choco Jungle Rooibos & Cacao Infusion for a richer flavour.

8. Golden Milk: A Warm, Caffeine-Free Latte

Golden milk, also known as a turmeric latte, is a warm drink made with turmeric, milk or a plant-based drink and complementary spices. Ginger, cinnamon and black pepper are common additions. It offers the colour, warmth and frothy texture of a café latte without requiring coffee or tea.

A traditional spice-only golden milk is naturally caffeine-free. Nevertheless, always check a premixed product: some modern “golden” blends include matcha, black tea, cacao or other caffeine-containing ingredients.

How to prepare it: Whisk the spice blend into a small amount of warm milk until smooth, then add the remaining milk and heat gently. A milk frother produces a more café-like texture. Sweeten to taste rather than assuming a latte needs a large amount of sugar.

Best for: People who want a colourful, creamy and warming coffee alternative without caffeine.

Try it: Biomatea Organic Golden Milk Turmeric Latte Blend combines turmeric, Ceylon cinnamon, ginger and black pepper without added sugar or caffeine-containing ingredients.

9. Cacao and Cacao Chai: A Rich Chocolate Alternative

A cacao drink will not taste like coffee, but it can replace the rich, comforting experience of a mocha. Unsweetened cacao brings bitterness and depth, while milk creates body and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom or chilli add complexity.

Cacao should not automatically be described as caffeine-free. Cocoa naturally contains small and variable amounts of caffeine as well as theobromine, another naturally occurring methylxanthine. The final level depends on the quantity and type of cacao, and a cacao chai may contain additional caffeine if it includes black tea.

How to prepare it: Mix the powder with a small amount of hot liquid first to create a smooth paste. Add warm milk gradually and froth. Check whether the blend is already sweetened before adding sugar or syrup.

Best for: Mocha drinkers and anyone who prioritises a dark, chocolatey flavour over a coffee-like caffeine level.

Explore: Try Matcha & CO Organic Cacao Chai Tea Powder, and explore more colourful and spiced options in the tea latte collection.

10. Peppermint, Ginger and Other Herbal Teas

Herbal tea is a broad category covering infusions made from leaves, roots, flowers, fruit and spices. Peppermint tastes cool and vivid, ginger is warming and spicy, chamomile is gentle and floral, and lemon verbena has a bright citrus character.

Most pure herbal infusions are naturally caffeine-free, but “herbal blend” does not always guarantee zero caffeine. A blend may also contain green tea, black tea, yerba mate, guarana or cacao, so read the ingredient list when avoiding caffeine completely.

Herbal tea does not reproduce caffeine’s stimulant effect. Its appeal lies elsewhere: hydration, aroma, flavour and the act of pausing for a freshly prepared drink. A vivid peppermint or ginger infusion can still feel refreshing even though it does not chemically replace caffeine.

How to prepare it: Brewing varies by ingredient. Many herbal teas can take freshly boiled water and a five-to-ten-minute infusion, while roots and dense spices may benefit from a longer steep. Follow the instructions for the particular blend.

Best for: A caffeine-free morning, an after-meal cup or an aromatic drink at any time of day.

Explore: Discover peppermint, ginger, floral and spiced blends in the Leaf & Spice herbal tea collection.

11. Chicory: The Closest Caffeine-Free Roasted Substitute

Roasted chicory root is one of the most familiar caffeine-free coffee substitutes. When brewed, it creates a dark cup with roasted, earthy, nutty and gently bitter notes. It can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other roasted roots and grains.

Chicory does not taste exactly like coffee. It lacks coffee’s aroma and natural caffeine, but its colour and roast character make it a convincing option for people who care more about flavour and ritual than stimulation.

Chicory root contains inulin, a type of fermentable fibre. Some people tolerate it well, while larger amounts may cause gas or digestive discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to fermentable carbohydrates. Begin with a modest serving if it is new to you.

How to prepare it: Preparation depends on the form. Some ground chicory products brew in a filter or French press, while instant versions dissolve directly in hot water. Add milk for a softer, more coffee-like cup.

Best for: People who want a dark, roasted and caffeine-free drink rather than a conventional tea.

12. Decaffeinated Coffee: The Most Familiar Compromise

Sometimes the best alternative to regular coffee is still coffee. Decaf preserves more of the familiar taste, aroma and brewing ritual than matcha, mate or herbal tea. It is particularly practical if you enjoy espresso equipment or simply do not want to learn a new preparation method.

Decaffeinated does not mean completely caffeine-free. The US Food and Drug Administration states that decaf coffee typically contains around 2–15 mg of caffeine per 237 ml cup. That is much less than regular coffee, but it may still matter to someone who reacts strongly to small quantities.

Best for: Coffee lovers who want to reduce caffeine while changing as little as possible about the flavour and ritual.

Which Coffee Alternative Should You Choose?

Rather than looking for the single healthiest or strongest option, match the drink to the part of coffee you value most:

• If you still want meaningful caffeine: begin with matcha or yerba mate.
• If you want less caffeine and a familiar cup: try black tea, chai or green tea.
• If you enjoy roasted flavours: choose hojicha or chicory.
• If you love cappuccinos and flavoured lattes: try masala chai, matcha latte, golden milk or cacao chai.
• If you want to avoid caffeine: choose pure rooibos, a caffeine-free herbal infusion, spice-only golden milk or chicory.
• If nothing but coffee tastes right: switch to decaf or combine regular and decaf beans while reducing your intake.

Flavour is just as important as the caffeine figure. A theoretically perfect substitute will not last in your routine if you do not enjoy drinking it. Small discovery sizes and varied blends can help you find your preference before committing to a large pack.

Are Coffee Alternatives Healthier Than Coffee?

Not automatically. “Coffee alternative” describes what a drink replaces, not its nutritional quality.

An unsweetened tea or herbal infusion can be a simple, low-calorie drink. A café-style powder may contain substantial sugar, even if its main ingredient sounds wholesome. A large matcha or mate serving may contain more caffeine than expected. Golden milk can be unsweetened and spice-forward, or it can become a dessert-like drink depending on the recipe.

Coffee itself also contains numerous naturally occurring compounds and can fit into a balanced diet. A better comparison considers the complete drink:

• How much caffeine does the actual serving contain?
• Is sugar already included in the blend?
• How much sweetener do you add?
• What type and quantity of milk do you use?
• Does the drink suit your digestion, medication and caffeine sensitivity?
• Do you genuinely enjoy it enough to make the change sustainable?

The most useful coffee alternative is therefore not a miracle drink. It is a cup that fits your taste, schedule and desired caffeine intake.

How to Replace Coffee Without Losing the Ritual

Decide whether you want less caffeine or no caffeine

This choice immediately narrows the field. Matcha, mate, black tea, green tea and hojicha all contain caffeine. Pure rooibos, most herbal infusions, spice-only golden milk and chicory do not.

Change one cup at a time

If you drink several coffees a day, replacing the afternoon cup may be easier than abandoning the first morning coffee. The FDA advises reducing regular caffeine intake gradually because withdrawal can be unpleasant. A staged approach also helps you notice which alternative works at each time of day.

Keep the sensory details you enjoy

If coffee means warmth and creaminess, prepare a chai, matcha or rooibos latte rather than a thin infusion. If you enjoy bitterness, try mate or strong black tea. If aroma matters most, explore roasted hojicha, chai spices or chicory. Use the same favourite mug, take the same short break and preserve the satisfying part of the habit.

Watch the complete serving

Measure powders at first, particularly matcha, and remember that repeated refills of a mate gourd add to total caffeine intake. Check premixed latte blends for tea, cacao, sweeteners and serving instructions. “Natural” does not tell you how stimulating or sweet the final cup will be.

Give your palate time

A first sip of unsweetened matcha will not taste like an espresso, and it should not. Instead of judging every option by how accurately it copies coffee, explore what makes each drink appealing in its own right. A new favourite often appears when you stop expecting an exact imitation.

Three Easy Coffee-Alternative Drinks to Make at Home

Simple Matcha Latte

1. Sift 1–2 g of matcha into a bowl or wide cup.
2. Add 60 ml of water at approximately 70–80°C.
3. Whisk until smooth and lightly frothy.
4. Add 150–200 ml of warm or cold milk.
5. Sweeten lightly if desired.

Strong Rooibos Latte

1. Use roughly twice the rooibos you would prepare for a normal cup.
2. Add freshly boiled water and steep for five to seven minutes.
3. Strain, then add warm frothed milk.
4. Finish with cinnamon or vanilla if desired.

Quick Golden Milk

1. Add one teaspoon of golden-milk spice blend to a cup.
2. Mix it with a small amount of warm milk to form a smooth paste.
3. Add approximately 200 ml of milk or plant-based drink.
4. Heat gently, stir or froth, and sweeten to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Alternatives

What is the best substitute for coffee?

Matcha is a versatile choice if you still want caffeine and enjoy a creamy or vegetal flavour. Yerba mate suits people seeking a bolder herbal drink. Black tea and chai are familiar with milk, while chicory is one of the closest caffeine-free choices in terms of dark colour and roasted taste.

What can I drink in the morning instead of coffee?

Good morning drinks instead of coffee include matcha, yerba mate, black tea, green tea, masala chai, hojicha, rooibos and golden milk. Choose according to your preferred caffeine level. A caffeine-free drink can replace the ritual and flavour experience, but it will not reproduce caffeine’s stimulant effect.

Which coffee alternatives still contain caffeine?

Matcha, yerba mate, black tea, green tea, tea-based chai and hojicha all naturally contain caffeine. Cacao contains a smaller, variable amount, and decaf coffee retains traces. Rooibos, most pure herbal teas, chicory and spice-only golden milk are naturally caffeine-free.

Does matcha have less caffeine than coffee?

Often, but not always. EFSA uses around 90 mg as a reference for 200 ml of filter coffee. Research reports 18.9–44.4 mg of caffeine per gram of matcha, so a two-gram serving may contain approximately 38–89 mg. A strong matcha made with more powder can therefore approach or exceed some coffees.

Is yerba mate stronger than coffee?

A cup of yerba mate can contain a similar amount of caffeine to a cup of coffee, but there is considerable variation. Leaf quantity, steeping and repeated additions of water all affect total intake. A traditional mate session with several refills can provide much more caffeine than a single lightly brewed cup.

What is the best caffeine-free coffee alternative?

Choose chicory if you want the closest roasted character, rooibos if you want a full-bodied tea, and golden milk if you prefer a creamy latte. Peppermint, ginger and other herbal infusions are good choices when freshness and aroma matter more than similarity to coffee.

Can rooibos be prepared with milk?

Yes. Rooibos is naturally smooth and works well with dairy or plant-based milk. Brew it more strongly than usual before adding milk so that its flavour remains present. Vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, orange and cacao are especially complementary flavours.

A Better Morning Drink Is the One You Look Forward To

Replacing coffee does not have to mean settling for a less satisfying morning. It can be an opportunity to choose the experience you actually want: the bright ritual of whisked matcha, the earthy character of yerba mate, the warmth of chai, the roasted aroma of hojicha or the caffeine-free comfort of rooibos and golden milk.

Start with your desired caffeine level, then let flavour guide you. You may find one direct replacement, or build a more flexible routine—matcha in the morning, black tea after lunch and rooibos in the evening.

Ready to discover your new cup? Explore matcha, yerba mate, tea lattes, rooibos and the complete Leaf & Spice tea collection.

Sources and note: General caffeine guidance and reference values were checked against the European Food Safety Authority and the US Food and Drug Administration. Matcha composition is discussed in a peer-reviewed scientific review, and yerba mate composition and traditional use in a separate peer-reviewed review. This article provides general information about foods and beverages and is not medical advice.