5 Energising Substitutes for Coffee You Should Try

At 95mg per serving, the high amount of caffeine found in your morning (or midday, or evening) coffee is bound to give you a buzz, but it’s not enough to keep you energised throughout the day.

In fact, drinking more than the recommended three to fours cups of coffee a day can leave you jittery, agitated and more sluggish than you were before you drank your first cup of joe that day.

That’s why we’ve found five coffee substitutes that you should try:

Rooibos Tea

Caffeine-free, high in antioxidants and low in tannins – a compound that interferes with iron absorption – rooibos tea provides you with an energy boost throughout the day, keeping you focused and productive. Plus, it has a sweet, fruity taste that definitely beats the bitter flavour of coffee.

Lemon Water

Dehydration causes fatigue, so add a squeeze of lemon to a boring glass of water to give it some flavour. Additionally, lemon water contains no calories or caffeine, and it provides ample amounts of Vitamin C.

Maca Powder

Made from an edible plant, research shows that maca powder boosts your adrenal function and improves your mental focus while reducing fatigue. To kickstart your morning, simply add a few scoops of this powder to your breakfast smoothie.

Yerba Mate

Like coffee, this herbal concoction will give you buzz, albeit with added focus, fewer jitters and less of an impact on your sleeping patterns.

Chai Tea

A spiced black tea, it packs a modest amount of caffeine. However, studies show that chai tea not only decreases your risk of heart disease, but it also improves your mental alertness. Its robust flavours and enriching smell are also bonuses.