Are these coffee alternatives worth the hype?

For many, the day doesn’t begin without that first sip of coffee—a ritual so ingrained it’s almost synonymous with morning itself. But as interest in health and wellness grows, caffeine alternatives offering a different pick-me-up are gaining traction. From the ancient ritual of matcha to the probiotic benefits of kombucha, a range of options promises to energize your morning without the usual coffee jitters. Here’s what you need to know.

Mushroom coffee

Mushroom coffee is emerging as an energy-boosting alternative to your regular cup of joe, says Jessica Gavin, a food scientist and author of Easy Culinary Science for Better Cooking.

This morning blend combines ground coffee beans with adaptogenic mushrooms like chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps. Unlike their psychedelic counterparts, these mushrooms won’t alter your mind, but they can help the body adapt to stress, improve immune function, and maintain steady focus, says Gavin. Adding mushrooms to your beverage also provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, selenium, and B vitamins.

According to Gavin, most mushroom coffee products use less caffeine—about 48 to 50 milligrams—compared to an eight-ounce cup of coffee which contains 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine.

(Do mushroom supplements really help you?)

“Because mushroom coffee does not have the same taxing load on your central nervous system, one could reasonably assume it’s a better alternative than a cup of coffee or green tea,” says Yaa Boakye, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Elite Body Data.

However, mushrooms like chaga can contain high levels of oxalates, which may increase the risk of kidney stones if consumed in excess. 

Matcha green tea

Matcha, a potent form of green tea, delivers more than just a caffeine kick. With around 70 milligrams of caffeine per serving—more than the 50 milligrams in black tea—this herbal brew offers sustained energy without the jitters. According to Gavin, matcha’s unique combination of caffeine and antioxidants boosts brain energy while promoting relaxation, thanks to the amino acid L-theanine, which is known to reduce stress and protect against neuronal injury.

Yerba mate

Containing roughly as much caffeine as coffee, South America’s super brew, yerba mate, packs more antioxidants than any other tea-based drink. Made from the leaves of holly trees native to the region, yerba mate offers a steady caffeine release, providing sustained energy without the jitters. According to Boakye, this tea is also rich in polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals not typically found in traditional caffeinated beverages.

Research shows that yerba mate can boost mental alertness and enhance physical performance. Additional benefits include antimicrobial properties, support for weight loss, and the potential to lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and combat chronic inflammation.

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Yaupon tea

Yaupon tea, brewed from the leaves of the yaupon holly—the only caffeinated plant native to the United States—offers a mild yet energizing boost. Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered, says that yaupon tea contains 0.1 to 2 percent caffeine, less than coffee’s 1 to 3 percent. However, it’s not just about caffeine; yaupon tea is rich in xanthines, including theobromine, which enhances mood and alertness without the jitters.

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Kombucha

Kombucha, a fermented tea, is celebrated for its gut health benefits and mild stimulant effects. According to Le, kombucha retains some of the tea’s bioactive compounds, including 3 to 6 percent caffeine, depending on how it’s brewed. But the real star is its probiotics—beneficial microorganisms that nourish the gut’s “good” bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved cognitive functions like attention, memory, and learning. Additionally, kombucha is rich in B vitamins, which Boakye says help the body metabolize nutrients into cellular fuel.

(Your gut health can affect the rest of your body. Here’s why.)

Guarana

Guarana stands out for its impressive caffeine content, with berries containing 2 to 8 percent caffeine—far exceeding the 1 to 3 percent in coffee beans. In addition to caffeine, guarana is rich in stimulating compounds like theophylline and theobromine, which, according to Gavin, boost cognitive performance, reduce fatigue, and increase alertness. It also boasts antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Often found in energy drinks with doses ranging from 50 to 75 milligrams, guarana can also be added as a powder to smoothies or other beverages. However, Boakye cautions against excessive consumption to avoid caffeine crashes and jitteriness, noting that the FDA recommends a daily limit of 400 milligrams of caffeine.

(Can energy drinks really boost your metabolism? Here’s what the science says.)

“If someone is about to sit and do some office work, [guarana] is probably not a good idea,” says Boakye. “But if you’re about to go and do a workout or an intense boot camp, [it] might be helpful since it provides that quick burst of energy.” 

Turmeric lattes

For a caffeine-free morning boost, turmeric lattes, known as golden milk, deliver powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Made with turmeric and curcumin, this golden drink can be enhanced with a touch of coconut oil and black pepper, which improve curcumin absorption, says Gavin. Ginger, another key ingredient, aids digestion and adds a spicy kick.

(Some vitamins and minerals work better when eaten together.)

“I prefer it in the morning because the combination of ingredients has a way of stimulating you,” says Gavin. She says the sensation of the gingery spices, pepper, and warm cinnamon on your tongue helps wake up the senses differently than caffeine.