Coffee Substitutes

Teeccino (gluten free) Teeccino Caffeine-free Herbal Coffee is a blend of herbs, grains, fruits and nuts that are roasted and ground to brew and taste just like coffee. from teeccino.com Brew Teeccino like a ground coffee. Use it in a drip pot, French press, or espresso machine. It is available in many different flavors including vanilla nut, hazelnut, almond amaretto, original, java, mocha, chocolate mint and three Maya flavors. Teeccino tends to be sweeter and less bitter than coffee. Natural foods stores usually carry some varieties; others are available online.

Cafix Cafix offers a rich, coffee-like flavor yet none of the caffeine or acidity found in coffee or tea which can stimulate the nervous system or cause stomach upset. from internaturalfoods.com Use Cafix like an instant coffee; stir it into hot water or non-dairy milk. It is made from roasted barley, rye, chicory, and beet roots. It is available at natural food stores.

Yerba Mate Yerba Mate does contain caffeine, so is not a good choice if you are cutting out caffeine. According to the Yerba Mate Association of the Americas: “The level of caffeine and stimulation varies by brand and tea format, but it is generally between green tea and coffee. Many caffeine-sensitive people that drink mate don’t experience the jitters, stomach discomfort and headaches that are complaints among drinkers of coffee and energy drinks.” It is also very high in antioxidants.

We have several varieties of flavored yerba mate tea available for sale at Isthmus Acupuncture Center. It is traditionally brewed in a hollow gourd (mate) and drunk through a metal straw. We prefer to brew it as a loose tea in a teapot or teaball. Some manufacturers encourage use in a drip coffee pot, French press, or any way you would normally brew coffee or tea. Experts advise that you use hot, not boiling, water. Boiling water may cause bitterness.

Chai Tea Chai tea is a sweetened mixture of tea, spices, and hot milk. Because of the milk, it is heavier than a regular tea and feels more like coffee with cream. It is extremely versatile and its caffeine content depends on the type of tea from which it is made. It is easy to make at home or can be purchased pre-made in containers or at your local coffee shop (check to see if the latter has a caffeine-free version available). Variations are endless; play with different combinations of spices, sweeteners, and teas. Black, green, and red (rooibos) are popular teas used to make chai. We recommend you use a non-dairy milk. Honey and agave have proven to be good natural sweeteners. A quick internet search will turn up many good chai recipes.