Caffeine Intolerance when enjoying Coffee? Try these 8 Alternatives

Negative effects of caffeine

There are people who experience a number of unpleasant ailments and symptoms after consuming coffee.

These symptoms are called negative effects of caffeine because they usually appear after ingesting coffee in various forms.

Examples of these symptoms can include the following:

  • Palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety or irritability

Also, these symptoms vary greatly from person to person.

It should also be clarified that the intensity of these symptoms depends on several factors, such as: e.g.:

  • The amount of coffee consumed
  • body weight
  • Whether you are a woman or a man (women are more sensitive to caffeine)
  • The presence of underlying medical conditions such as anxiety or some form of migraine

For these reasons, it is understandable that many people prefer decaffeinated coffee as an alternative to traditional coffee consumption.

8 alternative drinks to conventional coffee

Coffee is a fantastic drink, consumed in moderation, which gives a lot of energy and well-being.

And if it’s the taste that you don’t like, we assure you that among the many coffee variations, you will love some.

However, if you want to give up coffee for health reasons because you are very sensitive to caffeine, here are 8 drinks to drink if traditional coffee is not your thing.

However, before we begin, it should be made clear that the list below is not in any hierarchical order and therefore none of the drinks mentioned here are better than the others.

Decaffeinated coffee

Decaffeinated coffee is coffee that has undergone an industrial process to reduce the caffeine content of the beans.

Decaffeinated coffee is said to have lost up to 97% of all caffeine.

However, it is impossible to extract 100% of the caffeine from the beans.

Why should you consume decaffeinated coffee?

Decaffeinated coffee has a milder taste and aroma than regular coffee.

For this reason, it can be tastier for those who don’t like the classic coffee taste or for those who are very sensitive to caffeine.

Additionally, there is ample scientific evidence supporting the multiple benefits of drinking coffee, including decaffeinated coffee.

Adaptogenic coffee

Adaptogenic coffee is nothing more than the traditional coffee we drink every day, supplemented with fungi and other substances called adaptogens.

Adaptogens have become very popular because they appear to help reduce stress levels.

You may have heard of ginseng or the cordyceps mushroom, both of which are adaptogenic substances.

For this reason, many people take supplements containing these adaptogens.

So if you don’t like natural supplements and don’t want to consume these supplements, you can mix them into your daily coffee and you will get the benefits of both.

Why consume adaptogenic coffee?

These adaptogens are designed to help reduce the negative effects of caffeine in very susceptible individuals.

In addition, those who consume it alone or mixed with coffee say that they feel the classic benefits of traditional coffee (energy, increased focus, etc.) without experiencing any side effects.

Chocolate (cocoa)

Hot or cold chocolate can give you an energy boost without bringing on the negative effects of caffeine, as the alkaloid is present in this drink in very low concentrations.

Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, a stimulant substance found in cocoa.

Why should you drink chocolate instead of coffee?

Theobromine is not as addictive as caffeine, and while its effects are not as pronounced, they tend to last longer.

It’s important not to overdo it.

In addition, cocoa (the main ingredient in chocolate) is rich in health-promoting substances such as:

  • Antioxidants that strengthen the immune system
  • Magnesium
  • Phenylethylamine, also known as the love hormone. Thanks to this connection, every cup of chocolate makes you feel good and happy.

Masala or masala chai tea

Masala tea or chai tea is a spicy type of black tea common in India that is served mixed with hot milk.

So, a large part of the flavor is due to the spices used to prepare it; this includes:

  • Cardamom
  • Cinammon
  • Ginger
  • Cloves
  • Vanilla
  • Black pepper

Why Consume Masala Tea?

This drink is ideal for those who do not like the taste of coffee.

Being a black tea, it also contains caffeine, albeit to a lesser extent than a cup of coffee.

So, masala tea can help you stay awake and energized.

On the other hand, it is said that masala chai can be beneficial to health as it is said to help lower blood sugar levels.

Another reason why it is so popular in India is that it contains antioxidants that can reduce inflammation.

In some Southeast Asian countries, masala chai is also consumed to relieve nausea, improve digestion, and control body weight.

Chicory coffee

Chicory coffee is a drink made from the chicory root, a plant that, after a roasting and grinding process, produces coffee-like beans.

At first glance, this product looks like instant coffee and tastes very similar to real coffee (although it doesn’t taste the same).

So, when you drink this drink, you get a coffee-like taste without a single drop of caffeine. In earlier times – especially in the post-war years – cheap chicory coffee was added to expensive coffee when brewing to intensify the taste and to save costs.

Why drink chicory coffee?

The good thing about this drink is that similar to real coffee, you can prepare it in different ways and add ingredients like milk, chocolate, etc.

So, you can have a latte or a mocaccino made with chicory coffee.

In countries like India, on the other hand, chicory is used as a food:

  • Measure blood sugar concentration
  • Aid in digestion
  • Increase the source of lactobacilli. Lactobacilli are bacteria that are necessary for the proper functioning of the gut and colon.

Precautions to take before consuming chicory coffee.

Note that while chicory coffee does not contain caffeine, it has been linked to digestive issues such as bloating and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

It’s also not certain that chicory coffee is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

So, consume this and any other drink in moderation.

Golden milk

This hot drink is also very popular in Indian culture and consists of 2 basic ingredients: milk and turmeric, a deep yellow spice.

When these two components are mixed together, they form a golden liquid (hence the drink’s name).

These two components are not the only ones in the combination, however, as other spices are also responsible for the unique flavor of this brew.

So, the golden milk also consists of other ingredients such as:

  • Ginger
  • Cardamom
  • Vanilla
  • Honey
  • Cinammon
  • Black pepper
  • Maple syrup (not always)

Golden honey tastes even like masala tea.

Why drink golden milk?

Turmeric is a spice that has long been credited with anti-inflammatory properties.

Likewise, one rarely finds recipes or depictions of golden milk without the addition of black pepper or milk that is not whole milk.

In fact, it is pepper and whole milk (high in fat) that are said to activate the medicinal properties of curcumin (the main component of turmeric).

But with coffee there is a big difference

Unlike coffee, which is a stimulating drink, golden milk is more of a drink to be consumed especially in the evening, as it is used to combat anxiety and depression.

In other words, this drink can be useful if you want to try something different than your morning coffee, but not so much if you’re looking for an energizing alternative.

Yerba mate

Yerba mate is a drink made from tea leaves and small twigs of various plants.

The drink takes its name from the vessel in which it is served, the mate, a type of cup made from dried gourd skins or other materials.

Yerba mate is particularly popular in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay.

Why drink yerba mate?

Mate contains about 80 mg of caffeine in a 12-ounce cup.

This means that yerba mate, in general, can contain even more caffeine than a cup of hand-filtered coffee, which contains 74 mg.

In other words, mate can be an option if you don’t really like the taste of coffee, but it’s not recommended if you want to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume,

However, many people report that mate gives them energy while not producing any of the side effects associated with caffeine.

The taste of yerba mate

Like coffee, yerba mate has a strong and slightly bitter taste, although it’s often sweetened with honey or sugar, which gives it a more pleasant taste.

Precautions to take when drinking yerba mate

Although yerba mate is associated with antioxidant substances that can improve the functioning of the body, overconsumption can be detrimental to health.

It has been found that many people who drink yerba mate consume it when the temperature is above 65 Celsius or 149 Fahrenheit.

This has been associated with a higher incidence in the development of some cancers, such as B. Cancer, associated:

  • Throat cancer
  • Oral cavity cancer
  • Lung cancer

Therefore, if possible, try not to consume yerba mate or other beverages at very high temperatures.

Matcha tea

Matcha tea is a variety of green tea that has become very popular in the West in recent years.

However, it has been part of Japanese culture for many centuries, perhaps because it is stronger than traditional green tea and contains less caffeine than coffee.

Why Drink Matcha Tea?

Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, matcha tea also gives a gentler boost of energy than coffee, according to heavy drinkers.

However, be aware that matcha tea can sometimes contain even more caffeine than regular coffee. So think carefully if you want to reduce your caffeine consumption.

On the other hand, this hot drink is usually served mixed with almond milk and some kind of sweetener like honey.

Also, this tea is widely consumed in Eastern culture, as it should be:

  • Improves brain function
  • Helps regulate the body’s metabolic function
  • Helps with weight loss

Note: Before giving up caffeine, be sure to consult with your doctor as abruptly reducing caffeine intake can lead to caffeine withdrawal.