Herbal Coffee And Coffee Alternatives From A Die Hard Coffee Fan
A caffeine-free healthy lifestyle option that is delicious
Have you ever wondered what’s up with herbal coffee and coffee alternatives? Are they any good? Are they a viable option for a caffeine-free lifestyle?
I live in the Pacific Northwest, where coffee drinking is both an art and a hobby for many people. I’m a die-hard coffee fan myself.
I recently discovered the world of herbal coffee and coffee alternatives. I’ll share a few thoughts with you on that, and I would love to hear your experiences with these caffeine substitutes.
Why drink an herbal coffee or coffee alternative?
There could be many reasons for deciding to go caffeine-free.
Perhaps you’re looking for a caffeine alternative or have developed caffeine sensitivity; insomnia is a problem, or other health-related factors. For me, that is the case.
So it has launched me on a search for a suitable coffee substitute.
I like tea, but it doesn’t have the same cozy comfort factor as coffee. No matter how good it is, tea just doesn’t cut it for me like coffee does.
I’ll share the three different types of herbal coffee and alternative coffee drinks I’ve tried.
I’d love to hear your stories in the comments section if you know of others you’ve also liked.
1. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane & Chaga
First the negative on this one. Although it’s a coffee alternative, it does contain some instant coffee in it, thus making it not ideal as a true coffee alternative for many.
It is an organic coffee that redeems it somewhat. Although it has only 50% of the caffeine of regular coffee, it can still be a viable option for some folks.
I love mushrooms, but the idea of mushroom coffee seemed strange to me, and I couldn’t understand it.
However, since I’m a bit of a health food nut, I eat and drink things I don’t enjoy simply for the health benefits, so I decided to try it.
I was shocked at how I detected NO mushroom taste. The texture was very similar to regular coffee.
I liked this product and the nutritional benefits of the two types of mushrooms, lion’s mane mushrooms and chaga mushrooms, which are gluten-free ingredients.
The box I ordered was convenient, containing ten packets mixed with hot water, making it easy to take on the go or fix quickly.
If I weren’t trying to eliminate real coffee from my diet, I would drink this coffee substitute regularly.
2. Dandy Blend, Instant Herbal Beverage with Dandelion
This one mixes instantly with hot water and has a full-bodied texture and flavor.
It’s a popular herbal coffee alternative and has many fans. I can see why. I loved the full-body flavor, which was close to coffee and possessed the comfort factor I enjoy.
Here’s the negative for me. I want to be gluten-free. While their listing specifically says it is gluten-free, the ingredient list says it contains barley and rye.
These grains contain gluten, so I’m confused about the contradiction here.
If gluten is not an issue for you, this herbal coffee alternative is one you should check out.
3. Dandelion Dark Roast Organic Chicory Herbal Coffee
This one is my favorite and fits the bill of what I’m looking for health-wise.
First, it’s delicious with a rich texture, just like coffee. It comes in a ground coffee texture.
I’ve made it with my French press coffee maker, filled a Keurig reusable cup, and brewed with the Keurig machine. Both methods turned out excellent.
When it's done, you have left what looks like regular coffee grounds.
This herbal coffee alternative has no caffeine or gluten and is low in acid.
I love that I can brew a cup before bed without keeping me awake. My favorite way to drink it is with stevia and some hemp milk.
4. RYZE Mushroom Coffee Organic Mushroom Coffee New Organic Ryze Mushroom Coffee
This one is my most recent find. It has Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Mushrooms, Lion’s mane that may help with brain function, digestion health, energy and immune system support.
Originally, I bought this one for claims about decreasing stomach bloating and aiding weight loss. It’s too soon for me to speak about that aspect.
Note on this one: it contains some coffee, so it's not a true herbal coffee.
It comes with a little wooden scoop that’s a cute feature.
I love the taste of this one! There is no hint of mushroom flavor that I can detect, plus I love the healthy ingredients this one provides. I highly recommend it, and I plan to purchase more myself soon.
I’m glad I’ve tried some of these herbal coffees. This brand has replaced my old coffee habits, yet I haven’t felt I’ve given up anything.
It’s a win-win for taste, comfort, and health for me.
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I love the herbal ones sometimes in the evenings too, that coffee taste, but without the caffeine to keep me up. They are tasty!
I had never heard of some of these coffees and I definitely have never tried any of them. I might try them now.