For millions of people, coffee is an essential part of the morning routine. Many people reach for it immediately after getting up, letting it work its wonders on their tired brains. But coffee isn’t for everyone. It’s an acquired taste, one that not every person can get accustomed to. So if you’re looking to cut back on your coffee intake or can’t stand the taste of it but still want that morning boost of energy, there are several healthy alternatives for you to try.

Hot teas

Teas are a great alternative to your morning coffee. You can get caffeinated, decaffeinated, or caffeine-free teas but look for blends containing black or green tea when you need to put a little pep in your step. These teas contain caffeine, though less than most coffees, that can help kickstart your morning. You can enjoy them with a dash of honey or a squeeze of lemon to give your drink a little sweetness while also enjoying added health benefits.

Matcha tea

Matcha powder is made from ground up green tea leaves. The powder is then mixed with water or milk to make matcha tea. It’s a caffeinated drink with more caffeine than regular green tea but less than coffee. Matcha tea will energize you while also providing antioxidants and other supplements that support brain and liver health. It’s also easy to prepare since you simply need to mix the powder with your liquid of choice.

Lemon water

While lemon water isn’t caffeinated, it does contain plenty of vitamin C to help combat fatigue. It also keeps you hydrated, which fights brain fog and mood changes throughout the day. You can enjoy it either cold or hot and might even choose to add in other beneficial ingredients like ginger, honey, or cinnamon.

Kombucha

While kombucha has become increasingly popular in the last few years, you might not even know that is comes from tea. It’s a carbonated drink made from fermented black or green tea. It contains the same amount of caffeine as other teas, making it a great option for your mornings. It also has a variety of health benefits including probiotics to promote healthy digestion. You can find a variety of kombucha flavors at your local grocery store.

Mushroom coffee

It’s possible you’ve never heard of mushroom coffee, but it’s becoming a popular substitute to regular coffee. While mushrooms were first used this way during World War II due to a shortage of coffee beans, you can now find a variety of brands that use ground mushrooms in their coffee blends. Mushroom coffee is a mixture of coffee beans and mushroom powder; however, different blends contain varying amounts of coffee, giving you options for your desired level of caffeine.

When you need that extra boost of energy, try reaching for one of these great options instead of your usual cup of coffee!