People who are trying to reduce their coffee intake have many options. Green tea with roasted rice, called genmaicha, contains a fraction of the caffeine and has a rich, roasted flavor. In addition, herbs, grains, fruit, and nuts can be roasted and brewed, just like coffee. The most popular substitutes are roasted chicory root, dandelion root, and barley.

Coffee substitutes are non-coffee products, usually without caffeine, used to substitute coffee while preserving its taste. Coffee substitutes can be used for medical, economic and religious reasons, or simply because coffee is not available. Roasted grain beverages are common substitutes for coffee.

Why a coffee substitute?

Caffeine effects and noxiousness varies for each individual, but it increases with advancing age as the kidneys gradually deteriorate, leaving coffee acids to concentrate in the blood and body tissues: during this time, one is exposed to increase of blood pressure and heart rate, to hypoglycemia when coffee and sugar are combined, to rise of blood fat levels (interestingly, cholesterol levels can be reduced more effectively by giving up caffeine than through a low fat diet). Then comes a time when caffeine ceases to be a stimulant, no matter how much is drunk, and the fatigued body is exposed to some health catastrophe.

Discontinuing coffee won’t make one feel better instantly: caffeine withdrawal symptoms from caffeine addiction, usually constant headaches, will persist over the time it takes the coffee poisons to be eliminated (up to 2 weeks).

Preparation, uses, and tips

If you’re trying to reduce your coffee intake, add brewed coffee substitute to regular coffee to slowly kick the habit. Use an espresso maker for brewed coffee substitutes with a deeper, richer flavor.

Nutritional Highlights

Coffee Substitutes (powder), 1 tsp (5mL)
Calories: 7.5
Protein: 0.13g
Carbohydrate: 2.0g
Total fat: 0.8g
Fiber: 0.20g

Some varieties of coffee substitutes

Chicory

This isn’t a specific product, but rather a popular kind of natural substitute for coffee. You can buy it in most bulk food stores. Roasted chicory has long been used to brew a hot drink, and is still used today. The chicory plant has a long, heavy root (like a dandelion) that can be roasted and ground up. Roasted chicory looks identical to coffee, and is brewed in the same manner. The taste is pretty strong and can be a bit harsh. There are other ingredients like this that you can try for “coffee brewing”, that aren’t branded products. Roasted dandelion root, or malt barley can be found in bulk food places. You may want to experiment a bit to get a blend you like.

Postum

A long-favourite brand of coffee substitute, made with powdered roasted grains. You just add a spoonful to hot water and stir. No brewing. It dissolves well, and makes a very natural hot drink that tastes grain or hot cereal.

Teeccino

Teeccino is a new brand of “herbal coffee” that comes in a wide range of flavours, such as vanilla nut and chocolate mint. They also have organic varieties. They claim that it does taste just like coffee. It’s made with roasted nuts, grains and even fruit. You brew teeccino just like regular roasted coffee.

Dandelion

High in Vitamin A, Iron, Potassium, and others. Dandelion treats dysentery and has positive effects on the digestive tract, but overdose can actually cause mild diarrhea. As far as its effects on the body dandelion has properties that will help eliminate toxins in the liver and the blood, it has heat elimination properties, helps clear skin conditions (this is from cleaning blood), it aids in bile secretion so helps dissolve stones and regulate the bowels. Dandelion also has an interesting effect that Shawn will love, it regulates blood sugar levels which will help with diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Sources: Coffee, Golden Fields

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