10 energizing drinks that will wake you up better than coffee

It pains me to say, but sometimes, coffee just isn’t the best option in the morning. While many extoll the health benefits of coffee, there are those who can't tolerate it, finding that coffee gives them side effects like dehydration, anxiety, or an undesirable caffeine crash at midday. And sometimes, the rest of us just need a change of pace.

Options like chai, matcha, kombucha, and other tea-based beverages are popular healthy morning drink alternatives because they provide similar stimulation with less caffeine. Nadia De La Vega, director of Tea Sustainability & Content at David's Tea, provides insight on the science behind those benefits.

"Tea leaves contain a unique amino acid called L-theanine, which promotes feelings of calm and wellbeing," she says. "Together with caffeine, they form a power duo to help keep you focused and energized without the jitters you typically get with a high caffeine beverage."

There are also totally caffeine-free options that can provide a little extra energy when you need it. If you’re looking for coffee substitutes that give you sustained energy when starting your day, try one of these coffee alternatives to help wake you up, or give you a boost any time of day.

Pro tip: Proceed with caution—some of these beverages do contain varying amounts of caffeine. If you’re sensitive or intolerant to caffeine, check the amounts before you sip.

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1. Chai tea

Whether you steep it alone or mix it into a latte, chai is jam-packed with energizing benefits.

The black tea base has caffeine, and the spices boast different benefits: Ginger aids in digestion and eases stomach troubles, cinnamon quells fatigue and increases metabolic rate, and cardamom is a natural detoxifier.

Plus, it smells and tastes like pure warmth. A tea subscription might be the perfect way to explore and experiment with different varieties (there's even a chai-specific box).

2. Green tea

Cozying up with a mug of something warm is half the appeal of coffee. Swap it for antioxidant-rich green tea, which still has plenty of caffeine for an energy boost.

It’s also been shown to help prevent Alzheimer's disease, keep blood sugar stable, and even promote gut health. "Flavonoids in tea are known for their antioxidant effects, particularly linked to heart health," De La Vega says. "And newer research shows that certain teas [including green] can be considered a prebiotic because polyphenols in tea provide fuel and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.

You can buy tea bags, or steep loose leaf tea in a tried and tested tea infuser.

3. Matcha

Matcha is like green tea on steroids. It’s the result of dried, ground green tea leaves that boast 137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea: One serving packs 10 times the nutritional potency of traditional green tea. Plus, you'll reap those caffeine benefits without the jitters, thanks to L-theanine.

De La Vega points out, "Tea leaves destined for matcha are shaded while growing, so their L-theanine levels tend to be higher."

While it might take some trial and error, you can find a way to make matcha to your liking.

4. Yerba mate

Never heard of this South American "tea"? It's actually the naturally caffeinated leaves of a holly tree native to the South American Atlantic rainforest.

It boasts the “strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate all in one beverage.” Yerba mate also naturally contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, abundant antioxidants, and is lauded for its rejuvenating effects and energy boosting power that won’t cause jitters.

You can steep yerba mate to taste, just like tea, and drink it hot or iced, or you can find it canned and bottled in tantalizing flavors.

5. Kombucha

As a recent entrant into the world of kombucha, I can personally attest to its greatness in the morning. The fermented tea-based beverage is packed with gut-friendly probiotics to wake your digestive system up and keep you moving. The tang can take some getting used to, but the effervescence is refreshing and craveable.

6. Pu’erh tea

This ancient Chinese tea refers to a fermented variety that's known for its benefits on digestion, metabolism, and alertness. It contains a decent amount of caffeine–ranging between 25-95 milligrams per cup. This S'mores Chai blend features pu’erh with a variety of tasty spices to energize your morning routine.

Or—if you're still weaning off of coffee—David's Tea's Coffee Pu'erh blend is laced with coffee beans to indulge in that coffee flavor with less caffeine and more digestive benefits.

7. Dandelion root tea

Your first thought may be "why would I drink something made from a weed?" But dandelion root tea has more going for it than you'd give those little weeds credit for.

Dandelion root tea may be earthy but that's precisely what makes it a great coffee alternative, except it's more mild on the system. It has detoxifying qualities, soothes digestive ailments, and has naturally occurring anti-bacterial compounds.

8. Hot Water with Lemon and Honey

More than a go-to drink when you're under the weather, the combination of hot water with lemon juice and honey boosts energy, detoxifies, aids in digestion, fights disease, and hydrates like no other.

The blend is a natural antiseptic that’s been known to keep illness at bay, and the combination of flavors is a waker-upper. (Tip: opting for raw honey will help you reap even more nutritional benefits.)

9. Apple cider vinegar

This one might be a bit of an acquired taste, but the health benefits are worth it. If you like kombucha, this DIY version is probably acceptable.

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that boost your immune system, helps digestion and gut health, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory by breaking down starches to reduce bloating. Reap the health benefits by mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into an 8-ounce glass of water.

10. Ice water

Drinking a glass of icy water in the morning aids in digestion, gives your system a jumpstart, and increases blood flow. Plus, after eight hours of stagnant sleep, your body craves hydration—imagine how parched you’d be if you didn’t drink a sip of water for eight hours throughout the day.

You should integrate this into your morning routine even if you plan on sticking with coffee. And if you need a reliable water filter that's built to breakdown everything from bacteria and chlorine to microplastics and PFAS, check out the Lifestraw water pitcher.