6 Caffeine-Free Coffee Substitutes, Recommended by Dietitians
All of the fun with none of the jitters.
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For many of us, coffee is just as much a ritual as it is a habit. The act of brewing your cup, letting the smell fill your kitchen and sipping it on the couch or at the table is such a fabulous way to start the day. But, what if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine? Sure, there’s decaf coffee (which still contains trace amounts, by the way). But in 2025, there are a slew of other options, too.
No matter your reason for wanting a caffeine alternative, there’s something out there for you. We asked registered dietitians to share their favorite caffeine-free morning beverages that you can swap in for that classic cup of joe.
“One of my favorites to recommend as a sports dietitian is Kamana — it is a mesquite-based, caffeine-free coffee alternative made from roasted mesquite pods,” says Kirbie Daily, MS, RD, a dietitian in Memphis, Tennessee. “It is low-acid, so it’s perfect for those struggling with acid reflux from coffee. It is also rich in prebiotic fibers and amino acids to help feed the good bacteria in your gut and to provide a natural energy boost. It has a deep roasted, chocolate and nutmeg flavor and it smells, tastes and brews very similar to coffee!”
“Trying to ditch coffee for a lower caffeine alternative is not an easy feat,” says Stacey Woodson, MS, RDN, a Philadelphia-based dietitian. “However, Teeccino’s chicory root coffee alternative makes it a little easier. Teeccino makes a variety of herbal ‘coffee’ blends that offer a bold coffee flavor, zero caffeine and a dose of prebiotics courtesy of chicory root. Chicory Root is a type of fiber that may provide several health benefits including improved digestive health and blood sugar control.”
“I recommend Teeccino brand coffee-substitute products because they genuinely have the taste and mouth-feel of coffee without the caffeine,” says Seema Shah MPH, MS, RD, a dietitian in Long Beach, California. “I specifically recommend their classic Dandelion dark roast product, but they have a wide variety of coffee substitutes, including those with adaptogens and/or medicinal mushrooms for added health support. It’s my top recommendation for my clients who want to wean off caffeine, or who just want a tasty, coffee-flavored beverage that is good for them.”
“As a dietitian, I recommend having Tazo Herbal Tea in your rotation,” says Patricia Kolesa, MS, RDN, a New Jersey-based dietitian and founder of Dietitian Dish. “This brand offers seven unique tea flavors that are low to no caffeine with each tea containing natural ingredients from herbs and flowers.” Choose from Wild Sweet Orange, Glazed Lemon Loaf, Prickly Pear Cactus, Juniper Mint Honey, Passion, Chamomile or Mint — or stock all of them so that you always have choices!
“Start your day with a boost of antioxidants in one delicious cup of hot turmeric tea,” says Ana Pruteanu, RD, a dietitian and the owner of Be Well Nutrition Counseling in Chicago. “Turmeric tea contains curcumin, which has powerful antioxidant properties. This can benefit your immune system, heart health and brain function. For slight flavor twist, try a turmeric ginger tea. Ginger will add a burst of flavor and support your digestion. What better way to start your day!”
“A warm cup of cacao blend is similar to a mocha chocolate flavor without the caffeine,” says Gina Jones, MS, RDN, a dietitian in Cleveland. “This blend provides minerals and antioxidants that support energy and mood in a more sustainable way. No caffeine crashes!” This one contains cacao, coconut milk, ashwagandha, lion’s mane powder, turmeric and more.
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