13 Non-Coffee Morning Boosters to Start the Day

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Waking up in the mornings can be challenging. People are overworked, stressed out, and often burning the candle at both ends. Because of this lifestyle, mainlining coffee may seem like the best option to kickstart your day. 

But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be that way? Multiple liquid alternatives can help you become more alert and give you that little burst of energy you need to get your motor revving. 

Some of the following coffee alternatives have caffeine levels similar to a cup of joe, but many are only lightly caffeinated if they contain any caffeine at all.

1. Chai Tea

The Indian tea, known as chai, is rich in antioxidants and saturated with a blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and ginger, making it a vibrant way to start your morning. Chai offers a smooth, creamy flavor that mimics the mouthfeel of coffee, but it contains significantly less caffeine.

Traditionally made with black tea, milk, and a sweetener, chai delivers a balanced energy boost and makes the perfect pick-me-up first thing in the morning.

2. Carob Powder

I was particularly skeptical about using carob powder in my morning smoothies; however, when I finally succumbed to peer pressure and tried it for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised. 

Carob tannins contain gallic acid, which offers analgesic, antiseptic, and antioxidant benefits, as well as anti-allergic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Carob is low in calories and caffeine-free and provides the carbohydrates your muscles and brain need to kickstart your day.

3. Aloe Water

Aloe water is refreshing and packed with health benefits. It offers detoxification and alkalization of the body. It provides high levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, contributing to overall wellness. 

This drink also has immunity-boosting properties, which may help you resist colds. Drinking a glass in the morning can invigorate you for the day ahead.

4. Chlorophyll Shot

Chlorophyll shots aren’t alcohol but rather a shot glass of healthy wheatgrass juice. This chlorophyll-rich superfood is packed with refreshing vitamins, minerals, and protein. It can boost your mood, support weight loss, and improve skin quality. Start with one ounce per day and gradually increase to two ounces. 

If wheatgrass isn’t your preference, green and protein smoothies provide a high-energy boost, delivering the same effect as caffeine but with healthier benefits.

5. Dandelion Tea

Dandelions are much more than a weed growing in your yard or the park. People have long considered dandelion tea a great source of energy. 

The leaves and roots of dandelion plants contain vital micronutrients and beta-carotene, an antioxidant known to lower blood pressure and improve liver function.

6. Coconut Water

Coconut water is often hailed as Mother Nature’s perfect drink. It packs an abundance of electrolytes and essential micronutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It’s also naturally low in fat and sugar, making it a healthy choice for hydration. 

Drinking a glass of coconut water in the morning helps keep your body energized and hydrated throughout the day.

7. Green Smoothies

As I mentioned earlier, drinking green smoothies is an excellent alternative to the wheatgrass shot. Dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula blended into a morning smoothie are fantastic for alkalizing your body and are loaded with energy-boosting antioxidants.

If you don’t like to keep the veggies on hand, you can always mix a packet of dehydrated super greens into juice or water for an instant energy boost.

8. Ginseng Tea

Ginseng tea is known for increasing focus, enhancing concentration, and combating fatigue. Rich in ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, this tea can improve cognitive function and provide a natural energy boost.

Drinking ginseng tea first thing in the morning helps wake you up and stimulates your brain, preparing you for the day ahead.

9. Hot Apple Cider

On those exceptionally crisp fall and winter mornings, replace your cup of joe with a cup of hot apple cider. This warm beverage offers a natural energy boost and supports your health with its rich antioxidants and phytochemicals.

For a revitalizing start to your day, try this hot apple cider recipe.

10. Green Tea

Green tea offers seemingly endless benefits. It contains a significant amount of caffeine, though less than coffee, which is advantageous for those trying to reduce their caffeine intake. If you dislike the taste of green tea, you can add sweeteners like honey or peppermint sticks to improve the flavor.

Other helpful caffeinated teas include chai, ginseng, and chamomile. While you still consume caffeine, these options provide it in smaller amounts, supporting a successful wake-up call.

11. Kombucha

When I was in high school in the 90s, my mother started drinking Kombucha made from a scoby she received from a friend at church. Although it was unpleasant in smell and appearance, she swore by its health benefits and energy-boosting qualities.

Nowadays, Kombucha has risen in popularity due to its digestion-friendly, fermented properties and different flavors. This fizzy tea is high in B vitamins and iron, which help your body produce energy while remaining low in caffeine. It may become your new favorite way to start the morning.

12. Hot Chocolate

As long as you make hot chocolate from raw or organic cacao powder, you’ll be sure to get an extra kick of energy each morning after a cup of this delicious beverage. Cacao powder has a low level of caffeine and plenty of antioxidants. If you’re lactose intolerant, I suggest adding dairy-free alternatives to your morning cup of hot chocolate.

13. Matcha Tea

Matcha, a unique form of green tea, is steadily gaining popularity in American tea and health circles. It provides caffeine to help you get going and l-theanine to keep you alert yet calm, potentially preventing midday crashes and adrenal fatigue. Not only is it a great drink to kickstart your mornings, but it’s also chock full of other benefits, such as antioxidants to protect the liver and boost your brain function.