Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed drinks in the world, known for its rich flavor and stimulating properties.
While millions of Americans enjoy coffee every day, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Some people find its caffeine content too strong, while others simply don’t love the taste.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other caffeinated drinks to choose from. From teas to fizzy drinks, here are 5 caffeinated drinks that can give you a boost—no coffee needed.
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What it is: Matcha is a green tea powder that’s made from shade-grown green tea leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It’s traditionally enjoyed as a whisked tea, and can also be added to drinks like lattes and smoothies.
Caffeine content: A cup of matcha made with a teaspoon (2 grams) of matcha powder will contain between 37.8 and 88.8 milligrams of caffeine.
Why it’s a good alternative: Due to its high levels of the calming amino acid L-theanine, the energy you get from matcha is often described as gentler and more sustained than that of coffee. This makes it a smart choice for those who feel anxious and jittery after drinking coffee. Matcha is also a good source of the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has powerful cellular-protective and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Flavor notes: Matcha has a grassy, earthy flavor and is delicious hot or iced. Try it with a splash of milk and a drizzle of honey.
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What it is: Yerba maté is a tea made from the leaves of the yerba maté tree. It’s a traditional beverage in South American countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
Caffeine content: A cup of yerba maté tea contains about 80 milligrams of caffeine, which is slightly less than the 92 milligrams of caffeine found in a cup of coffee.
Why it’s a good alternative: Yerba mate delivers a similar boost of caffeine as coffee, but without the nervous energy often associated with coffee. It contains theobromine, a stimulant that provides a milder, longer-lasting alertness than caffeine. It’s also high in protective antioxidants, like chlorogenic acid.
Flavor notes: Yerba maté has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor. It can be enjoyed hot, with or without sweetener, or iced with a squeeze of lemon.
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What it is: Though made from the same plant as green tea, black tea has a much stronger flavor and darker color than green tea. This is because black tea leaves are exposed to air until they darken, which changes their color and taste.
Caffeine content: Black tea contains around 47 milligrams of caffeine per cup on average, which is about half of what’s found in a cup of coffee.
Why it’s a good alternative: In addition to containing much less caffeine than coffee, black tea provides L-theanine, which has a calming effect on the body. Black tea is also rich in protective compounds like theaflavins and thearubigins, which support cognitive health and may protect against chronic conditions, like heart disease.
Flavor notes: The flavor of black tea varies, and is often described as malty, fruity, or smokey. Enjoy black tea with honey and milk or as a refreshing iced tea with lemon.
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What it is: Green tea leaves come from tea bushes that are typically grown in full sun and aren’t shaded before harvest. This gives the leaves a bolder, slightly more bitter taste than matcha.
Caffeine content: Green tea contains around 29.4 milligrams of caffeine per cup, which is around a third of what’s found in coffee.
Why it’s a good alternative: Though its levels aren’t as high as matcha, green tea is a source of L-theanine. Paired with its low caffeine content, this makes green tea perfect for people looking for a less intense energy kick. Green tea is also high in antioxidants, like EGCG and other catechins, which support and protect overall health.
Flavor notes: Green tea has a grassy and slightly sweet flavor. It can be enjoyed plain, sweetened, or with a squeeze of lemon.
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What it is: Guayusa, also known as runa tea, is made from the leaves of an evergreen tree native to the Amazon, where it has been enjoyed as an herbal tea by Indigenous communities for centuries. Guayusa extract is an ingredient in some natural energy drinks.
Caffeine content: The caffeine content of guayusa tea products varies. A 12-ounce serving of Alive Energy, which is made with guayusa extract, contains 150 milligrams of caffeine.
Why it’s a good alternative: Guayusa is naturally rich in caffeine and also contains L-theanine, which promotes a calm, focused kind of energy without the jitters often related to coffee. It’s a great choice for people who want a solid caffeine boost but don’t enjoy or tolerate coffee. Plus, guayusa offers antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, which support overall health.
Flavor notes: Guayusa has a smooth, slightly sweet flavor. In addition to guayusa-based energy drinks, you can also find loose-leaf guayusa tea, which can be enjoyed on its own or blended with other herbs like mint or a squeeze of lemon.
You don’t have to drink coffee to get a quick boost of energy. Whatever your caffeine needs or flavor preferences, there are a number of caffeinated drinks to choose from.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, options like matcha or green tea are a great fit. For something stronger, yerba mate or a guayusa-based energy drink may be a better option.
While caffeine can give you a boost of energy, it’s important to enjoy beverages that contain this stimulant in moderation to avoid side effects like jitteriness and restlessness.
