For many people, their daily coffee is an important ritual. While coffee can help you stay alert and focused, it also creates stress and anxiety in the body. It can stress the digestive system, cause headaches and negatively affect your sleep.

Drinking coffee every day can also cause you to develop a caffeine dependency where you feel like you can’t get through the day without it. Over time, you may also feel like you need to increase your coffee consumption to experience the same level of focus. 

If you’re experiencing health issues or want to reduce your caffeine dependency, it may be time to take a break from coffee. If you enjoy the ritual of having a coffee, you don’t have to cut it out completely – instead try a coffee substitute! 

Here are some caffeine-free coffee alternatives you can try:

1. Chicory root – if you enjoy the bitter taste of coffee, this is a great substitute. It is also rich in inulin which can assist digestion and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.    
2. Dandelion root – it has a similar taste and appearance to coffee but with less acidity and bitterness. It also supports the liver, reduces inflammation and boosts your immune system.
3. Golden milk – this beverage is a blend of turmeric and spices with dairy or non-dairy milk. It’s rich and warming and can boost your health. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  
4. Mushroom tonic – Chaga, Reishi, Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps mushroom brews have an earthy flavour and are good sources of antioxidants. They can boost focus and brain health without the negative side effects.  
5. Herbal teas – if you like having a hot beverage, you could switch to herbal teas. There’s a large variety of herbal teas to choose from such as rooibos, ginger, chamomile and peppermint.