For most of us, coffee has been the heartbeat of our mornings. It’s the fuel of our deadlines, the
companion to our slow Sunday afternoons and an experience that we like to absorb ourselves
in. But in the ever-expanding wellness universe, conversations around anxiety, adrenal fatigue,
and the perils of over-caffeination have become louder. The quiet movement of caffeine-free
alternatives like date-seed coffee, mushroom coffee, and chicory blends has become prominent.
Can caffeine-free coffee alternatives offer the same satisfaction?
Many of us would admit that our relationship with coffee could be complicated. “I always
recommend minimising caffeine intake. Caffeine-free coffee alternatives can be a healthier
option for those sensitive to caffeine or seeking reduced stimulation. With their potential health
benefits and unique flavours, these alternatives are likely to remain a staple. However, whether
they are healthier or not depends on individual health needs, preferences and on the quality of
the replacement itself,” says naturopath Keletso Kelosiwang of Chiva-Som Hua Hin.
Take a look around and you’ll see innovative options of caffeine-free coffee alternatives to cut
back on caffeine intake. “Among the alternatives, there is date-seed coffee, mushroom coffee,
chicory coffee, barley coffee and others,” highlights Dr Giuseppe Bellucci, a specialist in
functional nutrition and metabolism at Italy’s Baldan Group. “What matters is balance–it’s the
excess and the overconsumption of any food or drink that makes the difference.”
If you’re looking for a beverage that feels like coffee, tastes like coffee, and offers benefits
beyond the temporary high, then yes, these alternatives hold their ground. They focus on
nourishing the body, offering sustained vitality without the peaks and crashes.
Date-seed coffee is growing popular as an alternative to traditional coffee–the seeds, often
discarded, are roasted and ground into a fine powder. It is slightly sweet with…
