You’ve probably heard these phrases: “Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my first coffee,” or “My brain doesn’t work without caffeine.” Coffee is seemingly an intrinsic part of the workplace and work culture. However, true-blue coffee lovers know that sometimes it’s nice to break the habit of sipping lattes or espressos and indulge in other refreshing beverages to help you focus and be productive at work.
Coffee dependency has been normalised in workplaces as it does, to be fair, help to keep you energised at work. And what’s not to like about coffee? It tastes good, it’s easy to make, it’s been around for millenia and has effectively bonded people over our love for a good brew. But while coffee may seem harmless, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to addiction, digestive issues, anxiety, heart problems, and dehydration. These are some of the reasons why seeking coffee alternatives is beneficial for your health and career in the long term.
If you’re concerned about your coffee intake, or just looking for some great coffee alternatives at work, is time to explore other drinks to inspire, energise you and raise your A-game! Here are some top coffee alternatives that aren’t confined to the classic cup of joe but will still give you the push you need to hustle.
1. Herbal or Floral Teas
Inevitably, work, at times, is stressful, even if it’s your dream job. Sipping on a cup of tea wihle writing reports or answering emails will provide you with a place of solace for your mind and body during the grind. You can opt for green or oolong tea to give you a mild caffeine boost without the adrenaline rush coffee usually gives you. However, chamomile or peppermint tea should be your go-to at work if you want to feel more relaxed and focused during the hustle. Adding a spoonful of honey to your tea will increase its quality, add sweetness, and make it a healthy choice for busy individuals.
2. Hot Chocolate
Have you ever had a bad day at work? There’s nothing a cup of hot chocolate can’t fix. It’s rich and delicious with its chocolatey flavour. The best part is that hot chocolate has small doses of caffeine to keep you alert. This decadent beverage offers plenty of health benefits that can boost your productivity at work, such as reducing stress levels, improving the brain’s metabolism, and providing your body with nutrients and antioxidants. Plus it’s super easy to make in the office; all you need is cocoa powder, milk, sugar, and hot water. If you can find them in the pantry or opt for hot chocolate powders in sachets, you’re good to go!
3. Fruity Smoothies
There’s a good reason why smoothies are popular nowadays: not only are they tasty, easy to make, and highly nutritious, depending on your chosen recipe. Here are the most researched smoothie recipes online: peanut butter and banana smoothie, green smoothie, mixed berries, Greek yoghourt smoothie, strawberry smoothie, and mango smoothie. Banana smoothies are great to consume on busy days since bananas have potassium.
It’s fairly well known that many professional athletes eat bananas to maintain their energy levels and endurance. Incorporating fruits and leafy vegetables into your diet is another great way to stay in tip-top shape while you’re hustling. To make your fruity smoothies or protein shakes filling, you can add cups of oats, which will keep you full.
4. Masala Chai or Karak Tea
Masala Chai or Karak tea are your best caffeine-free alternatives; they have a kick of caffeine from the black tea, which is the main ingredient, along with a strong flavor of spices. Masala, which is a spice mixture, and chai, which means tea, originated in India but are popular beverages in South Asia.
The spices used in this beloved tea are black pepper, nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and fennel. They all have anti-inflammatory properties and nutrients, which are good for the body. If you’re into fewer spices, you can opt for chai, which consists of black tea, sugar, and milk. It’s a toned-down version of Masala Chai.
5. Kombucha
Another superfood to try as a coffee substitute to give you energy at work is Kombucha, which has a tangy flavour. With SCOBY—a symbiotic culture of bacteria, yeast, and sugar—this fermented tea is enriched with probiotics. Kombucha is a healthy choice if you enjoy sipping fizzy beverages daily to stay focused on work and meetings. While it contains a minor amount of caffeine, it is rich in B vitamins, which boost the body’s energy. You can create homemade Kombucha or buy flavoured Kombucha drinks in the grocery that suit your taste.
6. Golden Milk
Golden Milk, known as turmeric milk, offers the golden opportunity to tickle your tastebuds and power up at work. Turmeric, another spice widely used in South Asian delicacies, is also found in beverages. According to a UCLA study, curcumin, an extract from turmeric, promotes brain health, improves moods, and lessens the risks of memory decline and other cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
7. Lemon Water
Sugar-filled beverages can eventually harm your health. Lemon water is the ideal detox and energiser. It is recommended to consume lemon water first thing in the morning. Lemons contain potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins, which strengthen the immune system.
Making lemon water is simple: infuse your water bottle with lemon slices for at least an hour or for the duration of your work shift. If you’re sick of regular water, lemon water is your lifesaver since it’ll encourage you to drink more. However, no beverages can ever beat the benefits of drinking eight glasses of traditional H2O to maintain your body functioning properly!
8. Matcha
A popular choice among those seeking non-caffeinated beverages is matcha. Ground green tea leaves are used to make matcha, a powder frequently added to tea. The Japanese word matcha translates to “ground tea.” Since matcha maintains energy and doesn’t cause the energy crash or withdrawal effects coffee does to a person, according to medical research, it is a superior choice for increasing your energy and managing your stress levels at work. Matcha has mild leafy overtones, making it an intriguing drink for anyone who enjoys organic beverages.
Conclusion:
If there’s one thing you can take away from this article about coffee alternatives, it’s that there’s more to life than coffee. Yes, a cup of joe will always be a classic, but indulging in other beverages such as masala chai, kombucha, and fruity smoothies can also be delightful. Your body will thank you for switching from your usual coffee to these other drinks, and it will make going to work more exciting and healthy for you!