5 Caffeinated Drinks That Will Wake You Up – No Coffee Needed

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, known for its rich flavor and stimulating properties.

While millions of Americans enjoy coffee every day, it’s not the right solution for everyone. Some people find its caffeine content too strong, while others simply don’t like the taste.

Luckily, there are plenty of other caffeinated drinks to choose from. From teas to soda, here are 5 caffeinated drinks that can give you a boost, without the need for coffee.

What is this : Matcha is a green tea powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves. Camellia sinensis factory. It is traditionally enjoyed as a whipped tea and can also be added to drinks like lattes and smoothies.

Caffeine content: A cup of matcha made with one teaspoon (2 grams) of matcha powder will contain between 37.8 and 88.8 milligrams of caffeine.

Why it is 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 smoother and more sustained than that of coffee. This makes it a wise choice for those who feel anxious and nervous after drinking coffee. Matcha is also a good source of the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has powerful cell-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 little milk and a drizzle of honey.

What is this : Yerba mate is a tea made from leaves of the yerba mate tree. It is a traditional drink in South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

Caffeine content: A cup of yerba mate 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 is a good alternative: Yerba mate offers a similar caffeine boost to coffee, but without the jittery energy often associated with coffee. It contains theobromine, a stimulant that provides gentler and longer-lasting alertness than caffeine. It is also rich in protective antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid.

Flavor Notes: Yerba mate has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor. It can be enjoyed hot, with or without sweetener, or iced with a squeeze of lemon.

What is this : Although 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 the air until they darken, which changes their color and taste.

Caffeine content: Black tea contains an average of about 47 milligrams of caffeine per cup, about half of what you find in a cup of coffee.

Why it is 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 illnesses, like heart disease.

Flavor Notes: The flavor of black tea varies and is often described as malty, fruity, or smoky. Enjoy black tea with honey and milk or as a refreshing iced tea with lemon.

What is this : Green tea leaves come from tea plants that typically grow in full sun and are not shaded before harvest. This gives the leaves a stronger and slightly more bitter taste than matcha.

Caffeine content: Green tea contains about 29.4 milligrams of caffeine per cup, about a third of what is found in coffee.

Why it is a good alternative: Although its levels are not as high as matcha, green tea is a source of L-theanine. Combined with its low caffeine content, green tea is perfect for people looking for a less intense energy boost. Green tea is also rich in antioxidants, like EGCG and other catechins, which support and protect overall health.

Flavor Notes: Green tea has a grassy, ​​slightly sweet flavor. It can be enjoyed plain, sweetened or with a squeeze of lemon.

What is this : 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, made with guayusa extract, contains 150 milligrams of caffeine.

Why it is a good alternative: Guayusa is naturally high in caffeine and also contains L-theanine, which promotes calm, focused energy without the jitters often associated with coffee. This is a great choice for people who want a solid caffeine boost but don’t enjoy or tolerate coffee. Additionally, guayusa offers antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, which support overall health.

Flavor Notes: Guayusa has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. In addition to guayusa energy drinks, you can also find loose leaf guayusa tea, which can be enjoyed alone or mixed with other herbs like mint or a squeeze of lemon.

You don’t have to drink coffee to get a quick energy boost. Regardless of 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 great for you. For something stronger, yerba mate or a guayusa energy drink may be a better option.

Although caffeine can give you a boost of energy, it’s important to consume drinks containing this stimulant in moderation to avoid side effects like nervousness and restlessness.