If you are struggling to find a replacement for your morning cup of coffee, tea could likely be the best choice for you. Tea is the most widely consumed beverage after water. In the US, there are more coffee drinkers than tea but that’s slowly changing. According to the Tea Association of the U.S.A. [1], approximately four in five Americans drank tea in 2019, with millennials sipping on tea as a preferred beverage. A whopping 87 percent of the millennials in the US drink tea. 84 percent of the tea consumed is black tea, which could also be the tea used to make the famous Southern sweet tea and iced tea. 15 percent drank green tea, and the rest was between white and dark tea. However, the best morning teas could be more than just black tea and green tea.
The tea aisles in the supermarkets have got bigger and several options can be had as morning tea. There are also herbal teas, which do not contain the universally accepted definition of tea, made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. For our list of the best morning teas, we have included trending teas, including herbal options as well as decaffeinated choices. So, let’s get straight to it.
Best Morning Teas To Replace Your Coffee
Here are our top recommendations for the best morning teas to replace your cup of joe.
Smooth and creamy matcha green tea latte makes for a great morning tea. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Matcha Tea
Matcha tea, a powdered green tea, is a great healthy option if you are looking for your morning jolt of caffeine. An 8-oz serving prepared with 1 tsp of matcha has 68 mg of caffeine, which is little less than a similar cup of black coffee at 95 mg. However, the caffeine in matcha is released slowly because of the presence of amino acids like L-theanine and arginine. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people do not feel the nervousness or jitteriness, which usually occurs due to coffee consumption. [2] [3]
Matcha, like other forms of green tea, is an anti-oxidant rich beverage. Researchers have found that the concentration of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a plant compound that enhances overall health, is 137 times greater than the EGCG available from green tea. So, you can have your matcha and enjoy the fat-burning and anti-aging effects of it too. [4] [5] [6]
Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba mate is another caffeine-boosting option that holds its own against coffee, at approximately 78-85 mg of caffeine per 8-oz cup. This national drink of Argentina is made from the leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis) and has a strong, bitter, earthy taste similar to strong dark coffee. It may take a little getting used to.
According to research published in The Journal of Food Science, yerba mate has a high level of antioxidants and saponins that contribute to its anti-inflammatory and hypocholesterolemic properties. It also boosts energy levels, which makes it a likely contender as a morning tea. [7]
Roasted Dandelion Root Tea
Roasted dandelion root tea has a rich, smoky flavor that tastes surprisingly similar to a gently roasted black coffee. This caffeine-free drink has long been used as a herbal drink to detoxify the liver. A 2017 study suggested that the polysaccharides present in the dandelion root may have properties to help protect the liver. You can buy roasted dandelion root powder from health stores; you just have to steep it in hot water, strain it, and your morning coffee substitute is ready to go! [8]
Chinese Teas: Black, Green, & Oolong Tea
For a beautiful subtle experience in the mornings, you can try the different kinds of Chinese tea like green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. They are all available in loose-leaf variety form or tea bags. All three kinds of tea have varying levels of caffeine and several antioxidant properties. Green tea is revered for its metabolism-boosting abilities too and could provide just the boost you need to start your day. [9] [10]
English Breakfast Tea
If you go by the name, English breakfast tea certainly qualifies as a great morning tea. The tea, which is a blend of Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan tea, has a warm toast flavor to it, making it one of the most popular teas in British and Irish tea culture. You can have it black or with a spot of milk, and if you love eggs, sausage, and toast in the mornings, English breakfast tea makes a good complement. Try an Earl Grey or a Darjeeling tea to see what works best for you as they vary in the boldness of flavor. [11]
Golden Milk Tea
Golden Milk tea or turmeric tea is something you want to reach out for if you are looking for a filling drink in the morning that will also boost your immunity. This turmeric-based drink is spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger and can keep your energy levels high, especially after a morning workout. If you find that you are missing your caffeine, you can add a black tea bag to it once the drink is made. [12]
Additional Tips To Replace Your Coffee
We understand that the break-up with your morning cup of coffee may not be an easy one. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you form a new habit:
- Try replacing your morning coffee for a few days in the week instead of going cold turkey. This may help in easing the withdrawal symptoms.
- If you take your morning coffee to-go from your favorite coffee shop, try ordering different options like matcha latte or golden milk to keep the routine going. We recommend you check the sugar content and add the sweetener of your choice in the drinks to make it healthier.
- Experiment with different kinds of tea to see what suits you best. Make it a project to discover new flavors and tastes. A sense of humor helps as some herbal teas can be quite astringent.
- Make a ritual of making your matcha tea at home by whisking it till it is nice and frothy. It will give your me-time in the morning.
- If you find yourself falling in love with English Breakfast tea, you could invest in a nice teapot and teacups to make it a beautiful experience.
