Coffee Alternatives With Caffeine: How to Swap Your Morning Cup
Maybe coffee upsets your stomach, maybe you are tired of the afternoon refill, or maybe you just want something cold and fruity in the morning. Whatever the reason, you can still get your caffeine without the cup of coffee. Here are the main options and how to switch.
What can I drink instead of coffee for energy?
| Drink | Typical caffeine | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Brewed coffee (8 oz) | 80 to 100mg | The baseline. Coffee shop sizes are often 12 to 20 oz. |
| Black or green tea (8 oz) | 30 to 50mg | Gentler, hot or iced. |
| Matcha | Varies by amount of powder | Earthy flavor, takes some preparation. |
| Yerba mate | Varies by brew | Grassy, often sold canned and sweetened, so check sugar. |
| Moderate caffeine sparkling drink, like Aspire (12 oz) | 80mg | Cold, fruity, zero sugar, no prep. |
Coffee and tea figures are typical ranges from the FDA. Caffeine in brewed drinks varies with the bean or leaf, brew time and cup size.
How does 80mg compare to a cup of coffee?
An 80mg can is in the same range as an 8 oz cup of brewed coffee. If your usual order is a large coffee shop cup, you are likely having more than that, so a switch to one can may also lower your total.
How to get caffeine without coffee
Besides coffee, the most common sources of caffeine are tea (including matcha), yerba mate, guarana, cola and energy drinks. Aspire gets its caffeine from green tea and guarana.
How to switch from coffee, step by step
- Know your current number. Estimate how much caffeine you have now, based on cup size and how many cups.
- Swap one cup at a time. Replace your afternoon coffee first, then your morning cup once you are used to it.
- Cut back gradually if you are lowering your total. Some people notice headaches or tiredness when they cut caffeine suddenly, so a gradual step down is easier.
- Keep your timing. Have your new drink at the same time you would have had coffee.
- Pick a flavor you look forward to. The habit sticks when you enjoy it.
Is an energy drink a good replacement for coffee?
It can be, if the caffeine and sugar look like a cup of coffee rather than a dessert. Look for 100mg of caffeine or less per can and zero or low added sugar. Many energy drinks are well above that caffeine level, so check the label. Our low caffeine energy drink guide covers what to look for.
Our favorite canned coffee alternatives
Every Aspire can has 80mg of caffeine from green tea and guarana, zero sugar and zero calories, plus vitamins B and C.
- Raspberry + Acai: bright, rich and our most popular coffee swap
- Apple + Acai: crisp and easy for mornings
- Blue Burst Stick Packs: mix into a water bottle on the go
- Build Your Bundle: mix and match your favorites
Frequently asked questions
What is a good energy drink to replace my morning coffee?
Look for one with about the same caffeine as your usual cup (80 to 100mg for an 8 oz coffee) and zero or low sugar. Aspire has 80mg per 12 oz can and zero sugar.
What has caffeine besides coffee?
Tea, matcha, yerba mate, guarana, cola, chocolate (in small amounts) and energy drinks.
Can I drink coffee and an energy drink on the same day?
Many people do. Keep an eye on your total caffeine across the day. The FDA cites 400mg a day for healthy adults. If you are pregnant, sensitive to caffeine or have a health condition, ask your doctor.
Is a cold drink a good coffee alternative in the morning?
If you prefer something cold and refreshing, yes. A chilled sparkling can gives you caffeine with no brewing, no milk and no sugar to add.
