15 Deliciously Motivating Morning Tea Options To Replace Coffee

Does the smell and allure of your first sip of coffee give you the motivation to get out of bed in the morning? I can’t lie, it does for me too.

I love indulging in a cup or three a day, but I have noticed if I drink it too late it interrupts my sleep. If I have just a sip too much it can send me spiraling with anxiety. And coffee drinkers everywhere have this problem so I know I’m not alone.

Trying to give up that first sip of coffee in the morning can be daunting, but there is a better way to view it. What if we just simply replaced our morning coffee habit instead?

Yep, that’s right! We’re going to be diving into 15 morning tea option to replace your coffee. Tea makes the perfect coffee substitute to reduce your caffeine intake. Side effects of a high caffeine content can include insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, increased heart rate. Why not avoid that and join the ranks of tea drinkers instead?

In this post you’ll learn about coffee alternatives and what type of tea can compare to morning coffee. I’ll even give you some new coffee shop orders for anyone who starts their morning on the go.

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4 Reasons To Switch From Coffee To Tea

Your first question is probably, “Why should I give up my coffee for tea?” There are actually a few reasons that make tea the better choice for your morning beverage. Which one will be the one that you look forward to the most?

1. Better Sleep

Coffee is known for waking you up and keeping you alert, but on the flipside of that, it can cause havoc with your sleep.

Even drinking coffee six hours before bed can disrupt your sleep because of the amount of caffeine it contains. Adam Meyer, from Eat This, Not That!, documented the changes he noticed after giving up caffeine for a month.

He states that his sleep improved after just two weeks of giving up the caffeine habit.

2. Improved Mood

Isn’t it ironic that the beverage that so many people credit for the better moods could actually be doing the opposite for them? Coffee, and other caffeinated substances, releases the stress hormone cortisol as well as lactic acid.

These make you feel tired and anxious. The good news is, by cutting out coffee you’ll be able to improve your mood. If anxiety is still bothering you after removing caffeine from your lifestyle, I recommend talking to someone and getting help.

3. Whiter Teeth

That yellow stain on your teeth is caused by the coffee you drink. I’m sure your dentist has already told you that though. You could keep getting whitening treatments, but you’d save money by giving up the coffee.

4. Save Money

Speaking of saving money, coffee can be an expensive habit. This is especially true if you don’t make your coffee at home. Think of all the money you’d save by skipping your daily cup of coffee and brewing a cup of tea at home instead. Then if you need more tips and advice about how to save money, check out our Finance section of GenTwenty.

4 Of The Best Morning Teas To Replace Coffee

Now that you know why tea is the superior choice, are you ready to find out what the best coffee substitutes are? These five teas will give you the boost you need in the mornings, among other things. Let’s find out more.

1. Green Tea

Green tea takes the best part of the coffee, the caffeine, and eliminates the negative by pairing it with an amino acid called L-theanine.

This amino acid is responsible for helping you relax and alleviating stress and anxiety. There are also more great benefits of green tea like reducing high blood pressure, supporting weight loss, protecting against cognitive decline, and more.

Green tea is known for its numerous health benefits, thanks to its rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly catechins, which are a type of antioxidant.

Here are some of the potential benefits of green tea:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Green tea is loaded with polyphenols, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have potent antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
2. May Improve Brain Function: The caffeine and amino acid L-theanine in green tea can have synergistic effects, leading to improved brain function. This can result in increased alertness, improved mood, better memory, and enhanced cognitive performance.
3. May Aid in Weight Loss: Green tea may boost metabolic rate and increase fat oxidation, making it a popular supplement for those looking to manage their weight. It’s important to note that while green tea can be a helpful addition to a healthy diet and exercise routine, it’s not a magic solution on its own.
4. May Lower the Risk of Certain Cancers: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in green tea may help lower the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. However, more research is needed in this area.
5. May Improve Heart Health: Regular consumption of green tea may help improve heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and improving arterial function. These benefits can contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease.
6. May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels: Green tea may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. This can be beneficial for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
7. May Support Liver Health: The antioxidants in green tea, particularly EGCG, may help protect the liver from damage and improve its function. This is important for overall metabolic health.
8. May Aid in Digestion: Green tea can help improve digestion by promoting the production of digestive enzymes. It may also help soothe the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
9. May Enhance Longevity: Some studies suggest that regular consumption of green tea may be associated with a longer lifespan, although more research is needed to establish a definitive link.
10. May Improve Skin Health: The antioxidants in green tea can help protect the skin from UV damage and reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest that it may also help improve skin elasticity and hydration.

2. Black Tea

Black tea, like green tea, offers a range of health benefits. Black tea also contains L-theanine, just not as much as green tea does. This could be a great option to help you make the switch from coffee to tea since it looks the most like coffee.

It is a caffeinated tea but if you brew your tea bag for less time, you’ll have less mg of caffeine than a cup of coffee. Just enough to keep your energy levels up without the crash!

Some of the benefits you may experience by drinking this type of tea are healthy cholesterol levels, healthy weight management, and more.

Here are some of the potential advantages of consuming black tea:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Black tea is packed with powerful antioxidants, such as theaflavins, thearubigins, and catechins. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Heart Health: Some studies suggest that regular consumption of black tea may contribute to heart health. It may help improve cholesterol levels by reducing LDL cholesterol, which is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
3. May Improve Mental Alertness: The caffeine content in black tea can enhance alertness and concentration. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that works synergistically with caffeine to improve cognitive performance.
4. Digestive Health: Compounds in black tea may aid digestion by promoting the production of digestive enzymes. It can also help soothe digestive discomfort.
5. May Support Weight Management: Black tea may help in weight management due to its caffeine and flavonoid content, which can boost metabolism and aid in fat oxidation. However, it’s important to note that it’s not a substitute for a balanced diet and exercise.
6. Oral Health: Some studies suggest that the polyphenols in black tea may help inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to improved oral health and reduced risk of cavities.
7. May Reduce the Risk of Stroke: Some research indicates that regular consumption of black tea may be associated with a reduced risk of stroke. This is believed to be due to its potential to improve cardiovascular health.
8. May Lower Blood Pressure: Regular consumption of black tea may help lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for individuals with hypertension.
9. May Enhance Bone Health: Some studies suggest that the flavonoids in black tea may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
10. May Have Anticancer Properties: While more research is needed, some studies have suggested that the antioxidants in black tea may have protective effects against certain types of cancer.
11. May Improve Mood and Reduce Stress: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in black tea may help improve mood and reduce stress. L-theanine has a calming effect, which can counterbalance the stimulating effects of caffeine.
12. May Boost Immunity: The antioxidants in black tea may help strengthen the immune system and protect against various infections.

3. Oolong tea

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that falls somewhere between green and black tea in terms of oxidation levels. Oolong tea, though less popular than green and black tea, is another great alternative to your morning coffee. When it comes to which tea has the most antioxidants, oolong tea comes in the middle of the pack.

Some of the health benefits associated with this tea are lower risk of type 2 diabetes, better dental health, stronger bones, and more. It offers a unique combination of benefits associated with both green and black tea.

Here are some potential advantages of consuming oolong tea:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Oolong tea is abundant in antioxidants like catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigins. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Weight Management: Some studies suggest that oolong tea may help with weight management by increasing metabolism and fat oxidation. It can be a helpful addition to a balanced diet and exercise routine.
3. Heart Health: Oolong tea may contribute to heart health by improving cholesterol levels. Regular consumption has been associated with reduced levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides.
4. May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels: Some research indicates that oolong tea may help stabilize blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
5. Digestive Health: Oolong tea contains compounds that can aid digestion by promoting the production of digestive enzymes. It may also help alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
6. Oral Health: The polyphenols in oolong tea may help inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, leading to improved oral health and reduced risk of cavities.
7. Mental Alertness and Focus: Oolong tea contains caffeine, which can enhance alertness and concentration. Additionally, it contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can work synergistically with caffeine to improve cognitive performance.
8. May Enhance Skin Health: The antioxidants in oolong tea may help protect the skin from UV damage and reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest it may also improve skin tone and texture.
9. May Aid in Stress Reduction: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in oolong tea may help improve mood and reduce stress. L-theanine has a calming effect, which can counterbalance the stimulating effects of caffeine.
10. May Boost Immunity: The antioxidants in oolong tea may help strengthen the immune system, offering protection against various infections.
11. May Improve Bone Health: Some studies suggest that the flavonoids in oolong tea may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
12. May Have Anticancer Properties: While more research is needed, some studies have suggested that the antioxidants in oolong tea may have protective effects against certain types of cancer.

4. Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is an herbal tea that comes from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant native to South Africa. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and offers a variety of potential health benefits:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Rooibos tea is packed with a range of antioxidants, including aspalathin and nothofagin. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
2. May Support Heart Health: Rooibos tea may contribute to heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest it may also improve blood vessel function.
3. May Aid Digestion: Rooibos tea contains compounds like quercetin and aspalathin, which may support digestive health by reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting healthy digestion.
4. May Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes: Some research suggests that rooibos tea may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
5. May Relieve Allergies and Asthma: Rooibos tea contains quercetin, a natural antihistamine that may help alleviate allergy symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also be beneficial for individuals with asthma.
6. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Rooibos tea contains polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to various chronic conditions.
7. May Support Skin Health: Rooibos tea can be applied topically or consumed to help alleviate skin conditions like eczema, acne, and sunburn. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may contribute to healthier skin.
8. May Help with Weight Management: Some studies suggest that rooibos tea may aid in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and reducing cravings for high-calorie snacks.
9. May Have Anticancer Properties: While more research is needed, early studies have indicated that rooibos tea may have potential cancer-fighting properties due to its high antioxidant content.
10. May Alleviate Stress and Anxiety: Rooibos tea contains compounds like aspalathin and nothofagin that may have calming effects and help reduce stress levels. It does not contain caffeine, which can contribute to relaxation.
11. May Support Liver Health: Rooibos tea may assist in protecting the liver from damage due to its antioxidant content. This is important for overall metabolic health.
12. May Boost the Immune System: The antioxidants in rooibos tea may help strengthen the immune system, providing protection against various infections.

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Your New Coffee Shop Order Options

I didn’t want to leave out the coffee shop lovers. Here are some tea options that you can order on the mornings you are rushing out the door, or maybe meeting up with others at a local coffee shop. Turns out, tea drinkers have plenty of options too!

1. Tea Latte:

A Starbucks tea latte includes half tea and half steamed milk, then you can add a flavored syrup as well.

There are a lot of different combinations you can try here by making your own, but most coffee shops will have a list of recommendations as well.

2. Matcha Latte:

Matcha tea is a green tea powder and when combined with steamed milk it makes this refreshing beverage. Made incorrectly, matcha can have a bitter taste so make sure to get it from a reputable cafe.

3. Chai Latte:

Chai is a Hindi term for “a mix of spices steeped into a tea-like beverage.” The tea in this case is black tea and when combined with milk you have a chai tea latte.

4. London Fog:

A London Fog is mixed with Earl Grey tea, a black tea, milk,and vanilla.

5. Turmeric or Golden Milk Latte

While not a true tea, turmeric offers many health benefits and gives a slightly sweet, slightly spicy, slightly nutty flavor to a latte. Turmeric is a fine powder that offers rich flavor and the comforts of a latte without the caffiene boost.

If you try any of these let me know what you think!

Bring The Coffee Shop Home With These Delicious Teas

If you’d rather enjoy your first beverage in the morning at home, there are some great teas out there to make that possible. To close us out I’m sharing three brands that get tea right.

1. Zach’s Breakfast Tea (Zadiko Tea Company)

2. Pu’er Bundle (Pique)

3. Vanilla Caramel Chai Tea (TAZO)

4. Coffee SuperLatte

5. Numi Rooibos Chai

6. Matcha SuperLatte

7. Guayaki Yerba Mate

Final Thoughts on Replacing Your Morning Coffee With Tea

Now that you are giving up your morning coffee, what tea are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments. 

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