12 Energizing and Healthy Alternatives to Energy Drinks
You might have heard of the dangers and side effects that come with energy drinks and decided to switch to a healthier alternative.
Now you might be wondering what good alternative there is to energy drinks, and we’ve got you covered!
In this guide, we’ve covered 12 healthy alternatives to energy drinks so you can easily decide which one is best for you.
Coffee
Coffee is much more than a morning pick-me-up; it offers a myriad of benefits that go beyond its rich flavor and enticing aroma. Let's explore how incorporating coffee into your daily routine can positively impact your health and overall well-being.
Coffee is much more than a morning drink. It has a rich flavor and various benefits to it, the main one being keeping you energized and alert.
The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant and helps you feel more alert and focused at any time of the day.
Coffee has also been linked to enhancements in cognitive function, improvement in mood, and a reduction in risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
The antioxidants in coffee protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support overall health.
Ask anyone for an energy drink alternative, and coffee will be their first answer.
However, if you don’t like how coffee tastes or don’t want to drink it due to health reasons, there are various alternatives to coffee that we also cover in this article.
Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba Mate is a traditional South American drink that is known for its ability to energize you and keep you alert.
It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help with cholesterol levels, weight loss, heart health, inflammation, and many other health issues.
The thing that separates Yerba Mate from coffee and energy drinks is the fact that you can drink it without experiencing caffeine jitters.
This is because it has a slow and sustained release of caffeine in your body, which makes it nearly impossible to cause jitters, and you still feel all the energy benefits.
Not to mention it also tastes absolutely amazing, if you use the proper brewing technique.
Guayusa Tea
Another underrated tea originating from the Amazon rainforest is the guayusa tea, which is known for its various health benefits and naturally energizing properties, just like yerba mate.
Guayusa tea is rich in vitamins, minerals, and many essential nutrients. Just like yerba mate, it is one of the few beverages that releases caffeine slowly and gives you an energy boost without the jitters.
It’s extremely easy to make, you brew it just like you do coffee and enjoy the natural benefits it holds.
Guayusa is very safe to consume and the only thing you need to worry about is the caffeine.
It has approximately 60g of caffeine per serving, so make sure not to consume too much or you might experience side effects.
You can buy loose-leaf Guayusa Tea online from Wild Era.
Black Tea
Black tea is one of the most popular teas enjoyed worldwide, and it’s a great alternative to energy drinks.
It contains a moderate amount of caffeine and gives a subtle energy lift without the intense spikes and crashes that you may experience with coffee or energy drinks.
It’s rich in antioxidants and contributes to heart health, digestion, and has anti-cancer effects.
Unlike energy drinks, it also doesn’t have high levels of sugar or artificial additives.
Green Tea
Green tea is a popular beverage known for its numerous health benefits. It offers a great alternative to traditional energy drinks, providing a lower caffeine content compared to coffee while potentially boosting metabolism. Let's delve into the benefits of green tea and how it can offer a sustained energy release.
Green tea is another popular tea that provides multiple health benefits and tasted absolutely amazing.
It’s a great alternative to energy drinks with lower caffeine content and has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Green tea is one of the least processed types of tea, and helps with weight loss, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Wild Era Energy Tea Powders
Energy tea powders have gained popularity as a natural and tasty alternative to coffee, traditional tea, and energy drinks.
They’re usually made from a variety of teas and herbal blends, and provide more benefits than traditional tea.
Our tea powders are made from organic guayusa and don’t have any artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.
The ingredients are clean and natural, and the tea powders contain cholorogenic acids, theobromine, and other nutrients that boost mood and alertness.
One fun thing about energy tea powders is that they come in a variety of flavors and taste better than traditional tea.
How to Add Energy Tea Powders into Your Diet
There are many ways you can enjoy energy tea powders during the day
- Morning Boost: Start your day with a cup of guayusa powder mixed with hot water for a refreshing and energizing morning.
- Afternoon Refresh: Do you get slumpy in the midday? Well, blending energy tea powders into a smoothie is a great way to get that energy boost!
- Pre-Workout Enhancer: Use tea powders as a pre-workout supplement for a natural energy boost before hitting the gym or going for a run.
- Relaxing Evening Drink: Wind down in the evening with a calming herbal tea powder blend to help relax your mind and body before bedtime.
Kombucha
Kombucha, a fermented beverage made from tea, sugar, and probiotics, offers a myriad of benefits that can positively impact overall health and energy levels. Let's delve into the probiotic goodness and natural fizziness that make kombucha a popular energy drink alternative.
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink made from tea, sugar, and probiotics.
It is known for its probiotic benefits that contribute to a healthy gut by helping the body absorbe nutrients efficiently.
It contains 10-15mg of caffeine per 8-ounce serving, and has a fizzy, tasty texture.
It is one of the best alternatives to energy drinks because it tastes like an energy drink, just healthier.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. That’s what makes it great for hydration after a cardio or workout session.
The taste has a natural sweetness to it and gives a hint that the drink is healthier than normal water.
Drink it after a workout to help your body re-energize and quench your thirst.
Protein Shakes
Protein shakes are rich in protein and many other nutrients, and they can be especially effective for providing energy and alertness.
They’re either pre-made or made from a powdered mix of protein powder and provide natural, lasting energy, and muscle recovery.
Not only are they great for energy, they also contain high amounts of protein, which is essential for muscle recovery and growth.
Chia Seed Water
Chia seed water is a simple yet powerful drink that can hydrate you and keep you energized.
When chia seeds are soaked in water, they absorb the liquid and form a gel.
This gel helps with hydration as the seeds retain water.
Chia seeds are nutrient-dense and rich in fiber, healthy fats, protein,and other nutrients essential for optimal body function.
Fresh Juice
When it comes to energy drink alternatives, fresh juice stands out as a refreshing and nutritious option. Freshly squeezed juice from fruits like oranges, apples, and berries is not only delicious but also provides a natural energy boost without the added sugars and chemicals found in traditional energy drinks.
Freshly squeezed juice from fruits like oranges, apples, and berries is not only delicious but a great source of energy without added sugars or chemicals found in energy drinks.
They’re full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that protect your cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and keep you energized for a longer period.
You can mix different fruits and vegetables and create custom blends of fresh juice, the possibilities are endless.
Infused Water
Infused water is a refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary drinks. By adding fruits, vegetables, and herbs to your water, you can elevate its taste and reap the benefits of added nutrients. Here's why infused water is a fantastic choice for staying hydrated:
Adding fruits, vegetables, or herbsto your water can improve its taste and provide the benefits of added nutrients.
Fruits like berries and citrus fruits add a burst of flavor as well as the essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Creating infused water is simple and customizable.
- Select your favorite fruits, vegetables, or herbs
- Wash theme and chop them into small pieces
- Place them in a pitcher of water for 3+ hours
- Enjoy
Are Energy Drinks Safe for Kids?
Energy drinks are not safe for kids or teenagers because of the amount of caffeine, sugars, and artificial ingredients they contain.
Excessive consumption can lead to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and other complications in children.
And, kids being kids, they usually have trouble stopping after 1-2 energy drinks and go over the daily limit they can consume.
Consuming too much energy drinks can impact the development of kids and teenagers in the critical stages of physical and cognitive development.
Why You Should Drink Tea Instead Of Energy Drinks
When it comes to picking a beverage to boost your energy levels, tea can be a healthier and more beneficial choice compared to energy drinks. Let's dive into the reasons why choosing tea over energy drinks can have a positive impact on your well-being.
The best alternative to energy drinks is tea. Each type of tea has different benefits and different ways to enjoy, and all of them have energizing properties on the body.
Here are some other reasons why you should choose to drink tea instead of energy drinks.
1. Natural Energy Source
Tea is a natural energizer that releases nutrients in a more sustainable and gentle way, so you don’t feel the caffeine jitters or crashes at all.
2. Antioxidant Benefits
Tea is rich in antioxidants that protects your cells from damage, reduces inflammation, improves heart health, and supports overall well-being.
3. Reduced Jitters and Anxiety
Due to the slow and sustained release of caffeine when you consume tea, you’re very unlikely to feel any caffeine jitters or crashes.
It’s the perfect option if you need to stay productive and help with anxiety.
4. Lower Calorie and Sugar Content
Energy drinks are loaded with sugar, artificial ingredients or sweeteners, which leads to empty calories and potential health risks.
Tea uses only naturally-occuring ingredients and doesn’t have any unncecessary calories that make an impact on your weight.
