10 Herbal Coffee Alternatives, Including 3 You Can Grow
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If you love the comfort of a warm cup in the morning but coffee doesn’t love you anymore, you’re not alone. Many people switch to herbal coffee alternatives because of caffeine sensitivity, digestive issues, or simply wanting something different.
I usually mix herbal coffee half and half with regular coffee for more flavor with less caffeine. My husband often says, “I don’t like coffee, but I like your coffee.” These blends are also good for when you want coffee flavor without the caffeine buzz.
This guide includes ten options — herbal, roasted roots, grain-based, and mushroom blends — plus two you can grow yourself. We’ll cover what they taste like, how to brew them, and things to look for if you’re gluten-free or avoiding caffeine.
Table of Contents
What to Expect from Herbal Coffee Alternatives
These blends won’t taste exactly like coffee, but many have a rich, roasted profile. Mushroom coffees tend to be earthier and rely on functional ingredients for steady energy and focus.
Most are:
- Caffeine-free or very low caffeine
- Gentle on the stomach
- Gluten-free (depending on blend — check table)
- Rich and roasted when paired with cream or milk
- More sustainable than imported coffee beans
If you want to cut back on coffee, start by mixing a small amount of the herbal or mushroom blend with your regular brew. Increase gradually until you like the ratio or eliminate coffee completely.
1. Teeccino Herbal Coffee Alternative
Teeccino is one of the best-known herbal coffee substitutes, available in both loose “brew like coffee” form and tea bags. I discovered it when it was on sale through one of the natural buying clubs I belong to. When I opened the bag, the aroma was wonderful! The flavor is rich and mellow, with many different notes.
Ingredients vary by blend: chicory, carob, dates, figs, nuts, or flavor extracts. Most blends are gluten-free, but check labels.
Flavor: Rich, roasted, slightly sweet. French Roast and Dandelion Dark Roast are the most coffee-like.
How to brew: Use Teeccino in a drip brewer, French press, or pour-over. Tea bags are convenient for travel.
2. Chicory Root Coffee
Made with simple roasted chicory root, which contains the prebiotic inulin. Chicory has been used as a coffee substitute for centuries, especially in New Orleans.
Flavor: Bold, roasted, slightly nutty — one of the closest herbal matches to coffee.
Grow it: Plant in full sun in loose soil. Harvest in fall for thick roots ideal for roasting. See Chicory – Prebiotic, Coffee Substitute, Health Tonic for harvest tips.
Brewing: Brew roasted ground chicory like regular coffee.
3. Dandelion Root Coffee
Like chicory, dandelion roots has a long history as a coffee alternative. It’s also a good way to stretch coffee during tough economic times. I like blending dandelion and chicory together to create a more well rounded flavor profile. The dandelion is more earthy, and the chicory is more bittersweet, so they balance nicely.
Flavor: Earthy, robust, and slightly bitter — similar to a dark roast coffee when well roasted.
How to make at home:
- Harvest long dandelion roots (spring or fall).
- Scrub, chop, and roast at 300°F until dry and fragrant.
- Grind and brew like coffee.
Why grow it: Zero cost, prebiotic benefits, and readily available in the yard. See Harvesting and Drying Dandelion Roots for full drying and roasting instructions.
4. Dandy Blend Instant Herbal Beverage
Dandy Blend contains extracts of roasted barley, rye, chicory root, dandelion root and sugar beet. One rounded teaspoon per eight ounces of liquid produces a “rich, full bodied” coffee alternative. It is an instant drink mix, so you just stir it into your hot or cold liquid of choice.
Ingredients: Dandelion, chicory, barley, rye — not gluten-free.
Flavor: Smooth, mild, slightly sweet; one of the most coffee-like instant options.
5. Pero Instant Beverage
Pero is a classic instant caffeine-free drink. Mix Pero into hot water or warm milk as a caffeine free coffee alternative. Like most herbal coffees, it is non-acidic, so it doesn’t cause stomach upset like regular coffee can.
Ingredients: Barley, malted barley, chicory (contains gluten).
Flavor: Very mild, lightly toasted — not a strong coffee mimic, but pleasant.
6. Cafix Instant Beverage
Cafix is another classic “mix and go” option. Many reviewers on Amazon.com compare the flavor to Postum, and say that it’s a toss up between Pero and Cafix as to which they like best.
Ingredients: Roasted barley, chicory, malt, figs and red beet concentrate.
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Flavor: Slight fruity undertone plus roasted notes.
7. Ayurvedic Roast Coffee Substitute
Ayurvedic Roast Coffee Substitute is a roasted blend mixed with traditional Ayurvedic herbs. Reviews are mixed – some say good flavor, others say it’s more like tea. Worth a try if you’re looking for specific health benefits. Brews like regular coffee.
Contains: Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shatavari, plus roasted barley, rye, chicory.
Flavor: Herbal, bold, and grounding.
8. DIY Roasted Herbal Coffee Blends
Make your own herbal coffee alternatives by combining roasted roots such as chicory, dandelion, and burdock. Roasted acorns are another homespun coffee option.
Flavor: Completely customizable — add cacao nibs, cinnamon, or vanilla if desired.
Benefits: Local, inexpensive, gluten-free, and easy to make.
9. MUD/WTR
Mushroom blend herbal coffees are sprouting up like mushrooms after a rainstorm, so I figured I’d include a couple. MUD/WTR is popular mushroom-based “functional beverage” geared toward focus and calm energy without caffeine jitters.
Ingredients:
- Chaga
- Reishi
- Lion’s Mane
- Cordyceps
- Cacao
- Cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves
Caffeine: Very low (from cacao).
Flavor: Earthy, warm, lightly spicy — like cocoa meets chai.
How to use: Mix with hot water and froth. Many people add milk or sweetener. (Using a frother or blending really helps to get these powders properly mixed.)
10. Joey Mushroom Coffee Alternative
This is a newer mushroom blend designed to have a more coffee-like flavor.
Ingredients:
- Lion’s Mane
- Cordyceps
- Reishi
- Chaga
- Chicory or roasted botanicals
- Cocoa-based elements (depending on blend)
Caffeine: None.
Flavor: Smooth, lightly roasted with subtle chocolate notes — one of the mushroom blends closest to a true coffee flavor.
How to use: Stir into hot water or milk and froth for best texture.
A note about mushroom coffee blends…
A reader noted that Lion’s Mane mushroom caused unexpected bleeding for her and for several other post-menopausal women discussing the topic online. Everyone reacts differently, so check labels and monitor how you feel, especially if you’re sensitive to hormonal shifts.
What do you think about herbal coffee alternatives?
Whether you prefer roasted roots, grain-based substitutes, or the functional benefits of mushrooms, there’s a coffee alternative for every taste and purpose. (And more keep popping up every year.)
If you’ve tried any of these — or created your own blend — I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
You may also enjoy:
Cozy Mulled Apple Cider with Flavor Variations
How to Make Dandelion Root Tea – Fresh, Roasted, Blends
Pine Needle Tea – Easy and Good for You
This article is written by Laurie Neverman. Laurie was raised on a small dairy farm in northwest Wisconsin, where she gathered wildflowers from the woods and pastures. She and her family now live in northeast Wisconsin, where they combine intentional plantings and semi-wild areas. Every season is a new opportunity to learn more about working with wild plants.
Originally posted in 2015, last updated in 2025.
I love, love, love Dandy Blend! I use it when I have a hankering for coffee in the afternoon/evening. (I still have to have my dark roast coffees in the morning!) I have tried Mushroom “coffees” and I just don’t like them – too mushroom-ee. 🙁
Fair warning, Any alternative containing Lions Mane can affect female hormones. Even if you you are post menopausal you can start bleeding again. I was taking supplements and couldnt figure out why I was bleeding and clotting heavily, I could not find anything online, until one day I ran across redit thread and women who have been 10 years into menopause were going thru what I was. I warned my sister, who started taking a coffee alternative ( mushroom type), sure enough Lions mane in it and she started bleeding heavily after a year of nothing. Please be cautious , I check everything now to see how it will affect my hormones.
Thanks for the heads-up. I’ve added a note to the article about this.
Thanks for the heads up. I’ll add a note to the article. My “go to”s are Teechino or dandelion/chicory, so I haven’t used the mushroom blends regularly.
I recently found this thread, and have been enjoying DelighTeas Ayurvedic Morning Blend – Herbal Coffee. It’s made with chicory, carob, dandelion, and cardamom. I find it to be a wonderful alternative to my regular coffee. Sometimes I’ll even make a ‘half caff’ with part regular and part herbal coffee.
Great option for vegan, caffeine-free & gluten-free. Hope it helps!
Thanks for this article. I really need to cut down on coffee – not just for my health but coffee is getting more expensive and should be drinking less anyway. I will try some of these
You’re welcome. I know lots of folks swear by coffee to function, but it’s never sat right by me to be so dependent on a specific substance.