Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world due to its easy accessibility and affordability—which is why many caregivers turn to coffee as a convenient option to get their energy levels up during a busy work day. You know firsthand how exhausting your workload can be, especially when juggling the many responsibilities of sandwich generation caregivers. And all you want is something that can help you feel refreshed and awake throughout your day.
If this seems applicable to you, consider switching out of your coffee routine and try some of these new products! While some contain no caffeine, each alternative will provide you with the rejuvenation you need.
Matcha tea
Although this alternative contains less caffeine than your average cup of coffee, matcha tea can still give you the same boost of energy you need. Matcha is a type of green tea powder extracted from processed green tea leaves, making it different from most other tea options. Rather than steeping a bag full of tea leaves, you can just add scoops of the powder to hot water and whisk it evenly.
Matcha tends to have a bitter, grassy taste, so consider adding sugar or flavored creamer if you enjoy your drinks on the sweeter side. This coffee alternative is also full of a class of antioxidants called catechins, which can help fight a range of diseases. While matcha is available at most grocery stores, you can find plenty of great options online. Also consider purchasing a bamboo whisk to give your drink a high-quality, frothy texture.
Runa
If you’re looking for a healthy energy drink that isn’t full of artificial sweeteners, Runa might be a great option. Runa is a clean caffeine alternative (compared to other energy drinks like Redbull or Monster), with 150mg of caffeine in each can. This drink contains ingredients from guayusa, a plant species native to the Amazon rainforest.
This anti-inflammatory drink provides twice the amount of antioxidants compared to green tea and contains more caffeine than your average cup of coffee. Unlike regular tea, guayusa contains no tannins, which helps give it a more smooth, sweet flavor. If you enjoy drinking soda or sparkling water, Runa has a similar carbonated taste that will give you the same feel. Runa is available for retail at local grocery stores and online purchase.
So Good So You
Sometimes you’re in a hurry and need your caffeine fix in one small serving. This probiotic shot comes in 15 different flavors available online, ranging from fruity to more earthy tastes—all full of a variety of superfoods and natural sweeteners. Each small bottle contains 95 mg of caffeine, so this may not be the best alternative for those who have a high caffeine tolerance. However, this probiotic is packed with nutrients that will help stabilize your energy levels throughout the day. These drinks are sold at local grocery stores and on Amazon. You can also go on their website and find other stores near you that sell their products.
RASA
RASA offers a unique approach to creating a coffee alternative: a drink made solely of herbs but mimics the consistency of coffee. Although this option contains zero caffeine, RASA contains a combination of two herbs – eleuthero and rhodiola – which produce a natural stimulation in the body. You can even take a quiz to find a blend that best caters to your drink preferences and goals. A little on the pricier side (with costs ranging from $29.99 to $108 depending on the size of the bag), you can sign up for a subscription that saves you 20% on each order and delivers every 30 days.
Kombucha
Easy to grab from any local grocery and convenience store, kombucha serves as a great coffee substitute. This probiotic drink is made from an assortment of tea leaves and undergoes a very specific fermentation process for a tart, fizzy taste. While more research is needed to prove the health benefits of kombucha, it’s full of vitamin B12, a nutrient that helps protect your nerve and blood cells. The fermentation also makes it a great source of probiotics, which can improve gut health, protect your immune system, and aid brain function.
Working as a senior caretaker can drain your body, physically and mentally, and feeling the crash effects is almost inevitable. However, these substitutes can help nourish your body while still giving you the energy boost you would normally get from your cup of joe.
