Guide to Coffee Alternatives

For millions of Americans, the day doesn't start until after they have finished their first cup, or pot, of coffee. However that jolt of energy comes with a cost. The caffeine and acids in coffee are hard on your heart, stomach, and nerves. But there's good news for the committed coffee drinker who is not ready to give up the morning fix. Two coffee alternatives have hit the market that promise the same rich taste without the adverse side effects.

Soy Coffee

Take a soy bean. Roast it and grind it. Brew it in some water. The end result is a rich, healthy alternative to coffee. Like coffee, soy coffee comes in flavors, including hazelnut, french roast, almond, French vanilla and Swiss chocolate. Some blends are a mixture of coffee and soy beans. Soy coffee is available through health food stores and online directly from suppliers. With an average price of $14.95 for a ten ounce bag, soy coffee is a bit more expensive than a bag of premium coffee beans.

Herbal Coffee

Herbal coffee is a blend of herbs, nuts, fruits and grains. Roasted, ground and brewed, it tastes just like coffee. The dates and figs that are part of the blend add a natural sweetness. Instead of caffeine, herbal coffee provides 65 mg of potassium to give you a natural energy boost.

Teeccino is the first, and thus far only, supplier of herbal coffee. The company offers a variety of blends and flavors, including vanilla nut, hazelnut, almond amaretto, mocha and chocolate mint. Priced at $8.99 for an 11 oz bag, it is comparable to traditional coffee.

Both alternative coffees have some nutritional content. Unlike black coffee, which is calorie free, the caloric content of the alternative coffees ranges from 5 to 15 calories per cup.

photo by Flavio Takemoto