Loaded tea is a great energizer, but you should enjoy it in moderation. Read on to find out the best alternatives to loaded tea that will still give you a jolt.
Whenever I enjoy the great outdoors, I am always reminded of some advice from a ranger; “Keep your eye on anything colorful.” Apparently, nature has an amusing way of saying that you should be wary if something is too beautiful. Loaded tea is gorgeous to look at, but it is a different story once you drink it.
While the drink’s plethora of ingredients can offer benefits, it is not for everyone. It combines herbal stimulants with caffeine. Having a break from it is advisable as it contains double the amount of caffeine compared to your regular cup of coffee and more than six times your usual cup of tea.
Here are the best alternatives you can drink that can help you cut off that extra caffeine while still giving you the energy you need.
1. Regular Coffee
What is not to love about a good old cup of Joe? This beverage offers flexibility in terms of flavor and intensity. You can freely choose between coffee beans or an instant one; it is widely accessible and is generally safe to consume multiple times a day – within reason.
A usual cup offers a moderate amount of caffeine, at around 60 mg to 95 mg, plus you can easily tweak the flavor according to your preference. Aside from giving you a surefire boost of energy, the drink packs a number of scientifically-proven health benefits, making this an alternative to loaded tea that should be first in line.
2. Black Tea
A black cuppa is often used as a coffee alternative. If you still want a tea drink, then black tea is a no-brainer. This gentler substitute has the highest amount of caffeine among the true teas, ranging from 20 mg to as high as 90 mg per serving which is why it is enjoyed by tea lovers in the morning.
Granted that it is not as sweet as loaded tea, but a true black tea’s flavor can easily be enhanced with a dash of milk and a teaspoon of honey. Black tea is also rich in antioxidants, so the beverage doesn’t lag behind when it comes to potential health benefits.
Fascinatingly enough, black tea is also great for the skin! Check out our piece on how black tea is good for under-eye bags to learn more.
3. Mushroom Coffee
A caffeine crash and the jitters are common side effects when you drink too much caffeine, especially if you are a regular loaded tea drinker. Mushroom coffee is starting to trend up as a perfect alternative to counteract this, as manufacturers offer a coffee-mushroom blend that cuts caffeine content without compromising the java’s flavor.
Mushrooms contain adaptogens that can reduce stress, increase energy levels, and improve stamina. These benefits can be particularly found in cordyceps, a common mushroom coffee ingredient. What is great about this alternative is that its taste closely resembles a regular cup of Joe, albeit slightly more earthy.
Check out our list of the best mushroom coffee brands to start your day energized!
4. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is an option that gives a different type of zing but will give you that much-needed vigor no matter the time of day. This herbal tea’s spicy flavor and warm aroma can wake you up in itself, but studies have also suggested that ginger improves our body’s ability to produce heat which consequently helps burn fat and use it as a source of energy.
The cuppa can also help relieve digestive discomforts and ease headaches and migraines, making it an ideal drink for busy bees who are often stressed at home or work. The flavor can be too overwhelming for some, but it can be offset with a squeeze of lemon for a more soothing and refreshing take.
5. Smoothies
With the right ingredients, a flavorful smoothie can give you a healthy boost despite its sweet characteristics. Bananas are a great source of natural sugars that can perk you up, which is why a smoothie version of this is perfect in the morning or before physical activity.
Meanwhile, an avocado smoothie is effective in energy sustainment, making it an ideal afternoon beverage. Be wary that while this sweet alternative offers a load of health benefits, enjoying it in moderation and watching the serving proportion is recommended as these are high in sugar and calories.
6. Yerba Mate
The yerba mate plant is not related to the camellia Sinensis plant but acts like a true tea when brewed since it contains a considerable amount of caffeine not found in most herbal teas. A single serving contains around the same volume of caffeine as your regular Joe and contains other compounds, such as theophylline and theobromine, which are natural energy sources. It is also high in antioxidants and nutrients that can boost cognitive functions.
This loaded tea alternative offers a bolder and more robust taste than a black cup of tea and is more bitter due to its high tannin levels. It has a prominent grassy and smoky flavor but is otherwise a rejuvenating drink that will effectively give you a jolt of energy. Since its caffeine level is more similar to coffee than tea, it is best enjoyed in moderation.
7. Matcha Green Tea
This beverage continues to be a crowd favorite due to its pleasant earthy flavor. Quality matcha, whether ceremonial or culinary grade, boasts a creamy and savory texture and a natural sweetness accentuated with a subtle bitter aftertaste.
While it is true that it can reach a loaded tea’s caffeine content depending on how concentrated the matcha is, you have some control. You just have to remember that a gram contains only 19 mg to 44 mg of caffeine.
In addition, it doesn’t contain most of the loaded tea’s usual ingredients, making matcha a healthier and more natural beverage to energize you.
You can read our list of the best matcha tea brands if you are considering this loaded tea alternative!
