7 Best Alternatives To Green Tea

We all know that green tea offers many health and skin benefits, but most of us don’t like its bitter taste. Find out the best alternatives to green tea?

Best alternatives to green tea
There are a lot of alternatives to green tea and don’t worry because they are healthy too

Green tea is said to be one of the world’s healthiest beverages. It’s loaded with antioxidants that have many potential health benefits, not to mention that it’s also great for those who want glowing skin. Sadly, all these health and skin benefits still don’t make it taste any better – it has a distinct “green” grassy taste.

Now, if you don’t like the taste of green tea, you may be asking, “Are there any alternatives to green tea leaves?” There are a lot of alternatives to green tea and don’t worry because they are healthy too. 

Keep reading to learn about some fantastic alternatives to green tea.

Top Alternatives To Green Tea

So, what’s an excellent green tea alternative? I’ve included teas in my suggestions, but I’ve also included other healthy beverages. 

1. Black Tea

Black tea is from the same Camellia Sinensis plant as green tea, white tea, and oolong tea. However, it has a darker and more bitter taste, which might make you doubt the suggestion. Nonetheless, many people prefer black tea with milk.

Black tea is the most processed version of the Camellia Sinensis plant, the reason why this tea has a darker color and a bitter flavor. Although adding milk negatively affects the antioxidant content of black tea, this is only up to 27%. So, you will still have access to its anti-aging, cancer-fighting, heart-healthy, and stroke-combatting benefits. 

I don’t usually drink black tea, but it tastes great with almond milk when I do. I also enjoy drinking Lipton Peach Flavored Black Tea without milk or sweetener. If you’re looking for ways to make your black tea taste good without the downsides of sugar, you can try sweetening it with honey, stevia, or xylitol.

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03/07/2024 06:20 pm GMT

2. White Tea

White tea is the least processed version of the Camellia Sinensis plant, so this tea has a lighter color and a mild, hay-like flavor. Regarding the health benefits of white tea vs. green tea, some compounds are higher in green tea, while some are higher in white tea. 

Overall, you get the same benefits as green tea, only with a milder flavor. However, it has a slightly higher caffeine content than green tea, so be aware of that if you are particularly sensitive to caffeine.

Read more on How Much Caffeine Is In White Tea?.

3. Chamomile Tea

Best alternatives to green tea: Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea can relieve stress and anxiety

Chamomile tea is a good green tea alternative before going to bed. Most of the studies conducted on chamomile tea have been done using extracts and uses other than tea. However, research on women suffering from postpartum depression and insomnia found their symptoms lessened after four weeks. 

There is anecdotal and scientific evidence of people claiming chamomile tea can relieve stress and anxiety. Some studies also show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It can also provide some premenstrual syndrome (PMS) relief, prevent osteoporosis, and regulate insulin levels.

For this, I’d recommend Organic Chamomile Tea by FGO, or you can read our guide about how long to steep chamomile tea.  

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03/07/2024 06:44 pm GMT

4. Chai Tea

Chai tea is made from chai spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, and black tea. Nowadays, you can find it in many varieties – the brew consists of these chai spices or with turmeric, vanilla, and one of the other teas as a base. Choose the variation of chai tea that suits your taste and preference.

Here are just a few of the many health benefits of drinking chai tea:

  • Boosts heart health
  • Improves digestion
  • Boosts your immune system
  • Good for your skin
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Good for your brain
  • Soothes headaches, sore throats, nausea, and even menstrual pain

Traditionally, chai tea is served with milk and any sweetener (such as sugar or honey), but it generally tastes good without any of these. For this, I’d recommend TAZO Black Chai Tea – one of Amazon’s best-sellers for chai tea.

You might also be interested in our guide on the best teas for runners.

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03/07/2024 02:33 am GMT

5. Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea is another good alternative to green tea if you want to relax before bedtime or during the day. 

Although lemon balm has been shown to have antiviral properties, these are only linked to the essential oil and extract, not the tea itself. The tea is commonly used to ease anxiety and insomnia and promote relaxation. In addition to that, it is also rich in antioxidants and can reduce inflammation.

I find Lemon Balm tea refreshing, especially when I make it using the leaves from my balcony – it smells good and has a slight citrus flavor. I also make it using dried tea leaves, and I can confirm it eases my muscle pain after one cup. I have never had it before going to bed, but most people say it helps them get a good night’s sleep.

If you don’t have fresh leaves at home, you can try tea bags like Traditional Medicinals – Organic Lemon Balm Herbal Tea

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03/07/2024 03:49 am GMT

6. Rooibos Tea 

Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is a herbal tea native to South Africa, from the fynbos plant located in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. 

When it comes to flavor, I find Rooibos tea a lot milder and less grassy. It’s naturally sweeter, too! The tea is reddish, so it’s called “rooibos” (in Afrikaans) which means red bush. 

Rooibos tea, just like the other teas mentioned, is also rich in antioxidants. Also, although more research is needed to confirm the findings from tiny human trials, rat studies, and cell studies, the results are promising.

It is safe to drink up to six cups of Rooibos tea every day, and this is also the number of cups needed to get access to its heart health benefits. According to research, rooibos tea has may improve bone health, and male fertility, and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

7. Coffee

Best alternatives to green tea: Coffee
Coffee, along with tea and cocoa, is one of the most antioxidant-rich beverages

As you may have known, green tea is often recommended as an alternative to coffee, but I don’t find it good enough. Coffee, in my opinion, will always win when it comes to taste. 

Most people can drink up to four cups a day, but I limit myself to two max, as I don’t want to get addicted. Too much caffeine intake can lead to adverse effects on our body, so make sure not to overdo it. If you want to learn more about the caffeine content of coffee, you can read our guide on how many milligrams of caffeine is in a cup of coffee

Coffee, along with tea and cocoa, is one of the most antioxidant-rich beverages. Drinking coffee lowers the risk of all-cause mortality, which means death due to cancer, heart attack, strokes, and illnesses. In the case of smokers, the benefits were significantly reduced or eliminated. 

You can read our guide on How To Make Strong Coffee: Step-By-Step.

Author

  • Cian Murray

    Cian Murray is an experienced writer and editor, who graduated from Cardiff University’s esteemed School of Journalism, Media and Culture. His work has been featured in both local and national media, and he has also produced content for multinational brands and agencies. Find Cian on muckrack.com.