There are just countless reasons why we all love coffee – it smells like heaven in a cup, it tastes pleasingly bitter, and more importantly, it helps in keeping us awake. But while it may be your favourite morning go-to, drinking coffee regularly also has its own disadvantages. In fact, a research showed that excessive coffee consumption could lead to heightened blood pressure, hormonal acne and even insomnia. So instead of having coffee as your only go-to drink, give the following drink alternatives a shot for when you need some caffeine-free boost.

1. Matcha

While it’s less caffeinated than coffee, matcha definitely has more than enough caffeine to keep you alert throughout the day – and it’s even packed with powerful antioxidants that help in fighting off the harmful effects of UV rays, giving you youthful-looking skin, and preventing several life-threatening maladies. So if you think that green tea is supposed to help you get better sleep, well, think again.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Perhaps you’ve heard that apples work wonders when it comes to keeping grogginess at bay – but what about the fruit’s liquefied and fermented version? Well, it does the same. Appel cider vinegar is rich in B vitamins and probiotics that can give you your much needed energy boost.

3. Dark Chocolate Drink

Dark chocolate contains a small dose of caffeine enough to help heighten one’s mental alertness. It also contains theobromine, a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant that may help in boosting the energy levels.

4. Chai Tea

A hot cup of chai tea is considered by some as an ideal alternative to their usual cup of Joe. Since it’s a black tea blend, chai contains significantly more caffeine than the other tea variants. You may even include a delicious blend of spices on your tea, such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fennel and ginger, to make it tastier.

5. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a potent liquid shot essential minerals, nutrients and vitamins. You may or may not like its taste, but do know that it’s considered one of the most nourishing juices that you’ll ever drink.

While it may be the best drink to keep awake throughout the day, coffee also has its fair share of cons. So keep yourself protected against these drawbacks, by trying out any of these alternative drinks instead. Not only will these drinks improve your alertness, they’ll also help you avoid getting that pesky coffee breath.