Top 11 Alternative Tea that Taste Like Coffee

In the Western world where coffee reigns supreme as the morning pick-me-up, a new trend is brewing that caters to health-conscious and curious individuals: tea that tastes like coffee.

There are many reasons behind this trend , but one of the most significant factors is the increasing demand for healthier options and less caffeine intake. Tea offers various health benefits, from reducing stress and improving heart health to boosting metabolism and aiding digestion. While it may still contain caffeine, a cup of tea is roughly just a third of that of a cup of coffee.

On the other hand, some coffee drinkers are simply looking for a new taste adventure. With tea, there is an endless variety of flavours and blends to explore, even for those who can't let go the taste of coffee. For those who prefer drinking cappuccino or latte, the good news is that tea also goes very well with foamed milk. At last, there also great alternatives for those who want to switch to a tea, but can't let go of a decent caffeine boost! Below we'll introduce 11 teas that taste like coffee.

Teas That Taste Like Coffee (with Caffeine)

1. Kuki Hojicha Tea

Japanese Kuki Hojicha consists mainly of twigs and leaf stems that are typically discarded while producing other teas like bancha, sencha, and Gyokuro. When made specifically from gyokuro stems, it is referred to as karigane. The highly roasted aromas of this tea may resemble a coffee taste.

2. Black Tea Blends

Some blends combine black tea with rooibos and roasted spices or even cocoa. These can create a complex flavor profile that offers the richness you’d find in coffee. Look for blends specifically marketed as coffee-style teas. These blends provide a robust flavor that can quickly satisfy your caffeine cravings.

3. Yuanyang Coffee Milk Tea

Yuanyang, meaning mandarin duck in Chinese, symbolises an affectionate couple that loves each other despite their differences. And what is the most appropriate name for a coffee and tea beverage if not this one? Yuanyang coffee milk tea originated in Hong Kong and is made of coffee and milk tea (black tea with condensed milk). Served hot or cold, it can be an exciting way to spice up your coffee/tea routine. You can also try it using pu erh/dark tea instead of black tea. The earthy notes of dark tea can be well combined with milk and coffee, resulting in a more robust beverage. Here you can find the recipe.

4. Ripe Pu Erh Tea

If you can't miss the earthy notes of coffee, then there's a specific type of pu erh tea that can be the perfect coffee substitute: 'ripe' pu erh tea. Unlike, 'raw' pu erh tea, which takes close to green tea, ripe pu erh tea tastes like a black tea, but smoother and with intense woody and earthy notes.

You may explore our range of ripe pu erh teas in our EU store, or if you're not based in the EU, you can browse ripe pu erh in our global store.

Moreover, ripe pu erh tea is very versatile when it comes to its preparation. You can steep it lightly to drink it as an Americano substitute, or steep it strong like an expresso coffee.

5. Matcha

Last but not least, there's matcha, which is a powdered green tea. Even though, its flavour doesn't come as close to coffee as the above mentioned suggestion, it's pretty much seen as the most popular coffee alternative. Because matcha powder fully desolves in water, you basically consume the tea itself. Thus, it's the best choice if you want to avoid coffee, but still need your caffeine fix.

Caffeine Free Herbal Teas that Taste like Coffee

Instead, if you are searching for something more coffee-taste-like but caffeine-free, here is where herbal teas come into play!

6. Roasted Barley Tea (Mugicha) and Coffee (Caffè d’orzo)

Mugicha is a caffeine-free herbal tea from Japan, made from roasted barley. It has a toasty flavour similar to coffee and can be enjoyed hot or cold. In fact, roasted barley is popular in iced tea, especially in Asian countries, and is often used in coffee substitutes thanks to the roast flavours. The coffee version of roasted barley tea comes from Italy. Barley is roasted and ground and then used as a coffee powder substitute to make espressos, cappuccinos, and more.

7. Carob Tea

Carob is a tree native to the Mediterranean regions known for producing long, dark brown pods. These pods are used as a natural sweetener and are often considered coffee substitutes. Typically, carob pods are ground into a powder that can be used to create a coffee-like beverage.

8. Acorn Tea

Acorns are the fruits of oak trees, similar to nuts like walnuts and hazelnuts. While they taste bitter and are primarily animal food, they can be roasted, blended, and ground to create a caffeine-free coffee alternative known as acorn coffee. This drink has a rich, deep flavor reminiscent of coffee and can also be used to make herbal tea.

9. Dandelion Root Tea

Dandelion coffee, or dandelion tea, is a tisane made from roasted dandelion root, resembling coffee in taste and appearance, making it a popular coffee substitute. The roots contribute an earthy, nutty flavour and have a slight natural sweetness due to fructose. Dandelion root is known for its detoxifying properties and offers various health benefits supported by medical studies.

10. Chicory Root Tea

Chicory root has a deep, earthy flavour similar to dark coffee and is often used as a caffeine-free coffee substitute. It is commonly found in herbal tea blends. Chicory root is known for its digestive benefits and sweet flavour.

11. Herbal Blends

While you can enjoy these teas individually, they can also be blended to create a richer coffee-like flavor. In fact, there are various caffeine-free herbal tea blends available on the market, which ingredients include acorn, dandelion, chicory, and barley.

Conclusion

For those looking to explore beyond traditional coffee, tea blends and herbal teas that taste like coffee offer a delightful alternative. Whether you’re seeking a caffeine-free option or just a new flavour to savour, there’s a range of beverages to try. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something different, consider brewing a cup of coffee-inspired tea—you might just find your new favourite drink!