We have the solution for those who suffer from caffeine jitters or disrupt their sleep while consuming coffee late in the evening—a tea that tastes like coffee without the side effects coffee causes.
Whether you crave the intensity of a dark roast or the smooth sweetness of a latte, there is an array of options to satisfy the most discerning palates. But how do you choose the best one?
No need to spend hours looking up what tea tastes like coffee. Throughout this article, you will discover the benefits of tea like coffee, its flavors, and how to make it.
So, is there a tea that tastes like coffee? Are you ready to find out? Let’s go!
What Are the Best Teas That Taste Like Coffee?
Teas that taste like coffee bring the best of both worlds: a beverage that captures the essence of coffee while providing the calming qualities of tea. But before we discover what kind of tea has the same effect as coffee, there are a few things you must keep in mind.
Is there a problem with drinking coffee every day?
Acidity is one of the main issues people have with coffee. It has a pH value of 4.85 to 5.10, which can cause digestive problems, sleep pattern disruptions, raised cholesterol, dehydration, and more (1). On the other hand, tea can boost the immune system, fight inflammation, and even prevent cancer (2).
How do you make tea taste like coffee?
The best part is that you don’t need fancy expensive coffee equipment to make tea. Simply steep the tea bag for the indicated time and enjoy the drink immediately. Yet tea is one of the best healthy coffee alternatives.
So, what is the best tea for coffee drinkers? Let’s see.
1. Black Tea
Black tea is the most widely consumed type of tea worldwide because of its bold taste, versatility, and health benefits. It’s made of the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same as green tea. What sets black tea apart is the oxidation it undergoes during processing. Its leaves are fully oxidized, giving this tea a dark color and robust flavor as the coffee has.
Is black tea good or bad for you?
Black tea supports heart health, better digestion and gives you an energy boost due to its caffeine content. However, you should never over-caffeinate yourself, so keep your daily caffeine intake under 400 milligrams (3). That said, it’s worth knowing that black tea contains ~47 mg of caffeine per 8 oz while the same amount od drip coffee contains ~95 mg of caffeine.
Is black tea sweet or bitter?
As a result of its oxidation and heat processing, its flavor profile can range from savory to sweet. Black tea has a strong and bold flavor with malty, earthy, and occasionally fruity tones. The caffeine content is higher compared to green tea. It’s also extremely versatile — you can have it plain, with milk and sugar, hot or cold.
How to make good black tea at home?
Prepare black tea by steeping the leaves in hot water. The brewing time depends on your personal preference. To avoid over-extracting bitter compounds, use hot, not boiling, water.
2. Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelion is much more than a pesky weed. It is made from leaves, flowers, or roasted roots. You can use dandelion petals and leaves if you want sweet tea. But the roots are one of the best alternatives to dark coffee.
Is it safe to drink dandelion root tea every day?
Essentially, the entire flower is edible and safe for consumption. Dandelion has a lot of vitamins, fibers, and potassium, which provide several health benefits. It can improve gut health, better liver health, and stable blood sugar levels (4).
Does dandelion root tea taste good?
Yes, dandelion root tea tastes good because roasted and ground dandelion root develops a deep, robust flavor with earthy undertones. The resulting infusion has a smooth, slightly bitter taste that is reminiscent of certain coffee varieties.
How do you make dandelion root tea?
You can buy dandelion roots at your grocery store or simply make the tea at home by roasting the roots at 350 degrees for 10 to 20 minutes. To make dandelion tea, steep one to two tablespoons of dried and roasted dandelion roots in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Customize the tea by adding milk or your favorite sweetener. Just make sure to harvest dandelions before using weed killers in your yard.
3. Acorn Tea
Acorn tea is another tea with coffee flavor – great replacement for bean coffee. It grows on trees during the September and October months.
What is acorn tea good for?
Acorn tea is rich in vitamins B and C, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Several health benefits include regulating blood sugar and helping you have stronger bones and better skin (5). There are antiseptic, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties in acorn tea.
How does acorn coffee taste?
Acorn tea has a deep, rich flavor, similar to coffee. Once acorns are roasted and ground, they give a nutty flavor to the tea. The roasting process creates aromas and flavors that mimic coffee’s robust and bitter notes. Similarly to coffee beans, the intensity of nutty and roasted notes varies depending on the acorn variety and the roasting technique used.
How do you prepare acorns?
Make acorn tea by harvesting acorns after they drop. It’s best to boil them to get rid of insects. After boiling, shell and discard rotten ones. Next, it’s roasting time. Roast the acorns for one hour at 350 degrees, then grind to a powder. Roast the powder until it turns a coffee color. Finally, use one and a half teaspoons with eight oz of hot water to make acorn tea that resembles coffee.
4. Carob Tea
Carob is a Mediterranean tree whose fruits are often used as a healthy chocolate substitute in desserts.
What is carob tea good for?
The fruits are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients. Because they contain no sugar, fat, or caffeine, they are a great choice if you want to reduce your caffeine intake.
What does carob tea taste like?
It is a popular tea that tastes like chocolate. The tea is made from roasted pods of the carob tree. Once the pods are roasted, they develop a rich, smooth, and somewhat sweet flavor that resembles chocolate and coffee. This tea has a natural sweetness and an aroma that resembles cocoa.
How to make a carob drink?
Make carob tea by roasting carob pods for 40 minutes at 300 degrees. Use one to two tablespoons of carob powder to make the tea. Steep the powder in eight oz of hot water for up to 10 minutes. The longer you steep carob powder, the stronger the flavor.
5. Chicory Root Tea
Chicory is part of the dandelion family, and all plant parts are safe to eat. It’s made from dried and roasted chicory plant roots.
What is chicory root tea good for?
Chicory tea or chicory coffee is naturally caffeine-free and has several health benefits. Inulin, a fiber found in chicory roots, improves bowel movements, reduces constipation, and eliminates toxins from the digestive tract (6). It’s a good source of dietary fiber and supports digestive health. It’s long been used in traditional medicine for its prebiotic properties, so it can nourish beneficial gut bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system.
What flavor is chicory tea?
This infusion has a dark color and a warm, earthy flavor with hints of caramel, nuts, and chocolate. When the roots are roasted, they develop an earthy and somewhat bitter profile that resembles Robusta beans.
How do you make chicory coffee?
Make chicory root tea using dried and roasted chicory root. Steep chicory grinds in hot water for a few minutes (the exact time depends on the desired strength and taste). Add some cinnamon or dandelion for a flavor twist. Here’s Home Grounds’ full chicory coffee recipe.
6. Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba mate is a South American drink. It’s a popular coffee alternative because of its unique flavor profile. Unlike the teas that taste like coffee, the yerba mate contains caffeine. Its caffeine content is similar to a regular cup of coffee (7).
This is a good way to get a natural energy boost without the jitters that caffeine can cause.
What is yerba mate tea good for?
Yerba mate enhances better digestion, energy levels, and mental focus. Rich in antioxidants and nutrition, it reduces fatigue and improves sports performance.
What are the flavor notes of yerba mate?
The tea has a rich, earthy flavor and herbal undertones with a little bitterness. Its taste resembles coffee, especially if made with roasted tea leaves. However, the exact flavor depends on the specific brand used and the preparation method. Like coffee, the flavor profile can vary from grassy notes to bold and robust.
What is the best way to drink yerba mate?
Traditionally, a hollowed-out gourd is used to make this tea. The gourd is filled with loose yerba mate leaves, and hot (not boiling) water is poured into it. You use a metal straw, called a bolbilla, to drink the tea. The leaves are infused with water several times, which creates a strong and flavorful drink.
A more convenient way is to get Yerba mate tea bags at the store. Make sure to experiment to find the balance that suits your palate. Try different brands, adjust the brewing method, or use sweeteners.
7. Barley Tea
We don’t blame you if your first association with barley is beer. However, this grain has endless uses in the kitchen, including tea. It’s especially popular as a beverage in East Asian countries. Barley tea is made from roasted barley grains.
What is barley tea good for?
Barley tea is caffeine-free and is used to help with digestion, hydration, and overall well-being. Plus, it’s rich in dietary fiber and various vitamins and minerals.
What does barley tea taste like?
It has a rich, nutty, and slightly toasty flavor resembling coffee roasted notes. Similarly to coffee, the exact flavor profile depends on the roast level. Darker roasts give barley tea a more robust and intense taste.
How do you make barley tea?
Simply purchase pre-made tea bags. Or, make it on your own by toasting the grains in a skillet and grinding them. Steep roasted barley grains in hot water for several minutes. The exact time depends on the desired strength and flavor. Barley tea is a light amber color and you can drink this tea hot or cold. It isn’t traditionally sweet, but you can add milk or cream to make it sweeter.
8. Kuki Hojicha Tea
Another unique replacement for coffee is Kuki Hojicha. This is a Japanese tea made from the stems and stalks of the tea plant. Hojicha is the process of roasting the tea, which provides the tea’s unique flavor and aroma.
The roasting process reduces the caffeine content but doesn’t eliminate it completely. 250 ml of this tea has 7.7 mg of caffeine (8). This makes Kuki Hojicha tea suitable for those looking to lower their caffeine intake.
What is Hojicha tea good for?
The unique combination of flavors makes Kuki Hojicha a great choice for coffee lovers looking for a coffee alternative low in caffeine. You get a flavorful drink without the strong stimulant effects of coffee. Another reason Kuki Hojicha is the best tea for coffee replacement is because of its health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants and contributes to overall well-being. The tea also provides a calming effect on the body.
What does Hojicha tea taste like?
Kuki Hojicha has a toasty, nutty, and smoky flavor that resembles the roasty notes in black coffee. The roasting process also gives the tea rich amber color. The tea’s flavor is smooth and mellow, with a bit of sweetness and earthiness.
Can you make Hojicha at home?
Make this tea in hot water (not boiling) so the flavors are gently infused without becoming bitter. However, this is a personal preference, and you can adjust the brewing time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Since there are countless tea flavors that resemble coffee, we hope we helped you uncover a new less-caffeinated experience.
Teas that taste like coffee are a healthier alternative to coffee. Because of their minimal caffeine contents, these teas provide coffee drinkers a similar experience without actual caffeine drawbacks. Choose between herbal teas, such as dandelion root, acorn, and carob, or go for black teas if you want earthy and nutty notes.