Expert Guide: The Best Coffee Alternative Drinks for Health‑Focused Australians

Australia’s wellness scene is overflowing with smarter sips that deliver energy, focus and ritual without the downsides of too much coffee. The best coffee alternative drinks for health-focused Australians include mushroom-based blends (like Earthrise), matcha, yerba mate, chicory and dandelion “herbal coffee,” rooibos, chai, kombucha, and apple cider vinegar elixirs. Demand is rising locally, with matcha lattes having surged on delivery apps as Australians seek “cleaner energy” choices (as reported by the Daily Telegraph) Aussies’ growing appetite for matcha lattes. Trusted makers include Earthrise for adaptogenic mushroom blends, Teeccino (widely available in Australia), and NotCoffee for chicory/dandelion options. Below, we break down what each option offers, who it suits and how to choose the right fit for your goals.

Earthrise Mushroom Coffee Alternative

Earthrise reimagines the morning cup as a wellness ritual: a mushroom-based coffee alternative layered with adaptogenic mushrooms, ceremonial grade cacao, ayurvedic spices, and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt. This combination supports calm, sustained energy and whole-body balance... immune support from functional fungi, antioxidant polyphenols from cacao and spices, mood steadiness and a gentler wind-down for better sleep. “Adaptogenic mushrooms are functional fungi, like lion’s mane or reishi, known for supporting the body’s response to stress and offering potential cognitive and immune benefits.”

Unlike regular coffee, mushroom coffee blends are designed to boost energy and focus with functional mushrooms while delivering less caffeine, reducing jitters and crashes (see this independent 2025 review of coffee substitutes) review of coffee substitutes. The Earthrise brew is intentionally ritualistic. Whisk, sip and breathe; a mindful cadence that health-conscious Australians appreciate.

Quick comparison with other leading options:

Blend	Caffeine	Core ingredients	Primary benefits	Taste profile
Earthrise (mushroom-based, no coffee)	7 mg (low caffeine)	Lion’s mane, reishi, cacao, spices, Himalayan salt	Calm focus, immune support, antioxidants, sleep-friendly	Chocolatey, spiced, latte-like
Typical mushroom coffee blend	Moderate to high (slightly less than coffee)	Coffee plus lion’s mane/cordyceps/reishi	Some jitters, focus, smoother energy	Coffee-forward with earthy notes
Chicory/herbal “coffee” (e.g., Teeccino)	0 mg	Roasted chicory, carob, dandelion, herbs	Gut-friendly prebiotics, caffeine-free ritual	Roasty, caramel, coffee-adjacent

For a deeper dive into ingredients and daily routines, explore Earthrise’s guide to coffee alternatives everything you need to know about coffee alternatives or check out the brand’s starter kit for an easy trial Earthrise coffee alternative starter kit.

Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is a powdered green tea made by steaming, drying, then stone-grinding Camellia sinensis leaves. It concentrates catechin antioxidants and the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes calm alertness and a smoother focus curve than coffee Healthline’s explainer on coffee alternatives. Matcha contains moderate caffeine, but its L-theanine content tempers jitters and supports a steadier energy release. ideal for deep work, study or mindful movement. The classic whisking ritual adds intention to the cup, and high-grade ceremonial matcha brings vibrant flavor with grassy-sweet notes. Australians are embracing it at pace, with matcha lattes trending strongly in delivery apps Aussies’ growing appetite for matcha lattes.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a South American leaf tea prized for delivering coffee-like stimulation alongside a spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants Healthline’s explainer on coffee alternatives. Many drinkers report a clear, driven energy with fewer abrupt crashes compared to strong espresso. With earthy, herbaceous flavors and traditional gourd-and-bombilla preparation, mate suits those who want a natural “kick” plus micronutrient support (including B vitamins and iron) in their daily ritual.

Chicory and Dandelion Blends

Chicory coffee is made from roasted chicory root, naturally caffeine-free yet surprisingly coffee-like. It’s rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria Healthline’s explainer on coffee alternatives. Many blends add roasted dandelion root for depth, yielding a toasty, caramel-like profile that scratches the coffee itch without the buzz. Availability is strong in Australia: Teeccino’s herbal coffee range is widely stocked Teeccino in Australia, and Not Coffee offers locally roasted chicory/dandelion options Not Coffee’s Australian range. Prices vary, but bagged blends tend to be cost-effective per cup, and they’re a top pick for caffeine-free or gut-friendly routines. 

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free tea from South Africa, rich in antioxidants and low in tannins... the compounds that can hinder iron absorption. making it gentle on digestion and iron-friendly Healthline’s explainer on coffee alternatives. With a naturally sweet, round, and slightly earthy flavor, rooibos works beautifully as a warm evening cup or a base for caffeine-free chai. It’s a strong choice when you want polyphenols without stimulation.

Chai Spiced Tea

Chai is a spiced black tea blend (typically with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves) offering about 4-8 mg of caffeine per cup and an aromatic, cozy profile that can support mental alertness Healthline’s explainer on coffee alternatives. The spices bring anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, while the milk-based preparation (dairy or plant-based) makes it an indulgent, sustaining ritual. For those avoiding caffeine, rooibos chai or decaf chai preserves the flavor experience with gentler stimulation.

Kombucha Fermented Tea

Kombucha is fermented tea made with a SCOBY that produces beneficial organic acids, antioxidants, and live probiotics Healthline’s explainer on coffee alternatives. It can support gut health and metabolic regulation, but sugar content and flavor intensity vary by brand. If you’re swapping coffee for kombucha, choose low-sugar or “no sugar added” varieties, start with 150–250 ml to gauge your tolerance, and ensure the product lists live cultures. Kombucha suits those prioritizing digestion and a fizzy, refreshing ritual over heat and creaminess.

Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains acetic acid, which may improve insulin sensitivity and post-meal blood sugar when used in moderation Healthline’s explainer on coffee alternatives. ACV tonics are tart and bracing; they’re typically diluted in water and often flavored with lemon, ginger, or cinnamon. They can be a useful coffee swap for people focusing on metabolic health or appetite control, but should be consumed through a straw and followed with water to protect dental enamel. Quality cues include “with the mother” and unfiltered varieties.

Choosing the Right Coffee Alternative for Your Health Goals

Use this quick matrix to match your goals with the right cup:

Beverage	Primary goal	Caffeine	Gut impact	Flavor profile	Best for	Watch-outs
Earthrise (mushroom)	Calm focus, immune support, sleep-friendly ritual	7mg	Gentle; no acidity; adaptogens	Cacao-spiced, latte-like	Low-caffeine all-day sipping	Check if you need a zero caffeine option
Matcha	Focused energy, antioxidants	Moderate	Generally gentle	Grassy-sweet, umami	Deep work, mindful energy	Quality varies; watch late-day caffeine
Yerba mate	Stronger stimulation with nutrients	High-moderate	Moderate	Herbal, earthy	Coffee-like kick	Can affect sleep; monitor sensitivity
Chicory/dandelion	Coffee-like ritual, gut support	None	Prebiotic inulin	Roasty, caramel	Caffeine-free mornings	Inulin may bloat if overconsumed
Rooibos	Relaxation, antioxidants	None	Gentle; low tannins	Naturally sweet, soft	Evenings, pregnancy-friendly	None typical; watch added sugars in blends
Chai	Warmth, spice benefits, moderate lift	Moderate (~48 mg)	Spices aid digestion	Aromatic, creamy	Mid-morning ritual	Sugar in café lattes can be high
Kombucha	Probiotics, metabolic support	Trace to low	Live cultures support microbiome	Tart, fizzy	Afternoon pick-me-up	Sugar content; carbonation sensitivity
ACV drinks	Metabolic support, appetite control	None	Can aid glycemic responses	Tart, sharp	Pre-meal tonic	Always dilute; enamel protection

Actionable tips for Australians:

• Trial single-serve sachets or small formats before committing to a tub or case.

• Check caffeine per serving; blends vary widely even within a category review of coffee substitutes.

• If pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medications (especially for blood pressure, glucose, or mood), review ingredients and consult your GP.

• Quick definitions: adaptogens are botanicals or fungi that help the body adapt to stress; probiotics are live microorganisms that support a healthy gut microbiome.

• For deeper guidance, see Earthrise’s expert overview of coffee alternatives everything you need to know about coffee alternatives and our hands-on review of eight options I’ve tried 8 healthy coffee alternatives.

Where to buy in Australia:

• Earthrise’s mushroom coffee alternative blends are available direct from the brand Earthrise coffee alternative starter kit.

• Herbal coffee like Teeccino can be found via national retailers Teeccino in Australia and local makers like Not Coffee Not Coffee’s Australian range.

• Distributors and specialty shops that stock functional beverages and low/no-caffeine options Kelly’s Distributors brand list and curated online stores Decaf Co’s alternative drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best caffeine-free coffee alternatives?

Chicory root “herbal coffee,” rooibos tea, and caffeine-free mushroom blends from Earthrise are top picks for rich flavor and functional benefits without stimulation.

Which coffee alternatives are best for sensitive stomachs or acid reflux?

Chicory/dandelion blends, rooibos, and low-acid mushroom-based drinks like Earthrise’s options are gentle and often better tolerated than regular coffee.

Are decaf coffees a healthy alternative to regular coffee?

Yes, decaf preserves coffee’s antioxidants with far less stimulation; choose naturally processed decaf to avoid chemical residues.

How do brewing methods affect coffee acidity?

Cold brew, French press, and pour-over generally yield lower-acid cups than espresso or Moka, which many with sensitive stomachs find easier to tolerate.

Can plant-based coffee variations support my health goals?

Yes, using non-dairy milks and adding Earthrise’s adaptogenic or probiotic ingredients can lower acidity, boost nutrients, and align your cup with specific wellness goals.