Rich and Delicious Coffee Substitute
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This Homemade Coffee Substitute is just the thing if you're wanting to ditch caffeine, or just want a cuppa in the evening. It not only tastes great, but it's seriously good for you and is so easy to make.
I've also updated this recipe with a method that makes this likely the least expensive coffee alternative out there!
Why bother with a coffee substitute, and a homemade coffee substitute at that, when the real thing tastes so good?
For folks without health challenges, coffee can be a healthy choice, but for anyone with candida or adrenal issues or thyroid disease, coffee can be a real problem due to it being a stimulant.
If that's you, or if you'd like to get off of coffee for some other reason, this is a naturally caffeine-free alternative that tastes great and is good for you as well.
There are just two ingredients in this super simple substitute (well, three, if you include the water). It's that simple.
Not only are you avoiding the caffeine that can be a problem for so many people, but you are also getting the wonderful health benefits of dandelion root. Dandelion roots are great for liver health.
And yes, if you really feel adventurous, you don't have to purchase dandelion roots pre-cut, dried and roasted. You can dig them out of your backyard, clean them well, chop, and roast them yourself! Don't think I'll be doing that anytime soon, but it's an option.
My Love of Coffee
I used to drink TONS of coffee and the habit got particularly bad when I worked on a stock options trading floor just after coming back from living overseas in Japan for a year.
Somehow (long story), I ended up working as a trading assistant, en route to becoming an options trader on the floor of the Philadelphia Options Exchange. Later on, I landed a teaching position at the Chicago Board of Options Exchange instead, but that's another story.
Anyhow, the jobs were tough. Early mornings and a very tough environment at times and I leaned heavily on coffee.
Loads of it with loads of milk and saccharine.
Not a good idea.
In fact, I remember literally drinking 2 REALLY big cups of the stuff just to get me going in the morning, and I do mean REALLY big.
Getting Off of Coffee
Years later, when my adrenal and thyroid issues came to a head, I needed to change things, and coffee needed to go.
One thing that really helped was having another great tasting option that I could have every morning instead of that “cup of Joe.”
I recommend going off of coffee gradually instead of cold turkey. Try replacing 1/4 of your coffee with this substitute for 3 days in a row, then 1/2 for 3 days, then 3/4, and then, you're done!
So that need to quit plus my frugal ways were the birth of this homemade coffee substitute.
My Favorite Way to Enjoy Coffee Substitute
You can of course doctor this up or not as you desire, but here's how I love to drink it.
- 1 cup of this Coffee Substitute.
- Top with Homemade Coconut Milk.
- 1 scoop of stevia (read this post on How to Use Stevia)
- A squirt of liquid stevia (one I like is KAL Caramel Cream or you can also try making your own Homemade Liquid Stevia).
- 1/4 to 1 teaspoon cocoa or carob.
- Dash of salt (I recommend Real Salt).
- 1 tablespoon of collagen powder for added protein.
- About 1 teaspoon coconut oil.
This is just SO delicious! I drink at least 2 1/2 cups of this every single morning.
I used to use a medium grind and made this using my French press, but I've since updated the post so you really don't need to use a press if you don't want to bother with that.
Dairy-Alternatives for This Coffee Substitute
- Easiest Almond Milk
- Homemade Rice Milk
- DIY Vanilla Liquid Stevia
- DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice (for the makings of a Pumpkin Latte)
- Dairy-free Pumpkin Spice Creamer
Recipe Notes and Substitutions
- Roasted Dandelion Root: Initially I was using plain (not roasted) dandelion root, and my coffee alternative tasted just fine, but it is so much richer with the roasted roots. I have no idea why I wasn't doing this from the start! Today was my first day with really rich coffee substitute, and boy did it taste great!
You can purchase roasted dandelion root or just roast in the oven on a cookie sheet until nicely browned. Often I just toast it in a pan over a medium-low heat, but you have to really watch it. It starts to burn easily…not that I've ever done that. Wink. - Coconut Milk: I love topping my coffee substitute with freshly-made Homemade Coconut Milk. Of course, I'll also use the milk that's already been made, but when it's freshly made, it has a wonderful frothy topping that reminds me of frothed milk. For more details, please see my post on Easiest Homemade Coconut Milk.
- Ice Cubes: When I pour my first cup, it is super hot. Just drop 1-2 ice cubes in your mug before pouring in your coffee substitute and you can enjoy right away!
- Filtered Water: For best taste and health, please use filtered water. See my post, Is Your Water Safe?
Variations
If you like flavoring your “coffee”, the following are some great options for you:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to your press along with the chicory and dandelion roots. If you don't have a press then add it to the pot and simmer with the grounds.
- I love sweetening my coffee substitute with a scoop (1/32 of a teaspoon – that's all it takes!) of stevia extract and then topping it off with a little flavored liquid stevia. Right now my favorite is Sweetleaf's hazelnut. Sweetleaf's English Toffee and French Vanilla are also really nice! Puzzled about stevia? I recommend NuNaturals, but I have heard great things about Sweetleaf's as well. (Tip: don't be daunted by the price – a little goes a LONG way.)
- Of course, a bit of carob or cocoa powder is nice too. I used to put a 1/2 tablespoon or 1 tablespoon roasted carob powder into the french press. What a rich tasting treat!
I so hope you enjoy this and that it helps you in your quest to break yourself from the caffeine habit. Your adrenals will thank you.
Rich and Delicious Coffee Substitute
Ingredients
- 3/4 teaspoon roasted chicory root finely ground: or more, to taste
- 3/8 – 1/2 teaspoon roasted dandelion root finely ground: or more, to taste
- 32 – 35 ounces water (about 4 cups, plus a little) (preferably filtered)
Instructions
French Press Directions
- Bring water to a boil.
- Put chicory and dandelion root in the press.
- Add water to french press.
- Let stand for at least 4 minutes.
- Depress plunger slowly.
- Add some sweetener of choice – I use stevia plus a dash of salt, Coconut Milk, plus a little coconut oil and some cocoa.
- Enjoy!
Non-French Press Directions
- Place water, chicory root and dandelion root in a pot.
- Boil and simmer for 2-10 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer, if needed, and serve.
Notes
-
- Roasted Dandelion Root: Using non-roasted dandelion root can work, but this recipe is so much richer with the roasted roots.
You can purchase roasted dandelion root or just roast in the oven on a cookie sheet until nicely browned. You can also toast it in a pan over a medium-low heat, but you have to really watch it as it can burn easily.
- Roasted Dandelion Root: Using non-roasted dandelion root can work, but this recipe is so much richer with the roasted roots.
-
- Coconut Milk: You can use any coconut milk that you like, but freshly-made Homemade Coconut Milk is the best, or you can use a milk frother before adding your coconut milk if you'd like.
- Filtered Water: For best taste and health, please use filtered water.
- Updated Less Expensive Recipe: Originally, this recipe called for a lot more chicory and dandelion root, I've found that when it's finely ground, you can use a lot less of both ingredients and still get great flavor and you save a ton of money this way! I often don't need to strain it either so it's easier this way as well. Depending on how fine your dandelion and chicory are ground, you might need more of each and might need to strain it a bit.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and preparation methods. Optional ingredients are not included. Net carbs are typically calculated by subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols (such as erythritol) from total carbohydrates. This information should not be relied upon for medical or nutritional purposes.
Where to Buy Coffee Substitute
If you don't feel like making your own Homemade Coffee Substitute or just don't have the ingredients right now, here are some great alternatives.
Dandy Blend
Dandy Blend is a great cold or hot instant coffee substitute that's also loaded with the goodness of dandelion (hence the name). It's great for travel when you might not have access to hot water or a stove. It's a tad cheaper on Iherb, plus you should get a discount using that link.
Sip Herbals
Sip Herbals has both plain and lovely flavored options of herbal coffee substitutes. Choose from Salted Caramel to Dirty Chai, Mocha, or plain to suit your taste, or try all of them in the Sampler Pack!
Do you plan to stop drinking coffee?
Let's encourage each other to kick the caffeine habit!
I order my pantry items from Azure Standard. They have roasted chickory granules, but the dandelion root is either “cut and sifted” or “raw”. Does it have to be granules? We’d rather not support amazon, is there another place we can get the granules, if that is what’s necessary? I am fine with roasting it myself and grinding it, if that’s all it is….thanks!
I am so sorry for the delay – I lost your comment in a pile. I buy the cut and sifted and then I grind my own and roast them. Hope that helps!
I dig my own dandelion roots. Roast, grind and brew. It’s incredible! It does take a lot of digging and scrubbing to get a fair amount of roots. I usually mix my coffee 50-50 with dandelion root. Stretches the root, lessens the overall caffeine consumption, lowers the cost and adds this incredible nutty-earthy flavor.
Hi! I was worried because Starwest Botanicals has been out of roasted organic dandelion root cut and sifted as their roaster is broken. So if I get unroasted, how long do you roast it in frying pan? No butter or oil just the bulk herb? Thanks so much! I LOVE roasted dandelion tea! I boil water and put a few tablespoons in thermos and leave over night. It stays good in fridge for a few days.
Just the bulk herb and just until it’s brown. I often need to grind and reroast to get it dark enough :).
What color is it unroasted and if I’m used to the roasted will I be disappointed to just drink it unroasted? How long does it usually take you to roast and why do you need to grind and reroast? I saw that Mountain Herbs has roasted dandelion bulk herb(1 lb). Is all their stuff organic even if it doesn’t say on the dandelion root? Thanks again!
I haven’t tried the roasted but I think it would for sure taste better roasted. The roasted is really dark so I felt I needed to grind and then roast to get it dark. I don’t know about MRH’s organic. I wouldn’t assume it’s organic if it doesn’t say.
I never could drink much coffee, but I loved it iced. Do you think this would work iced? I also love mocha. I am going to try and get the ingredients soon as I would love to have something like this on cold mornings when I am having trouble getting going. Some days I just want some sweet, creamy coffee. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Yes, it is GREAT. I have been adding a little cocoa (1/4 tsp) and some coconut oil to mine every morning and I love it. You are welcome!!!!
I realize this is an older post but I just found your blog last night so forgive me 🙂
I’ve been wanting to give up the caffeine in my coffee for awhile. I really only drink coffee because I enjoy the taste and find the warmth comforting in the mornings. I don’t do decaf because it tastes HORRID!
I would like to try your substitute but I was wondering if you had a suggestion on where to get smaller amounts of the chicory and dandelion root? If I enjoy the taste I don’t mind the price of the ones you linked but if not that’s quite a lot of extras to have around lol.
I am now off to check your suggestion on the French Press. I’ve been using one for years now and I LOVE IT! Right now I have this horrid Mr Coffee one. My Bodum broke and I needed a quick and inexpensive replacement so I grabbed the Mr Coffee at WM and I can’t express how much I loathe it lol.
Thank you so much for all that you do on this blog! I feel that you are an honest person that is just sharing what she is passionate about. I feel comfortable trusting your recommendations and will happily go through your affiliate links to any products that I choose to buy 🙂
Hoping your day is blessed!
I have updated the post with some recommended links. Thanks!
Hi Adrienne,
I just discovered your blog about an hour ago. Thank you so much for your efforts! I spend lots of time searching for answers and I know I’ve hit the jackpot with your blog. I won’t forget that you’re talking about your own experiences and that you aren’t a doctor.
I read all of this post and the comments, and have a few questions.
I would never have given up coffee and tea, but pain is quite the motivator, isn’t it.
I frequently see the combo of dandylion and chicory, rather than just chicory. This is your choice as well. Is this strictly a choice for health or does dandylion make the drink tastier?
Also, you have a link to Mountain Rose Herbs but you buy Frontier brand. Why do you prefer Frontier? And you think it’s better to not choose the ground powder but go with the natural roots? Why?
Finally, how do you store these herbs?
I guess that’s it for the moment. I’m so glad you’re feeling better over time! Being ill is no way to live life if you can help it.
Thank you, Carol
Hey there. Thanks!
I think it tastes better blended like this. Cinnamon added is great too!
I think overall Frontier tastes better w/ the spices I have tried. But MRH has a broader offering.
I don’t think it matters ground or not but you need it ground to make it work in the coffee makers.
I keep mine in the bags they come from in our climate controlled basement. I’m hoping it’s good enough. I have what I use in the kitchen in mainly glass containers.
Take care. I am still working on my health….it’s a long haul.
The more I look around the more info I see. It’s amazing to me!! Thank you again for just putting everything out there.
Now I know I’m going to go with the Frontier (and I will use your link).
I’ll keep you in my prayers. I know that you have to be your own doctor. Learned that the hard way. I look forward to exploring and trying your recipes.
Thank you Adrienne.
Well, I am still learning all the time. I so appreciate your prayers. I am praying about switching gears w/ my care. It’s hard spending a lot of money but my husband keeps reminding me–it’s all trial and error. Make sure you subscribe to my blog. Giveaway coming tomorrow and another one this coming week :).
The Amazon link is for cut and sifted dandelion not granulated roasted. Do you know where to find that>
This is the roasted dandelion root. (affiliate link)
Back in my health food days (had serious candida issues a while back) my kids and I enjoyed a drink called Teechino (sp?). Actually pretty good and not difficult to make at all. I highly recommend it for people getting off the mug.
🙂 K
I’ve heard of that. It’s a little pricey isn’t it?
A big NO to following:
Stevia
Sugar
and all of those stupid “healthy” sugars.
If you MUST have something sweet then you are stupid.
I am sorry, but I don’t know what you are trying to say. I would appreciate your not calling my readers or me stupid though :). Thanks. Stevia is very different as far as its effects on the body than sugar is.
I know I really need to cut out my coffee habit, but I mainly drink it for the energy boost in the mornings to wake up and get all of my “stuff” done. I’m worried that without the caffeine I will just be dragging. So…I need a substitute for caffeine that will still energize me for the day. Got any ideas?
Hi Heather. Well, if you read my adrenal fatigue post you will see that it’s likely the coffee has become a “crutch” for you–so though I can’t advise medically, I would be careful w/ that personally. I would personally try taking 1/2 the amount to see if that works for you. I have done a TON of detox and diet work and now my blood pressure is in the normal range and though I am not totally healed, I don’t need the “crutch” in the morning so much anymore. I am doing thyroid work as well w/ a new practitioner. So far so good!