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!
So the french press simply saves you from having to strain the liquid?
Im not seeing what else it does compared to simmering in a pan…
It helps brew the coffee and strains it as well.
Another great substitute for coffee (although obviously not grain-free) is dark roasted barley which is then ground! A great recipe can be found here: (Link deleted by Whole New Mom due to it not working anymore)
Yes, I’ve seen that kind of thing prepackaged as well. They are tasty. Thanks!
I also add Milk Thistle seeds and some turmeric. I drink it every day! Great for your liver.
I was just talking to a company about the benefits of those. Thanks!
Do you put the milk thistle seeds in whole? Or crack them somehow? Or grind and add last minute for just awhile before straining?
Hi Adrienne! Thanks for a great web site. I bought this stuff awhile back because of thyroid and adrenal gland issues. Switched to decaf, but due to another family members health issue so decided to open the bags and try it. Part of my coffee habit is the fact that I like the whole process of making it, smelling it, and then of course drinking it. I do not have a French press. So I put this in my Bunn coffee maker; half the recipe and gave it a go. It tastes nothing like coffee. Wondering if I need the French press or if I added more to increase flavor, would that help? I do not like strong coffee like Starbucks. Anyway, it has a funky smell and I think I was maybe expecting too much ? But would love your input. Thanks much.
Hmmmm….I don’t know. I think I tried it in a coffee maker, or at least I think others have done it, but I don’t recall. Maybe try once w/ a greater amount and see. Mine brews for 4 min in the french press. I love coffee, but this works for me. Did you add things like milk, sweetener, etc.? I used to do a dash of cocoa or carob too and a dash of salt. Hope it works. I would also suspect a stronger smell from a coffee maker than a french press – not sure but I would think so.
Start out with a weaker amount. I mug of water to 1/2 TAB of chicory. I was a hard core Peets coffee drinker & I was surprised at how good this tasted, black, without anything in it.
This herbal Coffee is amazing.. Thank you for sharing the recipe.. I gave up coffee to heal my adrenals and as winter has come on I find myself really missing my coffee. This will be a perfect substitute.
I’m so glad you like it. I drink it daily and know what you mean about missing it.
Hi Adrienne, roasted is definitely richer and more aromatic. I would say roasted is more coffee like and “natural” is more…. tea like 🙂
Have to try it with the “home made coconut milk” sounds really intriguing!
As for taste, I must agree with you, it is not coffee though, it is different – but different in a good way LOL
There are very few coffee substitutes which actually taste anything like coffee. The best one I know is made from date seeds. It is an ancient dessert dwellers “coffee”, and is prepared very much the same way as our coffee. I get mine from (Link deleted by Whole New Mom due to it not working anymore) but there are many suppliers.
As far as the “instant coffee alternatives” is concerned – they are all mostly all INSTANT coffees which according to my best knowledge don’t have any real nutritional values any more. So you can imagine how happy I was to find your super easy, FRESH and tasty recipe 🙂
Thank you!
Hi there. Interesting about the date seeds – quite pricey though. Thanks for the compliment and hope to see you around again!
Just wondering if you can use Frontier cut and sifted dandelion root instead of the granules. I can get a pound of organic cut and sifted cheaper than the granules. Do you know what the difference is? I’m also wondering what was your method for getting off of coffee. I would like a gradual approach to avoid the awful headache if possible.
You can use it but you need to grind it and roast it first. I do that but wonder what to do b/c sometimes I burn the product and so I’m wasting money. Hope it works for you!
How many pots of coffee have you been able to make using 1 Tbsp each of the recommended Frontier dandelion and chicory products, which are 1 lb each?
I have no idea :). I have actually been buying those products in greater bulk. I guess I would need to weigh 1 Tb and calculate from there….
Just wondered if you could make this in a drip coffee maker? Thanks.
Yes, I think that would work great – enjoy. I am sipping some now!
I think this recipe is delicious! I add cocoa powder while I boil it, and then almond milk and some stevia to sweeten. In the mornings I may add a splash of regular coffee to help me ween off of the caffeine without full blown withdrawal, but after that I like it minus the coffee just fine. Thank you for this recipe Adrienne!
You are so welcome Jill!
And don’t forget Roma and Postum!