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!
Do you suggest using paper filter as well in Best French Press?
No, you don’t need one. I’m making my substitute right now :).
Hi – would roasted dandelion root that is in powder form also work? I am in Canada and Amazon does not deliver across the border.
Thank you!
Yes- you could use a little less – and it might be harder to strain out depending on what you use. I use the same amt regardless. Enjoy!
I’m really interested in the recipe but for some reason can’t see it. Help?
Are you on mobile? I’m having problems with some recipes not working on mobile – trying to get it fixed. I suspect it will be done sometime in the morning tomorrow. You could try desktop in the meantime.
It should be working now – we found the problem but now have to figure a way to get around it. Thanks again for your patience and for letting me know!
Hi.
So I’m researching coffee alternatives and found your site! This sounds great. I’m anxious to try. Working through Hashimotos and candida.
Do you know what the shelf life is on the Frontier chicory and dandelion?
I’m seeing about 2 years for chicory but it should just diminish in flavor. 1 for the dandelion root but I’m not sure if that is about spoilage or just taste. Hope that helps. I think you will love it.
Great recipe Adrienne! I have found I can also froth one brand of coconut cream in a nespresso frother and voile! It’s my morning cappuccino. Delicious. I buy this from Amazon Chaocoh Coconut Cream https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FEZ4BFA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2NPDBEYJX0E7C&psc=1 I’ve experimented with a few -this is the only one I have found that claims no additives (sugar, bpa, etc) and also froths well. It comes in two sizes, the smaller size is good for travel.
Hello Sharon!
First of all soooo sorry for the delay in responding. I have tons of comments with a lot of spammy things to weed through and it’s been a mess to get through (as you can tell).
Anyhow, I appreciate the recommendation! I am thinking there are likely more now but thank you! I do want to point out that the BPA alternatives aren’t great, which is hard. 🙁
Could you make it in a keurig?
I guess so with a reusable pod :)! I am cautious about those b/c of possible mold buildup so please do look into that.
I have had to give up coffee as well for health reasons. I have ordered the ingredients to give this a try. With the hopes that I love it as much as everyone else does. I fell in love with cold brewed coffee, the last time I indulged in coffee with hopes that it would be more agreeable for my health. It tasted great! But I still had all my same problems. Has anyone tried cold brewing this coffee substitute recipe? Just curious…….
I haven’t but I think it would work very well. Let me know! Maybe I’ll try myself!
Hi Carol I like a product called Dandyblend (can get it on iherb.com amazon etc.) It taste real close to coffee. it is a powder and mixes in hot or cold water real well so no straining needed. It’s GMO-free, Gluten free. contains chicory, dandelion,rye, beet, barley made gluten free through a special process. I highly recommend it so you can have your Ice Coffee as I do every morning sweetened with vanilla creme liquid stevia, (sweetleaf brand). hope this helps you. I to love coffee strong flavored coffee. If need to ween ones self off coffee just add a small amount of coffee to this blend each day to prevent the headaches that come with withdraw symptoms till no longer adding coffee at all. This dandyblend also lets you use as little or as much as you like. I like a strong coffee flavor so I use 11/2 T. in a pasta sauce jar (recycle) with about a 1/4 C. of cold brew coffee + 1/8 C. milk + liquid stevia to taste to get my ice coffee fix every morning. am trying to ween myself off coffee gradually.
Hi Theresa. I love Dandyblend, but there is concern about acrylamides in roasted grain products–and that concern is diminished when brewing like with my recipe. With Dandyblend you are using it like an instant coffee so you would be ingesting all of it. Of course, it’s up to you, but acrylamides are heavily linked to cancer.
Just made this ‘coffee’ for the first time and I honestly will not miss the real stuff one bit. I added a dab of full fat coconut milk to each 10 ounce cup and it was so much yummier than real coffee! My 75 year old mother did not want to even taste it, but she finally gave in and ended up asking for her own cup! I am totally digging every part of this paleo diet.
Trust me people…give up the coffee and make this instead! Best decision ever!!!!
Forgot to mention that I used ‘roasted’ chicory and dandelion granules and used the stove-top method. I don’t think I would enjoy it as a substitute for coffee if it wasn’t the roasted granules.
Agreed on roasting!
So wonderful – thank you!!!
Thank-you I believe I will try. Even ordered the Best French Press. My order will be delayed due to Houston flooding.
I make a concentrate similar to this. I add sweetener, cocoa powder, salt, whatever. Chill it and dilute, reheat as wanted, add cream. I make a qt at a time so i have a half gallons worth of coffee ready to go.
I still miss Frappès tho lol
I’ve never had a store bought frappe so maybe I’m ahead of the game in that sense :).
Yes, you are. These are the McDonalds Frappès so the msg thingie in them is mmmmmmmmm YUM lol
How much cocoa nibs do you think you would add to this for a mocha drink?
Hmmmm…. I would maybe do 1- 1.5 tsp. Depends on how much you like! I love chocolate so maybe more!