These 11 Caffeine Alternatives Will Give You A Natural Energy Boost

If you're feeling sluggish of late, that's only natural. Right now there's so much that demands our attention and energy, making us feel perpetually drained.

Not to mention, many of us are removed from our normal routines that power us through our day. (No afternoon yoga class for an energy boost, for example.)

While this won't specifically give you an energy boost, making chicory root coffee is one of the best ways to mimic the flavor and ritual of coffee, if that's the placebo you are looking for.

Chicory root is often used to make a coffee-like beverage since, when roasted, it gives off a similar aroma and flavor. You might also recognize chicory root for its frequent appearance on the ingredients list of fiber-added foods since it can provide beneficial digestion properties, as well as antihyperglycemic benefits1.

B-vitamin deficiencies can result in mood problems, fatigue, and poor concentration. Make sure you're eating B-vitamin-rich foods—like lean meats, nuts, seeds, and fortified grains—as part of your diet. B vitamins are also available as supplements.

Most often known for its use as a chocolate alternative, carob has been cultivated for thousands of years. This caffeine-free pantry item is incredibly nutritious and includes protein, vitamins A and B, and carbohydrates, along with some minerals. Carob contains high amounts of pinitol, which has an insulin-like effect that works together with the minerals2 to give an energized feeling.

Rhodiola is a perennial flowering plant often used to enhance energy5 and stamina and support attention5 and memory6. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is evidence that rhodiola may support physical performance and ease mental fatigue.

You know water is great for you—so why aren't you drinking more of it? Drink it with a squeeze of lemon or berries for natural flavor and have it warm or cold. No matter which way you drink it, water can help you feel more alert, especially since dehydration (even in minor levels) causes fatigue7.

Maca has been around for centuries as a popular adaptogen for supporting adrenal function8 and helping enhance mental focus9 while combatting fatigue8. But current studies show it earns its keep in your kitchen.

Peppermint just feels refreshing, so it's not surprising that studies show ingesting it may be useful for exercise performance and supporting brain oxygen concentration10.

Cordyceps have been shown to enhance aerobic performance and endurance12 while helping those who are fatigued support energy levels13. This energy-supporting elixir is a favorite among weekend warriors and athletes.

If you look at the ingredients of popular energy drinks, you'll likely see ginseng. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng was used as an energy-replenishing tonic since it was said to "supplement the five viscera" (spleen, lung, heart, liver, and kidneys) and sharpen the mind. Today, it's used for memory and endurance, as well as for enhancing concentration. It might even make you retroactively regret your college study fuel choices.

Nuts are the perfect, nutrient-dense and balanced food, containing carbs, fat, and protein. They'll keep you full and energized longer than other foods since they balance carbohydrate fuel with the satiating and blood-sugar-balancing effects of fat and protein. A study found that eating nuts on a regular basis improved brain-wave frequencies associated with cognition, so you can be sharp without the caffeine jolt.