Ditching coffee can have many positive effects, including improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety. The issue with coffee for many is that it’s such an ingrained part of the day, making it extremely difficult to break the habit—unless you replace that habit with something else. So if you’re looking to cut back on coffee, don’t deprive yourself of your morning ritual; find a replacement drink that will fill the gap with new flavors and health benefits.
For many, getting their caffeine fix goes hand-in-hand with dairy milk. When you decide to make a break from your morning coffee, you can also open up to a bunch of new and delicious plant-based and dairy-free drinks that will have you starting the day on a high note.
The keys to making an a.m. drink that competes with coffee:
- Find an energy-boosting ingredient like teas (try matcha or black tea), cacao, and adaptogens (cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane mushrooms are all great places to start).
- Find a good-quality plant-based beverage to replace the dairy component. Made with ingredients like organic oats, coconut, and fair trade cashews, these dairy alternatives can actually enhance the flavor of your drink while packing in some extra nutrients.
- Take time to enjoy it. Make your new habit special by taking just 5 minutes to sit quietly with your drink and sip slowly.
We have three different plant-based drinks made with Pacific Foods’ dairy-free beverages for you to try out on your coffee-free journey. Experiment with these ingredients to find the right ratios that work for you.
Cashew Matcha Latte With Cashew Plant-Based Beverage
Combining matcha powder with maple syrup and cashew beverage gives you a subtle caffeine buzz. The cashew beverage has a mellow flavor and creamy texture that helps the matcha and maple shine. Plus, there are varieties like Pacific Foods that are made with organic, fair-trade certified cashews.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pacific Foods Unsweetened Cashew Original Plant-Based Beverage
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Method
- For a hot matcha, in a small saucepan, heat cashew beverage over a medium-low heat until warmed through. Whisk in the matcha powder until dissolved and bright green. Whisk in the maple and cinnamon if using and serve.
- For an iced matcha, combine all ingredients in a blender until everything is well-combined. Pour over ice to serve.
Mushroom Hot Cacao With Organic Coconut Plant-Based Beverage
This recipe includes a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms and cacao for focus, energy, and stress reduction—all at once. When combined with cacao and an organic coconut plant-based beverage to add richness and natural sweetness, these ingredients create a powerful, delicious tonic.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pacific Foods Organic Unsweetened Coconut Original Plant-Based Beverage
- 1 heaped teaspoon of cacao or cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of a blend of medicinal mushroom powder (ideally, it should include reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane)
- 1 large Medjool date, pitted
- Pinch of sea salt
Method
- Combine ingredients in a high-powered blender until powders are well-combined and the dates are completely pureed.
- Heat in a saucepan over a medium-low heat until heated through.
Chai Latte With Organic Oat Plant-Based Beverage
A blend of warming spices and black tea make this drink a favorite for those looking to cut back on added sugar. Cinnamon and cardamom add a natural sweetness, while the oat beverage has heart-healthy benefits1. This one can be prepared warm or iced.
Ingredients
- 1 black tea bag (English breakfast tea works great)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup Pacific Foods Organic Oat Original Plant-Based Beverage
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon each cinnamon and cardamom
Method
- Brew black tea first (can be made ahead) by pouring the boiling water over the tea bag in a mug and letting that brew for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove tea bag.
- For an iced chai, combine ingredients in a blender and serve over ice.
- For hot, whisk together ingredients in a saucepan over a medium-low heat until spices are infused into the oat beverage and tea mixture.