Jitters and anxiety, headaches, elevated heart rate, gastrointestinal issues, dehydration, afternoon energy crashes, difficulty sleeping—we’ve all been there. While caffeine is great at giving us that quick energy boost we need to start our busy days, it often results in some rather undesirable effects and can even lead to dependency.
Luckily, there are some great alternatives to caffeine that can give you that jolt you need without the nasty side effects. In this article, we’ll discuss the top three alternatives to caffeine and provide other helpful tips for boosting energy.
Top Three Alternatives to Caffeine for Energy and Focus
When searching for caffeine alternatives, you often come across things like matcha tea, kombucha, and cacao powder. While delicious and certainly energizing, many of these so-called alternatives actually contain caffeine. Many alternatives also have hidden sugars which can cause a similar energy crash as caffeine.
When determining what we consider to be the top three alternatives to caffeine, we took into account the following criteria:
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The supplement contains zero caffeine.
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There’s robust scientific and/or strong anecdotal evidence to support the supplement’s energizing effects.
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The supplement contains zero sugar.
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The supplement isn’t known to cause negative side effects, such as those many experience from caffeine.
1) Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
Similar to cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), THCV is a cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants, though it can also be derived elsewhere (e.g., terpenes from citrus peels).
Strong anecdotal evidence suggests THCV—particularly when paired with cannabichromene (CBC)—may boost energy, concentration, and focus. Experts currently believe that the energizing effects are due to THCV’s interaction with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). While more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these reported effects, many have found THCV to be a fantastic alternative to caffeine. Many report that THCV is great for overcoming the afternoon slump, and with no caffeine, it won’t keep you up at night like a cup of 3 pm coffee would. Some even use THCV as an Adderall alternative.
2) Peppermint
In addition to being incredibly refreshing, research suggests peppermint may have energy-boosting properties. A growing body of research suggests that odors of peppermint may:
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Enhance motivation, performance, and alertness
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Decrease fatigue
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Serve as central nervous system stimulants
Whether you want to enjoy a cup of refreshing peppermint tea, use peppermint oils for aromatherapy, or add peppermint oil to your beverage of choice, peppermint is a great option for those looking for alternatives to caffeine.
3) Ginseng
Ginseng is a super common ingredient in energy drinks—and for good reason. While ginseng doesn’t contain any caffeine, research has shown that ginseng can help fight fatigue and promote energy. Several animal studies have connected several components of ginseng, including polysaccharides and oligopeptides, with lower oxidative stress and higher energy production in cells. Ginseng also promotes normal sleep and wakeful cycles, making it easier for you to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Other Helpful Tips for Boosting Energy
While there are some fantastic alternatives to caffeine, it’s also important to address why you’re feeling sluggish. Are you drinking enough water? Are you eating foods that provide long-lasting energy? Are you sticking to a consistent sleep schedule?
There are so many things that can affect our energy levels during the day—sleep habits, diet, exercise routines, and so much more. In addition to trying out a caffeine alternative, here’s what we recommend for boosting and maintaining your energy levels throughout the day:
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Eat a balanced diet
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Eat smaller, more frequent meals
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Drink plenty of water
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Maintain a regular exercise routine
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Get sufficient sunlight exposure
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Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
Feals Focus Melts: Your New Morning Ritual
At Feals, we’re dedicated to providing you a better way to feel better—and focus better. Our brand-new Focus Melts are made with a proprietary blend of CBC and THCV called Tetracitrene™ that gives you a natural boost when you need to get stuff done with zero caffeine or sugar.
If you still have questions about alternatives to caffeine or about what Feals can do for you, call our CBD hotline at 844-311-9090 or check out our Focus Melts today.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
