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In other nations, coffeemaking involves a slow, intricate process that results in a deep, vibrant cup of java, but in the Philippines, it’s the exact opposite. While this does not necessarily mean that the country has poor taste in coffee, Filipinos are more inclined to consume instant coffee more than other types. There’s nothing inherently wrong with drinking instant coffee, besides, say, the added sugar, but coffee enthusiasts may want to take things up a notch to enjoy a better drinking experience.

For mornings that are particularly rough, you may want to pivot to something else to get that surge of energy. Here are some alternatives to instant coffee you may want to consider without letting go of the convenience:

5 Alternatives to Your Instant Coffee

5. Matcha

Some coffee lovers balk at the idea of switching to tea, but matcha, in particular, can actually be a pretty good alternative to consuming java. A type of green tea made by taking young tea leaves and grinding them into a bright green powder, matcha offers a slew of benefits, including preventing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, as well as facilitating weight loss. Time notes that as compared to green tea, matcha tends to have more caffeine content, making it ideal to drink in the morning.

4. Lean ‘N Green Coffee

If you want to stick with coffee but want a healthier alternative, you may want to look into Lean ‘N Green. PrettyMe’s review of Lean ‘N Green coffee explains that it’s meant to provide an energy boost while lowering your appetite, removing toxins in your digestive tract, and improving your metabolism while converting fat into energy. The main ingredients of Lean ‘N Green are green coffee bean extract, garcinia cambogia, psyllium fiber husk, and L-carnitine. Luckily, just like instant coffee, Lean 'N Green can be enjoyed just by mixing one sachet into a cup (150ml) of hot water. You can even drink it shaken with ice if you please.

3. Golden Milk

While it may seem counterintuitive to go for a caffeine-free option, golden milk may be worth trying due to its supposed anti-inflammatory effects. It's pretty easy to make, too. The warm beverage is generally comprised of spices like ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and black pepper. Common additions include cardamom, vanilla, and honey. The turmeric is actually the secret ingredient, thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. What’s more, black pepper also increases your body’s ability to absorb curcumin.

2. Lemon Water

For something far simpler, lemon water is worth looking into. All you have to do is squeeze half a lemon into 8 ounces of warm or cold water, and you’re good to go. But if you want to infuse more flavor or add a health boost, Healthline suggests adding either a few sprigs of mint, a teaspoon of maple syrup or raw honey, a slice of fresh ginger, a dash of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of turmeric. And while there are no scientific evidence backing lemon water’s purported health benefits just yet, anecdotal evidence says it supports weight loss, improves skin quality, and aids digestion.

1. What’s Up Brew Grounds

Love your own? How does brewing locally-sourced coffee grounds sound? As mentioned in our previous article ‘What’s Up, Brew?’, this natural and freshly roasted coffee is sourced exclusively from the Cordillera region. Not only is it thoughtfully-sourced and roasted to perfect the blend, but buying this type of brew also directly helps and brings joy to our local farmers and local partners who are working tirelessly to bring you deliciously brews. If you give it a try, you have the option to select from three distinct flavors: Benguet Arabica, Kalinga Robusta, and Italian Espresso.