The Most Popular Wellness Drinks Replacing Your Morning Coffee
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For many, a morning coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a daily ritual that signals the start of the day. It’s become so embedded into our routines that it’s almost impossible to separate coffee from the idea of waking up.
However, with growing interest in health and wellness, more people are exploring alternatives that offer a gentler energy boost without the jitters.
To find out which options are gaining the most attention, Matthew Kelly, Founder of functional routine beverage brand Spacegoods, analysed Google search data* to reveal the most searched-for coffee alternatives right now:
1. Matcha – 1.3M worldwide searches | 89K UK searches
Although matcha has been around for nearly a thousand years, its global popularity took off in 2015, largely driven by social media trends and wellness influencers. Known for its vibrant green hue and distinct flavour, matcha offers a mix of grassy, earthy notes with a touch of natural sweetness and umami.
Originating in East Asia in the 12th century, matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves. It can be enjoyed traditionally or added to lattes, milkshakes, and even baking.
2. Kombucha – 1.1M worldwide searches | 80K UK searches
Kombucha is a fizzy, fermented tea drink made from green or black tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. It’s believed to have originated in China around 220 BCE and has been consumed for centuries.
Praised for its probiotic content and organic acids, kombucha supports gut health and digestion, which has helped fuel its global reputation as a health-focused energy drink.
3. Bubble tea – 1M worldwide searches | 76K UK searches
Bubble tea is usually made with black tea, milk, sweetener, and its signature tapioca pearls (boba), which are small, chewy balls that now come in a variety of flavours. Traditionally served over ice, it can now be enjoyed hot or cold.
Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, bubble tea has exploded in popularity thanks to social media, in particular the video streaming platform TikTok. Its wide range of flavours, bright colours, and endless customisation options are a big part of its global appeal.
4. Kefir – 849K worldwide searches | 72K UK searches
Kefir is a fermented drink originating from the Caucasus Mountains, where Asia meets Europe. It’s similar to yogurt but thinner in consistency, making it more suitable for drinking. It’s slightly fizzy and has a tangy, sour taste due to the natural fermentation process.
Made from milk and kefir grains, it’s rich in probiotics, helping to support gut health and balance gut bacteria. It also contains essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B12, and protein.
5. Mushroom coffee – 258K worldwide searches | 9.2K UK searches
Mushroom coffee is thought to originate in Finland during World War II, where people used chaga mushrooms as a coffee substitute due to shortages, and it has since evolved into a health-driven alternative to regular coffee.
Its benefits include increased energy, improved focus, immune-boosting benefits, and reduced inflammation.
6. Ayran – 127K worldwide searches | 8.9K UK searches
Ayran is a cold savoury yogurt-based beverage that is popular across Central Asia, the Balkans, in Turkey and Iran. The exact recipe differs from country to country, but it typically consists of three basic ingredients – yogurt, water, and salt.
Its health benefits include supporting gut health, aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, and providing essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and electrolytes.
7. Electrolytes – 27K worldwide searches | 2.1K UK searches
Electrolyte drinks have been popular within the fitness industry over the last few years, but are now becoming a part of everyday hydration routines. They help maintain fluid balance, regulate blood pressure, and support energy levels.
You can get electrolytes from drinks like coconut water, milk, fruit juices, and sports drinks, or by dissolving electrolyte tablets or powders in water.
