We get it! Quitting coffee is hard . . . almost impossible even. We’ve all been conditioned since a young age to wake up to the warm embrace of a freshly brewed cup of the joe in the morning.  Some people need to fuel themselves with a cup of coffee before starting even the simplest of tasks. But we also know this wonder beverage comes with setbacks. Insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting are just some of the drawbacks of coffee. 

So, if you’re looking to break the habit or just want to switch things up a bit and wash your tastebuds in new beverages, then look no further than black tea. Black tea is considered the world over to be the best coffee alternative. Let’s take a deeper look into why black tea is the perfect coffee alternative. Let’s start with the basics. 

Getting to Know  Black Tea

Black tea is the most oxidized of all tea varieties. Black teas are known for their bold and robust flavor that can stand toe to toe with even the strongest coffee. But the benefits of black tea go far beyond just the taste. It's packed to the brim with antioxidants, compounds that foster gut health, and may even help with weight loss.

And when it comes to black tea, two of the best options out there are Everest Black and Kumari Gold. These teas are sourced directly from small farms in Nepal, ensuring premium quality and flavor. Let’s get into what makes Everest Black and Kumari Gold so special.

Everest Black: A Tea From the Top of the World

Calling Everest Black a unique tea would do it a huge disservice. This black tea is harvested at the Bhakanje Tea Estate, the highest tea farm in the world, sitting at an impressive 8,786 feet. This limited-edition tea has a flavor profile that's out of this world, with notes of earthy eucalyptus and sweet honey.

Furthermore, what sets Everest Black apart is the unique growing conditions. The high altitude and cool mountain air from Mount Everest help bring out a sweetness in the tea leaves that you won't find in any other tea.

You may also be interested in: High Elevation vs. Low Elevation Teas: How Geography Can Change the Way Your Tea Tastes. 

Kumari Gold: A Unique Twist on a Classic

Another excellent option for a coffee alternative is our Kumari Gold black tea. If you’re looking for a black tea with unique notes of caramel, honey, and baked fruits, then this tea is the way to go. 

The secret of Kumari Gold lies in the young tea bushes that Kumari Gold is sourced from. Only the terminal bud and the one leaf following it are carefully plucked during the second flush (summer season) to make this tea. These bushes bring out a naturally sweeter taste. You'll notice hints of honey and stone fruit that balance out the robust black tea base.

Kumari Gold has bagged accolades from multiple Tea Competitions. It has won 1st place winner in the 2020 Toronto Tea Festival, 2nd Prize at the 2022 Paris Tea Competition AVPA, and got a 93/100 score at Tea Epicure from the one and only Tony Gebely.

Why Black Tea Beats Coffee Every Time

If you’re still not convinced that black tea is the superior coffee alternative? Here are a few more reasons why it comes out on top:

• Lower Caffeine content: According to The Washington Post, Black tea contains about half the caffeine of coffee (98 miligrams to 47 miligrams per 8 ounce cup). This provides a gentler energy boost without the jitters. And since the caffeine hits your system slower, so you avoid the dreaded caffeine crash.
• L-Theanine and Catechins: Another reason as to why tea is a great coffee alternative is because it has L-Theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and focus, and Catechins, antioxidants with a range of potential health benefits. 
• Antioxidants: Black tea, is packed with antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. Studies, such as the one from ResearchGate show it may even reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
• Gut health: Black tea also contain compounds that can promote the increase of good gut bacteria. A healthy gut assisrs in better digestion, immunity, and een mental health.
• Hydration: Coffee has a dehydrating effect on people. But unlike coffee, black tea can help keep you hydrated. The water content offsets the mild diuretic effect of the caffeine.
• Variety of Flavors: While coffee comes in a vasy array of flavors, black tea offers a much wider variety of flavors for you to choose from. You can find black teas with bold, malty, to sweet and smooth flavors. There is a black tea for every taste preference.  

How to Make the Switch from Coffee to Black Tea

Assuming that you’re now convinced, let us make the switch from coffee to black tea easier for you. Here are a few tips to make the transition as smooth as possible:

• Starting slow does it: If you're a heavy coffee drinker, stopping abruptly could lead to withdrawal symptoms like headaches, frustration, and fatigue. So, take things slow. Gragually reduce you daily coffee intake while increasing your black tea consumption over a period of aweek or two. 
• Experiment with the vast flavors: While black tea can compete with coffee in the flavor department, the fact remains that they will never taste the same. So, don't just stick to plain black tea. Try different varieties like Everest Black and Kumari Gold to find the ones that meets your preference best. You can also experiment with adding milk, honey, or lemon to customize the flavor.
• Brew it right: If you want to bring out the best flavor, only use freshly drawn cold water and bring it to a boil. Make sure to let it simmer for a few minute. Then pour the water over the tea leaves and let it steep for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid over-steeping to keep the tea soup from getting bitter.
• Make it a habit: Turn your black tea breaks into a relaxing ritual. Take your time brewing the tea in the pot, and pour it into your favorite mug or cup. Now take a few minutes to just unwind and enjoy it. The act of preparing the black tea can be just as calming as the beverage itself.
• Stay hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to offset the mild diuretic effect of the caffeine in black tea. Aim to drink around 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water daily. 

You may also want to read: Switching from Coffee to Tea: Sustaining Better Energy Levels.

If you’re looking to find a natural, healthy, and more flavorful alternative to coffee, then black tea is the way to go. And when it comes to black tea, very few teas can beat Nepal Tea Collective's Everest Black and Kumari Gold in regards to taste. These teas offer a unique twist on classic teas, with flavors that will have you wondering why you didn’t come across them sooner