What do seventh day Adventists drink instead of coffee?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

Studies show Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, a designated 'Blue Zone', live an average of a decade longer than other Americans, a lifestyle often attributed to their health principles. This includes their practice of abstaining from coffee and other caffeinated beverages, replacing them with a variety of healthy, natural, and flavorful alternatives.

Quick Summary

The Seventh-day Adventist health message promotes a lifestyle avoiding stimulants like caffeine. This article details popular and flavorful substitutes like herbal blends, roasted root drinks, and fruit infusions that align with their dietary principles.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free Focus: Seventh-day Adventists abstain from caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea as part of their health principles, which are based on viewing the body as a temple.
Variety of Hot Drinks: Common replacements include roasted root or grain beverages like chicory and dandelion root coffee, as well as herbal teas such as rooibos, peppermint, and chamomile.
Natural Hydration: Plain water is highly valued for hydration, with hot lemon water being a popular morning choice.
Nutrient-Rich Blends: Smoothies made from fresh fruits and vegetables, along with spiced milks like golden milk (turmeric latte), are also consumed for their nutritional benefits.
Holistic Health: The choice to avoid stimulants is tied to a broader lifestyle focused on temperance, rest, diet, and spiritual well-being, contributing to longevity in Adventist communities like Loma Linda.
Digestive Benefits: Many popular alternatives, such as chicory coffee with its prebiotic fiber, offer additional digestive health advantages.

The Foundation of the Adventist Health Message

The Seventh-day Adventist Church places a strong emphasis on a holistic approach to health, viewing the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. The church's health message, inspired by co-founder Ellen G. White, promotes a vegetarian or plant-based diet and the avoidance of substances that are harmful to the body, including caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. This principle of 'temperance' teaches members to use judiciously that which is healthful and to dispense entirely with everything hurtful. Caffeine is considered a stimulant that can excite the nervous system, and its long-term effects are seen as objectionable. This has led Adventists to seek out satisfying and flavorful alternatives to their morning coffee habit.

The Role of Food in Adventist Beliefs

The dietary pattern encouraged by the Adventist church is rooted in the biblical Book of Leviticus and Genesis, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods. While not all members are strict vegetarians, many adhere to these principles to varying degrees. The community's strong social network, particularly in areas like Loma Linda, California, also plays a crucial role in maintaining these dietary practices by making healthy choices the norm.

Popular Coffee Alternatives

For those seeking a hot, rich-tasting beverage, several options mimic the flavor profile of coffee without the caffeine. These are often made from roasted and ground plant roots or grains.

Roasted Grain and Root Drinks

Chicory Coffee: Made from the roasted and ground root of the chicory plant, this caffeine-free drink tastes similar to coffee with an added earthy, nutty flavor. It is also a rich source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that aids digestion. Chicory grounds can be brewed using a standard coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine.
Dandelion Root Coffee: A tisane made from the root of the dandelion plant, dandelion coffee has a robust, dark, and earthy flavor. It is a natural diuretic and is believed to have liver-cleansing properties.
Barley Coffee (Orzo): A popular Italian beverage, orzo is made from ground barley and is naturally caffeine-free. It has a toasted grain flavor and can be prepared like a traditional espresso.
Carob Drinks: Some Adventists enjoy carob-based drinks, which can be made into a warm, chocolate-like beverage without the caffeine found in cocoa.

Herbal Infusions

Herbal teas are a cornerstone of the Adventist beverage repertoire. Unlike black or green teas, which contain caffeine, herbal infusions are derived from non-caffeinated plants, offering a wide array of flavors and health benefits.

Rooibos Tea: This South African "red tea" is naturally sweet, caffeine-free, and low in tannins, which can interfere with iron absorption.
Peppermint Tea: Known for its refreshing, minty flavor, peppermint tea aids digestion and can soothe an upset stomach.
Ginger Tea: A warm, spicy tea made from fresh ginger root, this infusion is known for its ability to settle the stomach and boost immunity.
Chamomile Tea: A classic calming tea with a gentle, floral aroma, often used to promote relaxation and sleep.

Other Refreshing Beverages

Beyond hot drinks, Adventists enjoy many other healthful options throughout the day.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Juices: Juices, especially freshly squeezed, are rich in vitamins and provide a natural energy boost. From orange and apple juice to more complex blends, these are staple refreshments.
Smoothies: Blending fruits, vegetables, nuts, and non-dairy milk offers a nutritious and filling beverage that can be customized to taste. Ingredients like maca powder can be added for a natural energy kick.
Spiced Milks (Golden Milk): A creamy, caffeine-free drink made with milk (dairy or plant-based), turmeric, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper. Turmeric is praised for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Water: Plain, pure water is emphasized as the best and healthiest choice for hydration. Hot water with a squeeze of lemon is a popular morning ritual for many.

Comparison of Coffee Alternatives


Beverage	Taste Profile	Caffeine Content	Key Benefits	Preparation Method
Chicory Coffee	Earthy, nutty, slightly bitter	Caffeine-free	High in prebiotic fiber (inulin), aids digestion	Brewed like regular coffee (drip, French press, espresso)
Dandelion Root Coffee	Robust, dark, earthy	Caffeine-free	Supports liver health and acts as a mild diuretic	Brewed like coffee or steeped as a tisane
Rooibos Tea	Naturally sweet, fruity	Caffeine-free	Rich in antioxidants, low in tannins	Steeped like traditional tea
Golden Milk	Creamy, spiced (turmeric, ginger, cinnamon)	Caffeine-free	Anti-inflammatory properties from turmeric	Warmed in a saucepan with milk and spices

Conclusion

Seventh-day Adventists choose their beverages based on a health-centric philosophy that prioritizes natural, non-stimulating options. Instead of coffee, they enjoy a wide range of flavorful and wholesome drinks, from rich-tasting roasted root blends to soothing herbal teas and invigorating fresh juices. These alternatives not only provide a satisfying substitute for coffee but also contribute to a holistic and healthy lifestyle, reinforcing the church's core health message. The availability of numerous delicious and wholesome choices ensures that abstaining from caffeine is not a sacrifice but a positive choice for well-being. For more information on various coffee alternatives, the Cleveland Clinic offers additional resources on moving beyond a bean-based drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seventh-day Adventists avoid coffee because of its caffeine content. They believe that caffeine is a harmful stimulant that can negatively affect the nervous system and is contrary to their health principles, which promote temperance and a healthy lifestyle.

A very common substitute is chicory coffee, which is made from the roasted root of the chicory plant. It offers a similar dark, earthy flavor to coffee but is naturally caffeine-free and contains prebiotic fiber.

No, not all teas are prohibited. Seventh-day Adventists generally avoid traditional black and green teas because of their caffeine content. However, they regularly consume herbal teas like rooibos, chamomile, peppermint, and ginger, which are naturally caffeine-free.

While decaffeinated coffee contains significantly less caffeine, most Adventists still avoid it. The decaffeination process often involves chemicals and there can be a residual caffeine amount, which goes against the principle of avoiding stimulants entirely.

No, Seventh-day Adventists also avoid energy drinks and caffeinated sodas due to their stimulating and often unhealthy ingredients. Healthier options like water, fruit juice, and homemade smoothies are preferred.

Yes, many Adventists enjoy spiced milks like golden milk (turmeric latte), hot apple cider, or barley coffee (orzo). These provide comforting warmth and unique flavors without relying on caffeine.

Water is highly emphasized as the healthiest beverage. The Adventist health message encourages drinking plenty of pure water throughout the day for hydration and cleansing, viewing it as essential for overall well-being.