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MudReview
DIY GUIDE

How to Make Your Own Coffee Substitute at Home

Looking for a healthy way to cut caffeine without giving up your morning ritual? This guide explains how to make coffee substitutes at home using simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

We tested seven DIY recipes — from roasted barley and chicory blends to mushroom and chai-spiced alternatives — to find the best homemade brews that rival your favorite café coffee.

You'll also learn how much you can save (up to 80%) compared to store-bought brands, plus one professional-grade option that perfects the formula: MUD/WTR.

7
Tested Recipes
80%
Cost Savings
5 min
Prep Time
0mg
Caffeine (optional)

Why Make Your Own Coffee Substitute

Commercial coffee alternatives can cost $20–$40 per bag, but homemade versions cost under $5 for the same number of servings. Making your own lets you:

✓Save 70–80% on costs
✓Control every ingredient — no additives or artificial flavors
✓Customize caffeine levels and flavor profiles
✓Transition off coffee naturally

Quick Comparison

Store-Bought (30 servings)$25–$40
Homemade (30 servings)$3–$8
Your Savings:$17–$32

Tools You'll Need

You only need basic kitchen gear

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For Roasting

  • • Skillet or oven for roasting
  • • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • • Medium heat source
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For Grinding

  • • Grinder or blender
  • • Food processor
  • • Mortar & pestle (traditional)
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For Brewing

  • • Strainer, French press, or cheesecloth
  • • Airtight jars for storage

7 Easy Coffee Substitute Recipes

Each recipe below is caffeine-free (or low caffeine if you prefer)

#1 MOST POPULAR

1. Roasted Barley Coffee (Most Popular)

Nutty and aromatic — closest to real coffee flavor.

Ingredients:

  • • 1 cup pearl barley
  • • 4 cups water
  • • Optional: cinnamon stick

Step-by-Step:

  1. 1. Roast
  2. 2. Grind
  3. 3. Simmer
  4. 4. Strain

Pro Tip: Store roasted barley for up to 6 months

CLASSIC

2. New Orleans Chicory Blend (Classic Café Style)

Bold and bittersweet with digestive benefits.

Ingredients:

  • • 1/2 cup dried chicory root
  • • 3 cups water
  • • Optional: 1 tbsp coffee beans for hybrid blend

Preparation:

  1. 1. Roast chicory root in 300°F oven for 20 minutes
  2. 2. Grind to medium consistency
  3. 3. Use 1 tbsp per cup of boiling water
  4. 4. Steep 5-7 minutes, strain
  5. 5. Serve with milk or cream

Health Note: Rich in inulin for gut support

DETOX

3. Roasted Dandelion Root (Detox Favorite)

Slightly sweet, earthy, and liver-supportive.

Ingredients:

  • • 1/2 cup dried dandelion root
  • • 2 cups water
  • • Optional: ginger slice for warmth

Method:

  1. 1. Clean and chop dandelion roots
  2. 2. Roast in skillet until dark brown (15-20 min)
  3. 3. Grind when cool
  4. 4. Simmer 1 tbsp in 1 cup water for 15 minutes
  5. 5. Strain thoroughly

Forage Tip: Fall roots yield richer flavor

Love DIY but Want Professional Quality?

Homemade blends are satisfying, but if you want consistent flavor and performance, MUD/WTR delivers precision you can't replicate with kitchen tools.

✓ 6 functional mushrooms
✓ Organic cacao + spices
✓ 35 mg caffeine (perfect balance)
✓ Zero jitters or crash
Get 43% OFF MUD/WTR →

Compare your homemade brew to this lab-tested blend trusted by 40,000+ users.

FUNCTIONAL

4. DIY Mushroom Coffee (Functional Focus)

Mix lion's mane, chaga, and cacao for natural energy.

Ingredients:

  • • 2 tbsp cacao powder
  • • 1 tsp lion's mane powder
  • • 1 tsp chaga powder
  • • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • • 1 cup hot water or milk

Instructions:

  1. 1. Mix all dry ingredients in a mug
  2. 2. Add small amount of hot liquid to make paste
  3. 3. Gradually whisk in remaining liquid
  4. 4. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired
  5. 5. Enjoy immediately while warm

Budget Tip: Bulk mushroom powders cost a fraction of pre-blended brands

WARMING

5. Chai-Spiced Alternative (Warming Comfort)

Infuse chicory and classic chai spices — cardamom, cinnamon, cloves.

Spice Blend:

  • • 2 tbsp roasted chicory
  • • 1 tsp cardamom pods
  • • 1 cinnamon stick
  • • 4 whole cloves
  • • 1 tsp fresh ginger
  • • 1 star anise

Brewing Process:

  1. 1. Gently crush whole spices
  2. 2. Dry roast spices for 2-3 minutes until fragrant
  3. 3. Add water and simmer 10 minutes
  4. 4. Add milk if desired, heat through
  5. 5. Strain and sweeten to taste

Variation: Add black tea for a caffeine boost

EARTHY

6. Roasted Root Coffee (Earthy & Sweet)

Caramelized sweet potato, burdock, and carrot create a rich, naturally sweet drink.

Ingredients:

  • • 1/2 cup sweet potato, diced
  • • 1/4 cup burdock root, sliced
  • • 1/4 cup carrot, diced
  • • 2 tbsp coconut flakes

Roasting Method:

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F
  2. 2. Spread vegetables on baking sheet
  3. 3. Roast 25-30 minutes until caramelized
  4. 4. Cool completely, then grind coarsely
  5. 5. Simmer 2 tbsp per cup water for 12 minutes

Sweet Note: Natural sugars from roasted vegetables eliminate need for added sweeteners

QUICK

7. Instant 5-Minute Blend (Quick Fix)

Mix cocoa, coconut milk powder, maca, and spices — dissolves instantly in hot water.

Master Mix (makes 20 servings):

  • • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • • 1/4 cup powdered coconut milk
  • • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • • 1 tbsp maca powder
  • • 1 tsp ground cardamom

Preparation:

  1. 1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly
  2. 2. Store in airtight container
  3. 3. Use 1-2 tbsp per cup hot water
  4. 4. Whisk vigorously to prevent clumping
  5. 5. Add sweetener if desired

Storage: Keeps for 6 months in cool, dry place. Great for travel or office use

Troubleshooting & Flavor Tips

Problem: Bitter Taste

Cause: Over-roasted

Fix: Reduce heat/time

Problem: Weak Flavor

Cause: Too few grounds

Fix: Add more or roast darker

Problem: Gritty Texture

Cause: Poor straining

Fix: Use fine mesh + cheesecloth

Problem: Inconsistent Results

Cause: Temperature variation

Fix: Track roast time/heat

Storage & Shelf Life Guide

Proper Storage

  • ✓Store in airtight glass containers away from light
  • ✓Keep in cool, dry pantry or cupboard
  • ✓Label containers with date and contents
  • ✓Freeze for long-term storage (up to 1 year)

Shelf Life Chart

Roasted grains/roots6 months
Ground powders3-4 months
Spice blends6-8 months
Brewed beverage2-3 days (refrigerated)

Conclusion: Craft, Sip, and Experiment

Now that you know how to make coffee substitutes at home, try starting with roasted barley or chicory — they're the easiest and most coffee-like in taste.

As you master these recipes, keep experimenting, tracking savings, and sharing your blends with fellow coffee alternative fans.

And when you're ready to explore advanced options, compare your creation with MUD/WTR — a professional-grade version of everything you've just learned to make.

Want the Ultimate Comparison?

Try your homemade versions alongside MUD/WTR's professionally crafted blend. Many of our readers discover they prefer the convenience and consistent quality of the original, even after mastering homemade alternatives.

Get MUD/WTR + 43% OFF - Compare for Yourself

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Keep Experimenting

Try different ratios and combinations to find your perfect blend

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Track Your Savings

Calculate how much you save versus store-bought alternatives

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Share Your Results

Document your recipes and share them with fellow coffee alternative enthusiasts