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Coffee Alternatives – Are There Better Pick-me-ups?

Do you have the feeling that your coffee consumption has increased indefinitely and you urgently need a coffee substitute with a fresh kick? Or do you just want to try something different, but don’t want to miss out on the wake-up effect in the morning? We present you some caffeinated beverages, but also decaffeinated alternatives that are more or less known to be a good substitute for coffee.

Black tea

One of the most popular coffee substitutes is black tea. The advantage of tea is its slower but usually longer-lasting effect. Although caffeine or theine is also included, since this is bound to other substances, it takes longer for the desired stimulant effect to develop. However, if you are looking for a quick caffeine kick in the morning, you should rather grab an espresso or coffee.

Green tea

Believe it or not, green tea is a perfect pick-me-up as it is also a caffeinated beverage. The difference to black tea is that green tea is not fermented. Thanks to its binding to numerous amino acids and tannin bonds, the caffeine acts very slowly and gently. The effect of the caffeine also lasts much longer.

A very special green tea is matcha tea. It is given as a powder in hot water and foamed with a bamboo whisk. This coffee substitute contains many vitamins and other healthy ingredients that result from gentle processing. In addition, the powder is made from whole tea leaves, so you can consume all the ingredients. When preparing the tea in a bag, the ingredients are removed from the tea by removing the leaves.

Cola

Cola is also known for its refreshing and invigorating effect. As a caffeinated drink, it is enjoyed on many occasions – especially on hot days as a popular coffee substitute. One reason to reach for the cola is the stimulant effect. Thanks to the caffeine and sugar it contains, tiredness quickly dissipates and we become fit and alert. Unfortunately, this effect does not last long.

Energy drinks/ Guarana pick-me-up

Thanks to the caffeine it contains, guarana stimulates the cardiovascular system and is therefore often found in energy drinks and lemonades. But Guarana is also found in some types of cocoa and chocolate. However, since this is bound to tannins, it takes a while for the guarana stimulant to take effect and for the effect to wear off again.

Because the amount of caffeine is regulated in Germany, energy drinks may not contain more than 32 mg of caffeine per 100 ml.

Mate tea

Originally, the term Mate referred to a drinking vessel from which the infusion with finely chopped Mate leaves was drunk. However, this name has also prevailed for the drink. With us, however, the infusion drink is better known as a bottled soft drink.

The caffeine content per bottle is about as much as a 150 ml cup of coffee and contains only half the sugar compared to cola. This caffeinated drink can therefore also be described as a coffee alternative.

Ginger water

But not only caffeine can trigger a waking effect. Hot spices can boost the metabolism and stimulate blood circulation. This wakes you up and doesn’t make you tired so quickly. You can simply pour honey over hot ginger pieces or slices and then enjoy.

Hot lemon

Thanks to the high vitamin C content, which stimulates the metabolism, a hot lemon can drive away tiredness. The extra vitamin kick provides more energy and an increase in concentration. A pick-me-up that does not require any caffeine and is very healthy.

Ultimately, your taste decides which alternative is the best coffee substitute. Do you prefer a hot lemon or do you grab a guarana pick-me-up? As a coffee lover to coffee lover, however, we recommend that you limit your coffee consumption a little and enjoy your favorite drink more consciously. Because you don’t want to do without a quick caffeine kick in the morning, do you?

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Plant-based Milk Alternatives for Your Coffee

For many, the milk in their coffee is just as essential as the sun on a beach holiday. But what to do if you cannot tolerate commercially available cow’s milk? Fortunately, lactose-intolerant or vegan people no longer have to do without lattes and cappuccinos these days. In addition to lactose-free cow’s milk, there are also numerous types of plant-based milk alternatives that taste at least as good. We would like to introduce you to a few.

Milk alternatives for full coffee enjoyment

Soy milk

Soy milk is probably the best-known plant-based milk alternative for coffee drinks. It is now available in most cafés and coffee shops as an additive in coffee drinks. The creamy consistency and the slightly sweet taste shows its effect particularly well in milk coffees or iced coffees. In addition, unlike other plant-based milk alternatives, soy milk can be frothed well, which is why it is ideal for latte macchiatos or cappuccinos.

Oat milk

For many, oat milk is the milk alternative that most closely resembles cow’s milk. Because of its neutral taste, oat milk can be used in any coffee drink. Last but not least, oat milk is popular with many coffee drinkers because of its milk-like consistency.

Almond milk

Popular with vegans because of its high nutritional content, almond milk is a tasty alternative to cow’s milk. The creamy milk is less frothable than ordinary cow’s milk, but it is still ideal for all kinds of milk coffee drinks. Thanks to its great popularity, more and more cafes are starting to offer almond milk as an alternative to cow’s milk.

Rice Coconut Milk

Rice coconut milk is the most dissimilar to cow’s milk, at least in terms of taste and consistency, which is why many people tend to use other plant-based milk alternatives. The light white milk is rather watery and cannot be compared with the creamy consistency of cow’s or other types of plant milk. Thanks to the strong taste of its own, every coffee with rice and coconut milk is still an exotic taste experience.

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Food

Breadcrumb Substitute: 5 Alternatives to Make Yourself

Homemade breadcrumb substitute is a convenient alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. We show you five ingredients that you can use to make a delicious breading without any breadcrumbs.

Breadcrumb substitute brings variety to the meal and is also suitable if you don’t have any crumbs at home. The options presented here are suitable for all dishes that are otherwise prepared with conventional breadcrumbs. For example, tofu or fresh vegetables such as kohlrabi and cauliflower taste particularly delicious if you turn them in breadcrumbs and then fry them.

Traditionally, breadcrumbs are made from breadcrumbs. A breading of breadcrumbs and egg then ensures that the food is crispy on the outside and stays juicy and soft on the inside.

But you can also prepare a crispy breading without breadcrumbs. We introduce you to five ingredients that are suitable as breadcrumb substitutes. You can make vegan or gluten-free breadcrumbs yourself from regional ingredients.

Tip: If you only have a few leftovers of an ingredient, you can also mix the breadcrumb substitutes.

Seeds and kernels as a substitute for breadcrumbs

Breadcrumb substitute made from seeds and kernels is gluten-free, vegan and can be made from regional products. The following seeds and kernels are suitable, for example, as a substitute for breadcrumbs:

sesame
linseed
sunflower seeds
pumpkin seeds
hemp seeds

To use the seeds as a substitute for breadcrumbs, you’ll need to crush or grind them in a mortar and pestle. This gives them a consistency similar to breadcrumbs. This increases the surface area of the seeds and turns into a crispy shell when cooked.

But be careful: seeds and kernels burn faster at high temperatures than breadcrumbs. Always keep a close eye on your food while it is roasting.

Also keep in mind that some kernels and seeds have a strong flavor of their own. You should therefore adjust them to the taste of your dish. Sesame seeds go particularly well with Asian dishes and tofu.

Breadcrumb Substitute: Nuts, chopped and ground

In addition to seeds, nuts are also suitable as a substitute for breadcrumbs. For example:

walnuts
hazelnuts
almonds

To make breadcrumbs from nuts, proceed in a similar way to seeds and kernels. Crush the nuts with a mortar or high-powered blender. The finer the nuts are, the better they work as a substitute for breadcrumbs.

Also keep in mind that the nuts burn faster than conventional breadcrumbs. In addition, their nutty taste should match the dish.

Breadcrumb substitute made from nuts is vegan and gluten-free. However, some nuts, such as almonds, usually come from other countries and have been transported a long way. This causes high CO2 emissions and makes imported nuts a less sustainable food. Therefore, preferably choose nuts from regional agriculture.

Pretzel Sticks: Substitute for breadcrumbs for extra flavor

Breadcrumb substitute made from pretzel sticks brings an extra spicy note to your recipe. The pretzel sticks are already salty and hearty – that goes well with a hearty breading.

To make breadcrumbs substitute from pretzel sticks, you need to crumble them. To do this, pack the pretzel sticks in a reusable freezer bag and mash them up in the bag. The pretzel stick breadcrumbs are ready when they have a fine, crumbly consistency.

Breadcrumb substitutes made from pretzel sticks are usually not gluten-free, as pretzel sticks are traditionally baked with wheat flour. If you avoid gluten in your diet, gluten-free pretzel sticks or other breadcrumb alternatives presented here are suitable.

Oatmeal: The classic

Oatmeal is a classic substitute for breadcrumbs because it’s naturally rough and absorbs a lot of moisture. They ensure a crispy outer layer on breaded dishes.

Use the oatmeal whole or ground. The fine oat flakes are usually already fine enough to use as a substitute for breadcrumbs. Coarse oat flakes can be crushed in a mortar if necessary.

You can get oat flakes in the shop from regional and organic farms. In addition, oatmeal is gluten-free and vegan. They are therefore a healthy and versatile alternative to conventional breadcrumbs.

Cornmeal and corn products as a substitute for breadcrumbs

Corn products are also suitable as a substitute for breadcrumbs. These products include:

cornflakes
Corn flour (polenta)
tortilla chips
Keep in mind that some of these foods come from other countries or have already been processed several times. Choose preferably products from regional and organic agriculture.

Like pretzel sticks, cornflakes and tortilla chips need to be crushed before use. You can either use the cornmeal directly as a substitute for breadcrumbs or grind it finely in a mortar beforehand.

The advantage of cornmeal and corn products is that they form a particularly crispy breading. In addition, the taste is quite neutral and goes well with many foods.

Tip: Mix cornmeal with seeds, kernels or nuts. This gives you a crispy breading that also has a nutty aroma.

Bread with the breadcrumb substitute

If you have decided on a breadcrumbs substitute, then you can make a delicious breading. The process is the same for each ingredient. Just make sure that nuts and seeds burn faster than the other ingredients when frying or baking.

How to prepare the breading with breadcrumb substitute:

Choose the ingredients you want to bread. Wash and cut them as needed.
Toss the food in some flour until coated on all sides. If you are gluten intolerant, use gluten free flour.
Traditionally you turn the ingredients in whisked egg – but you can also just use plant milk for it. Also read the article breading without eggs.
Finally, toss your ingredients in the breadcrumb substitute until evenly coated on all sides.
You can fry, grill or bake breaded foods. Follow the instructions in the respective recipe. For example, try breaded eggplant or breaded tofu.

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Food

Cinnamon Apple: Origin, Use and Regional Alternatives

The cinnamon apple is a tropical fruit. We will tell you more about the taste, appearance, origin and sustainability of the sweet and spicy cherimoya fruit variety.

Other names for the cinnamon apple are cream apple, sweet sack or cherimoya. In the botanical name Annona squamosa, squamosa means “scaly” and thus describes the appearance of the tropical fruit well: it is usually green on the outside with a coarsely scaly structure and white on the inside. However, there are also externally yellow-green or purple cinnamon apples.

This is how the cinnamon apple grows

The tree or shrub of the cinnamon apple can grow up to six meters high. It is a very popular and widespread fruit tree in tropical and subtropical countries. The cinnamon apple originally comes from South America, but it also grows in Egypt and China.

A cinnamon apple needs a relatively large amount of water to grow, but it is also able to survive longer periods of drought. In return, he discards his leaves.

Harvest time for the cinnamon apple is from June to November. The fruits of the cinnamon apple are five to ten centimeters in diameter. When fully ripe, the flesh is very soft and juicy with a sweet taste. In most varieties there are many black-brown seeds in the cinnamon apple.

How is the cinnamon apple eaten?

To eat, you simply break open a ripe cinnamon apple and scoop it out of the skin, for example, similar to a kiwi. You should not eat the skin and especially the seeds. The latter are poisonous if you chew them. If you ever swallow a core whole, that’s no problem.

If you don’t want to eat the cinnamon apple on its own, you can also use it to make ice cream, mix it with water to make a delicious drink, or add it to a homemade milkshake.

If the cinnamon apple is not yet soft and ripe, it is best to store it at room temperature. So he can mature. Once it’s soft, you should put it in the fridge and eat it soon. The taste of the cinnamon apple is very sweet, fruity and somewhat creamy and tastes slightly of cinnamon and vanilla.

The cinnamon apple does not feel comfortable in Germany. That’s why you can only buy it as an imported product, but even as such it is not very common. The long transport unfortunately makes the custard apple problematic from an ecological point of view. The fruit therefore has a correspondingly poor ecological balance. If you have a green thumb, you can try growing the custard apple yourself. Otherwise, enjoy it in moderation.

Unfortunately, there are no local fruit varieties that are similar in taste and consistency to the cinnamon apple. Only a (vegan) vanilla ice cream with a pinch of cinnamon could mimic the flavor.

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Food

Vegan Fish: What Alternatives to Fish are There?

Fish is considered healthy, which is why it is popular. What is less well known: Fish is often not sustainable. But there is also vegan “fish” – we will introduce you to the plant-based and vegetarian alternatives to fish.

People around the world currently eat an average of around 20 kilograms of fish per year. This has an impact on global fish stocks, because they are dwindling. This is the bad news.

The good news: Vegan and vegetarian alternatives to fish are increasingly being sold. Not all of them are equally sustainable, cruelty-free or purely plant-based. But there are alternatives to tuna and salmon.

Why fish is problematic

There are many reasons why it makes sense to switch to vegan fish substitutes. As popular as fish is, the way we catch or farm and eat it is also problematic. The main reasons for this are:

Overfishing:
Overfishing is the central problem of fishing – recently the documentary “Seaspiracy” made this particularly clear. Around 35 percent of the world’s fish stocks are already overfished. At the same time, we are eating more and more: fish consumption reached a record high in 2020 and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) expects per capita consumption to continue to grow until 2030.
environmental destruction:
Fisheries now use huge fishing fleets, often using destructive fishing methods such as bottom trawls. These are dragged along the sea floor and cause considerable damage to it and the organisms living on it.
bycatch:
Another sad side effect of these enormous nets is bycatch. Sea turtles, whales, dolphins, porpoises and other marine animals, even birds, get caught in these nets. Some of them are seriously injured or die in agony.
Aquaculture is not the solution:
Fish farming in a confined space brings with it typical problems of factory farming (exposure to chemicals, antibiotics and faeces). Feeding predatory fish with wild-caught fish or fishmeal contributes to overfishing.

Vegan fish: the plant-based alternative

There is a solution – at least for everyone who is willing to give up fish: vegan alternatives to fish (“plant-based fish”). They offer taste pleasure without having to catch or farm fish.

As with meat, the product range is constantly expanding and you can now buy vegan or vegetarian fish products in almost all well-stocked supermarkets.

If you prefer to prepare your vegan “fish” dishes yourself, you can find many recipe ideas online. How about homemade vegan fish fingers, for example?

Where can I buy plant-based fish?

If you don’t want to do without the fish taste, you can choose from plenty today, because there are many vegetarian and vegan “fish” products – from fish fingers and tuna to vegan caviar and plant-based calamari. Like all processed products, fish substitutes should not necessarily be on the plate every day, but they are helpful when switching from fish to plant-based alternatives.

You can now buy plant-based fish in most supermarkets, in organic shops, and sometimes also at discounters. You will find a good selection online, for example at Vantastic Foods, Vekoop, or Rewe. Depending on what kind of food you would like to eat, you will find it in different places.

Here are some examples of plant-based fish alternatives:

Vegan Fish Fingers:
Vantastic Foods, Vivera, Iglo and even meat producers like Rügenwalder Mühle are now making vegan fish fingers. You can find plant-based fish fingers in many supermarkets, for example at Rewe or Edeka.

Vegan fish fillet (with breading) or fried fish:
In addition to fish fingers, Fisch vom Feld also offers so-called “filees” and “filees in batter”. Just like grandma used to make, only veggie.

Visch & chips and Visch rolls:
Nordsee sells fish and chips or rolls with a plant-based alternative to fried fish or tuna. North Sea calls this “Visch”.
But: Nordsee products are not vegan because they are fried in the same oil that the fish is fried in.

Vegan Fish Steak:
If you prefer to eat fish without breading, then the vegan fish steak or the vegan filet might be something for you.

Vegan Tuna:
There are now plenty of vegan substitutes for canned tuna, for example from unfished (PlanTuna), Lord of Tofu, Rice Up, Vitaquell, Vantastic Foods or Veganz.

Smoker “Lax”:
For fans of smoked salmon, there are also plant-based alternatives, such as Rice Up’s smoked salmon, Veganz smoked salmon or Revo’s plant-based salmon.

Vegan caviar:
Yes, there is even vegan caviar. Whether this is necessary is open to debate. But it does exist, for example from the Aki brand. The vegan caviar (“Cavi-Art”) consists of algae and, last but not least, comes very close to the original in terms of appearance.

Vegan calamari:
Would you like some soul food? Then try the vegan calamari from Vantastic Foods.

Vegan Shrimp and Prawns:
You don’t have to do without shrimp either if you choose plant-based alternatives: there are, for example, “Veganelen” from Lord of Tofu.

Fish burger:
For your vegan “fish” burger, Novish has fish-flavored burgers. Greenforce offers “Fischfrika” to mix yourself.

Fish nuggets:
If you’re in a hurry, just put a few fish nuggets in the oven or pan. You can also buy them vegan from Novish.

Buy online: e.g. at Vantastic Foods, Vekoop or Rewe.

Can plant-based alternatives replace fish?


When people talk about fish, one term comes up again and again: omega 3. Fish has a particularly large number of these essential fatty acids, which have a positive effect on health.

It also contains many important nutrients and trace elements, such as iodine. It is a good source of protein, but usually very low in fat. So ideal for healthy eating. But are sea creatures really irreplaceable?

Plant-based foods such as legumes and many types of vegetables also provide many nutrients and in some cases are even very high in protein. The much-praised omega 3 is also found in plant foods; Flaxseed or canola oil are full of it.

There is also a good plant-based substitute for the taste, namely algae. Algae is particularly popular in Japanese cuisine and is used in sushi, for example. Whether nori seaweed, spirulina, or other types of seaweed, they all taste of the sea. Or, rather, fish. You can also prepare your vegan fish sticks yourself, for example with algae, and you will be amazed at how much they resemble the original.

But what about the composition of vegan “fish”? Many of the vegan or vegetarian alternatives to fish consist of soy protein, wheat protein, rice flour or legume proteins. Other products are based on black salsify, hemp seed, or jackfruit. They also provide mostly protein. Some alternatives contain flaxseed oil, which – like hemp seeds – is a source of Omega 3. In addition, plant-based alternatives are often enriched with vitamins such as B12 or iron.

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Quinoa Patties: Recipe and Regional Alternatives

Quinoa patties go well on vegetarian burgers or with a salad and also taste great as a snack in between meals. We present you a recipe with which you can prepare delicious quinoa fritters yourself.

Contrary to what is often assumed, quinoa is not a grain but belongs to the foxtail plant family. It is therefore more closely related to sugar beet than to wheat. Unlike the sugar beet, however, the quinoa plant is a subspecies in which the seeds, rather than the roots, are harvested.

You can cook quinoa and then process it in a variety of ways. For example, serve the seeds as a filling side dish or add them to a delicious vegetable stir-fry. Another popular way to prepare them is quinoa fritters. Here is a simple recipe for you.

Recipe: Quino Patties with Vegetables

Ingredients:

250 ml vegetable broth (homemade or powdered)
125 g quinoa (or millet)
1 small zucchini
1carrot
2 tsp cornstarch
20 ml cold water
3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon curry powder
Salt
pepper
1 tbsp oil for frying

Directions:

Boil the vegetable broth in a saucepan. Add the quinoa and let it simmer over low heat until it absorbs all the liquid.
Wash the zucchini and carrot and grate them into fine strips.
Mix the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl.
In a bowl, combine the quinoa, vegetables, starch mixture, breadcrumbs, and spices. If the mixture still seems too wet for you, you can add a little more breadcrumbs.
Form patties from the mass.
Heat the oil in a pan and fry the quinoa patties until golden brown on both sides.
You can serve the qunoa patties with a salad. Various dips also go well with it.

To make the patties even heartier, add onions or garlic to the mixture. Instead of curry, you can use any other spices or herbs you like. You can also experiment with the vegetables: For example, replace the zucchini with mushrooms or the carrot with dried tomatoes.

Quinoa and Sustainability: You Should Know That

Quinoa is considered a superfood and has become increasingly popular in recent years. The problem with quinoa, like many other superfoods, is that the seeds come from overseas. Quinoa originally comes from South America and is still mainly grown in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. There are now companies that grow quinoa in Germany. But they only make up a small part of the total offer.

From a sustainable point of view, regional alternatives are usually more advisable. For example, you can easily replace quinoa with millet in most recipes. This is also easily possible with the quinoa patties. Millet is grown in Germany on a larger scale than quinoa, but often also comes from Asia or the USA. Therefore, pay close attention to the origin when buying. Also, value organic quality for all ingredients. In this way you support agriculture that does not use chemical-synthetic pesticides and is therefore better for the environment and your health.

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Food

Frying Oil: The 6 Best Alternatives to Sunflower Oil

Frying oil must be heat-stable and should have a neutral taste – not only rapeseed and sunflower oil are suitable for this. We will show you suitable alternatives and also what you should definitely pay attention to when heating oil in a pan.

Frying Oil: Refined or Cold Pressed Oil?

Olive oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil – the selection of oils is large. The latter two oils are currently in short supply due to panic buying and shortages. However, various frying oils are suitable for frying.

But which oil is good as frying oil? We give you an overview of heat-stable vegetable oils with a high smoke point. The heat stability of vegetable oils mostly depends on how they were made:

Refined oils: For example rapeseed oil and sunflower oil, they are good for frying.
Cold-pressed and native oils: These oils generally have a lower smoke point and are only conditionally suitable as frying oil. At least “gentle steaming and frying is possible,” writes Stiftung Warentest on rapeseed oil. According to consumer advice centers, olive oil is also suitable at low temperatures. Details in the article “Heat olive oil”.

These refined vegetable oils are suitable as frying oil:

  • olive oil
  • rapeseed oil
  • sunflower oil
  • peanut oil
  • safflower oil
  • sesame oil
  • soybean oil

But be careful: Refined oils can withstand high temperatures, but they are problematic. So-called trans fatty acids are formed during refining, which could be associated with the promotion of arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, refined oils contain almost no valuable ingredients, according to Oko-Test. That’s why you should only use refined oils in moderation.

Frying Oil Alternative: High-oleic oils for frying in a pan

A healthier alternative to refined oils are so-called high-oleic oils. This is usually a mixture of sunflower, rapeseed, and safflower oil. The plants are cultivated in such a way that the oils have a particularly high oleic acid content and can therefore naturally withstand temperatures of up to 210 degrees Celsius.

They are still cold-pressed and do not need to be refined. This means that no harmful trans fatty acids are produced and all healthy ingredients are retained. You can find high-oleic oils in health food stores and well-stocked grocery stores, for example.

Caution: These oils are not suitable for frying

However, we advise against using some types of oil if you want to fry something:

  • Linseed oil,
  • walnut oil,
  • pumpkin seed oil,
  • palm fat (unsustainable),
  • Coconut fat (unsustainable).

In the case of oils and fats, this is mainly due to the high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids. While these are healthy, they ensure that the oil has a low smoke point. These oils are therefore sensitive to heat and quickly form smoke. This is problematic because the valuable unsaturated fatty acids are destroyed in smoking cooking oils and harmful substances are formed. They can possibly promote the development of cancer cells. These substances include, for example, benzene and formaldehyde. You can read more about this topic here: Cooking oils and their smoke point.

Which frying oil is really sustainable?

From our point of view, rapeseed, safflower and sunflower oil are particularly recommended as frying oils. You can easily get these from German cultivation. Coconut, peanut, sesame or soybean oil, on the other hand, are often imported from distant countries and therefore have a poorer CO2 balance.

When buying, also look for organic frying oil if possible. In this way you support ecological agriculture that works without chemical-synthetic pesticides.

Conclusion: You should keep this in mind when frying

To avoid potentially harmful substances from frying, you should observe the following tips:

  • Use high-oleic oils or refined oils with organic plants from German cultivation.
  • Refined oils should only be used in moderation.
  • Cold-pressed olive and rapeseed oil are also suitable for gentle frying at low temperatures.
  • If you want to prepare dressings or dips for which you do not heat the oil, it is best to use high-quality cold-pressed vegetable oils (such as flaxseed, walnut, hemp, or canola oil). These not only ensure a delicious taste but also provide valuable nutrients and healthy fatty acids.
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