Addicted to caffeine? Why you should try this alternative roast instead

When it comes to healthy alternatives to traditional coffee, Scandinavia is already well-versed in substituting dairy milk, thanks in part to being the home of Oatly. But what about the coffee side of the equation? Womensync, a pioneering women's health organisation founded in Sweden, is urging people to rethink their coffee intake. Instead, they're offering a surprising alternative: chicory root.

Not heard of chicory root before? Don't worry, you're not the only one. Although it’s not something we normally see in the local grocery stores, chicory root has actually been used for thousands of years for both culinary and medicinal purposes, aimed at treating conditions in the stomach, liver, and gallbladder. Featuring light blue flowers and part of the dandelion family, the herb is rich in a prebiotic fibre called inulin (prebiotics work like food for the probiotics, our good gut bacteria), which is a form of carbohydrate that goes directly into our intestines.

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Chicory root doesn’t increase blood sugar levels and doesn’t contribute to the production of cortisol. Hence, it works well for anyone with insulin sensitivity including those with diabetes. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins K and C, calcium, potassium, and manganese, the root also contains bitter substances which stimulate our digestion, have a detoxing and cleansing effect on our blood. As if all that wasn't enough, chicory root also has a calming effect making it perfect to drink in the evening after a hard day.

These incredible health benefits motivated Womensync founders Sara Norrbom and Susanna Moen to release Chicca Roast, a chicory root-based coffee alternative.

“The reason why we came up with this product is that during the past few years, we have heard of so many women who have experienced how a lifestyle without caffeine has helped them decrease or completely get rid of any problems related to PMS, PCOS, irregular ovulation and missed periods,” explains Norrbom. “We experienced such a big demand from our community around a caffeine-free alternative to coffee that we started to search for something with a similar incredible taste, but without something that would disturb our hormones,” says Moen.

“Caffeine can have many positive effects but more and more women in our community started to experience the opposite. Stress is one of the biggest factors as to why our hormones are imbalanced and caffeine stimulates our stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol," Moen continues. "The body is smart and will always prioritise survival, hence coping with the stress hormones over fertility and our fertility hormones. Therefore, if we already experience stress in our everyday life, which many of us do, caffeine can be the tipping point and add extra stress that may start to affect our bodies, including our fertility, in a negative way.”

Related: How Sweden tried to ban coffee

While decaf coffee has become a common coffee order, there are some downsides with decaffeinated coffee according to Womensync. “Unfortunately, there are often toxins involved in the process of extracting the caffeine from the coffee bean when making decaf coffee, so we wanted to come up with a product that was natural and free from any harmful and unnecessary additives. Therefore, Chicca Roast includes 100 per cent organic chicory root and nothing else,” explains Norrbom. “However, there's little scientific research done on the root in regards to pregnancy and breastfeeding, which means that it is recommended to be a bit extra cautious and talk to your nurse if you belong to any of these groups since it’s a herb.”

So how do you prepare a cup of Chicca Roast? “You simply mix the powder with hot water and then add milk or cream of your choice," explains Moen. "The result is a hot, comforting drink similar to coffee with roasted, nutty flavours and a hint of chocolate and sweetness. Our community and customers have loved it so far and we are so happy that we are now able to offer this substitute for so many women that want a cup of something warm and delicious, but without caffeine.”

The response has been so positive that Womensync are looking at expanding their stockist network. “We sell it on our website, but it can also be found in several cafés, which is amazing to see," says Moen. "We all have to do our part when it comes to spreading the knowledge about women’s health and the tools for women to use in their everyday lives, so we are very grateful that this topic is being highlighted more and more now.”