My Top 5 Coffee Substitutes During Pregnancy.

Coffee. Not all superheroes wear capes.

There is absolutely no better pairing than Motherhood and coffee. And please don’t try to debate me on this. The two go hand in hand. I’m almost certain that as a mother I am composed of 25% voice recorder (all I do is repeat myself all day), 25% creative genius ( how else could we keep these kids occupied all day while we get everything done?) and the remaining 50% is definitely coffee.

But something diabolical happens when you get pregnant. (And I don’t say that lightly.) You’re expected to cut your caffeine intake by more than half! Yes, I know. We as mamas will make any sacrifice necessary to make sure our babies are healthy and taken care of. So somehow we learn how to go to from our normal morning, afternoon and early evening coffee to just one 12 ounce cup of coffee a day. And if you’re really lucky, like myself, you can’t drink any coffee at all because it makes your stomach do back flips while you’re pregnant.

So how do you cope with a cut to your necessary coffee intake for the next 9 months? Let me introduce you to my go-to coffee substitutes. You’re welcome.

1) Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte.

This drink is from Starbucks and it is absolutely delicious! In fact, this is the drink that sparked my new found love for discovering delicious coffee substitutes. I order mine with 1 scoop of matcha, almond milk, and 2 pumps of vanilla. It’s sweet and refreshing and a great pick me up for any time of day.

2) Pumpkin Spice Steamer

The season has changed so I’m living for all the festive Fall vibes. If you’re basic like I am and love a good Pumpkin Spice Latte to pair with your Ugg boots and leggings then you’ll love this option! This drink is also from Starbucks and it brings you everything you love about the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte minus the coffee. It is essentially just steamed milk with a pumpkin spice flavor shot. I order mine with almond milk but you can order yours with any milk you prefer. And feel to add some whip Creme for a little dazzle dazzle.

3) Caramel Apple Spice

Let’s just keep these fall vibes going with another delicious and festive drink! Another Starbucks staple, this drink is essentially Autumn in a cup. This drink is made with apple juice and cinnamon Dolce syrup. Whip creme drizzled with caramel adorn the top of the drink and it smells absolutely heavenly. I always order mine hot but I’ve heard that it tastes just as delicious iced.

4) Vanilla Chai Latte

If Dunkin Donuts is more your style and more accessible for you, you need this drink! With the always dependable flavor of vanilla coupled with creamy milk, it’s hard to be disappointed. Order this drink hot or cold, both are a win. (Also, pro tip, if you add almond milk and a toasted almond flavor shot you have just created Christmas in a cup! This drink is a delicious way to start a fall/winter day.

5) Iced Matcha Latte

Yes this drink is making a second appearance on this list because it’s my fave and I was so happy that they had it at Dunkin too! I order this drink with almond milk, per usual , and a pump of vanilla syrup if I want something a little more sweet. (Disclaimer: I have ordered it this way once before when it was made way too sweet! So be careful.)