Kratom instead of coffee
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Kratom has no caffeine, even though the tree is in the coffee family. People who swap it for coffee usually pick white kratom, which is the color described as bright and focused. Some kratom energy drinks add caffeine, so check the label.
Does kratom have caffeine?
No. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is related to the coffee plant, but its main compound is mitragynine, not caffeine. Any caffeine in a kratom drink was added by the brand.
Kratom vs. coffee
| White kratom drink | Coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | None (unless added) | About 95mg per cup |
| How people describe it | Bright, focused, upbeat | Alert, sometimes jittery |
| Taste | Fruit-forward (canned) | Roasted, bitter |
| Crash | People describe a gentler fade | Common |
Which kratom for mornings?
White is the one people point to for energy. Botanical Brewing Co. pitches its White Elixir Island Breeze as a swap for coffee and energy drinks. Green is gentler, if white feels like too much. What the colors mean.
Kratom energy drinks
Some brands sell "kratom energy drinks" that combine kratom extract with added caffeine. If you want to avoid caffeine entirely, look for a white kratom drink with nothing added. Canned kratom drinks compared.
Related: Red vs. green vs. white kratom · How long does kratom take to kick in? · Is kanna a stimulant?