Dandelion Coffee: A Coffee Substitute You’ve Never Heard Of

As the coffee industry grows and grows, there are more people open to trying out different forms of coffee, even as far as coffee alternatives. Nowadays, coffee alternatives like Dandelion coffee even go as far as biohacking, a term used to describe ways to improve health that are easy to incorporate into everyday life. 

Dandelion coffee is one of many coffee alternatives but is perhaps slightly lesser known than the likes of Mushroom Coffee or Chai Tea. However, that is not to say it doesn’t have its merits and actually tastes like the real thing! 

So, is dandelion coffee really worth giving a try? Well, let’s find out! 

What is Dandelion Coffee?

Whilst Dandelion coffee is referred to as a substitute for a regular cup of Joe, it is actually a herbal tea. This is because it is made from the root of the dandelion plant (Wikipedia 2022). 

It is made by cutting and roasting the roots of the dandelion, which are then freeze-dried and granulated to create the coffee substitute drink. 

On the face of it, dandelion coffee does look relatively similar to regular instant coffee. However, take a closer look and you’ll discover that the individual granules are larger, more coarse, and darker in color than regular instant coffee. 

Dandelion coffee actually has a rich history and has been consumed for centuries. Whilst it is difficult to put an exact date on the first cup of dandelion coffee ever brewed, it is thought that the following empires drank it: 

• Ancient Egyptians 
• Romans
• Greeks
• Ancient China. 

Not only does the dandelion root provide an alternative to the coffee bean, but it also has a number of health benefits associated with it. 

Benefits of Drinking Dandelion Coffee

Let’s be honest, coffee lovers will need a pretty good reason to make the switch from their beloved arabica to some so-called coffee substitute. 

It goes without saying that however good a coffee alternative claims to taste, it will have to offer a convincing argument to draw an avid coffee drinker away from their cup of joe. 

Fortunately, dandelion coffee has been consumed for millennia for good reason! 

There are actually a number of health benefits associated with drinking dandelion coffee, listed below as per Healthline’s Rachel Links’ 2022 article “13 Emerging Health Benefits of Dandelion”. 

• Can support bone health
• May boost the immune system
• Helps with digestion
• Can reduce the risk of cancer
• Improves liver health
• Helps reduce inflammation in the body
• Could lower blood pressure
• Can reduce cholesterol 
• Rich in vitamins and antioxidants. 

Ingredients and Nutrition of Dandelion Coffee

Unlike some more complex coffee alternatives, dandelion coffee simply contains dried, roasted, and ground dandelion root! 

As far as nutrition goes, dandelion coffee is prebiotic and is often used to detoxify the body. 

How Does Dandelion Coffee Taste?

The big question… does dandelion coffee taste anything like the real thing?!

Well, the first thing you’ll notice when brewing your cup of dandelion coffee is that, unlike regular instant coffee, the dandelion granules don’t dissolve. They actually float in your cup as shown below: 

This may be off-putting for some as you do get a few of these floating around as you try to drink it, which makes dandelion coffee resemble more of a soup than a hot drink! However, it didn’t impact the taste. 

As far as the taste does, dandelion coffee has a similar earthiness and nutty flavor to regular ground coffee but is also a little more fragrant. You can taste the floral notes quite clearly and it is definitely a refreshing drink. 

Who are Natural Foods 4 Life?

My dandelion coffee supplier of choice was Natural Foods 4 Life. They are one of the top-rated UK based sellers on Amazon and offer a wide range of health and wellness products on their website. 

Their packaging is simple and to the point, not wasting any unnecessary resources on marketing. Their product range includes: 

• Nuts
• Fruits
• Specialty Nuts
• Healthy confectionery
• Herbs and Spices
• Powders
• Gift Ideas
• Baking Ingredients
• Chocolate
• Bulk Items. 

Natural Foods 4 Life also offers a newsletter, 30-day free returns policy, and a helpful health blog! 

Should You Buy Dandelion Coffee?

So, should dandelion coffee be your next go-to coffee substitute? 

Well, maybe…

There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with dandelion coffee in its own right, and it definitely has a number of health benefits that are worth taking note of.

However, given that there are so many coffee substitutes and alternatives on the market these days, perhaps dandelion coffee has better uses other than as a hot beverage to start your day. 

Sure the taste is good, but perhaps the way the ground dandelion root doesn’t dissolve, leaving it floating around in the cup could be a bit off-putting for someone used to a cup of freshly brewed coffee each morning. 

Dandelion coffee is definitely worth trying if you are looking for something new to warm your cockles, but I wouldn’t rush to throw out all your regular coffee beans any time soon. 

Summary

Overall, dandelion coffee offers a number of health benefits that justify why it has been consumed for generations. What’s more, it actually tastes really good! There is a similar earthiness and bitter but nutty flavor that is reminiscent of a good cup of coffee. But, there are also floral undertones that give dandelion coffee a distinct freshness that only the most fruity of light-roasted coffee beans can match. 

However, given the fact that dried dandelion granules don’t dissolve in your cup like regular instant coffee, I can’t see many coffee connoisseurs abandoning their cup of joe any time soon.  

Related Questions

Does Dandelion Coffee Taste Like Coffee? 

Dandelion coffee has a similar earthy taste to regular ground coffee but is also more floral and sweeter. It is closer to a light roast than a dark roast in flavor. 

Does Dandelion Coffee Contain Caffeine?

No, dandelion coffee is caffeine free. 

Is Dandelion Root Healthy?

Yes, there are a number of health benefits associated with dandelion coffee, including a boost to the immune system, improved digestion, and reduced inflammation. 

What Are The Risks of Dandelion Coffee?

There aren’t any inherent health risks associated with consuming dandelion root, however, it is worth doing your own research and consulting your GP before incorporating it into your diet. There have been some accounts of upset stomachs or allergic reactions when consuming dandelion root due to underlying allergies.

What Are The Active Ingredients In Dandelion?

Dandelion is rich in antioxidants, contains vitamins A, E, C, and K, and contains polyphenols. 

How To Make Dandelion Coffee?

Simply add one heaped teaspoon of dandelion coffee to your favorite mug, top it with hot water, and enjoy!