Coffee Alternatives: What Italians Will Choose in 2026

Amathè srl
2025-12-02T16:35:58+01:00

Amathè: the Italian answer to the new era of beverages

It is in this scenario that Amathè fits in perfectly, representing a true evolution of the infusion concept.

Amathè infusions offer:

High-quality Yerba Mate (up to 50%)

Matcha and Sencha green tea

Functional and adaptogenic herbs

Zero sugars

Natural and prolonged energy

Benefits for sport, study and mental performance

Amathè is not just an alternative to coffee:
it is a functional upgrade to the way we drink energy.

More

Scientific analysis, market, and new habits: Yerba Mate, Matcha, and functional infusions are leading the change

For decades, coffee has been the undisputed protagonist of Italian mornings. A cultural, social, and professional symbol, it represented a true daily ritual. However, 2026 will mark a significant turning point: Italians are already seeking and choosing healthier, more natural, and functional alternatives to traditional coffee.

This is no longer a passing trend but a structural change in consumption behavior, fueled by new needs: clean energy, metabolic well-being, improved concentration, and reduction of sugars and oxidative stress.

Why traditional coffee is losing ground

From a medical and nutritional perspective, coffee is not an "enemy," but it does present some well-documented limitations:

High caffeine peaks → followed by abrupt energy crashes

Possible increase in anxiety and insomnia

Gastric acidity and intestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals

Diuretic and dehydrating effect

Increasing psychophysical dependence

New generations of consumers (Gen Z and advanced Millennials) are looking for more balanced, sustainable energy without side effects.

This is where the boom in coffee alternatives comes from.

The 3 coffee alternatives that will lead in 2026

1. Yerba Mate – The new "natural coffee"

Yerba Mate is no longer a niche product. In 2026, it will be one of the most popular functional beverages in Europe and Italy.

Why it works (scientifically):

Contains natural caffeine (mateine) with gradual release

It is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and B vitamins

Improves concentration without jitters

Supports metabolism and physical endurance

Promotes prolonged mental clarity

Unlike coffee, it doesn't create an immediate peak, but provides clean and constant energy, ideal for:

Study and university

Workouts and endurance sports

Work and mental focus

Video games, creativity, cognitive performance

In 2026, Yerba Mate will be perceived as a true "natural smart drink".

2. Matcha – The concentration tea

Matcha is already very popular, but in 2026 its use will become mainstream.

The reason lies in its unique composition:

High content of L-theanine, which induces calm and concentration

Antioxidants (EGCG) with very high protective power

Light natural caffeine without nervousness

Support for cognitive functions and memory

Matcha will be increasingly chosen by:

Students

Professionals

Creatives

Athletes

It is scientifically associated with a state of "relaxed alertness", essential for modern study and work.

3. Functional infusions – The future of daily wellness

This is where the real paradigm shift comes in:
no longer just stimulating beverages, but functional beverages with a specific purpose.

Functional infusions combine:

Adaptogenic plants

Superfoods

Antioxidants

Energizing herbs

Natural nootropic ingredients

They allow acting on:

✅ Concentration
✅ Mental energy
✅ Physical recovery
✅ Immune defenses
✅ Stress management
✅ Hydration

In 2026, people will no longer drink "just to wake up," but to:

"Optimize their physical and mental state naturally"

And this is where coffee definitively loses its supremacy.

The key role of new generations

New generations are much more aware:

They read labels

They avoid sugary drinks

They reject artificial products

They prefer natural, functional, and sustainable products

This leads to an exponential growth in the market for:

✔ Functional infusions
✔ Yerba Mate
✔ Matcha
✔ “Clean energy” drinks
✔ Zero sugar
✔ Natural ingredients

The future is no longer the classic espresso at the bar…
it's a beverage that works in synergy with body and mind.

Amathè: the Italian answer to the new era of beverages

In this scenario, Amathè fits perfectly, representing a true evolution of the concept of infusion.

Amathè infusions offer:

High-quality Yerba Mate (up to 50%)

Matcha and Sencha green tea

Functional and adaptogenic herbs

Zero sugars

Natural and prolonged energy

Benefits for sports, study, and mental performance

Amathè is not just an alternative to coffee:
it is a functional upgrade to how we drink energy.

From peak to flow.
From stimulation to intelligent performance.
From coffee to conscious energy.

Conclusion

2026 will mark the beginning of a new era:
coffee will not disappear, but it will lose its monopoly.

Italians will increasingly choose:

Yerba Mate

Matcha

Functional infusions

Natural beverages with positive impact

Because they are no longer just looking for energy, but quality of life, mental focus, and lasting well-being.

And Amathè is ready to lead this revolution.