There’s a point in the day where another coffee feels like a bad idea, but stopping altogether feels worse. You want something warm, comforting, and satisfying, just without the jittery side effects or the late-night sleep regret.
Good news. You’ve got options. And they don’t involve pretending herbal tea is exciting.
When coffee stops loving you back
Most people hit their caffeine limit somewhere between mid-morning and early afternoon. That’s when extra coffee can lead to racing thoughts, stomach discomfort, or a sharp energy crash later on.
It doesn’t mean you need to quit coffee. It just means it’s time to switch gears for the rest of the day.
Decaf that still tastes like coffee
Decaf gets a bad reputation, mostly because a lot of it tastes flat or hollow. But a well-made decaf keeps the body, aroma, and flavour that coffee lovers care about.
Essenza’s Decaf Coffee uses a chemical-free Swiss Water® Process, which removes caffeine while preserving the character of the beans. It’s ideal for afternoon cups, after-dinner rituals, or days when you want the comfort of coffee without the buzz.
You still get the smell, the warmth, and the routine. You just skip the consequences.
Hot chocolate that feels grown up
If you want something richer and more indulgent, hot chocolate is an easy win. Not the sugary powdered kind, but the proper stuff.
The West Coast Cocoa range is crafted with premium Dutched cocoa sourced from West Africa, delivering depth and complexity rather than pure sweetness. It’s perfect when you want something comforting but still flavour-driven.
Options to suit your mood include:
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Deluxe Hot Chocolate for classic richness
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Caramel for a smooth, indulgent finish
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Peppermint for a clean, refreshing twist
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Mayan Chilli for warmth and subtle spice
It’s especially good in the late afternoon or evening when coffee feels like too much.
Spiced chai for slow afternoons
If you’re craving warmth and aroma without caffeine overload, spiced chai is a solid choice. West Coast Spiced Chai blends aromatic spices with a smooth, full-bodied flavour that feels grounding and satisfying.
It’s ideal for cooler days, work-from-home afternoons, or when you want something comforting that isn’t coffee-based.
Iced options without extra caffeine
Sometimes it’s not about caffeine at all. It’s about the habit of sipping something while you work or unwind.
Try:
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Iced decaf coffee with milk
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Chilled hot chocolate over ice
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Chai served cold with oat milk
You keep the ritual without adding another caffeine hit.
It’s about balance, not restriction
Drinking less coffee later in the day doesn’t mean giving it up. It just means choosing what suits your body and your schedule.
Whether it’s a decaf, a cocoa, or a chai, Essenza has options that let you enjoy the moment without pushing your limits.
Because the best drink is the one that makes you feel good now and later.
If you haven’t quite found your signature coffee blend yet, why not test-drive some Essenza Coffee? If you’ve enjoyed this deep dive into Christmas gifts for everyone, be sure to check out the rest of the resources on our blog. If you have any questions, please reach out to the friendly team.