Herbal Coffee: A New Alternative to Traditional Beans

The world drinks more than 7 million tons of coffee annually—and nearly all of it comes from just one kind of plant. Whether you’re in Hanoi, Bogotá, or Guangzhou, your espresso or pour-over almost certainly starts with a bean from a tropical tree grown in Vietnam, Brazil, Colombia, or Indonesia. But what if there were another way? What if a different plant, one that grows in more places, costs less to farm, and may even offer extra health benefits, could shake up the global coffee scene?

Yes—there is. Herbal coffee, made from the seeds of a wild herb related to legumes, isn’t new, but after decades of neglect, it’s now being cultivated successfully across 22 Chinese provinces and over 500 counties. It's poised to complement—and possibly relieve pressure on—the traditional wood-grown coffee supply chain.

What Is Herbal Coffee?

Herbal coffee originates from a wild plant belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, which has long grown alongside traditional coffee trees in regions like Brazil. In ancient China, during the Sui Dynasty around 1,400 years ago, monks are said to have brewed its seeds into a tonic for the imperial court—but the practice was lost to time until the late 20th century.

In 1988, researcher Li Zhanyi, with support from nine universities and research institutes, began a mission to rediscover and cultivate this plant. After more than a decade of selective breeding and trials, his team succeeded. Today, herbal coffee is grown successfully in diverse climates across China, proving it doesn’t require the narrow tropical conditions of its wood-grown counterpart.

How Does Herbal Coffee Compare Nutritionally?

Laboratory analysis shows herbal coffee matches wood-grown coffee in key sensory components: fat, starch, and the familiar colour, aroma, and taste. But it goes further. Herbal coffee seeds contain higher levels of protein, essential amino acids, and vital trace elements—including iron, zinc, calcium, and selenium—than traditional coffee. Its caffeine content is moderate, aligning with international food safety standards and offering a balanced stimulant effect without overstimulation.

Toxicity tests confirm that products made from herbal coffee are non-toxic and carry no risk of carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, or mutagenicity. In short: it’s safe, rich in nutrients, and compares favourably to what you're used to.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Herbal Coffee?

Beyond being safe and nutritious, herbal coffee is reported to deliver several functional health benefits. These include supporting diuresis and bowel movements, improving vision and liver function, protecting heart and kidney health, reducing blood lipids, aiding in cancer prevention, and assisting with weight management. It also claims to enhance memory, boost alertness, and slow aging. That turns it from a simple beverage into what researchers call a “health-promoting food resource.”

What Does Herbal Coffee Taste Like?

In early 2014, a blended sample of herbal coffee with Brazilian Santos-style wood coffee was tasted in Hebei Province. Observers noted a smooth, thick mouthfeel with mild bitterness. While limited samples made deeper evaluation difficult, the feedback suggested a pleasant drinking experience. That blend hints at herbal coffee’s potential to integrate smoothly into existing coffee cultures, whether as a standalone brew or part of a mixed roast.

Why Isn't Herbal Coffee Everywhere Yet?

Despite its promise, herbal coffee remains underutilized. For decades, wood-grown coffee dominated the market due to tradition, established supply chains, and consumer familiarity. But as global demand rises—especially in emerging markets like China, where consumption could soon surge—traditional sources are struggling to keep pace. With imports making up over 90% of China’s annual 200,000+ ton coffee consumption, the need for alternative, locally adaptable crops is clear.

Herbal coffee requires fewer resources, grows in a broader range of climates, and offers added health value. That makes it not just a curiosity, but a potentially transformative crop for both producers and consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is herbal coffee made from?

Herbal coffee is made from the seeds of a wild herbaceous plant in the Rhamnaceae family. It is not derived from traditional coffee trees (Coffea arabica or Coffea canephora) but has been cultivated and improved to produce a coffee-like beverage.

How does herbal coffee compare to regular coffee nutritionally?

Herbal coffee matches traditional coffee in fat, starch, and flavour profile, but has higher levels of protein, amino acids, and essential minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and selenium. Its caffeine level is moderate and considered safe by international standards.

Is herbal coffee safe to drink?

Yes. Toxicology tests confirm that herbal coffee products are non-toxic and carry no risk of causing cancer, birth defects, or genetic mutations. It is considered safe for regular consumption.

Where is herbal coffee currently grown?

Herbal coffee has been successfully trialed and cultivated in 22 provinces across China, covering over 500 counties. It is adaptable to a wide range of climates, unlike traditional coffee which requires tropical conditions.

What does herbal coffee taste like?

Early tastings, such as a blend with Brazilian Santos coffee, described the herbal coffee as having a smooth, thick mouthfeel and mild bitterness. Though limited, the feedback was positive.

Could herbal coffee help with global coffee shortages?

Yes. With global demand exceeding 7 million tons and imports supplying over 90% of coffee in countries like China, herbal coffee offers a locally adaptable, high-yield alternative that could relieve pressure on traditional supply chains.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Coffee Diversity

If you're curious about different coffee profiles, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright floral and citrus notes, or their Brazil Queen Manor for a nutty, chocolatey base that highlights balance—similar to the Brazilian Santos blend mentioned in the herbal coffee trials. For something more adventurous, their Yirgacheffe offers vibrant berry acidity that contrasts with herbal coffee’s smoother tendencies. All are expertly roasted and suitable for various brew methods. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.