Best Coffee & Coffee Alternatives for PCOS

Coffee in relation to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) remains a controversial topic and there are many advantages and disadvantages to its consumption.

If you want to know about the benefits and risks associated with drinking coffee for PCOS, I suggest you read my previous article ‘Is Coffee Good Or Bad For PCOS? All You Need To Know’ where I explain everything in detail so you can make an informed decision.

You can also find more nutrition tips here: ‘The Best PCOS Diet (Ultimate Guide)‘

Whether you decide to consume regular coffee or find a coffee alternative to fit within your lifestyle, in this article, I’ll give you the best options you can choose from. I will explain their pros and cons in relation to PCOS and give you some practical tips on how to use them. 

Hopefully, you’ll be able to find the best fit for you or discover new possibilities that could benefit your health in a new way. I personally include multiple types of coffee and coffee alternatives in my diet for different purposes as I believe that this diversity offers the most benefits. 

However, we are all different and what works for me may not necessarily work for you so you should always consider your personal needs. Here are some of the best coffee types and coffee alternatives for PCOS based on science as well as my experience.

1 cup (250 ml)	Calories	Caffeine	Best for
Black coffee	0-4 kcal	70-140 mg	weight loss energy boost fasting
Bulletproof coffee	120-230kcal	70-140 mg	energy source gut health fasting
Green coffee	0-2 kcal	20-100 mg	weight loss hormonal balance antioxidants
Decaf coffee	0-4 kcal	0-7 mg	caffeine reduction acidic stomach sleep problems
Chicory coffee	4-13 kcal	0 mg	caffeine restriction gut health taste
Dandelion coffee	4-13 kcal	0 mg	caffeine restriction liver health gut health
Mushroom coffee	0-7 kcal	0-50 mg	caffeine reduction hormonal balance stress management
Hot chocolate	12-122 kcal	5-12 mg	stress management cravings nutrients
Green tea	0-4 kcal	30-50 mg	hormonal balance weight loss stress management
Herbal tea	0-2 kcal	0 mg	caffeine restriction hormonal balance weight loss

Best coffee for PCOS:

• Black coffee
• Bulletproof coffee
• Green coffee
• Decaf coffee 

1. Black coffee

Regular coffee consumption has been shown to have multiple health benefits that are important for women with PCOS such as high antioxidant content, improved insulin sensitivity, increased SHBG, reduced appetite, weight loss, or improved brain function & mental health.

+ Pros

✓ Weight management

Black coffee (no milk no sugar) appears to be one of the best versions for PCOS since it’s low in calories (0-2 kcal), doesn’t spike your blood sugar levels, and has the most appetite-reducing effect (in comparison to sugary or milky coffee).

✓ Energy boost

It also gets quickly absorbed into your bloodstream creating a fast energy boost which some people appreciate especially in the morning or before working out. 

✓ Intermittent fasting

If you practice intermittent fasting (more about its effects on PCOS here) black coffee is also suitable to consume during your fast. Due to the appetite-reducing properties of black coffee, it may help you extend your fasting window. 

✓ Taste

Another great benefit for all true coffee lovers is that you’ll be able to enjoy the clean and intense coffee taste. I personally love the smell and taste of some good-quality coffee and the whole process of making and drinking it. 

✓ Access

The good thing is that you’ll have access to black coffee nearly anywhere (in comparison to some less popular alternatives) so you won’t have to worry about it when traveling for example.

– Cons

✕ Caffeine content

If you’re someone who’s trying to limit their caffeine intake due to any health or personal reasons (such as pregnancy, chronic stress, sleep problems, caffeine addiction, or other health conditions), black coffee may not be the best choice for you. 

One cup of brewed black coffee can contain between 70-140 mg of caffeine depending on the brand, type of beans, and coffee preparation. So if you don’t respond to caffeine well, you may benefit from some other caffeine-free coffee alternatives. 

✕ Acidity

Black coffee also has high PH (it’s very acidic) which may be a problem for someone suffering from acidic stomach and reflux problems. You’ll be able to decrease the acidity by adding some milk or milk alternative into your coffee, but by doing so, you may also decrease some of the benefits of black coffee mentioned above.

If you want to find the best type of milk for PCOS to add into your coffee, you can check out my previous article ‘What Type Of Milk Is Best For PCOS? (The Ultimate Guide)‘ for more information.

✕ Caffeine crash

Another thing to consider is that you may experience the ‘caffeine crash’ if you drink large quantities of black coffee due to its quick absorption. If that’s a concern of yours, you may benefit more from some other types of coffee with a slower releasing effect (such as bulletproof coffee).

Is black coffee good for PCOS?

Black coffee is one of the best types of coffee for PCOS due to its low-calorie content, appetite-reducing effects, and other potential health benefits. However, it may not be suitable for all individuals since it contains high amounts of caffeine.

1 cup (250 ml)	Calories	Caffeine	Best for
Black coffee	0-4 kcal	70-140 mg	weight loss energy boost fasting

I like:

• Cameron’s Coffe Organic Coffee Beans (best flavor/budget-friendly)
• Kicking Horse Coffee Organic Dark Roast (best quality/taste)

2. Bulletproof coffee

Bulletproof coffee is simply a mixture of brewed coffee and some type of saturated fat. The original recipe (developed by Dave Asprey) combines coffee with grass-fed butter and MCT oil but you might find different versions using other ingredients such as virgin coconut oil, ghee, or coconut cream. 

Based on your dietary approach and taste preferences you can choose and easily create one of the versions at home. 

What does bulletproof coffee taste like?

The taste of bulletproof coffee can be described as nutty and rich with a creamy consistency. When prepared and blended properly, the taste is similar to a regular latte with a heavier texture. However, it may differ depending on the ingredients used in the recipe.

+ Pros

✓ Coffee benefits

Since bulletproof coffee contains regular brewed coffee (with caffeine) you can still expect to gain most of the benefits associated with regular coffee consumption mentioned above. In comparison to plain black coffee, however, bulletproof coffee may offer additional benefits to women with PCOS due to the extra ingredients. 

✓ Slow absorption

By adding an extra source of fat into your coffee, you’ll be able to slow down the absorption of caffeine into your bloodstream and prevent the crashing effect you sometimes experience after the consumption of black coffee. 

✓ Source of energy

Because fat is an actual source of energy (9kcal/g), you’ll be providing your body with calories that can be used to fuel your regular daily tasks. For this reason, bulletproof coffee can help you get more energy for your morning workouts or other activities without having to consume solid food if you prefer to exercise on an empty stomach.

MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is a type of fat with a different structure to long-chain triglycerides which means that it is also digested differently. Since MCTs are shorter in length and don’t require further breaking down, they can be digested and absorbed much faster and used immediately for energy (by converting into ketones).  

✓ Intermittent fasting

Many people who practice intermittent fasting, therefore, use bulletproof coffee as their ‘breakfast’ since it helps them to feel full and satiated before having their first meal. Bulletproof coffee is also popular amongst followers of ketogenic and low-carb diets (oftentimes recommended for PCOS) since it doesn’t induce insulin response and helps them to stay in ketosis (when fat is used for energy instead of glucose). 

Read more: ‘Is Intermittent Fasting Good Or Bad For PCOS & Why?‘

✓ Weight management

According to some studies, MCT may also help with weight loss by affecting your hunger hormones and making you feel fuller for longer. MCT oil also appears to have great benefits for your gut health and microbiome which is especially important if you suffer from PCOS. 

Other research (although still very limited) suggests that MCT oil may play an important role in managing diabetes and blood sugar levels which could also benefit women with PCOS. 

✓ Positive experience

While the evidence on the use of MCT oil and bulletproof coffee for PCOS is lacking, my experience with this type of coffee has been very positive. I personally don’t put the grass-fed butter into my drink since I don’t include any dairy in my diet, but sometimes I like to add a teaspoon of virgin coconut or pure MCT oil into my morning coffee. 

It’s very satiating (feels like a full-on breakfast) and it keeps my focus and energy levels high for a very long time (I usually have my first meal of the day around noon). So if you struggle with constant cravings (due to insulin spikes) or you can’t tolerate a big breakfast before working out, you may want to give bulletproof coffee a try. 

I also found it very practical and time-efficient in the morning. For the best taste, make sure you blend it or mix it properly so you get the creamy consistency. 

– Cons

✕ Calorie content

While the consumption of bulletproof coffee may help you lose weight (due to reduced appetite and blood sugar balance), keep in mind that you’ll be putting extra calories into your diet which can have the opposite effect.

In comparison to black coffee (which has pretty much zero calories), bulletproof coffee can have up to 230 kcal (depending on the amount of fat) which may lead to weight gain if other aspects of your diet are not properly managed. 

✕ Dairy content

Another thing to consider is your tolerance to dairy since the original recipe requires adding grass-fed butter. While the effects of dairy on PCOS aren’t fully understood, some evidence suggests that it may contribute to acne, inflammation, and hormone imbalances.

You can read my previous article ‘Does Dairy Affect PCOS & How? All You Need To Know‘ if you want to learn more details. Nonetheless, if you’re sensitive to dairy you can still try adding some virgin coconut oil or pure MCT oil into your coffee to get the same effect.

Is bulletproof coffee good for PCOS?

Bulletproof coffee can be considered good for PCOS as it offers multiple health benefits related to the content of coffee and MCT oil. It may help reduce cravings, manage blood sugar and provide energy in form of ketones. However, its high calorie and caffeine content may not suit everyone.

1 cup (250 ml)	Calories	Caffeine	Best for
Bulletproof coffee	120-230 kcal	70-140 mg	energy source gut health fasting

I like:

• Bulletproof The Original Coffee Beans (best quality/taste)

3. Green coffee

Green coffee is made from raw coffee beans that haven’t been roasted and processed the same way as regular coffee (black). The color, taste, chemical content, and nutritional value of green coffee are therefore different from black coffee.

What does green coffee taste like?

Green coffee has a mild taste which is oftentimes described as earthy or grassy. In comparison to black coffee, the unroasted green coffee beans are naturally more acidic which creates a flavor more similar to green or herbal tea.

+ Pros

✓ Nutrient content

Since green coffee beans remain completely raw and unprocessed, they are also much higher in some nutrients that are sensitive to heat and get destroyed during roasting. That’s also the reason why green coffee contains much larger quantities of chlorogenic acids in comparison to black coffee (although it also contains some). 

Chlorogenic acid appears to have multiple health benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which may have additional benefits for PCOS. 

✓ Weight management

Some studies have found that green coffee may stimulate weight loss and increase fat burning which is the reason why green coffee is one of the most popular weight loss supplements (although more human studies are required). It’s also low in calories (0-2 kcal per cup) and therefore suitable for weight management strategies.

Read more: ‘PCOS Belly Fat Explained & How To Reduce It‘

✓ Insulin sensitivity

Apart from the benefits of weight loss, chlorogenic acid has been also associated with increased insulin sensitivity and improved blood sugar management which is especially important for women with PCOS and type 2 diabetes prevention. 

If you want to know why it’s important, I’ve written a whole article ‘PCOS Insulin Resistance Explained & How To Reverse It‘ that you can read to get more details.

✓ Hormonal balance

A recent study has also shown that green coffee supplementation (400mg per day) significantly reduced free testosterone levels in women with PCOS. While more research needs to be completed, it’s suggested that green coffee may play an important role in balancing hormones and reducing androgen levels. 

– Cons

✕ Taste

If you like the taste of regular black coffee, you may not be impressed by the taste of green coffee. It is very different due to the lack of roasting which gives coffee the typical intense flavor.

✕ Caffeine content

Keep in mind that green coffee still contains high amounts of caffeine (20-100mg/cup) so if you’re trying to limit your daily intake, you may want to find a different alternative.

✕ Access

You’re also less likely to find green coffee beverages in common places such as coffee shops, hotels, and restaurants so you may need to be prepared when traveling or going out.

Is green coffee good for PCOS?

Green coffee appears to be a good beverage for women with PCOS as it may help them balance hormones, improve insulin sensitivity and support weight loss. However, it also contains high amounts of caffeine which may not be suitable for all individuals.

1 cup (250 ml)	Calories	Caffeine	Best for
Green coffee	0-2 kcal	20-100 mg	weight loss hormonal balance antioxidants

I like:

• Neuherbs Organic Green Coffee Powder (best quality/taste)

4. Decaf coffee 

Decaf coffee is made by decaffeinating coffee beans before they are roasted and further processed. There are different methods of how the caffeine content is extracted from the beans but in most cases, around 97% of caffeine is removed during the process.

+ Pros

✓ Taste

The biggest benefit of decaf coffee is that it has an almost identical taste and nutritional value to regular coffee but without the caffeine content. This means that it is a suitable beverage for someone who loves the taste of coffee but is sensitive to caffeine or doesn’t include it in their diet for any other reason. 

✓ Coffee benefits

The good news is that some of the health benefits of regular coffee appear to be similar in decaf coffee. For example, studies have shown that both regular and decaf coffee consumption may significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes so you won’t be missing out on those important effects for PCOS by switching to decaf. 

You will also gain the same antioxidant-related benefits of coffee since most antioxidants such as polyphenols and hydroxycinnamic acids are still present in decaf coffee (although their content may be 15% lower).

✓ Acidity

The evidence also suggests that if you suffer from acid reflux and heartburn, drinking decaf instead of regular coffee may help you reduce those effects. Individuals suffering from sleep problems may also benefit from switching to decaf coffee due to the lower caffeine content. 

✓ Sleep

So another great benefit of decaf is that you’ll be able to enjoy your hot beverage even in later hours of the day without disturbing your sleep quality. Even if you consume regular coffee without any sleep problems, it’s good to be mindful of when it is time to switch to decaf instead. 

– Cons

✕ Caffeine content

The biggest downside of decaf coffee is that you won’t get any of the caffeine-related benefits such as improved brain function, mental health, and increased metabolism. While the beverage might taste and smell just like regular coffee, it won’t give you the same energy boost, mental focus, and improved mood you might expect.

So if you’re someone who drinks coffee for those purposes, decaf coffee may not be the best option for you. 

On the other hand, decaf coffee is not completely caffeine-free. While most of the caffeine is removed from the beans, one cup of decaf coffee can still contain between 0-7mg of caffeine. Even though it’s a fairly small amount, it can easily add up if you consume a couple of cups per day.

If you’re trying to completely eliminate your caffeine intake, you might find some better coffee alternatives that are 100% caffeine-free.

✕ Quality

Another thing to be conscious about is that decaf coffee generally tends to be made from lower-quality beans as some of the flavor is lost during the decaffeinating process (although it depends on the method). The best technique appears to be the Swiss Water method so you may want to find decaf coffee using this processing method.

✕ Mycotoxins

Some studies have also found that decaf coffee contains higher amounts of mycotoxins in comparison to regular coffee which may be due to the protecting effects of caffeine against mold growth. High amounts of mycotoxins can be dangerous to health so finding a good-quality coffee is recommended which can become even more challenging in the case of decaf coffee.

Is decaf coffee good for PCOS?

In general, decaf coffee is a good beverage for women with PCOS who are trying to reduce their caffeine intake. It offers similar taste and health benefits as regular coffee without the potential risks related to caffeine. However, some of the benefits may be lost during the decaffeinating process.

1 cup (250 ml)	Calories	Caffeine	Best for
Decaf coffee	0-4 kcal	0-7 mg	caffeine reduction acidic stomach sleep problems

I like:

• No Fun Jo Decaf Organic Coffee Beans (best flavor)
• Kicking Horse Coffee Organic Decaf (best quality)

Best coffee alternatives for PCOS:

• Chicory coffee
• Dandelion coffee
• Mushroom coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Tea

1. Chicory coffee

Chicory coffee is a caffeine-free beverage traditionally made from roasting and brewing the root of the chicory plant. It’s either added to a regular coffee or used as a caffeine-free coffee alternative. It is associated with multiple health benefits which could play an important role in PCOS management.

What does chicory coffee taste like?

Chicory coffee has an intense warm taste that is very similar to regular black coffee. However, it is naturally less bitter with a slightly sweet flavor that is sometimes described as nutty or woody. The texture and dark color of chicory root coffee are also very similar to black coffee.

+ Pros

✓ Prebiotic fiber

Chicory root is known to be one of the best sources of inulin which is a type of prebiotic fiber that has been linked to a number of health benefits. Prebiotics play a crucial role in your digestive health and gut microbiome as it supports the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.

The state of your microbiome has a huge impact on your overall health as it’s been shown to contribute to various diseases including PCOS. Women with PCOS are therefore oftentimes recommended to modify their gut microbiota through probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics and inulin fiber found in chicory root could be one of the ways to do it. 

✓ Hormonal balance

Inulin has been also shown to be effective in managing blood sugar levels, reducing insulin resistance, and increasing weight loss which is especially important for PCOS. In one study, inulin supplementation has significantly decreased several inflammatory markers, testosterone levels, and body bodyweight in subjects with PCOS (although it was an animal study).

✓ Caffeine free

The good thing about chicory coffee is that it’s 100% caffeine-free so you can consume it at any time of the day (I usually drink it in the evening) without disrupting your sleep. If you want to completely eliminate caffeine from your diet, you can easily replace your normal cup of coffee with chicory coffee since it has a very coffee-like flavor and even similar color. 

I personally include regular coffee in my diet but I also love drinking chicory coffee for its very unique caramelly taste (it actually reminds me of those Lotus Biscoff cookies I used to have as a kid). If you’ve never had chicory coffee before I highly suggest you give it a try even if you like your regular black.

– Cons

✕ Allergy

While chicory coffee appears to be overall beneficial for PCOS, it is definitely not suitable for everyone. Some people may even experience allergic reactions after the consumption of chicory root which can cause a series of negative symptoms. So it’s important you take into account your individual food tolerances and allergies.

✕ Pregnancy

Chicory root is also not recommended to pregnant women since it’s been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and menstrual bleeding. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you should therefore consider other coffee alternatives. 

Since chicory coffee contains no caffeine, you shouldn’t expect any of the performance-related effects of regular coffee.

✕ Access

Depending on where you live you may find that chicory coffee can be quite challenging to access. Not many supermarkets offer this coffee alternative and you’re more likely to find it in specialized health food stores or online shops.

Is chicory coffee good for PCOS?

Chicory coffee is a good caffeine-free alternative for PCOS as it’s associated with multiple health benefits. It may help balance hormones, improve gut health and regulate blood sugar levels. However, it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or suffer from allergies to chicory root.

1 cup (250 ml)	Calories	Caffeine	Best for
Chicory coffee	4-13 kcal	0 mg	caffeine restriction gut health taste

I like:

• Anthony’s Organic Roasted Chicory Root (best quality/taste)

2. Dandelion coffee

Dandelion coffee is another caffeine-free coffee alternative that is made by roasting, grounding, and brewing the root of the dandelion plant. It’s very similar to chicory coffee and it also offers multiple benefits for women with PCOS. 

What does dandelion coffee taste like?

The taste of dandelion root coffee is very similar to regular black coffee, however, it is naturally less acidic and not as bitter. Due to the content of inulin, it has a slightly sweet flavor with a floral undertone. The color and texture are also very comparable to black coffee.

+ Pros

✓ Prebiotic fiber

Many of the health benefits of the dandelion root are (similarly to chicory root) related to the prebiotic fiber inulin. Therefore, the content of inulin in dandelion root coffee may also help you improve your gut microbiome, digestive health, blood sugar control, and weight management. 

✓ Antioxidant content

Dandelion also appears to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, and antiviral effects which may be due to its antioxidant content.

✓ Liver health

In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion root is believed to be especially important for liver and stomach health which is the reason you might find many products supporting liver detox that contains the dandelion root. 

While the scientific evidence on the liver cleansing effects of dandelion is limited, some studies suggest that it may protect your liver tissue from excessive toxins and stress, increase the flow of bile, and support liver detoxification (due to its diuretic properties).

Since women with PCOS are at increased risk of liver disease, the consumption of dandelion root coffee may be particularly beneficial for them. 

✓ Caffeine free

It’s also naturally 100% caffeine-free which can be great for those looking for some caffeine-free options with a similar taste to coffee. It also means you can have it even in later hours without compromising your sleep quality.

– Cons

✕ Caffeine content

Because there is no caffeine present in dandelion coffee, keep in mind that you won’t be getting any of the caffeine-related benefits you would get from regular coffee.

✕ Allergy

Dandelion can also trigger allergic reactions in some people so you should pay attention to your response.

Another thing to be aware of is that it may interact with some medications and therefore you should always consult it with your healthcare provider.

✕ Access

Access to dandelion root coffee products is also quite limited in most places, however, it is available in many online stores.

Is dandelion coffee good for PCOS?

Dandelion coffee is a good caffeine-free alternative for PCOS as it offers multiple health benefits. It may support liver health, reduce inflammation and improve gut health. However, since some individuals may be allergic to dandelion root, it is not suitable for all women with PCOS.

1 cup (250 ml)	Calories	Caffeine	Best for
Dandelion coffee	4-13 kcal	0 mg	caffeine restriction liver health gut health

I like:

• Starwest Botanicals Organic Roasted Dandelion (best quality)
• New Legacy Vegans Organic Herbal Coffee (best flavor)

3. Mushroom coffee

Mushroom coffee is a coffee-like beverage that has become very popular in recent years due to its potential health benefits. It is made from a variety of medicinal mushroom extracts processed into a powder. The powder is then combined with regular coffee in different ratios but you may find mushroom coffee products containing no coffee beans which are caffeine-free.

What does mushroom coffee taste like?

Since mushroom coffee usually contains a combination of coffee beans and medicinal mushroom powder in a 1:1 ratio, the taste is very similar to regular black coffee. Depending on the brand, the flavor is sometimes described as earthy or nutty with a smooth texture.

+ Pros

✓ Medicinal mushrooms

The biggest benefit of mushroom coffee is that it contains different medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, maitake, cordyceps, lion’s mane, reishi, turkey’s tale that have been associated with multiple health benefits. 

✓ Hormonal balance

While the research on the effects of medicinal mushrooms is ongoing, it appears that some of their properties may be especially beneficial for PCOS. That’s mostly because medicinal mushrooms contain adaptogenic compounds (adaptogens) that are believed to help achieve hormonal balance and better adapt to stress. 

The hormone balancing effects may differ amongst the specific mushrooms but some of them has been shown to have the following benefits:

• Blood sugar management (Chaga)
• Insulin sensitivity (Maitake)
• Estrogen & progesterone balance (Cordyceps)
• Androgen balance (Reishi)
• Depression & anxiety (Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps)

Medicinal mushrooms are therefore considered particularly beneficial for balancing hormones and overall women’s health. So if you want to gain those extra benefits, you may want to include mushroom coffee in your diet since it’s a very easy and practical way to do it.

✓ Caffeine content

Another benefit of mushroom coffee is that in comparison to regular coffee, it’s much lower in caffeine content, or in some cases, it’s completely caffeine-free (depends on the brand). So if your goal is to decrease your caffeine consumption or avoid it completely, mushroom coffee may be a good fit for you.

– Cons

✕ Expensive

If you are a regular coffee drinker and you go through a cup or two every single day, you might soon find that drinking mushroom coffee can become a bit expensive. That’s largely because most medicinal mushrooms are not being commercially farmed (which is a good thing) and they need to be obtained from their natural environment (which is more expensive). 

So while the potential benefits of mushroom coffee for PCOS seem promising, it may not be the most sustainable option for your everyday use. I personally like to include mushroom coffee in my diet (mostly for its health benefits) but not as a replacement for my regular coffee.

✕ Taste

There are also some people who just can’t stand the ‘earthy’ taste of mushroom coffee but this is very individual and will depend on your personal preferences and the brand of coffee you use. From my experience, the brands using a blend of mushroom powder and coffee beans taste generally as a normal coffee only milder.

Is mushroom coffee good for PCOS?

In general, mushroom coffee can be considered good for PCOS due to its health benefits related to the content of coffee and medicinal mushrooms. It may help balance hormones, regulate blood sugars and reduce stress. However, the effects can differ between specific brands and their products’ content.

1 cup (250 ml)	Calories	Caffeine	Best for
Mushroom coffee	0-7 kcal	0-50 mg	caffeine reduction hormonal balance stress management

I like:

• Sacred 7 Organic Mushroom Extract Powder (best ingredient list/decaf)
• Laird Superfood Organic Coffee with Functional Mushrooms (best flavor/caffeinated)

4. Hot chocolate

Hot chocolate is a popular beverage made from cocoa beans processed into a powder but it’s not often thought of as a ‘healthy food”. It is true that most of the commercial hot cocoa drinks will do you more harm than good since they’re usually filled with added sugars and sweeteners, milk powders, fillers, and other food additives.

However, the cocoa powder itself is actually a highly nutritious food which is why it’s sometimes referred to as a ‘superfood’. 

If you learn to recognize this difference and choose the right ingredients for your hot chocolate beverage, you can expect to gain a lot of health benefits associated with cocoa powder. 

+ Pros

✓ Polyphenols

There are many health benefits associated with the consumption of cocoa and most of them are due to the presence of polyphenols (especially flavanols). Cocoa is actually one of the best sources of these antioxidant compounds that also have anti-inflammatory effects. 

However, some methods (heating & alkaline treatment) used during cocoa beans processing can significantly lower the content of polyphenols in cocoa powder so you should always look for high quality, raw and non-alkaline products to gain the most benefits (usually called cacao powder).

✓ Blood sugar control

The high content of flavanols found in cocoa has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure, preventing heart attack, and improving blood flow and brain function.

But if you suffer from PCOS you may be more interested in the fact that flavanol-rich cocoa has been also associated with increased insulin sensitivity, better blood sugar control, and reduced risks of type 2 diabetes. 

✓ Stress reduction

Another important benefit of cocoa for PCOS is its ability to improve mood and reduce stress. Those effects may be due to the presence of flavanols (improving cognitive function) or small amounts of caffeine (improving focus and mood).

But cocoa is also rich in tryptophan which is an essential amino acid that gets converted into serotonin (the ‘feel good hormone’) that may explain the happy feeling you usually get from eating chocolate.

✓ Weight management

According to other studies, cocoa may also help with weight loss and weight management as it increases the feeling of fullness and reduces appetite so you may experience fewer cravings and less hunger which are so common in PCOS.

You can find more information and tips on how to effectively manage those cravings in my previous article ‘PCOS Cravings: How To Reduce Appetite & Excessive Hunger‘ if that’s what you’re looking for.

✓ Mineral content

Apart from the high amounts of antioxidants, cocoa is also a great source of some essential minerals such as calcium, zinc, copper, and selenium but it’s particularly high in iron and magnesium. Both iron and magnesium appear to play a crucial role in managing PCOS so drinking hot chocolate can actually help you achieve your daily requirements. 

– Cons

✕ Caffeine content

Hot chocolate really seems to be a ‘superfood’ for PCOS but as a coffee alternative, you may find some disadvantages, too. While it does contain small amounts of caffeine, it will not get you the same effects as a regular coffee which is much higher in this compound. 

On the other hand, if you’re sensitive to caffeine or just trying to minimize its intake, drinking large amounts of hot chocolate may also not be a good fit for you since it can easily add up and even disturb your sleep.

✕ Quality

As I already mentioned, many of the available hot chocolate drinks are made from low-quality cocoa powder filled with sugars and food additives. So if you want to gain most of the cocoa-related benefits, it’s best to carefully choose your products and make the beverage yourself.

I like to make my hot cocoa drink only from a good-quality cacao powder, hot water, and some type of plant milk (coconut milk works especially well). But keep in mind that this drink will not be naturally sweet so you may want to add some other ingredients to make it taste to your preferences.

You can also try adding some cinnamon, chicory powder, coconut oil, or maca powder to take it to the next level. 

Is hot chocolate good for PCOS?

Hot chocolate is a good beverage for PCOS as raw cacao powder is associated with multiple health benefits. It is rich in polyphenols, minerals and other nutrients that may help balance hormones, manage stress and reduce cravings. However, the effects largely depend on the quality of the ingredients.

1 cup (250 ml)	Calories	Caffeine	Best for
Hot chocolate	12-122 kcal	5-12 mg	stress management cravings nutrients

I like:

• Terrasoul Superfoods Raw Organic Cacao Powder (best quality/taste)

5. Tea

Tea (including matcha, white, green, black, and herbal tea) is another great beverage for PCOS which can also be a good coffee alternative. Since there are so many different types of tea it can be a bit confusing and difficult to choose. 

For this reason, I suggest you read my article ‘What Type Of Tea Is Best For PCOS? (The Ultimate Guide)’ where I explain all the benefits of different types of tea for PCOS in detail so you can find the best one for you.

+ Pros

✓ Diversity

The good thing about drinking tea is that different types have different characteristics and tastes so you can choose the one that fits your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a coffee alternative that contains some caffeine you may want to drink white, green, black, or matcha tea (all from the same plant). 

If, however, you’re looking for a caffeine-free alternative, you can choose from a variety of herbal or fruit teas.

✓ Green tea benefits

Green tea (including matcha) in particular has been shown to be extremely beneficial for PCOS since it may help reduce testosterone, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce ovarian cysts and support weight loss. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and liver-protecting qualities (both important for PCOS).

If you don’t respond well to caffeinated coffee, you might find that you respond differently (better) to green or matcha tea (also caffeinated) as many people do. Green tea appears to have a more calming effect with a steadier release of energy in comparison to coffee.

This may be due to the lower content of caffeine but it could also be due to the presence of l-theanine which is an amino acid playing an important role in brain function and alertness.

You can find more information about the effects of green tea on PCOS in my detailed article ‘Green Tea For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips‘

✓ Herbal tea benefits

But you can also find a lot of caffeine-free tea options that can also positively impact your health. In fact, many herbs and herbal teas have been studied in relation to PCOS and shown to be beneficial.

Spearmint tea, for example, seems to have significant anti-androgenic effects in women with PCOS (it decreases the levels of ‘male’ hormones). Make sure to check out my article ‘Spearmint Tea For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips‘ to learn more.

Cinnamon can help you improve insulin sensitivity and other adaptogenic herbs (such as licorice) may help with balancing your hormones. I discuss it in more detail in my other article ‘Cinnamon For PCOS: Benefits, Risks & Practical Tips‘.

You can also choose from a variety of different herbal blends or create your own mixed herbal tea to your preferences which will offer you almost unlimited options of flavors.

✓ Access

The good news is that tea is just as globally popular as coffee so you’ll have good access to it almost anywhere. However, for your home use, I suggest you also pay close attention to the quality of your tea (regardless of what type you choose). Not only to gain the most health benefits from a high-quality tea but also to get the best flavor (it really does taste different).

– Cons

✕ Quality

In general, tea bags tend to contain lower-quality ingredients (and sometimes even some unwanted sand and dust) in comparison to loose tea in which you’ll find larger and more aromatic leaves and herbs.

While it certainly doesn’t apply to all tea products, I would still recommend choosing loose tea when possible (it’s also more eco-friendly) and certified organic to get a richer flavor and minimize your exposure to pesticides and other industrial chemicals that may interrupt your hormones. 

✕ Taste

Most tea will also look and taste nothing like coffee so if that’s your priority you may want to find a different alternative. However, black tea is probably the closest to replacing coffee based on those terms and you can also enjoy it with milk to get a similar appearance. Matcha latte is also another tasty option that may help you replace your current coffee habits.

✕ Tannins content

Another thing to consider is that tea (green, white, and especially black) is also very rich in tannins. While this is not a bad thing since tannins are a type of polyphenols associated with beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, they also act as anti-nutrients.

Similarly to coffee, they may reduce the absorption of some minerals (especially iron) so the best way to consume your tea is separately from your meals (at least 1 hour before or after) to prevent any nutrient deficiencies.

Is tea good for PCOS?

In general, tea is considered a good beverage or coffee alternative for women with PCOS. Green and spearmint tea appear to be especially beneficial for PCOS due to their hormone-balancing effects, however, there are many types of tea offering different health benefits and different caffeine content.

1 cup (250 ml)	Calories	Caffeine	Best for
Green tea	0-4 kcal	30-50 mg	hormonal balance weight loss stress management
Herbal tea	0-2 kcal	0 mg	caffeine restriction hormonal balance weight loss

I like:

• Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea (best for energy/focus)
• Organic Positively Spearmint Green Tea (best herbal combo)
• FGO Organic Spearmint Leaf Tea (best for daily use)
• Pukka Organic Peace Herbal Tea (best before bed)

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