Beverages, coffee substitute, cereal grain beverage, powder
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
A roasted, ground cereal grain beverage powder designed to mimic coffee's ritual and color, but with a naturally sweet, nutty, and slightly toasty flavor. It brews into a smooth, full-bodied, caffeine-free drink with a comforting, earthy aroma. Nutritionally, it stands out for its exceptionally high fiber content, providing over 23 grams per 100g of powder.
Calorie split: 7% protein · 87% carbs · 6% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it as a comforting, coffee-like ritual without the stimulant effects, making it a staple evening or pregnancy-friendly beverage. Its rich, malty, and slightly sweet flavor profile is enjoyed on its own or as a base for creative lattes and smoothies.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fiber content, while beneficial, can cause digestive discomfort like bloating if introduced too quickly or consumed in large amounts without adequate water. It is also a grain-based product, so it is not suitable for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity unless certified gluten-free. To mitigate digestive issues, start with a small portion (e.g., 1 teaspoon) and increase gradually, and always drink it with a full glass of water.
Key benefits
- Naturally caffeine-free, suitable for any time of day.
- Excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
- Provides a steady energy release without caffeine jitters.
- A good plant-based source of complex carbohydrates.
- Often naturally low in fat and contains some protein.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Major commercial brands of this beverage, like Postum and Pero, were originally developed in the early 20th century as coffee alternatives during periods of coffee scarcity or as part of health movements.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 8.0 g |
| Energy | 360 kcal |
| Energy | 1508 kj |
| Protein | 6.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 2.5 g |
| Ash | 5.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 78.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 23.3 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 58.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 4.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 244 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 580 mg |
| Potassium, K | 2443 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 83.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.51 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.21 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 1.1 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 64.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.41 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.10 mg |
| Niacin | 17.7 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 1.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.75 mg |
| Folate, total | 52.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 52.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 52.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 13.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 5.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 8.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 194 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.98 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.6 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 19.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.60 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 13:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.52 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.36 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.34 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.08 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Beverages, carbonated, tonic water — USDA does not publish this profile for Beverages.
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
Is this the same as chicory coffee?
No. Chicory coffee is made from the roasted root of the chicory plant and has a distinct, bitter flavor. This cereal grain beverage is made from roasted grains like barley, rye, and beetroot, and is typically milder and sweeter.
Does it contain any caffeine?
No. It is a completely caffeine-free alternative, making it a popular choice for evenings, for children, or for anyone avoiding stimulants.
How does the high fiber content affect baking?
When used in baking, its high fiber can absorb more liquid and may result in a denser, more moist texture. It's often used to add flavor and nutritional boost rather than as a 1:1 flour substitute.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.60 kcal/g · 7% calories from protein · 23.3 g fiber · 4.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.03 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.