Cereal grain beverages are caffeine-free hot drinks made from roasted and ground grains such as barley, rye, wheat, or chicory root. They’ve been used as coffee alternatives for centuries, and remain popular with people who enjoy the ritual of a warm, dark brew without the caffeine.
The flavour is earthy, malty, and toasty — reminiscent of coffee but distinctly its own thing, with caramel and nutty notes. Brands like Caro, Ecco, and Bambu have long been available in Australian supermarkets. The powder dissolves in hot water or milk much like instant coffee.
While they don’t replicate the exact taste of coffee, cereal grain beverages offer a comforting, full-bodied drink that works well on its own or blended with milk, and they’ve found a renewed following among those reducing their caffeine intake.
How it's made
Nutrition (per 100g)
1 tsp (1 serving) is about 3 g — roughly 10 kcal of this.
What it costs the planet (per kilo)
≈ Estimated — worked out from a category-typical value further up its supply chain. Where this comes from →
Where it comes from
In the kitchen
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Where this data comes from
USDA
SR Legacy
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Where to next
Your household's take
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