Free shipping for orders over R555
Mesquite Coffee Alternative logo with cup and mesquite pods

Caffeine-Free, Low-Acid Superfood Brew from South Africa

Mesquite Coffee Alternative

Mesquite is a naturally caffeine-free superfood brew wild-harvested in the Karoo and slow-roasted for a smooth, caramel flavour. All the comfort of coffee, none of the jitters.
Front view of Mesquite Coffee Alternative 100 g travel-size pack, wild-harvested in the Karoo, caffeine-free superfood coffee alternative.

The Benefits of Mesquite

Naturally Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternative

Keep your ritual, skip the crash. Mesquite is a naturally caffeine-free coffee alternative that brews rich and roasty without the spikes and jitters of coffee. It’s a calm, steady energy source you can enjoy any time of day—ideal for parents, professionals, or anyone looking to cut back on caffeine.
Learn More

Low-Acid Coffee Alternative for Sensitive Stomachs

Looking for a smoother sip? Mesquite is a low-acid coffee alternative, making it gentler on digestion than traditional coffee. Many people with reflux or sensitive stomachs find it easier to enjoy. You still get that warm, roasted comfort—without the bitterness or burn. (Individual results may vary.)
Learn More

Nutrient-Rich Superfood Coffee Alternative

Mesquite is more than a swap—it’s a superfood coffee alternative. Packed with fibre, magnesium, potassium, and polyphenols, this single-ingredient brew is free from chicory, additives, or stimulants. Every cup supports feel-good energy and balance, naturally.
Learn More

Coffee Alternative with Caramel-Like Flavour

Our gentle roast brings out mesquite’s natural sweetness, giving you a coffee alternative with caramel flavour. Smooth, nutty, and satisfying, it’s delicious hot, iced, or blended into a creamy “latte” or shake. Real flavour from nature, no syrups or artificial additives.
Learn More

Kind to Your Gut

So, What Exactly is Mesquite?

Our South African Coffee Alternative with History

Our Mesquite Coffee Alternative is made from the seed pods of the hardy Prosopis tree. These resilient trees have flourished in South Africa’s arid regions since the late 1800s. Originally planted to help combat desertification and provide fodder for livestock, they now thrive across the Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Free State.

When roasted and ground, the pods deliver a warm, roasted flavour that’s remarkably similar to coffee—yet naturally caffeine-free and loaded with nutrients. This makes mesquite a superfood coffee alternative that satisfies your coffee ritual, supports wellness, and tastes amazing.

The Nutritional Powerhouse Behind Mesquite

Unlike regular coffee, which provides caffeine and a few antioxidants, mesquite offers an impressive nutritional profile backed by published research. Here’s what you’ll find in every 100 g serving:

Protein Power

11–17 g of plant protein—more than many common grains.

Fibre That Works

25–30 g of dietary fibre. Most adults don’t meet 25 g a day, yet mesquite delivers it in one serving.

Natural Sweetness

Contains its own sugars (mainly sucrose, with some fructose and glucose) but with a low glycaemic impact, offering steady, balanced energy without spikes or crashes.

The Mineral Goldmine

  • Potassium: 998 mg (29% of daily needs)
  • Calcium: 253 mg (25% daily value)
  • Iron: 5.7 mg (32% daily value – especially valuable for women)
  • Magnesium: 69 mg (17% daily value, supporting muscle and nerve function)
  • Zinc: 2.7 mg (18% daily value, for immune support)

The Bonus Compounds

  • Polyphenols & flavonoids: antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress.
  • Inulin: a prebiotic fibre that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria.
  • Essential amino acids: including lysine, often limited in plant foods.

Why Choose Mesquite as a Coffee Alternative?

With its rich flavour, nutrient density, and naturally caffeine-free profile, mesquite offers much more than coffee. It’s a nutritious, gut-friendly coffee substitute that supports your daily routine while keeping the comforting ritual you love.

Brew It Like Coffee — Enjoy It Any Time of Day

Smooth crema, caramel aroma, zero caffeine. Here’s how to enjoy Mesquite Coffee your way:

French Press (Plunger)

  1. Add 1 flat Tbsp (7 g) Mesquite Coffee per 250 ml hot water (95 °C).

  2. Stir, cover, and steep for approximately 5 minutes

  3. Press slowly. Pour and enjoy the naturally sweet, nutty brew.

Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso)

  1. Fill base with hot water just below the valve.

  2. Pack the basket loosely with Mesquite Coffee.

  3. Brew on medium heat until you hear a gentle hiss—serve for a rich, crema-topped shot.

Espresso Machine

  1. Dose 7g Mesquite Coffee into portafilter.

  2. Tamp lightly; extract 30 ml espresso

  3. Perfect for flat whites, cappuccino, lattes - pair with oat or almond milk, or no milk at all

Cold Brew

  1. Combine 1 cup Mesquite Coffee with 4 cups cold water in a jar.

  2. Refrigerate 12 hours, then strain through cheesecloth.

  3. Serve over ice with a dash of oat milk for a refreshing summer tonic.

How Do You Like Your Mesquite?

We’d Love to Hear from You

Do you have a favourite way to brew your mesquite (or your coffee), or a creative recipe you’ve discovered? Share your method with us and we might feature it on our blog — the best ideas often come from our community.

House Favourite: Mesquite “Mocha” (Hot)

Technically not a classic mocha, but absolutely delicious. Here’s how we make it:

  1. Brew Mesquite Coffee Alternative in a French press for about 5 minutes (a little longer is fine).
  2. While it brews, make a smooth cocoa paste in your cup using 1 heaped teaspoon of our rich drinking cocoa and a splash of hot water (or homemade oat milk for extra creaminess).
  3. Pour the mesquite brew straight into the cocoa paste and stir to combine. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Pro tip: For a deeper connection with self, swap cocoa for ceremonial-grade cacao. You can find that at Sacred Plant Integrations, all the way from Bali, a sacred place in our hearts.

Got your own recipe? Send it our way — your creativity could inspire fellow mesquite lovers on our blog.

Iced Mesquite “Mocha” Smoothie (Quick Cold Brew)

This version keeps the flavour profile of the hot mocha, but served ice-cold and blender-smooth. It’s a quick concentrate rather than an overnight cold brew — perfect after a day in the garden, sipping your Mesquite admiring the work well done (atleast thats when this recipe came to mind). 

Ingredients (serves 1 large or 2 small)

  • 2 tablespoons Mesquite Coffee Alternative (14g, double shot - but adjust to flavour)
  • 500 ml - 700 ml cold water (to make a quick 10-minute concentrate)
  • 1 tablespoon rich drinking cocoa
  • 50ml (approx) tablespoons milk (we prefer oat milk, choose your preferred choice of milk) and stir till the cocoa is a loose paste that flows, but not watery. 
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey (melted into ~4 tablespoons boiling water to make a quick syrup)
  • A pinch of ground cinnamon
  • 1–1½ cups ice
  • Optional: 2 heaped tablespoons natural peanut butter (for extra creaminess and protein)

Method

  1. Make the mesquite concentrate: mix Mesquite Coffee with cold water and let stand for ~10 minutes. 
  2. Prep the chocolate base: In your blender jug, mix cocoa with a splash of oat milk to form a loose paste.
  3. Sweeten: Dissolve honey in boiling water to make a syrup; add to the blender with a pinch of cinnamon.
  4. Blend: Add the mesquite concentrate, ice, and peanut butter (if using). Blend until smooth and frosty.
  5. Serve: Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy. 

Pro tip: For those really warm days but its just too hot for a ceremonial hot drink - a something special is required, so for our fellow spiritual clientele, swap cocoa for ceremonial-grade cacao from Sacred Plant Integrations. Remember to alter the recipe according to your intentions. 

 

Blog

Our blog dives deep into the nutrition, sustainability, and flavour chemistry behind every cup.
Since I know the Alien Invasive Species eradication project, I am super impressed with the positive impact of Mesquite Alternative Coffee on our indigenous vegetation that is protected by the harvesting of Mesquite pods for the production of its roasted beans. And oh my word, the taste is creamy, nutty, caramel flavored caffeine-free coffee! I can now happily drink coffee without the negative effects of caffeine and high acidity. Win-win!!
Lydia van Rooyen
Local Montagu Resident

Copyright © 2025 Mesquite Coffee (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. | Website by LDJ