Sweetened soy milk
Probably the number-one beverage in China, soy milk made from soybeans has a slightly sweet, smooth taste. If you are not a fan of the original flavor, there are plenty of options available: chocolate, vanilla, low-fat – even one that tastes like regular milk. Brimming with health benefits, it has low-sugar content, the ability to accelerate calcium absorption and zero cholesterol. Sweetened soy milk
Powdered lotus root
Lotus root is used in a number of dishes in Asia, but the powdered drink lets you enjoy all the benefits with a few fulfilling gulps. It is said to help with digestion, blood pressure and circulation, cholesterol and depression. Lotus root is often combined with other roots and flowers, like osmanthus for sweetness, and can be found in almost any local or international supermarket, as well as herbal shops.
Coconut water
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Not to be confused with coconut milk, coconut water is a clear liquid extracted from green coconuts with a sweet, nutty taste. It is low in calorie content, fat-free, cholesterol-free and has loads of potassium. The drink is popular in hot tropical climates, like Southeast Asia and the Caribbean – and for a good reason: it contains less sugar than most sports drinks and is rich in electrolytes.
Green tea
Green tea may not be a common breakfast drink among locals, but its stimulating effect may actually be the closest thing to coffee that isn’t coffee. Thanks to the presence of caffeine and tannin, green tea can help you deal with fatigue, sleepiness and lack of energy, and it can also have positive long-term influences, thanks to its anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic and metabolism-increasing effects.
Peanut milk
One more alternative to regular milk, the peanut variety is a good source of vitamins E and B6, magnesium and unsaturated fats. Made by mixing softened nuts with water, it is also quite a nutritious beverage, with one serving easily powering you up till lunchtime. However, since one cup contain as many as 200 calories (mostly coming from fat), it’s important to not overdo it – just as with actual peanuts.
Grass jelly
If you want to try something you won’t ever see at Starbucks, go with grass jelly. Made by boiling herbs and leaves for several hours and adding starch, it can be served as solid jelly cubes or as a thick and smooth drink. The taste – slightly reminiscent of cough syrup and licorice – may take a while to get used to, but grass jelly is known to have various positive effects on your digestive system.
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