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Coffee has become something of an essential daily ritual for most of the population. Offering a slight yet palpable boost of energy, coffee reportedly improves energy levels, elevates mood, and provides a mild buzz to keep drinkers focused and alert especially during those groggy, early morning hours at the office.

These days, however, coffee isn't the only agricultural commodity that claims to deliver these benefits. The kratom industry has grown exponentially over the past few years because of the herb's alleged ability to provide a caffeine-like experience with fewer steps and possibly lower prices. But can kratom replace your morning brew?
Photo by Merve Tosun

Kratom vs Coffee: Similarities and Differences

There's a reason why kratom and coffee seem to bear a lot of similarities. Both members of the Rubiaceae botanical family. Known as the ‘coffee’ or ‘madder’ family, these two plant-based products share a distant, evolutionary ancestor. Both are tropical evergreen trees, both have a  long history of use in Southeast Asia and other tropical locations, and both thrive in regions with warm, humid climates. 

Despite all of this, however, kratom and coffee are entirely different species of plants with completely different chemistry. 

• Leaves vs Beans

One of the major differences between kratom and coffee is the part of the plant mainly used. While both of these products come from evergreen trees, coffee is produced from the bean while kratom uses the plant's leaves. 

Coffee beans are roasted and ground, depending on the type of product being processed. On the other hand, kratom leaves are dried and then milled to produce a powder which may be used to develop a wide range of other products. 

• Active compounds

Coffee drinkers can chalk up the jittery buzz that coffee provides to its caffeine content. This methylxanthine alkaloid acts on the body by blocking the function of ‘adenosine’ which is essentially responsible for signaling the brain to slow down and rest. By antagonizing adenosine's effects, caffeine allows drinkers to feel more energized and alert. 

Kratom works completely differently. Rich in an alkaloid called ‘mitragynine’, kratom acts on various receptors like opioid receptors and adrenergic receptors to potentially make users feel more alert and energized. Some also suggest that kratom's alkaloids work on these receptors to reduce or control the sensation of pain. 

• Manner of use

A lot of coffee's appeal has to do with its preparation and flavor. These days, you can get your coffee through a variety of well-known, established recipes that combine milk, different sweeteners, and added flavors that make every cup unique. 

But those who would rather do without all the tedious prep work find that kratom offers a more straightforward process. Sold as a powder or capsule, kratom allows faster, no-frills doses in smaller amounts, and with virtually no calories which definitely makes it more appealing for those watching their intake. 

Can Kratom Replace Coffee? 

Kratom and coffee overlap in certain areas when it comes to their effects, but that doesn't mean that they're necessarily interchangeable. Deciding whether to replace your morning cup with a dose of kratom instead depends on a number of factors, all dictated by your preference and purpose. 

• Wakefulness vs Energy and Relief

Although their effects may look similar on the surface, coffee and kratom provide a different experience to the discriminating user. Because coffee works against the chemical in the brain responsible for that slow-down, sleepy feeling, its overall effect is to wake up the mind and body.

That's why you'll often hear people saying that they can't function in the morning before they have a cup, because coffee helps to fight off that drowsy feeling after waking up. These effects peak after 30-60 minutes and tend to decline after 3 hours. 

Kratom's chemistry (although still the subject of numerous studies) is said to work on opioid and adrenergic receptors in the brain. This results in a more complex range of effects, including but not limited to heightened alertness, increased energy levels, and even possibly pain relief.

Just like coffee, these effects may peak between 30 and 60 minutes after the dose, but tend to last longer with some users reporting a 6-hour longevity. 

• Fixed effects vs Adaptability

No matter what flavors, sweeteners, or creamers you add to your cup of coffee, the result will generally be the same: wakefulness. That's because there's very little variety in the actual chemistry of coffee beans.

However, kratom's alkaloid profile changes depending on where it was grown and how mature its leaves were during harvest. While green and white vein kratom strains tend to provide a more upbeat and energetic experience, red vein kratom may produce the opposite: drowsiness and relaxation. 

That said, kratom's adaptable effects make it better suited for people with changing needs throughout the day. While a white vein dose may give you that jolt of energy you need in the morning, red vein kratom may help you wind down at night, which isn't something you can say about any variety of coffee. 

• Overall cost

Coffee beans aren’t necessarily that expensive, but if you consider the cost of everything that goes with preparing a cup of coffee, things tend to add up. Whether you make it in your kitchen or stand in line at your local cafe, coffee's overall cost may compound unless you're drinking it black. 

With kratom, the cost tends to be much lower. Some vendors sell up to a kilogram of kratom powder for under $100, and because doses are measured in grams (from 2.4g to a maximum of 6g), a single kilo can last 400 doses or more. 

What Kratom Strains Work Like Coffee? 

If you’re looking for a kratom variety that provides a similar experience as your morning brew, you may want to consider the green vein category. These kratom choices are the ideal middle ground, providing a more balanced experience that's stimulating but not overwhelming. 

Most users start with choices like Green Thai, Green Indo, or Green Borneo which tend to offer a lighter, coffee-esque experience. To find high-quality kratom to replace your coffee, consider trusted vendors like Bulk Kratom Now. Known as one of the best places to buy kratom in bulk, Bulk Kratom Now offers a vast range of premium kratom strains with excellent buyer reviews at fair prices.