Coffee, one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years. In France, 73% of people over 18 years old regularly drink coffee, with nearly half consuming three cups daily. Globally, nearly two billion people enjoy coffee each day. However, this growing demand has brought environmental and social challenges, including deforestation, pesticide use, and reports of human rights violations in coffee-producing regions such as Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia. The production process also requires large amounts of water—approximately 132 liters per cup—and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions during both cultivation and transportation. In addition to environmental concerns, coffee production has been linked to human rights issues, including forced labor, child labor, and low wages, even in plantations that are certified as "fair trade." Climate change is also threatening coffee cultivation, with extreme weather events like storms, freezes, and droughts reducing yields and increasing prices. Although 2026 saw improved harvests, experts warn that climate change could render many traditional coffee-growing areas unsuitable for cultivation in the future. In response to these challenges, more consumers are exploring alternatives to traditional coffee. These substitutes vary in taste and environmental impact, but many are considered more sustainable. Local options like chicory, barley, and lupin coffee are gaining traction as viable alternatives. Chicory, once considered outdated, is now being promoted by brands like Leroux and Ricoré (Nestlé). It has a lower carbon footprint than coffee and requires fewer chemical inputs. Barley coffee, popular in Italy and Portugal, is also becoming more common in France, offering a caffeine-free option that can be brewed similarly to traditional coffee. Lupin coffee, made from roasted seeds of a legume native to northern France and Germany, is another emerging alternative. It offers a flavor profile similar to coffee and is available from brands like Lupi Coffee and La Tribu des Kawas. Tea, while not a direct coffee substitute, is also being considered by those looking to reduce their environmental impact. According to the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe), tea has a much lower carbon footprint than coffee, emitting just 43.6 grams of CO₂ per liter compared to coffee’s significantly higher emissions. However, tea is also sourced from distant countries, and while its cultivation is less intensive than coffee, it still requires careful sourcing to minimize environmental harm.