How One Woman’s Health Struggle Led to Australia’s Favourite Caffeine-Free Coffee Alternative
For many, the daily ritual of coffee is an essential part of life, a comforting act that marks the beginning of each day. But for Sila Gatti, founder of Not Coffee, that sacred morning moment became a symbol of loss and necessity, a shift from something cherished to something she had to forgo due to health reasons.
Diagnosed with Graves’ disease, a form of hyperthyroidism, Sila faced the difficult decision of either giving up coffee forever or risking further harm to her health. The decision wasn’t easy. Coffee wasn’t just a beverage for Sila; it was a ritual she cherished, a constant in her busy life. Yet, as the disease threatened her well-being, Sila’s health journey led her to create Not Coffee, a caffeine-free alternative designed to help maintain the comforting ritual of enjoying coffee without compromising her health.
The Turning Point: A Health Challenge Inspires a New Vision
Sila’s story began much like anyone else’s, a love for coffee fueled by the routine of early mornings and energizing sips. However, everything changed when she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease. The condition, which causes an overactive thyroid, brought with it a range of health challenges. Faced with limited options for managing the disease, Sila found herself balancing the need for healing with her desire to maintain her beloved coffee ritual.
“I was faced with the reality of giving up coffee,” says Sila. “Not just because I wanted to, but because my body needed it. I chose to pursue a more holistic approach, as I felt it aligned better with my personal values.”
The lifestyle changes recommended by her holistic practitioner included eliminating caffeine, including decaffeinated options, as part of a broader health regimen. While the withdrawal from coffee was tough, it wasn’t just about giving up caffeine; it was the ritual that Sila missed. “My mornings revolved around coffee; it was a bonding time for me,” says Sila. Although she adjusted to life without caffeine, she longed for something to replace the comforting experience of making and sharing coffee.
Crafting a Solution: From Challenge to Innovation
Frustration soon led to innovation. Unable to find an alternative that met her needs, without stimulants or additives, Sila envisioned a product that could replicate the coffee experience while supporting her health. Thus, the idea for Not Coffee was born.
Determined to bring her vision to life, Sila embarked on a journey of research and experimentation. She tested various herbal ingredients, refining the taste and texture to closely mimic the experience of drinking coffee. “I wanted to create a product that didn’t just taste similar to coffee, but felt like coffee, a beverage that would help people reconnect with their daily ritual,” says Sila.
The result? A rich, herbal blend made from chicory root and organic carob, a caffeine-free alternative designed to resemble the taste and ritual of traditional coffee. Not Coffee is not just a coffee substitute; it’s a holistic approach to enjoyment with ingredients like antioxidants and prebiotics that support a balanced lifestyle.
A Growing Movement: From Kitchen Experiment to Nationwide Success
Launched in 2021, Not Coffee quickly gained popularity among those who, like Sila, needed to give up their morning coffee due to health reasons or lifestyle choices. The brand met a growing demand for a true coffee alternative that didn’t rely on artificial ingredients or added stimulants.
“I didn’t just create a product; I created something that allows people like me to still experience the comfort and ritual of coffee without compromising their health,” says Sila. This unique approach resonated with consumers, and the brand grew from a personal project to a nationwide success.
Not Coffee is now sold in over 150 retail locations across Australia, including health food stores like Go Vita. In 2025, Not Coffee was named a finalist in the Go Vita Fresh Finds Awards, a testament to the brand’s rapid growth and customer loyalty. Not Coffee also won the 2025 Naturally Good Pitch Fest Award.
What Sets Not Coffee Apart?
There are numerous coffee alternatives on the market, such as herbal teas, cacao, matcha, and mushroom blends, but Not Coffee stands out because it is specifically crafted for coffee lovers. Unlike decaffeinated coffee or other herbal options, Not Coffee is entirely caffeine-free and stimulant-free, designed to replicate the coffee experience without the negative side effects.
“Every time a customer tells me that Not Coffee has helped them enjoy their mornings again, I’m reminded why I started this journey,” says Sila. The brand offers an experience missing from other coffee alternatives: a true replacement for the ritual and comfort of coffee without the health risks associated with caffeine.
Not Coffee’s herbal ingredients like chicory root are naturally rich in antioxidants, providing a nourishing beverage that satisfies without the acidity, bitterness, or caffeine crash of traditional coffee.
The Power of Community: Testimonials and Success Stories
Sila has found the most rewarding part of her journey to be hearing from customers whose lives have been positively impacted by Not Coffee. Many share stories of how they’ve reclaimed their morning ritual, whether due to health challenges like Sila’s or a desire to reduce their caffeine intake.
One customer shared, “Not Coffee has been a game changer for me. I was forced to give up coffee because of my thyroid condition, and it was heartbreaking. But now, I can still enjoy my morning ritual, knowing that it’s not harming my body.”
For Sila, these testimonials serve as a reminder of the mission behind Not Coffee: “Not Coffee was born out of necessity. Giving up coffee was the hardest part of my health journey, but it’s also the reason Not Coffee exists today.”
Join the Movement: Experience the Comfort of Coffee, Without the Caffeine
Not Coffee has proven that you don’t have to give up what you love to improve your health. It’s a true alternative to coffee, one that allows you to maintain your cherished morning ritual without the risks associated with caffeine and stimulants. Whether you’re dealing with a health condition or simply want a more balanced lifestyle, Not Coffee offers a comforting, nourishing solution.
Ready to explore how you can bring the joy of coffee back into your life? Visit Not Coffee today and discover a healthier alternative to your morning ritual.
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Not Coffee is a caffeine-free coffee alternative created for people who love the ritual of coffee but can no longer drink it due to health reasons or lifestyle choices.
