Domestic Substitutes

Continuing with the narrative of stratified consumer society, there is an examination of discourses about the use of coffee substitutes with a focus on domestic replacements derived from cereal grain crops—rye, barley, wheat, and oats—as well as domestic fruits, vegetables, and wild plants. In this context, the prevailing national conversation about cereal grain coffee substitutes is that they are a healthy and patriotic alternative. For example, coffee substitutes made from rye were recommended for poor women who worked outdoors and lacked proper meals because they were said to be more nutritious. Another thing discussed here is that cereal coffees were used as substitutes for alcohol in the days of the temperance movement. These debates show something of the social class and gender differentiation of consumers at the time.