Reimagining Coffee: Caroline MacDougall on Following intuition, innovating health with wild herbs, and the Birth of Teeccino

For today’s conversation, Stacy sits down with Caroline MacDougall, founder and CEO of Teeccino, the original natural coffee alternative.

Caroline MacDougall is a world-renowned herbal tea expert and serial entrepreneur whose career began in the early 1970s through a deep passion for herbs. With a unique blend of entrepreneurial instinct and global curiosity, she traveled extensively to help build the supply chains for one of the first American herbal tea companies, Celestial Seasonings. Over the years, she has developed more than 100 herbal products for leading tea brands.

Her time living at the Findhorn Community in Scotland deeply influenced her philosophy, grounding her in principles of working in cooperation with nature. This perspective continues to shape her approach to business, product development, and sustainability. The inspiration for Teeccino, her line of caffeine-free herbal coffees and teas, came to her in a dream while she was engaged in rainforest preservation work in Central America, bringing together her passion for herbs, ecology, and innovation.

In this episode, Caroline shares the personal journey that led her to reimagine the coffee experience, including her own relationship with caffeine and the desire to create a healthier alternative without losing the ritual so many people cherish. She offers insight into the process of developing an entirely new category of beverage, the challenges of introducing it into a deeply rooted coffee culture, and what it takes to gradually shift consumer habits.

The conversation also explores how her background in herbalism informs her perspective on ingredients, sourcing, and the role plants can play in supporting everyday wellness. Caroline reflects on the evolving landscape of health, sustainability, and climate challenges, and how her mission to bring the benefits of herbs to everyone’s cup remains as relevant as ever.

Join us for a conversation on innovation, resilience, and building a business guided by purpose and a deep connection to nature.

You can keep up with Caroline and Teeccino through her company's Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

For more information on our podcast, upcoming events, projects, and more go to our website and follow us on Instagram @stacypulice