|October 16, 2024

Enhanced Coffee: What is it and Why Should I Drink it?

By Stepfanie Romine
Reviewed by Theresa Greenwell for Scientific Accuracy on 10/17/2023

Enhanced Coffee: What is it and Why Should I Drink it?

  • Enhanced coffee blends incorporate nootropics, adaptogens and functional mushrooms.
  • Unlike traditional coffee, enhanced coffee offers options that support various health goals, from gut health and metabolism to skin and joint care.
  • With functional ingredients built into many blends, enhanced coffee is simple to brew and seamlessly fits into your busy lifestyle while promoting long-term well-being.

Imagine starting your day with a cup of coffee that wakes you up, supports your mental clarity, and helps manage stress. Enhanced coffee, or functional coffee, is becoming a go-to for people who want more out of their daily routine. If you’re juggling work, school or family, but still trying to stay healthy, enhanced coffee might be a great drink to add to your wellness stack. It’s not just about getting your caffeine fix anymore. Now, your coffee can help boost your focus, energy and even your immune system.

Enhanced coffee lets you enjoy the ritual you love—just with a little extra. It’s like upgrading your morning cup to fuel your body and overall well-being without any extra effort.

Now, let’s examine some of the specific benefits and ingredients that make enhanced coffee so appealing.

What is Enhanced Coffee?

Bulletproof - Lion's Mane

Enhanced coffee is a blend of traditional coffee with added ingredients that boost its nutritional value. While it starts with the same base as regular coffee, enhanced coffee is infused with vitamins, minerals, adaptogens and other superfoods. These ingredients are carefully selected to target specific health benefits, such as improved focus, stress management or immune support. This allows you to enjoy your coffee while simultaneously working towards your wellness goals.

What sets enhanced coffee apart from regular coffee is its purpose. While regular coffee provides energy from caffeine,[1] enhanced coffee goes a step further by addressing other aspects of health. You already know and love regular coffee for its rich flavor and ability to help you power through the day, but enhanced coffee upgrades that experience with added nutrients. Enhanced coffee gives you the best of both worlds: the comforting taste of coffee, plus extra support for your mind and body.

Coffee enhancers are what make these additional benefits possible. Whether it’s adaptogens like lion’s mane for cognitive support[2] or MCT oil for energy support, ? these ingredients transform a simple cup of coffee into a functional beverage. By combining natural compounds, enhanced coffee supports your health in ways traditional coffee simply can’t. Let’s take a closer look at a few enhanced coffee blends that offer specific benefits for your health.

Product Highlights

Finding an enhanced coffee that aligns with your personal health goals is essential when choosing the proper one. Here are a few enhanced coffee options.

The High Achiever

If you focus on staying sharp and energized throughout the day, try The High Achiever. It contains B Vitamins,[3] functional mushrooms[4] and Coffeeberry[5] to boost cognitive performance and energy levels, making it perfect for staying focused during a busy workday or tackling mentally demanding tasks. With added MCT oil and vitamins, this option supports mental clarity and provides energy support, so you avoid the mid-afternoon crash.

The Maximizer

If you’re more concerned with gut health and metabolism, The Maximizer could be for you. It’s formulated with ingredients like slippery elm bark and prebiotics to support digestion and your body’s metabolic processes. It’s ideal for supporting digestive health while maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day.

Coffee + Collagen Pods

If you’re looking to support your skin, hair and joints, check out Coffee + Collagen Pods. Collagen is known for promoting skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles and supporting joint health,[6] so adding it to your coffee makes for a simple way to care for your body. Integrating a beauty and wellness boost into your daily coffee habit is a great option.

Keto Coffee Pods

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet the Keto Coffee Pods can help fuel your morning and stay on track with your macro intake. They’re packed with high-quality fats, including MCT oil, to keep you energized and focused while staying in ketosis. These pods are an excellent option if you’re looking for a coffee that fits seamlessly into your keto lifestyle for sustained energy without the carb load.

Carefully selected ingredients power these enhanced coffee blends, targeting specific health benefits. Exploring the key functional ingredients that make them so effective can help you better understand how these options work.

Functional Ingredients in Enhanced Coffee

Enhanced coffee often incorporates a variety of functional ingredients designed to elevate mental and physical well-being. Learn about commonly used additions, each offering unique health benefits.

Nootropics

Nootropics are natural or synthetic substances that enhance cognitive function.[7] You may have heard of them as “brain boosters.” These ingredients help support memory, focus and mental clarity. Popular nootropics found in enhanced coffee include L-theanine and ginseng. L-theanine, often paired with caffeine, helps reduce anxiety and jitters while maintaining focus.[8] Ginseng is known for boosting energy and mental performance,[9] making it ideal for staying sharp throughout the day.

Adaptogens

ashwagandha root, powder and pills

Adaptogens are natural herbs and plants that help the body adapt to stress and how it affects the body.[10] These ingredients promote relaxation and support resilience against physical or emotional stress. Common adaptogens in enhanced coffee include ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea. Ashwagandha helps with stress and sleep quality,[11] while Rhodiola rosea may support stamina and fight fatigue.[12] Both work to keep you in control , even during high-pressure situations.

Functional Mushrooms

various mushrooms

Functional mushrooms are gaining popularity for their wide-ranging health benefits. Certain mushrooms may support cognitive function and nerve health,[13] making them ideal for brain performance. Some functional mushrooms contain antioxidants that may support the immune system.[14] Others are known for helping with stress and sleep.[15] Together, these mushrooms offer a powerful way to enhance both mental and physical wellness just by sipping your morning coffee.

Caffeine Content

When comparing caffeine levels in enhanced coffee to regular coffee, the amount of caffeine is often similar, but the overall effects can feel different. In most cases, enhanced coffee contains a standard amount of caffeine, typically around 80-100 mg per serving,[16] which is comparable to regular coffee. However, the added functional ingredients like MCT oil, nootropics or adaptogens can influence how your body processes and responds to caffeine. For example, ingredients like L-theanine help smooth out the energy boost from caffeine,[17] reducing the jitters and crashes often associated with regular coffee. This can create a more balanced and sustained energy experience, even with similar caffeine levels.

Some enhanced coffee blends, however, are formulated with higher caffeine content for those who need an extra energy boost. These high-caffeine options are ideal if you want to power through an intense gym workout, a grueling workday or demanding study sessions. By providing more caffeine, combined with functional ingredients like nootropics to support focus, these blends enhance mental and physical performance for extended periods. This makes them popular for athletes, professionals, or students who need heightened alertness and stamina.

Some enhanced coffees do offer lower-caffeine or even caffeine-free options. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or looking to cut back, this enhanced coffee type could be best for you. Additionally, specific blends focus on providing energy through alternative sources, such as adaptogens or healthy fats, which can enhance alertness without extra caffeine. This allows you to choose a coffee that fits your energy needs without relying solely on caffeine to stay productive or focused throughout the day.

Bulletproof - The High Achiever - Coffee Pods

Enhanced Coffee FAQs

What is the Best Coffee Additive for Weight Management

When it comes to weight management , certain coffee additives can enhance the effectiveness of your coffee while supporting your goals. One of the most popular options is MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides). MCT oil supports fat burning[18] and may help increase energy expenditure.[19] By adding MCT oil to your coffee, you boost its nutritional profile and help your body transition to using fat as a primary fuel source, if you’re following a keto diet. Another effective additive is collagen which can support muscle health and metabolism,[20] helping you feel fuller for longer and potentially reducing cravings.

Which Coffee is Best for Health?

The best coffee for health largely depends on your needs and preferences. However, enhanced coffee blends with functional ingredients such as antioxidants, adaptogens and nootropics often provide a superior health profile to regular coffee. High-quality, organic beans combined with beneficial additives can support cognitive function, offer stress support and promote overall well-being. Additionally, selecting a dark roast coffee rich in antioxidants, can provide extra health benefits by combating oxidative stress in the body.[21]

How Should I Brew Enhanced Coffee?

Brewing enhanced coffee is simple and just like making regular coffee. Many enhanced coffees are available in pods or pre-ground beans with ingredients like MCT oil, collagen, or adaptogens already included, so you brew as usual—no extra steps required. If you prefer to add powdered ingredients yourself, like MCT oil or collagen, blending them with hot coffee in a blender can help create a smooth, creamy texture. For ready-made pods, simply follow the manufacturer’s brewing instructions, making it just as convenient as your regular morning cup.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Enhanced Coffee

While enhanced coffee can provide numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects. Ingredients like MCT oil can cause digestive upset,[22] especially if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, the combination of caffeine with certain nootropics or adaptogens may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you’re sensitive to stimulants. Starting with small amounts to assess your tolerance is always a good idea. If you’re considering significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, consult a healthcare provider first.

Final Thoughts on Enhanced Coffee

Drinking enhanced coffee is an easy way to improve your daily routine. By incorporating functional ingredients such as MCT oil, adaptogens and nootropics, enhanced coffee can help support energy, cognitive function and overall wellness. Whether you are looking to enhance focus during demanding work hours, promote gut health or support skin and joint health, there is an enhanced coffee blend designed with you in mind.

Transitioning to enhanced coffee not only elevates your morning ritual but also serves as an investment in a healthier lifestyle. The convenience of functional ingredients makes it easier to prioritize well-being, helping to manage stress, boost metabolism and enhance mental clarity. By incorporating enhanced coffee into your routine, you’re taking a small yet impactful step toward aligning your daily habits with your health goals. With its wide range of benefits and easy prep, it’s a simple change that can make a meaningful difference in your everyday performance.

Join the Bulletproof Revolution

Sign up for early access to sales, product launches, the latest Bulletproof news and more!