Since coffee consumption and functional beverages continue to thrive, it only seems natural for someone to try incorporating cognitive-enhancing ingredients. Caffeine’s stimulant qualities make it popular with many individuals looking to increase their productivity or mental clarity, though its effects can sometimes cause unwanted jitters and crashes in some people.

Nootropics, on the other hand, are substances which may enhance cognitive abilities without producing side effects such as these. While certain nootropics have been linked to mood disorders, most are considered safe and effective when taken at recommended dosage levels for most healthy adults. Many manufacturers have begun adding nootropic compounds into coffee in an attempt to tap into this market for functional beverages that claim to improve concentration, focus and memory.

Nootropic coffees have become an increasingly popular trend worldwide, from Bulletproof coffee made with butter to turmeric lattes or the new trend of Lion’s Mane lattes. Though some may offer potential health benefits, limited research supports their cognitive-enhancing properties.

Nootropic coffees that offer real results require ingredients with scientific backing, rather than promises of quick fixes or dramatic cognitive enhancements. Look for one containing citicoline (and its patented form Cognizin), which has been shown to promote production of phospholipids in the brain and hence enhance delivery of essential nutrients into it.