What Is Functional Coffee? Discover the Brew That Does More

There’s something sacred about your morning coffee. Whether you're watching the sun rise over the Rockies or prepping for a long day at the desk, that first sip grounds you. But what if your coffee could do more than just wake you up?

Welcome to the world of functional coffee—where your daily brew isn’t just about caffeine, but about supporting your body, mind, and daily well-being. At Sträva, we believe your coffee should work as hard as you do, especially when you’re chasing your next adventure or striving for better balance.

So, what exactly is functional coffee—and should you be drinking it? Let’s dive in.

Functional Coffee, Defined

Functional coffee is coffee that’s been infused with ingredients intended to provide added health benefits, beyond just caffeine. It’s made for people who want more from their cup—more calm, more focus, more resilience, or even better immunity.

These ingredients might include:

• CBD for stress support and balance
  
  
• Functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Chaga, or Reishi
  
  
• Adaptogens herbs that help regulate the body’s stress response
  
  
• Nootropics compounds that support cognitive function
  
  
• MCT oil, collagen, or vitamins for targeted wellness benefits
  
  

At its core, functional coffee is intentional coffee. It’s designed to match your goals—whether that’s a peaceful mind, sharp focus, or a strong immune system.

What Makes Coffee “Functional”?

What sets functional coffee apart isn’t the beans—it’s what’s infused into them.

At Sträva, we start with ethically sourced, specialty-grade beans and roast them in small batches right here in Colorado. Then we infuse them with broad-spectrum CBD, known for its ability to promote calm, reduce stress, and smooth out caffeine’s rough edges.

Other brands may add mushroom extracts, adaptogens like ashwagandha, or other plant-powered boosters. The goal? To turn coffee into a functional wellness tool—not just a pick-me-up.

Key Benefits of Functional Coffee

Depending on what it’s infused with, functional coffee can support a range of wellness goals. Here are some common benefits:

1. Calm Energy

Unlike traditional coffee, functional coffee (especially CBD-infused) helps you stay focused without the jitters, crash, or anxiety.

2. Improved Focus & Mental Clarity

Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and nootropics are often used to enhance brain function, making functional coffee ideal for work, study, or creativity.

3. Immune Support

Mushrooms like Chaga and Reishi contain beta-glucans and antioxidants that help bolster your immune system naturally.

4. Stress Management

Adaptogens and CBD support your body’s stress response, helping you feel more grounded and less reactive to life’s curveballs.

 Trail Tip: Whether you're navigating a tough hike or a stressful work week, functional coffee is brewed to help you feel strong, centered, and steady.

Functional Coffee vs. Regular Coffee

 

Want a deeper comparison? Check out our post on Functional Coffee vs. Regular Coffee.

Common Functional Coffee Ingredients

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular functional additives you’ll find in modern wellness brews:

💧 CBD (Cannabidiol)

• Non-psychoactive compound from hemp
  
  
• Promotes calm, balance, and inflammation relief
  
  
• Smooths out the caffeine buzz
  
  
• Learn more: What is CBD Coffee?
  
  

🍄 Functional Mushrooms (Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi)

• Support cognition, immune health, and resilience
  
  
• Often used in earthy, bold brews
  
  
• See our breakdown: CBD Coffee vs. Mushroom Coffee
  
  

🌿 Adaptogens (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola)

• Help balance cortisol and improve the body’s stress response
  
  
• Often used to support mood, endurance, and recovery
  
  

🧠 Nootropics (L-Theanine, Alpha-GPC)

• Enhance memory, focus, and learning
  
  
• Often combined with caffeine for clean, jitter-free energy
  
  

Who Should Try Functional Coffee?

Functional coffee is great for anyone who wants to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
  
  
• Enhance focus and productivity
  
  
• Avoid caffeine crashes
  
  
• Build a more balanced wellness routine
  
  
• Explore natural alternatives to traditional supplements
  
  

It’s especially popular among:

• Remote workers & entrepreneurs
  
  
• Athletes and fitness enthusiasts
  
  
• Wellness seekers and biohackers
  
  
• Outdoor lovers and mindful adventurers

How to Choose the Right Functional Coffee

Not all functional coffee is created equal. Here’s what to look for:

✅ Clean, high-quality beans
✅ Clearly labeled functional ingredients
✅ Transparent sourcing & testing
✅ Brew method compatibility (ground, whole bean, pods, etc.)
✅ Flavor profile that suits your taste

Sträva Philosophy: We infuse our coffee with high-quality, broad-spectrum CBD—no artificial additives, no shortcuts. Just clean, calming energy for everyday adventuring.

Final Thoughts: Brew Better, Live Better

At the end of the day, functional coffee is all about intentional living—starting your day with a ritual that fuels your focus, calms your nerves, and supports your wellness goals.

At Sträva Craft Coffee, we’ve been brewing functional coffee since 2015. Our CBD-infused blends offer the same premium flavor you love, enhanced with calming, feel-good benefits. You can learn more about the Benefits of CBD coffee in our blog here.

Whether you’re hitting the trail or heading into back-to-back Zoom calls, functional coffee helps you rise to the occasion—with a little more balance and a lot more intention.