Don’t get me wrong, fam, few things compare to a big ol’ cuppa coffee. But after drinking too many servings during an intense work sesh, it can leave me feeling a little too angsty for my own good. *Cue the dreaded coffee-induced jitters.* Big sigh.

Yet, I’ll admit, having at least some sort of caffeine running through my veins is non-negotiable if I want to get through the day with a smile on my face. Usually, a cup of antioxidant-rich green tea will do the trick; but on sluggish days, reinforcements are a must—and by that, I mean higher doses of caffeine. So lately, when I need a little extra oomph (but not too much oomph) to put that pep in my step, I’ve found myself reaching for Four Sigmatic’s Focus Organic Coffee ($48) made with half the caffeine as a regular cup of coffee. The catch? Unlike a regular cup of joe, this product has a few additional ingredients that make all the difference in sustaining my (jitter-free) energy all day long.

Four Sigmatic, Focus Organic Coffee — $48.00

Key ingredients: Arabica coffee, chaga, lion’s mane, ashwagandha

Available for one-time purchase starting at $48 or subscriptions starting at $39.

Pros:

• Boosts energy with about half the caffeine of normal coffee
• Blended with focus-supporting adaptogens, like ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and chaga
• Doesn’t cause jitters
• USDA organic
• Gluten-free, sugar-free, and keto-friendly

Cons: 

• Pricey

So, what’s in Four Sigmatic coffee? 

Inside Four Sigmatic Focus Organic Coffee you’ll find much more than just high-quality coffee. In fact, each cup is composed of the brand’s special blend of “focus-enhancing” mushrooms, adaptogens, and organic Arabica coffee. More specifically, per a two-teaspoon serving, there are 500 milligrams of chaga (an antioxidant-rich mushroom),500 milligrams of lion’s mane (a type of mushroom with adaptogenic properties), 250 milligrams of rhodiola (an adaptogenic herb), 125 milligrams of ashwagandha (a medicinal herb), and 125 milligrams of mucuna (a plant often used in Ayurvedic practices). Plus, there’s organic yacón juice powder, an ingredient derived from the tuberous roots of a yacón plant, which is often used as a sugar alternative. Four Sigmatic coffee is also gluten-free, dairy-free, has no added sugar, and is USDA Certified Organic.

How much caffeine does this half-caff coffee product contain?

According to Four Sigmatic, this product is intended to give you energy with half the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee. For context, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that a standard eight-ounce cup of coffee has anywhere between 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine. (While an eight-ounce serving of energy drinks and green or black tea, can range from 40-250 milligrams and 30-50 milligrams, respectively.) Four Sigmatic’s coffee, on the other hand, has 65 milligrams of caffeine. That’s to say, like in true Goldilocks fashion, it’s not too much, or too little; rather, it’s juuust the right amount of caffeine for most occasions.

In addition to an ideal amount of caffeine, this coffee product is also said to promote “enhanced mental focus” and “long-term positive mood.” However, it’s important to note that since this product is considered a supplement, the statements have not been evaluated by the FDA,” and as such the “product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.” Remember: “There are no provisions in the law for FDA to approve dietary supplements for safety before they reach the consumer.”

I swapped my regular coffee with Four Sigmatic coffee—here’s what happened

As I previously stated, I sure love coffee. But sometimes, a fully caffeinated cup of it can send me spiraling into an uncomfortable jittery state for hours, which is obviously far from ideal. Although decaf coffee is a great option or even a cup of tea, sometimes I just find myself needing a little more. That’s where Four Sigmatic coffee comes into play, and has been a true lifesaver when I want something soul-soothing and relaxing to sip on as I type away.

For starters, I love how fuss-free this product is. It comes in a very convenient, resealable bag that’s easy to carry around wherever I go (and contains 30 servings per container). This also means that I don’t have to worry about my delicate coffee beans oxidizing or turning bitter, as this extremely shelf-stable product doesn’t expire quickly. Another perk? You can make a cup of coffee in an instant—literally, it’s instant coffee. Simply stir two teaspoons in eight ounces of hot water, and done. The powder dissolves nearly immediately and leaves behind no traces or unpalatable clumps as you sip away. In truth, the mouthfeel is very pleasant and extremely smooth.

In terms of flavor, this medium roast Arabica coffee product has notes of caramel, and if I’m being honest, a little goes a long way. Although the aroma—which has an earthy, sweet smell reminiscent of bone broth and soy sauce—is rather strong, its taste is much more subdued. And unlike some other instant coffee products I’ve tried in the past, this one is much less acidic and I’ve found it to be much easier on my digestion.

However, what I enjoy most about this product is the sense of calm yet focused feeling I get every time I drink it. For me, once I hit that overly caffeinated state with regular coffee, all bets are off, and regaining my concentration is nearly impossible. That said, I never seem to fall into this trap with this product (perhaps the blend of adaptogens is at play, or the lower caffeine content… or both?). Although there’s (almost) always room for my beloved highly-caffeinated dirty chai tea lattes, Four Sigmatic’s half-caff coffee hits the spot much better when more caffeine simply isn’t the solution.

A registered dietitian explains the benefits of adaptogens and ashwagandha: