Maybe it’s the taste, maybe it’s the smell, maybe we’re just hooked. Whatever it is, coffee is consumed by millions of people every day. As fitness folk, we don’t just drink it to get our morning going, however. Coffee has been shown to improve athletic performance by delaying fatigue, reducing perceived pain, and improving focus. It’s also used by athletes in combination with high quality fats to induce ketosis and deliver a tasty calorie packed punch on the regular. And as with any niche market, coffee brands and products arose specifically for those who train.
We found five brands of coffee that take pride in their roasts, and are either created by and/or for athletes. Many that we found are sustainably grown, fair-trade, or organic, and aim to provide the best quality beans to consumers who give a shit about what goes into their body. Take a look below and lets us know which ones you’ve tried and like – because there’s almost nothing better than a good cup of joe.
Caveman Coffee
This small batch coffee roaster was formed by MMA and Crossfit athletes Tait Fletcher, Keith Jardine, and Lacie Mackey, and is roasted in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Origin – Various (Single Origin)
Certifications – UTZ certification, Rainforest alliance protocols, Sustainable, No Pesticides, Organic
Varieties – Papua New Guinea, Ethiopian, Columbian, Brazilian, Cold Brew
Where to Buy – Website, Monthly Delivery Subscription, Various US retailers (mainly Crossfit gyms)
Bulletproof Coffee
The brand solely responsible for the butter coffee fad. Bulletproof Coffee was created by Silicon Valley entrepreneur and biohacker, Dave Asprey. His beans are strictly vetted to reduce and eliminate molds and toxins.
Origin – Guatemala (Single Origin)
Certifications – Pesticide/Herbicide Free, Organic, Third-party Tested for Quality
Varieties – Original (Light Roast), The Mentalist (Dark Roast), French Roast (Dark)
Where to Buy – Website, Monthly Delivery, Retail Locations including Bulletproof Coffee shops
Onnit Coffee
This fitness supplement brand is taking the industry by storm with its unconventional approach toward fitness. They have partnered with Caveman Coffee (above) and Kuxtal Coffee to offer two beans that are roasted in small batches in Texas.
Origin – Guatemala / Columbia (Both Single Origin)
Certifications – UTZ certification, Rainforest alliance protocols, Sustainable, No Pesticides, Organic
Varieties – Caveman Columbian Amber, Arabica Dark Roast
Where to Buy – Website, Various Gyms/Grocery Stores/Supplement Stores
Kimera Coffee
This unique label adds nootropics to their coffee which improves focus, power output, and cognition. The nootropics they use are all-natural amino acids including Alpha-GPC, Taurine, L-Theanine, and DMAE.
Origin – Dominican Republic
Certifications – N/A
Varieties – Dominican, Dark Roast (Pre-order)
Where to Buy – Website, Monthly Delivery, International Distributors
Trident Coffee
This Southern California brand was started by Navy Veterans who have a passion for cold coffee. Although they offer beans, their flagship product is cold-brewed Nitro coffee cans.
Origin – Brazil and Guatemala (Blend)
Certifications – N/A
Varieties – Whole Bean / Cold Brew Cans
Where to Buy – Website