When we started Adapt, we had one ambitious goal: to create a productivity drink that offered sustained mental performance and focus without relying on caffeine. Whilst most natural energy drinks focus on ‘healthier caffeine’, we wanted something that would help people adapt to the challenges of modern life without any crashes or dependency, whilst using natural substances that actually improve our performance. Here’s how we brought that vision to life.

Our Why

Adapt was born out of personal experience. In 2023, Christian faced burnout. Like so many others, I relied on coffee to power through long days. But the caffeine highs always came with lows—energy crashes, disrupted sleep, and a feeling of never quite being at his best. The cycle was unsustainable. I realised I wasn’t alone in this struggle; we live in a world where quick fixes like caffeine and sugar are king, but they often leave us worse off in the long run.

Together, with Michael’s neuroscience expertise and a shared desire to create a healthier alternative, we set out to design a drink that could offer lasting, meaningful support for mental performance—without the downsides.

Why We Excluded Caffeine

Caffeine is ubiquitous for a reason. It’s effective at providing a quick jolt of energy and focus. But it’s not without its drawbacks:

• Energy Crashes: Caffeine works by blocking your adenosine receptors, essentially blocking tiredness. Not removing it. After the initial spike, caffeine often leads to a sharp drop in energy levels, leaving you feeling worse than before.

• The Dependency Cycle: Regular caffeine consumption can lead to tolerance, requiring more and more to achieve the same effect. Skip a dose, and withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue kick in.

• Disrupted Sleep: Even moderate caffeine consumption can interfere with sleep quality, which in turn impacts productivity and well-being.

We wanted to break free from this cycle and offer an alternative that wouldn’t come with these downsides.

The Search for the Best Nootropics

Creating a caffeine-free productivity drink meant going back to the drawing board. We dove deep into the science of nootropics—substances that support cognitive function. Michael’s background in neuroscience was invaluable here; he guided our exploration of natural compounds that could enhance focus, memory, and mental clarity. 

After months of research, testing, and tweaking, we landed on a blend that combined three powerhouse ingredients:

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Known for its ability to support brain health and neurogenesis, Lion’s Mane helps improve focus and memory over time.

• Ginseng: A well-known adaptogen that boosts mental and physical energy while helping the body adapt to stress.

• Ashwagandha: Another adaptogen, Ashwagandha is celebrated for its ability to reduce stress and promote mental clarity, creating a balanced state of focus.

But it wasn’t just about picking the right ingredients. We also had to determine the optimal amounts. Too often, companies put in trace amouns in just for show, leading to negligible effects and the drinks not working. We meticulously calibrated our formula to ensure it delivered consistent, noticeable benefits without overloading the body.

The Challenge of Taste

Let’s face it: functional mushrooms and adaptogens don’t naturally taste great. One of our biggest challenges was creating a drink that people would genuinely enjoy sipping.

With leading food scientists, we experimented with countless flavour profiles, balancing the earthy undertones of the mushrooms with natural, refreshing notes. After testing, feedback from friends, more testing, we landed on a formula that’s both delicious and effective. It’s a drink you’ll look forward to—not just for its benefits, but for the experience itself.

A New Way to Adapt

The result of this journey is Adapt Focus, the world’s first caffeine-free productivity drink. It’s designed to help you tackle your to-do list, dive into creative projects, or stay sharp in meetings, improve mood before socialising—all without the rollercoaster of caffeine highs and lows.

We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created. But more than that, we’re excited to share it with you. Our mission is to help people adapt to the demands of modern life in a healthier, more sustainable way. Whether you’re looking to boost your focus or simply break free from the caffeine cycle, Adapt Focus is here to support you every step of the way.