Bulletproof Coffee: How Much While On Keto?

Bulletproof coffee, also known as keto butter coffee, is a popular drink among those on the keto diet. It is made by blending black coffee or espresso with grass-fed butter and MCT oil to form a frothy, creamy coffee with lots of healthy fats to keep you full until your next meal. The fats in this keto coffee recipe are easily absorbed and transported throughout the body to be used as instant energy. The drink is intended to replace a carb-heavy breakfast, and while it's filling and gives you more energy, there's no evidence it is a healthy meal replacement. It's best consumed in moderation.

What is bulletproof coffee?

Bulletproof coffee, also known as butter coffee or keto coffee, is a high-calorie caffeinated drink made with added fat. It is intended to fuel your day by replacing carb-heavy breakfasts. It was created by the originator of the Bulletproof Diet, Dave Asprey, an American entrepreneur and author. The drink has become popular with low-carb and keto diet followers.

Bulletproof coffee combines coffee, made from high-quality beans with unsalted butter, and a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), such as that derived from coconut oil. The ingredients are blended together, served warm, and take on the look of a creamy latte.

The originator of bulletproof coffee claims that a cup provides the fuel to start your day while offering a low-carb alternative to the carb-laden breakfasts that most of us are accustomed to. It is these carb-rich cereals and pastries that tend to disrupt blood sugar levels and leave us craving another sugar 'fix' by mid-morning.

Bulletproof coffee is a blend of high-quality coffee, MCT oil, and grass-fed ghee (or butter) that offers sustained energy, increased satiety, and cognitive function support. The key ingredients in this keto coffee drink are MCT oil and grass-fed ghee (or butter). MCT oil can offer a readily available source of energy for your body and brain. Grass-fed ghee or butter adds a rich, creamy texture and contributes to the taste profile of the drink.

Bulletproof coffee is a high-fat coffee drink intended as a breakfast replacement. It's popular among people who follow a ketogenic diet. While it's filling and energy-boosting, it comes with several potential downsides, including reduced overall nutrient intake, increased cholesterol, and high levels of saturated fat.

How to make bulletproof coffee

Bulletproof coffee, also known as keto butter coffee, is a creamy coffee drink filled with healthy fats. It is made using grass-fed butter, MCT oil, and black coffee. The fats in this keto coffee recipe are easily absorbed and transported throughout the body to be used as instant energy.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of freshly brewed black coffee or espresso
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted, grass-fed butter
• 1 tablespoon of MCT oil or coconut oil
• Optional: sweetener of choice, such as stevia or sugar-free syrup

Method:

Brew your coffee using your preferred method. If you are using a blender, pour the coffee into the blender. If you are using a handheld frother, pour it into your mug.

Add the butter and MCT oil. You can also add a sweetener of your choice at this stage if you prefer your coffee sweet.

Blend or froth the mixture until a frothy head forms. If using a blender, blend for about 20-30 seconds until it looks like a creamy latte. If using a handheld frother, froth until the mixture is combined and creamy.

Serve immediately and enjoy! Bulletproof coffee is best enjoyed while it is still hot, as the butter will solidify as it cools.

Tips:

• If you are new to MCT oil, start with a smaller amount (such as 1 teaspoon) and gradually increase the amount over several days.
• You can adjust the amount of butter and MCT oil to suit your taste preferences. Some people prefer to use salted butter, while others prefer unsalted.
• If you don't have a blender, you can use a milk frother or an immersion blender to mix the ingredients.
• For a colder version, use ghee instead of butter, and pour the blended coffee over ice.
• To make bulletproof tea, simply swap the coffee for tea.

Variations:

Bulletproof coffee can be customised with various add-ins to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Keto Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or any other keto-friendly milk to lighten the amount of pure fat in the coffee.
• Collagen: Add a scoop of collagen powder to boost your protein intake.
• Keto Coffee Syrup: Use a sugar-free coffee syrup in hazelnut or vanilla flavour for a touch of sweetness without the carbs.
• Spices: Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, or salt to your coffee.
• Toppings: For a coffee shop-style treat, top your bulletproof coffee with keto whipped cream, sugar-free caramel sauce, or sugar-free chocolate syrup.

Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee:

• Energy: The healthy fats from the MCT oil provide immediate energy that is quickly metabolised. The combination of caffeine and healthy fats gives a longer-lasting energy boost compared to coffee alone.
• Weight Loss and Appetite Control: MCT oils have been associated with increased hormones that reduce appetite and decreased fat accumulation.
• Brain Function: MCT oils and butter are metabolised into ketones, which can be used as fuel for the brain by those following a ketogenic diet.
• Reduced Inflammation: Grass-fed butter is higher in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K2, which may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Precautions:

• Nutrient Intake: Bulletproof coffee is intended to replace a meal, typically breakfast. However, it is lacking in several nutrients, so it is important to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition from your other meals.
• High in Saturated Fat: Bulletproof coffee is high in saturated fat, which may be a concern for those with high cholesterol or heart disease risk factors. It is recommended to consume it in moderation and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
• Cholesterol Levels: Butter may increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, so it is important to monitor your cholesterol levels if you consume bulletproof coffee regularly.

Overall, bulletproof coffee can be a delicious and satisfying addition to a well-balanced, keto-friendly diet. It provides sustained energy and can help with weight management and cognitive function. However, it is important to consume it as part of a balanced diet and monitor your overall nutrient intake and cholesterol levels.

The benefits of bulletproof coffee

Bulletproof coffee is a high-fat, low-toxin coffee drink that can be used as a meal replacement. It is made by blending coffee with grass-fed butter and either MCT oil or coconut oil. Here are some of the benefits of bulletproof coffee:

Sustained Energy

The combination of caffeine and healthy fats in bulletproof coffee provides a longer-lasting energy boost than coffee alone. The fats from the butter are metabolized more slowly, providing a steadier source of energy throughout the day without the dreaded energy crashes.

Weight Loss and Appetite Control

Bulletproof coffee can aid in weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite. Some studies have shown that MCT oils increase hormones that reduce appetite and decrease fat accumulation. The healthy fats in bulletproof coffee can also help manage hunger and appetite, making it a great option for those practising intermittent fasting.

Brain Function

MCT oils and butter are metabolized into ketones, which can be used as fuel for the brain by those following a ketogenic diet. The MCTs in bulletproof coffee have been shown to help reach ketosis more quickly and support good ketone levels.

Reduced Inflammation

Grass-fed butter is naturally high in anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids. It also contains butyrate, a powerful cellular-protective ingredient that has beneficial effects on cells within breast tissue.

Convenience and Taste

Bulletproof coffee is a convenient and tasty way to get your daily dose of healthy fats. It has a rich, creamy texture and can be easily customized with different flavours and toppings to suit your taste preferences.

What to add to bulletproof coffee

Bulletproof coffee is a blend of high-quality coffee, MCT oil, and grass-fed ghee (or butter). It offers sustained energy, increased satiety, and cognitive function support. The MCT oil and butter can be replaced with other fats such as coconut oil, cacao butter, or egg yolks.

• Collagen protein: A great source of the amino acid glycine, which provides the building blocks for healthy skin, bones, and joints.
• Vanilla: Adds a great flavor and has been historically used as a cognitive enhancer.
• Cayenne: Works synergistically with MCTs for thermogenesis.
• Blueberry Powder: High in polyphenols and has a high ORAC score; also raises brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps brain function.
• Bilberry powder: Can reduce eyestrain and support overall eye health.
• High-quality chocolate powder: Makes your bulletproof coffee a polyphenol-rich mocha.
• Vitamin K2: A heat-stable addition that doesn't change the coffee flavor.
• Maca: Also known as Peruvian Ginseng, maca is an endocrine adaptogen that can help balance hormones and is high in vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
• Cinnamon: In rodent studies, cinnamon has been shown to lower blood glucose levels. Ceylon cinnamon is a better choice than the cassia variety, which may expose you to a toxic compound called coumarin.

You can also add sweeteners like stevia or sugar-free coffee syrups, and use nut milks such as almond or coconut milk.

Dairy-free bulletproof coffee options

Bulletproof coffee is a high-calorie drink intended to replace a carb-heavy breakfast. It is made using grass-fed butter, MCT oil, and black coffee. While it is filling and gives you more energy, it is not advisable to make it a routine as it is lacking in several nutrients.

• Dairy-Free Boosted Keto Coffee: This recipe uses dark roast coffee, butter-flavored coconut oil, MCT oil powder, liquid collagen, monk fruit-sweetened caramel syrup or vanilla syrup, and a splash of coconut or almond milk.
• Keto Bulletproof Coffee: This recipe uses freshly brewed black coffee or espresso, unsalted grass-fed butter, and MCT oil or coconut oil. You can also add in some stevia or other sweeteners, sugar-free coffee syrups, or nut milks like almond or coconut milk.
• Dairy-Free Bulletproof Coffee: This recipe is from the book, "The Keto Beginning" by Leanne Vogel. It includes brewed coffee, MCT oil, unsweetened coconut milk, vanilla powder, and liquid stevia.
• Paleo & Keto Bulletproof Coffee Creamer: This recipe is for a creamer that can be added to iced coffee. It includes heavy whipping cream, water or unsweetened almond milk, a sweetener like Swerve or xylitol, and vanilla extract. There is also a coconut milk version that uses full-fat coconut milk.

Frequently asked questions