Coffee And Keto: What You Need To Know

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, with over 400 billion cups consumed annually. But is it keto-compliant? The short answer is yes, but with some caveats. Black coffee is keto-friendly, containing zero calories and carbs. However, when you add syrups, sugars, and other additives, the sugar and carb content increases, which can kick you out of ketosis. So, if you're on a keto diet, stick to black coffee or use low-carb additions like nut milks, heavy cream, grass-fed butter, or sugar-free sweeteners.

Black coffee is keto-friendly

Coffee is one of the world's most popular drinks, with people consuming over 400 billion cups a year. So, it's good news for keto dieters that black coffee is keto-friendly.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. The goal is to have the body burning fat for energy, rather than carbohydrates. This means that keto dieters need to be mindful of what they eat and drink.

Black coffee is calorie-free and contains no carbohydrates. It is, therefore, an excellent drink for those on the keto diet. However, it's important to note that any sugars, syrups, or sweeteners added to coffee will add carbohydrates.

For those who like to add milk to their coffee, there are some keto-friendly options. Unsweetened nut milks, such as almond or coconut milk, are low in carbohydrates and can be added to coffee. Heavy cream is another option, providing additional fat, which is beneficial for those on the keto diet.

Black coffee is not only keto-friendly, but it also has several health benefits. Coffee is a source of antioxidants and is linked to improved cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.

So, if you're on the keto diet, you can continue to enjoy your coffee. Just be mindful of what you add to it, and black coffee can be a healthy part of your daily routine.

Heavy cream can be added to coffee on a keto diet

Coffee is a staple for many people, and the good news is that it can be enjoyed on a keto diet. The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet, and coffee fits the bill with zero calories and carbs in its traditional hot or cold brew form.

However, the additions to coffee are what can create issues for those on a keto diet. Sugar is a definite no-go, and other high-carb additives like milk and creamers are also not recommended. So, what can you add to your coffee to make it keto-friendly?

Heavy cream is a perfect addition to coffee for those on a keto diet. Heavy cream adds a delicious creamy texture to your coffee without adding any carbs. Two tablespoons of heavy cream will provide 0-2 grams of carbs, making it an ideal option. You can easily make keto coffee with heavy cream by combining hot coffee and cream in a mug and stirring in a sweetener as needed.

For an even more beneficial drink, you can also add MCT oil or coconut oil to your keto coffee with heavy cream. These healthy fats can enhance the weight loss and health benefits of the keto diet.

So, if you're on a keto diet and craving a creamy coffee, heavy cream is a great option to satisfy your taste buds and keep you full and energized throughout the morning without kicking you out of ketosis.

Grass-fed butter is a keto-friendly coffee additive

Coffee is indeed keto-friendly, but the sugars come into play when syrups and sweeteners are added. Grass-fed butter is a keto-friendly coffee additive. It is a staple ingredient in keto butter coffee, which is a delicious and frothy drink perfect for breakfast. Grass-fed butter is described as a "nutritional powerhouse of vitamins A, D, and K2". The cows that produce the milk for the butter eat a diet of grass, meaning they aren't ingesting extra ingredients in their feed such as corn or other fillers. This type of butter is a brighter, richer yellow and has a delicious taste. The most popular option for grass-fed butter is Kerrygold, an Irish-import butter that can be found in most grocery stores.

Grass-fed butter has purported health benefits, such as boosting energy, focus, and mental clarity. It is also said to suppress hunger and help with weight loss. However, more research is needed to determine the extent of these health benefits. When making keto butter coffee, simply brew a cup of coffee, add 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter, and blend. You can also add other ingredients such as coconut oil, heavy cream, or vanilla extract.

It's important to note that while keto butter coffee can be a tasty and satisfying drink, it's not a balanced way to start your day. It's high in saturated fat and calories, and it lacks important nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize a nutritious diet and include other healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish oil, to maintain a balanced keto diet.

MCT oil can be added to coffee on a keto diet

Coffee is a keto-friendly drink, but the things you add to it may not be. Sugar is strictly prohibited on a keto diet, and many artificial sweeteners contain carbs. However, you can add natural zero-carb substitutes like stevia or monk fruit extract, or a low-carb sugar alcohol like erythritol or xylitol.

MCT oil is a popular addition to coffee for those on a keto diet. MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which are quickly broken down and sent to the liver. They are usually not stored as fat because the body can use them so quickly. MCT oil is flavourless and odourless, so it won't alter the taste of your coffee. It can be purchased online and added to your coffee in the morning.

There are many benefits to adding MCT oil to your coffee, even if you're not on a keto diet. MCT oil has been linked to weight loss and fat burning, and it can also help reduce insulin resistance and inflammation. It may also help diabetics to metabolize and use glucose. MCT oil can also provide an energy boost, reduce food cravings, and improve cognitive function and mental clarity.

If you want to add MCT oil to your coffee, the traditional bulletproof coffee recipe involves brewing black coffee, then adding MCT oil and either grass-fed butter or ghee to a blender. Blend for 20-30 seconds until the coffee becomes creamy and looks like a latte. You can also use a milk frother instead of a blender.

Sugar-free sweeteners can be added to coffee on a keto diet

Coffee is keto-compliant, but it's best to avoid adding sugar to your brew. Luckily, there are plenty of sugar-free sweeteners that you can add to your coffee while on a keto diet.

Stevia

Stevia is a popular choice for a sugar substitute. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to sweeten your coffee. It is available as a powder or syrup and is carb-free and zero-calorie. Stevia is also thought to help lower blood sugar levels and is considered safe to consume.

Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that mimics the taste of sugar. It is 70-80% as sweet as sugar and has only 5% of the calories. It has a different mouthfeel to sugar, which some may find off-putting, but it is easily digestible and may help lower blood sugar levels.

Yacon Syrup

Yacon syrup is derived from the root of the Yacon plant and is another keto-friendly option. It is rich in fructooligosaccharides, which are left undigested by the body, and is about 70% as sweet as table sugar. It should not be cooked, so add it directly to your coffee.

Sucralose

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener commonly marketed as Splenda. It is not metabolized by the body and is 600 times sweeter than sugar. However, Splenda is not pure sucralose and contains other ingredients that add about 1g of carbs per packet, so it is very close to being a zero-carb option.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free candy and gum. It has about 4g of carbohydrates per teaspoon, but these are not processed by the body and do not raise blood sugar levels. It is as sweet as sugar, making it an easy substitute for keto coffee. However, it can cause bloating and digestive issues for some people.

Monk Fruit

Monk fruit is a sugar alternative that is 100-250 times sweeter than normal sugar and has zero carbs, calories, and glycemic index. It is made from dried monk fruit extract indigenous to China and Thailand and is widely used in Chinese medicine.

Other Options

There are also other sugar-free sweeteners that can be added to coffee, such as Splenda, Allulose, and Truvia.

So, if you're on a keto diet and missing your sweet coffee fix, there are plenty of sugar-free options to choose from that will allow you to stick to your diet without sacrificing taste.

Frequently asked questions