Coffee is a staple in many people's diets, but can you still enjoy a cup of joe while on a keto diet? The good news is that coffee is keto-friendly, with zero calories and zero grams of carbs per cup. However, it's what you add to your coffee that can make or break its keto compliance. Black coffee is the easiest way to stay in ketosis, but if you need a little extra something in your cup, there are a few keto-friendly add-ins you can choose from.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 0g |
Calories | 0g |
Additions | Heavy cream, grass-fed butter, sugar-free sweeteners, MCT oil, coconut oil, almond milk, etc. |
Health Benefits | Increased mental focus, decreased muscle pain, protection against disease |
What You'll Learn
Black coffee is keto-friendly
If you're on a keto diet, you'll be pleased to know that black coffee is a keto-friendly drink. Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that triggers fat burning, which is a good thing for anyone on a keto diet. However, it also encourages the body to burn carbs and sugars rather than fat and ketones, which seems to work against the keto diet concept. So, it's important to drink your coffee black, without any milk, sugar, syrups, or creamers, to keep your carb count low.
Black coffee has numerous health benefits. It can boost your mental focus and improve your memory and reaction times. It can also decrease muscle pain, protect against diseases such as liver cirrhosis and Type 2 Diabetes, and even enhance your physical performance.
If you're a coffee drinker, you'll be glad to know that you don't have to give up your favourite beverage to stay in ketosis. However, if you usually take your coffee with cream and sugar, you'll need to make some changes. Instead of sugar, you can use a sugar-free sweetener such as Stevia or Splenda. If you can't live without creamer, you can substitute it with two tablespoons of heavy cream, which will provide 0-2 grams of carbs.
Drinking black coffee will keep you focused, alert, and is a healthy option for anyone on a keto diet. It's a great way to jumpstart your day and make your keto diet more sustainable. So, if you're a coffee lover, you can continue to enjoy your daily cup of joe while reaping the health benefits of the keto diet.
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Coffee with heavy cream
Coffee is a staple for many people, and the good news is that it's keto-friendly, with zero calories and zero grams of carbohydrates per cup. For those on the keto diet, this means that coffee can be enjoyed in several ways.
Heavy cream is a versatile kitchen ingredient that is keto-friendly. It is full of energizing fats and can be used in keto-friendly breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and drinks. Heavy cream can be heated to higher temperatures without curdling and can be whipped more easily into toppings. It is also high in fat and low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those on a keto diet.
When added to coffee, heavy cream provides more energy while keeping you in a fat-burning state. It is a delicious and satiating way to start your morning and can be sweetened with a non-sugar sweetener such as Stevia, Splenda, or a natural sweetener.
A recipe for keto coffee with heavy cream includes:
- 3/4 cup of brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream
The cream is heated gently in a small saucepan while stirring until it becomes frothy. Then, the warm cream is poured into a big cup, and the coffee is added. It can be served straight away or with a handful of nuts or a piece of cheese.
Other Ways to Enjoy Coffee on a Keto Diet
- Black Coffee: Brew and pour into a mug.
- Keto Bulletproof Coffee: This is a fat-fueled coffee trend that provides productivity and energy benefits while allowing adherents to stick to an intermittent fasting schedule.
- Coffee with MCT Oil: MCT oil is quickly absorbed by the body and used for energy. It can boost metabolism, enhance weight loss, improve gut health, and minimize inflammation.
- Coffee with Grass-Fed Butter: Adding grass-fed butter to coffee provides more energy, focus, and brain power. It also makes for a healthy alternative to breakfast.
- Coffee with Keto Coffee Creamer: There are several low-carb and tasty keto coffee creamers on the market, including creamers made from almond, oat, and coconut milk.
- Coffee with Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Sugar-free sweeteners, such as erythritol and stevia, are plant-based and have zero calories, making them perfect for a keto diet.
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Coffee with grass-fed butter
Coffee is a staple for many people, and the good news is that it is keto-friendly. Coffee has zero calories per cup and can be enjoyed black or with a keto-friendly sweetener.
For those on the keto diet, coffee with grass-fed butter is a great option. Grass-fed butter is a "nutritional powerhouse of vitamins A, D, and K-2", and is a key ingredient in bulletproof coffee. This type of coffee is a delicious, frothy, hot drink that will give you more energy, focus, and brain power. It is also a healthy alternative to breakfast foods.
To make keto butter coffee, you will need two cups of brewed coffee and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Brew the coffee as you normally would, then pour it into a tall glass or similar container. Next, add two tablespoons of grass-fed butter and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Finally, blend the ingredients until the coffee is frothy and well blended.
When choosing grass-fed butter, look for brands that are sugar-free, carb-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Some recommended brands include Anchor New Zealand Butter, Black & Bolyard Brown Butter, Organic Valley Butter, Beurre D’Isigny French Butter, and Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter.
Keep in mind that butter coffee is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so it is not recommended to make it in advance and store it for later.
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Coffee with MCT oil
Coffee is a staple for many people, and the good news is that it can be part of a keto diet. However, if you're a fan of cream and sugar in your coffee, you'll need to make some adjustments.
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which are easily digested due to their shorter length. MCT oil is flavourless and odourless, so it won't alter the taste of your coffee. It is typically extracted from coconut oil or palm kernel oil.
MCT oil is a popular addition to coffee for those following a keto diet as it provides numerous health benefits. Here are some reasons why you might consider adding MCT oil to your coffee:
- Weight Loss and Appetite Suppression: MCT oil has been shown to increase the release of hormones that make you feel full, leading to reduced food cravings and aiding in weight loss.
- Energy and Endurance: MCT oil can provide a quick energy boost and enhance endurance during exercise. It is especially beneficial for high-endurance athletes as it provides a fast and efficient fuel source.
- Improved Cognitive Function: MCT oil may improve cognitive function and mental clarity, making it a great addition to your morning coffee for an extra brain boost.
- Disease Management: Studies suggest that MCT oil, in combination with a keto diet, may help manage conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and autism.
- Heart Health: MCT oil may help to increase "good" cholesterol (HDL) levels while reducing "bad" cholesterol (LDL), contributing to a lower risk of heart disease.
When adding MCT oil to your coffee, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it over a few days. Additionally, be mindful that keto coffee can be high in calories, so it's best to limit yourself to one keto coffee per day.
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Coffee with sugar-free sweeteners
Coffee is a staple for many people, and the good news is that it's keto-friendly. Black coffee is keto-compliant, but if you're looking to sweeten your cup of joe without kicking yourself out of ketosis, there are some great sugar-free options to explore.
When choosing a keto sweetener for your coffee, look for options with zero calories and net carbs. Additionally, you'll want to select a sweetener that has a minimal effect on blood sugar levels and is stable at high temperatures to avoid any bitter or off-flavours. Here are some of the best sugar-free sweeteners to consider:
Stevia
Stevia is a popular choice for keto dieters as it is derived from a herb and is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It's available as a powder or syrup, and a little goes a long way. Stevia is carb-free, calorie-free, and may even help lower blood sugar levels. It's a great way to add sweetness to your coffee without the negative effects of sugar.
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that mimics the taste of sugar but has only 5% of the calories. It is usually made from corn or cornstarch and is about 70-80% as sweet as sugar. Erythritol has a different mouthfeel than sugar, so some people may need to adjust, but it's still a good option for keto coffee drinkers. It has a small molecular size, making it easy to digest, and it may even help lower blood sugar levels. Start with small quantities and adjust to your taste.
Yacon Syrup
Yacon syrup is derived from the root of the Yacon plant and contains small amounts of carbohydrates. However, it doesn't affect the body like sugar does, making it keto-friendly. It's rich in fructooligosaccharides, which the body doesn't digest, and it's about 70% as sweet as table sugar. The catch? Don't cook it. Simply add it directly to your brewed coffee.
Sucralose (Splenda)
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener commonly known as Splenda. While pure sucralose is 600 times sweeter than sugar, Splenda is a combination of sucralose, maltodextrin, and dextrose, adding about 1g of carbs per packet. It's still very close to zero-carb, and you can use it as a 1:1 substitute for sugar. If you're using pure sucralose, remember that a little goes a long way.
Xylitol
Xylitol is another sugar alcohol that is commonly used in sugar-free candy and gum. It has about 4g of carbohydrates per teaspoon, but these aren't processed by the body so it doesn't affect blood sugar levels or net carb intake. Xylitol is as sweet as sugar, making it an easy substitute in keto coffee. However, be cautious as it can cause bloating and digestive issues for some people. Start with small amounts and discontinue use if you experience discomfort.
Monk Fruit
Monk fruit, originating from Northern Thailand and Southern China, is a sweetener 100-250 times sweeter than regular sugar, depending on the concentration of natural sugars called mogrosides. It has no carbs, no calories, and a zero glycemic index, making it an ideal keto sweetener. Monk fruit has been widely used in Chinese medicine and is a natural option with no known side effects.
So, if you're on a keto diet and craving something sweet in your coffee, these sugar-free sweeteners are excellent alternatives to keep you in ketosis and satisfy your sweet tooth. Experiment with different options, and you might even develop a taste for unsweetened coffee!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, coffee is keto-friendly as long as it is unsweetened. Coffee has zero calories and zero carbs per cup, making it a great option for those on the keto diet or intermittent fasting.
To keep your coffee keto-friendly, you can add healthy fats like heavy cream, grass-fed butter, MCT oil, or coconut oil. You can also use sugar substitutes like Stevia or Splenda.
While a small amount of milk may be acceptable, it is generally high in carbs and should be consumed in moderation. Instead, you can use unsweetened plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk.
Coffee can boost your mental focus and energy levels, decrease muscle pain, and protect against diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.
You should avoid lattes, frappuccinos, and cafe mochas, as these are typically made with milk and contain added sugars, making them high in carbs.