The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to help with weight loss, improve type II diabetes, and reduce inflammation. Coffee is not only allowed on the keto diet, but it is also encouraged, as long as it is consumed without sugar or cream. This is because traditional hot or cold brew coffee has zero calories and carbs, and sugars only come into play when syrups and sweeteners are added. For those who don't like their coffee black, there are keto-friendly sweeteners and syrups available, although the general advice is to avoid sweetening coffee altogether.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | Zero |
Calories | Zero |
Sweeteners | Monk fruit, stevia, erythritol |
Cream | Heavy cream, grass-fed butter, MCT oil, coconut oil, almond milk |
Vitamins | B1, B5, B6, B9, B12, D3 |
Minerals | Himalayan pink salt |
What You'll Learn
Black coffee is keto-friendly
If you're on a keto diet, you don't have to give up your daily cup of coffee. In fact, coffee is not just allowed but encouraged. However, it's important to drink your coffee in an approved way. Here's why black coffee is keto-friendly and how to make sure your coffee is low-carb.
Black or plain coffee is great for those on the keto diet because it contains no sugar or cream and has zero carbs. It's the healthiest way to drink coffee because it contains the least amount of calories and won't boost your blood sugar level. Coffee is also a good source of antioxidants and nutrients, and the caffeine can give you increased energy and aid in breaking down body fats.
How to Keep Your Coffee Keto-Friendly
To keep your coffee keto-friendly, avoid adding sugar or cream, and be mindful of the carb and sugar content of any additives. Here are some tips to make sure your coffee is low-carb:
- Use heavy cream, almond milk, or keto-friendly creamers that are almond or coconut milk-based.
- Use grass-fed butter, which has five times more omega-6 fatty acid than regular butter and encourages the breakdown of fat.
- Make your own coffee at home to ensure you know exactly what's going into your cup and avoid extra additives from cafes or coffee chains.
- Use sugar-free syrups or non-sugar sweeteners if you need something to take the edge off your coffee's bitterness. However, be sure to read labels, as certain sugar substitutes can still raise blood sugar levels.
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Keto coffee creamers
Coffee is allowed on the keto diet, but it must be consumed without sugar. While there are keto-friendly sweeteners and syrups available, the general advice is to avoid sweetening coffee altogether. Heavy cream, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil are popular additions to keto coffee, with some people even combining butter and MCT oil to make "bulletproof coffee".
- Picnik Unsweetened Keto Creamer – packed with grass-fed butter, whey protein, and MCT oil.
- So Delicious Organic Creamer Coconut Milk – a great option for keto dieters as it has zero carbs.
- Left Coast Performance Keto Coffee Creamer – contains ghee butter, MCT oil, and coconut oil.
- Omega PowerCreamer Original Keto Coffee Creamer – loaded with ghee, MCT oil, coconut oil, and alternative sweeteners.
- Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream – while not exactly a creamer, it's packed with fat, which is suitable for the keto diet.
- Organic Valley Lactose-Free Half & Half Cream – a lactose-free version that is keto-friendly in moderation, with just one carb per two-tablespoon serving.
- Nutpods Pumpkin Spice (3-Pack), Unsweetened Dairy-Free Creamer – a personal favourite for dietitian Gabrielle Tafur, with only 2 grams of fat from almond or coconut cream and 0 grams of carbs.
- Prymal Coffee Creamer – a decadent-tasting creamer with 5 grams of carbohydrates, sweetened with monk fruit.
- H.V.M.N. MCT Oil Powder – a mocha-flavoured beverage that is keto-friendly, with 4 grams of fibre to aid digestion.
- Kiss My Keto Creamer – French Vanilla Flavor – rich in medium-chain triglycerides, this is a wonderful alternative to a traditional sugar-filled latte.
- Milkadamia Macadamia Milk, Unsweetened Vanilla – made with macadamia nuts and coconut, this creamer is a great alternative to coconut or almond milk-based alternatives.
- Preferred Elements Keto Collagen Protein Powder with MCT Oil – not technically a creamer, but a great addition to iced coffee drinks made with instant coffee.
- Rapid Fire Turbo Creamer – rich in MCTs and functional fatty acids, this creamer claims to enhance the body's production of ketones, promoting increased metabolism, weight loss, and brain function.
- Vital Proteins Collagen Coffee Creamer – dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, keto-friendly, Whole30-approved, and free of any added sugars.
- Califa Better Half Coconut Cream & Almondmilk Creamer – dairy-free, Whole30-compliant, and vegan.
- Nutpods Creamer Variety 4-Pack – almond and coconut creamer with no added sugar and no carbs.
- 360 Nutrition Keto Vanilla Sweetened Powdered Coffee Creamer – a powdered creamer that dissolves well in coffee.
- Prymal Salted Caramel Coffee Creamer – gives your coffee the sweet taste of a Dunkin' or Starbucks beverage, without the sugary syrups and add-ins.
- Califa Almond Milk Coffee Creamer with Coconut Cream, Unsweetened – a nutty, robust flavour with few calories.
- Laird Superfood Superfood Creamer, Unsweetened – packed with nutrients and minerals.
- Divine Health Keto Zone MCT Oil Powder, French Vanilla – a keto creamer that is flavoured and sugar and gluten-free.
- Bulletproof InstaMix Creamer – mixes well with coffee but is not great for sensitive stomachs.
- KITU Keto Coffee Super Creamer – a liquid, keto-approved creamer with several flavours and zero added sugars.
- Grasso Peppermint Mocha High-Fat Coffee Creamer – the original flavour is spiked with cacao.
- Peak Performance Non-Dairy Collagen Creamer – packed with nutrients and collagen, which is good for joints, hair, and nails.
- Milkadamia Unsweetened Vanilla Macadamia Milk – a completely plant-based creamer.
- Pure Indian Foods Coffee++ Paleo Butter Coffee Creamer – a creamer made from a unique blend of grass-fed organic cultured ghee and energizing MCT oil.
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Keto coffee recipes
Coffee is allowed on the keto diet, but it must be consumed without sugar or cream. Here are some keto coffee recipes to get you going in the morning.
Keto Butter Coffee
This recipe is a great alternative to Starbucks drinks and commonly used in intermittent fasting. It gives plenty of energy and a great satiated feeling throughout the morning fasting hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons grass-fed unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons good quality MCT Oil or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew 2 cups of coffee into a large container using your preferred method.
- If using a pour-over method, grind the coffee to the size of kosher salt or slightly smaller. Fill your coffee filter and wet the coffee with a little bit of water, allowing around 30 seconds for it to "bloom". Then, brew normally by pouring the water in a circular motion, being careful not to let the coffee swim in water.
- Grab your butter, MCT oil or coconut oil, and immersion blender. You can also mix this in a regular blender, but it might be more hassle than it's worth to clean afterward.
- Cut off 2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
- Drop in the butter, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or MCT oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. This adds a great creaminess to the coffee for a silky texture.
- Mix everything together with your immersion blender for about 45-60 seconds, or until you get a great frothy cap on the top. Make sure to move the immersion blender up and down to emulsify all the fat into the coffee. This also aerates the mixture, adding additional froth.
Keto Crack Coffee
This highly caffeinated coffee recipe is full of healthy fats to keep you full and has a nice sweet vanilla flavor without being too strong.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 oz Death Wish Coffee, chilled (adjust the amount depending on caffeine tolerance)
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10-16 drops liquid stevia (adjust the amount depending on sweetness preference)
- 2-3 teaspoons MCT oil (adjust the amount depending on desired fat intake)
- Keto whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew and chill Death Wish Coffee.
- Add all the ingredients to a coffee cup or glass. Using a small whisk or coffee frother, blend until well-combined. The MCT oil will float to the top; this is normal.
- If desired, top with keto whipped cream. You can make your own or use a small amount of canned whipped cream.
Bulletproof Coffee
This keto coffee recipe is ultra-satisfying and includes simple ingredients. It is frothy, creamy, and a great source of healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 8 fl oz Coffee (brewed, hot; or more, up to 12 fl oz if not adding other ingredients)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (can also use ghee or coconut oil for dairy-free, paleo, or whole30)
- 1 teaspoon MCT Oil (or more, up to 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened almond milk (regular or vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon Collagen protein powder
- 1 tablespoon Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Coffee Syrup (or more to taste)
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender and puree for about 5-15 seconds, until frothy and smooth. Alternatively, use a milk frother to emulsify directly in your cup or in a tall jar, but be sure to leave room for expansion.
- Pour the blended coffee into a coffee mug and serve.
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Best keto coffee brands
Coffee is allowed on the keto diet, but it must be consumed in a certain way. Black coffee is suitable for keto diets as long as it contains no sugar or cream because it has zero carbs.
There are a variety of keto coffee brands available, and here are some of the best ones:
Bulletproof Coffee
The first-ever brand to pioneer ketogenic coffee, Bulletproof Coffee, offers ground and whole coffee beans, as well as K-Cups, with their products containing good amounts of ghee butter and MCT oil. Their coffee is clean, without mycotoxins and mould, and is sourced from Central and South America.
Four Sigmatic Organic Adaptogen Ground Coffee
Four Sigmatic is known for its wide range of supplements preformulated in its coffee products, including MCT oil, ghee butter, Chaga, ashwagandha root, and other herbs. Their beans are sourced from Colombia, giving a rich and smooth flavour in every cup.
Rapid Fire Ketogenic High Performance Instant Coffee Mix
Rapid Fire combines organic green mountain coffee with antioxidants, creating a low-carb drink. Their coffee contains organic grass-fed ghee butter and coconut oil with MCTs. It is a premium brand, so it can be expensive.
Vitacup Genius Keto Coffee Pods
Vitacup is known for its wide range of vitamins included in its coffee products, including vitamins B1, B5, B9, B6, D3, and B12. Their coffee is loaded with MCT oils and combines organic Brazilian and Mexican beans to provide a perfect cup.
360 Nutrition Instant Keto Coffee
360 Nutrition offers keto instant coffee, which is ideal for those on the go. Their coffee comes with Himalayan pink salt, which helps with electrolyte replacement, and is sourced from Colombia, providing a full-bodied and rich flavour. It is also gluten-free and soy-free.
Fat Fuel Company Keto Coffee
The Fat Fuel Company mixes high-quality fats with a superior blend of organic coffee, resulting in a tasty, creamy, and smooth beverage. Their coffee contains coconut oil and MCT oil, as well as cocoa powder and saturated fats, giving it a luscious chocolate flavour with a velvety texture.
KITU Super Coffee Keto Coffee
KITU Super Coffee's Keto Coffee is packed with MCT oil and other beneficial antioxidants, and is compatible with Keurig 2.0 K-Cup brewers. It contains vitamins B12, B6, E, and L-Theanine, and provides 10 grams of protein.
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How to make keto coffee at home
Keto coffee is a great way to start your day, giving you a boost of energy and helping you feel full and satisfied. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious keto coffee at home.
Ingredients:
- Coffee beans of your choice (freshly ground is recommended)
- Butter (preferably grass-fed and unsalted)
- MCT Oil or Coconut Oil
- Heavy Whipping Cream (optional)
- Vanilla Extract (optional)
- Natural Sweetener (such as Stevia or monk fruit)
Optional Extras:
- Ice cubes
- Keto Whipped Cream
- Cinnamon or other spices
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
Equipment:
- Coffee maker or kettle
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring tools (tablespoons, cups)
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
Start by brewing your coffee using your preferred method. For a stronger flavour, you can use Robusta beans. If you're using a pour-over method, grind the coffee to the size of kosher salt or slightly smaller. Wet the coffee grounds with a small amount of water and let it "bloom" for about 30 seconds before brewing normally.
Step 2: Prepare the Keto Add-Ins
Gather your butter, MCT oil or coconut oil, and any optional add-ins you'd like to include. If you're using vanilla extract, heavy cream, or a natural sweetener, measure out the desired amounts.
Step 3: Blend
Add the brewed coffee, butter, and oil to your blender. If using, add in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sweetener. Blend until the mixture is smooth and frothy, which should take around 45-60 seconds. Make sure to move the blender up and down to emulsify all the fat into the coffee and aerate the mixture for a frothy texture.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Pour your keto coffee into your favourite mug. If you'd like to add ice, blend in a few ice cubes or pour the coffee over ice. If you're feeling indulgent, top it off with a dollop of keto whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon or other spices for an extra kick.
Tips and Variations:
- If you're short on time or want a quick fix, you can use instant keto coffee mixes or keto coffee pods.
- For a chocolatey twist, add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to your coffee before blending.
- If you're not a fan of butter in your coffee, you can make "keto crack coffee" by chilling the brewed coffee and blending it with almond milk, whipping cream, vanilla extract, liquid stevia, and MCT oil.
- To make your coffee extra creamy, try using grass-fed ghee butter, which will also promote more efficient breaking down of ketones.
- If you're dairy-free, you can substitute heavy cream with unsweetened dairy-free creamer.
- For a decaffeinated option, simply use decaf coffee beans or grounds.
There you have it! A delicious, creamy, and energising cup of keto coffee to kickstart your day. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to force your body to burn fat and convert it into energy, a state called ketosis. No more than 1% of your daily diet can be carbohydrates, and only 20% can be protein.
Black coffee is keto-friendly as it has zero calories and carbs. However, if you want to add something to your coffee, you can use keto-friendly sweeteners such as Stevia or Monk Fruit. Heavy cream, grass-fed butter, or MCT oil are also options for keto coffee drinkers.
Some keto-friendly coffee brands include Bulletproof, Four Sigmatic, Rapid Fire, Kauai Coffee, and Vitacup.
Keto coffee is the combination of coffee with a healthy fat source, usually butter or coconut oil.