Coffee is a staple in many of our daily routines, but how does it fit into a keto diet? The good news is that coffee is definitely keto-friendly, and caffeine can even help you get to ketosis faster. However, the additions that many of us are accustomed to, such as milk, sugar, and cream, are not. So, what is the perfect keto coffee?
Keto coffee, also known as butter coffee or Bulletproof coffee, is a combination of coffee, grass-fed butter, and either coconut oil or MCT oil. This drink provides a boost of energy and mental clarity while helping you meet your keto macros. The caffeine and saturated fat in keto coffee work together to suppress your appetite, making it a filling breakfast replacement that can keep you going for several hours.
To make keto coffee, simply blend one cup of freshly brewed black coffee with one to two tablespoons each of grass-fed butter and your choice of oil. You can also add optional ingredients like heavy cream, cinnamon, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Blend until creamy, and you're ready to go!
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Coffee type | Black coffee |
Additions | Grass-fed butter, MCT oil, heavy cream, sugar-free sweeteners |
Benefits | Appetite suppression, fat loss, more energy, improved mental focus |
Calories | 260 Calories (for 2 cups) |
What You'll Learn
Black coffee is keto-friendly
If you're on a keto diet, you'll be pleased to know that coffee is 100% keto-friendly. Traditional hot or cold brew coffee contains zero calories and carbs. The only time sugars come into play is when syrups and sweeteners are added. So, if you're drinking black coffee, you're good to go.
The Benefits of Black Coffee
Drinking black coffee will keep you focused and alert, and it comes with a ton of health benefits. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with people drinking more than 400 billion cups every year. Coffee consumption is a daily ritual in almost every country on Earth. Several large-scale studies have found that people who drink coffee daily live longer, and that coffee consumption correlates with a lower all-cause risk of death.
How to Make Black Coffee Work for Keto
If you're someone who can't drink coffee without adding a bunch of creamers, sugar, or other flavourful additions, this won't work for you. The additions to coffee increase your carb intake in a hurry and disrupt ketosis. However, there are alternatives. Several brands now sell specialised sweeteners that accommodate a keto diet. You can pick up some Stevia from your local supermarket, or try sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol and stevia, which are plant-based sweeteners with practically zero calories.
Keto Coffee
If you're looking for a more substantial drink, you could try keto coffee, which is a combination of coffee, grass-fed butter, and coconut oil or MCT oil. This is a good way to meet your ideal keto macros while also starting your day with a boost in energy and mental clarity. The caffeine provides a variety of mental and physical benefits, including better focus and short-term memory, better physical performance, and increased metabolic rate. The saturated fat in the butter and oil helps with appetite suppression, and the MCT oil enhances brain function and weight loss.
Black Coffee and Keto on the Go
If you're looking for a keto-friendly coffee option when you're out and about, be aware that a lot of cold brew coffees can be loaded with hidden sugars and additives that throw off your ketosis. One option is to make your own cold brew at home and take it with you in a travel cup. That way, you know exactly what's in it.
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Heavy cream can be added to keto coffee
Heavy Cream in Keto Coffee
Keto coffee is a popular drink among those following a ketogenic diet. It is typically made by adding high-fat ingredients like grass-fed butter, MCT oil, or coconut oil to freshly brewed hot black coffee. This drink helps increase fat intake without adding carbohydrates, keeping those on a ketogenic diet in a state of ketosis.
Heavy cream is a suitable addition to keto coffee as it is a high-fat, low-carb ingredient. Adding heavy cream to your coffee can increase the fat content without adding any carbohydrates, making it an ideal option for those on a ketogenic diet. Heavy cream also adds flavour and creates a creamy, satisfying texture that can keep you full and energised throughout the morning.
A basic keto coffee recipe with heavy cream typically includes:
- 1 cup of freshly brewed hot black coffee
- 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter
- 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil or MCT oil powder
- 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
To make keto coffee with heavy cream, simply combine the hot coffee and cream in a mug and stir. You can then add in other ingredients like grass-fed butter and MCT oil, and stir or blend until well combined. You can also add in a sweetener of your choice, such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol, if you prefer a sweeter coffee.
Feel free to experiment with different flavours and additions to make your perfect cup of keto coffee with heavy cream. You can try adding in some cinnamon for a warming flavour, or even a pinch of dark chocolate or cocoa powder for a more indulgent treat.
Variations and Tips
- Dairy-Free Option: If you are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or coconut cream. You can use a milk frother to create a fluffy, creamy texture.
- Iced Keto Coffee: You can easily turn this into an iced coffee by brewing your coffee in advance and storing it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply add ice cubes to your heavy cream and coffee mixture.
- Keto Frappuccino: For a more indulgent treat, blend your keto coffee with ice cubes to create a frappuccino-style drink. You can also add in some cocoa powder and sweetener to make a mocha-flavoured frappuccino.
- Add-Ins: In addition to heavy cream, you can also add in other healthy fats like grass-fed butter or coconut oil to boost the flavour and nutritional profile of your keto coffee.
- Sweeteners: If you have a sweet tooth, you can add in keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. Just be mindful that even keto-friendly sweeteners should be consumed in moderation.
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Grass-fed butter is a healthy addition
Grass-fed butter also has a healthier fat profile than regular butter. It contains a higher proportion of healthy unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are linked to various health benefits. Grass-fed butter may provide about 26% more omega-3 fatty acids than regular butter. It also has up to 500% more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat that has been linked to potential health benefits, including possible anticancer effects in animal and test-tube studies.
In addition, grass-fed butter is a good source of beta carotene, a potent antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. A higher intake of beta carotene-rich foods has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Finally, grass-fed butter is easy to incorporate into your diet. It has a similar taste and texture to regular butter and can be used in baking, spread on toast, or for non-stick cooking. However, it is still a concentrated source of fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes other healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
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MCT oil boosts metabolism and suppresses appetite
MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil, is a supplement that has gained popularity among athletes and bodybuilders. It is derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil and contains medium-length chains of fats called triglycerides. Due to their shorter length, MCTs are digested faster than longer-chain fatty acids, making them a quick energy source.
MCT Oil Boosts Metabolism
MCT oil can be converted into ketones by the body, which serve as a fat-based source of energy when carbohydrate intake is low. This process occurs rapidly, as MCTs are easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. MCT oil can also be used as an immediate source of energy without being broken down, as they can enter the bloodstream directly.
MCT Oil Suppresses Appetite
MCT oil has been linked to lower calorie intake and may help reduce appetite. Some studies suggest that MCT oil promotes the release of hormones that help people feel full, such as peptide YY and leptin. Additionally, one study found that people who consumed MCT oil as part of their breakfast ate less food at lunch compared to those who had coconut oil.
While the mechanism behind this effect is not fully understood, MCT oil's potential to suppress appetite makes it a popular choice for those seeking to manage their weight.
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Keto coffee creamers are available
If you're on a keto diet, you don't have to give up your coffee creamer. There are a number of keto-friendly coffee creamers on the market that are low-carb and tasty. Creamers made from almond, oat, and coconut milk are great alternatives to dairy creamers, which often cause bloating.
You can also make your own keto coffee creamer at home. This is a cost-effective option that allows you to control the ingredients, flavors, and level of sweetness. Many homemade keto coffee creamer recipes require just a few basic ingredients, such as heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk, a sweetener, and flavorings like vanilla or cinnamon.
- Use heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk as the base.
- Choose a sweetener that dissolves well, such as allulose, Swerve Confectioners, or a brown sugar substitute.
- Add flavorings like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or hazelnut extract to suit your taste preferences.
- Simmer the cream and sweeteners together over medium heat, then remove from the heat and let cool before storing in the refrigerator.
Whether you buy a keto coffee creamer or make your own, you can continue to enjoy your coffee with a creamy texture while sticking to your keto diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Keto coffee is a keto-friendly, high-antioxidant way to start your day. It is made by adding MCT oil and butter to your morning brew, which provides energy and helps you stay in ketosis.
In regular coffee, you typically add milk, sugar, and/or cream. In keto coffee, you add coconut oil, butter, and either half-and-half or heavy cream.
Keto coffee is a good way to meet your ideal keto macros while also boosting your energy and mental clarity. It can also aid in weight loss by suppressing your appetite.
The classic keto coffee recipe calls for 1 cup of freshly brewed hot black coffee, 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter, and 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil or MCT oil powder. Combine these ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy.