Bulletproof Coffee is a simple yet powerful blend of coffee, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil.
This creamy, energy-boosting drink became popular in the keto and paleo communities because it fits perfectly into low-carb, high-fat diets.
The idea came from Dave Asprey, who was inspired by a Tibetan tea made with yak butter.
He wanted to create a morning drink to provide sustained energy and mental clarity.
Bulletproof Coffee quickly caught on, becoming a go-to for people looking to stay energized without the crash that regular coffee often brings.
In this post, we’ll show you how to make it at home easily!
How To Make Bulletproof Coffee: At A Glance
- Brew 10–12 oz of coffee.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter (or ghee).
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of MCT oil.
- Blend for 20–30 seconds until creamy and frothy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
What is Bulletproof Coffee?
As mentioned earlier, Bulletproof Coffee is a blend of three key ingredients: high-quality coffee, MCT oil, and grass-fed butter (or ghee).
Each component has a specific purpose.
The coffee provides the base and caffeine boost, while the fats from the butter and MCT oil are essential for energy and mental clarity.
MCT oil, derived from coconuts, is quickly absorbed by the body and converted into fuel, helping to improve focus and sustain energy throughout the day.
Grass-fed butter or ghee is preferred for its higher nutrient content, including vitamins like K2, and because it offers a rich, creamy texture.
These healthy fats work together to help you stay fuller for longer, making Bulletproof Coffee a favorite among those following keto or low-carb diets.
The blend of fats also slows down the absorption of caffeine, giving you a steadier boost without the crash that regular coffee can cause.
Health Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee
- Steady Energy Without Crashes: The combination of fats and caffeine releases energy slowly, providing a longer-lasting boost without the typical energy drop-off that regular coffee can cause.
- Mental Clarity and Focus Support: MCT oil helps improve brain function, supporting clearer thinking and sustained mental focus throughout the day.
- Appetite Suppression: The high-fat content in Bulletproof Coffee keeps you feeling full longer, reducing the need to snack or overeat between meals.
- Support for Ketogenic and Low-Carb Diets: Bulletproof Coffee is ideal for keto and low-carb diets because it’s high in healthy fats and contains almost no carbohydrates, promoting fat-burning and ketosis.
- Potential for Weight Management: By reducing cravings and supporting ketosis, Bulletproof Coffee can assist with weight management, helping to control calorie intake while providing sustained energy.
Ingredients & Equipment
Basic Ingredients
- Brewed coffee (10–12 oz): Use your preferred brewing method to prepare a cup of hot, freshly brewed coffee.
- Grass-fed butter (1–2 tablespoons): This adds creaminess and healthy fats. For a dairy-free option, use ghee.
- MCT oil (1–2 teaspoons): Start with 1 teaspoon and increase to 2 teaspoons as you adjust to the recipe.
Optional Add-ins
- Pink Himalayan salt (pinch): Adds essential minerals and supports hydration.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Provides antioxidants and a warming flavor, while helping regulate blood sugar levels.
- Sweeteners (to taste): Keto-friendly options like stevia or erythritol can be added if you prefer a sweeter coffee.
- Protein or collagen powders (1–2 tablespoons): Add extra nutrition, especially beneficial for muscle support or joint health.
- Cacao powder (1 teaspoon): For a mocha flavor with added antioxidants.
- Vanilla extract or nut butter (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and provides additional fats.
High-speed blender or milk frother
You will need a good blender or milk frother to combine the fats and coffee into a frothy, creamy texture.
- Use a high-speed blender for the best results. It helps fully emulsify the fats with the coffee, giving you a smooth, creamy drink.
- If you don’t have a blender, a milk frother can also work, but it may take longer to achieve the same frothiness.
- Blending time is key—don’t rush it. The longer you blend, the better the texture.
Bulletproof Coffee Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew Your Coffee: Prepare 10–12 oz of your favorite brewed coffee using any method you like (French press, pour-over, or drip).
- Add the Fats: Pour the hot coffee into a blender. Add 1–2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter (or ghee for a dairy-free option) and 1–2 teaspoons of MCT oil. If you’re new to Bulletproof Coffee, start with smaller amounts of butter and oil to adjust to the richness.
- Blend: Blend the mixture on high for about 20–30 seconds until the coffee is frothy and creamy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like a latte, with a smooth, foamy top.
- Serve: Pour the blended coffee into a mug and enjoy immediately while it’s still warm and frothy!
Adjusting the Ratio of Fats
- For a lighter version, start with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of MCT oil. This is ideal for beginners or those looking for a less rich coffee.
- For a richer, more satisfying version, use up to 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons of MCT oil.
- Personal preference plays a big role in the flavor and consistency, so feel free to experiment with the ratios to find your ideal balance!
Recipe Variations
Cold Brew Bulletproof Coffee
For cold coffee lovers, you can easily adapt Bulletproof Coffee using cold brew.
Start by preparing 10–12 oz of cold brew coffee.
Instead of blending hot coffee, heat the cold brew slightly before blending it with butter or ghee and MCT oil.
If you prefer your coffee cold, you can blend everything as usual, then pour it over ice.
This variation offers the same creamy, frothy texture, but with a chilled, refreshing twist perfect for warmer days.
Flavored Bulletproof Coffee
If you want to add some flavor to your Bulletproof Coffee, there are plenty of options.
A teaspoon of cacao powder adds a rich mocha flavor with added antioxidants.
You can also try adding vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness or a spoonful of nut butter (like almond or hazelnut) for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
For a spiced kick, sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice.
These add-ins not only boost flavor but also offer additional health benefits like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Protein-Packed Bulletproof Coffee
For an extra nutritional boost, you can turn your Bulletproof Coffee into a protein-packed drink.
Add 1–2 tablespoons of collagen powder or your favorite protein powder.
This variation is great for people looking to add protein to their diet, especially if you’re using Bulletproof Coffee as a breakfast replacement.
Collagen, in particular, is beneficial for joint and skin health, while protein powder can aid in muscle recovery and overall nutrition.
Vegan Option
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, simply swap out the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.
Coconut oil provides a similar richness and is a great source of healthy fats.
Vegan butter will give you the same creamy texture as traditional butter, ensuring you don’t miss out on the signature frothy consistency of Bulletproof Coffee.
Who Should Avoid Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof Coffee is high in saturated fats, which can be a concern for individuals with high cholesterol or those trying to limit their intake of saturated fats.
The butter and MCT oil in this drink provide a significant amount of fat, which can raise cholesterol levels in some people, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease.
If you have high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating Bulletproof Coffee into your routine.
A doctor or dietitian can help you determine whether it fits within your dietary needs and overall health goals.
For those on special diets, like keto, it may be safe, but always seek medical advice to ensure it aligns with your health requirements.
Final Thoughts
Bulletproof Coffee offers a unique way to start your day with steady energy and enhanced mental clarity.
It’s popular among those following low-carb or keto diets, but its benefits can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a nutritious coffee alternative.
With its combination of healthy fats, this drink can help reduce cravings and keep you feeling full.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to make it your own!
FAQs
Can Bulletproof Coffee replace breakfast?
Yes, many people use Bulletproof Coffee as a meal replacement, especially those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
The high fat content helps keep you full and provides sustained energy.
However, it may not provide all the nutrients you need for a complete meal, so some prefer to pair it with a light breakfast or add protein powder for extra nutrition.
Is it safe to drink Bulletproof Coffee daily?
For most people, drinking Bulletproof Coffee daily is safe, especially if you’re on a keto or low-carb diet.
However, because it is high in saturated fat, it’s important to monitor your overall fat intake.
If you have high cholesterol or are concerned about your fat consumption, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before making it a daily habit.
Can you store Bulletproof Coffee for later?
It’s best to enjoy Bulletproof Coffee fresh, as the fats can separate when stored.
If necessary, you can store it in the fridge for up to a day, but you’ll need to reheat and blend it again to restore its creamy texture.
Some people freeze leftover Bulletproof Coffee in ice cube trays for use in smoothies or iced coffee.
Can non-coffee drinkers enjoy Bulletproof Coffee (using matcha or cocoa)?
Yes, non-coffee drinkers can still enjoy the benefits of Bulletproof Coffee by substituting coffee with matcha or cocoa.
Matcha provides a similar steady energy boost with added antioxidants, while unsweetened cocoa offers a rich, chocolatey alternative.
Both options blend well with MCT oil and butter or ghee for a creamy, satisfying drink.
