Bulletproof coffee is not your traditional cup of coffee! It’s frothy coffee blended with your choice of coconut oil or MCT oil, butter or ghee, and your choice of added flavors. It’s a keto-friendly, rich, creamy cup of coffee!

Bulletproof coffee in a clear glass mug.

If you haven’t jumped on the bulletproof coffee train, that’s okay! You have plenty of time to get on board because this drink is here to stay. It’s fantastic!

Starting your day with a bulletproof coffee in your hand is a surefire way to stay satiated for way longer than you normally would. Most coffees will give you a jolt of caffeine in the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, but because bullet coffee is made with high-quality fat, it’s not only going to give you energy, but you’ll get a longer reserve from it.

About this recipe

  • Rich and frothy: This bulletproof coffee recipe is a rich, creamy, frothy morning cup of java made by whipping 3 ingredients together: coffee, MCT oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides), and butter! That’s it. Used in specific amounts and in a specific ratio, it is a powerhouse cup of coffee. Butter in coffee is about to become your new favorite thing. It makes it super creamy and yummy.
  • Flavorful: Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice or a few drops of vanilla extract is optional but adds great flavor.
  • Filling: Because it tends to keep you full longer, some people find it helps with weight loss because they’re no longer inclined to snack unnecessarily. It’s also paleo-friendly and used widely in ketogenic diets. Make sure to check with your physician before making any major dietary changes!

What does bulletproof coffee do to your body?

According to Healthline, bulletproof coffee (or butter coffee as they put it) can have health benefits thanks to the individual ingredients. Coffee itself is said to be high in antioxidants, and grass-fed butter contains Omega 3s and anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil and MCT oil are loaded with good fat and may help improve our levels of good cholesterol. MCTs get absorbed into the body quickly and are used for energy when in ketosis.

These are all great health benefits, especially if you’re looking for a high fat, low-carb way to start your day.

With that being said, there are very few nutrients involved and it is still high in cholesterol (read this Healthline article for an alternative perspective). If this is of concern to you, by all means, enjoy bullet coffee but consider enjoying it with a nutritious breakfast. Don’t forget your eggs and broccoli! Or try it with avocado toast with egg and a sprinkling of hemp hearts on top.

Overhead view of frothy coffee in a clear glass mug.

What you need

  • Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee – Use your favorite coffee that you normally enjoy in the morning. If we’re getting serious with the specifics, opt for organic fair trade coffee. Organic coffee isn’t sprayed with chemicals, which means it has retained more of its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • MCT Oil or Coconut Oil – Bulletproof coffee is often consumed for the MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) because, unlike most other fats, they enter the bloodstream immediately upon ingestion. This makes them available for energy use by the body right away. Coconut oil naturally contains a variety of fats, including MCT. If you choose to use coconut oil (which is more affordable) instead of MCT oil, you will get some but not all of the benefits of extracted MCT oil.
  • Unsalted Butter or Ghee (don’t use salted) – Originally, this recipe was created using grass-fed butter because the diet of the cows makes a difference in the quality of the butter. It has more anti-inflammatory properties, is higher in vitamin A and K, and it’s higher in Omega 3s than regular butter is. Ghee is clarified butter that has the casein, lactose, and water removed from it so it has more concentrated fat. It also has a deeper and nuttier flavor which is great for cooking too! We love using it for over easy eggs (over hard and over medium, too!).
  • Flavor Additions (optional): Cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or vanilla extract.
Overhead view of ingredients needed.

How to make bulletproof coffee

Place the coffee, oil, butter/ghee and flavor additions (if using) in a blender. Start on low, then slowly turn the power up to high. Blend for 15-20 seconds or until a creamy, frothy beverage develops. 

Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Coffee in a glass mug.

What does Bulletproof Coffee Taste Like?

Some say it tastes like a creamy latte while others (who usually haven’t followed a recipe) say it tastes like oily coffee. There is a method behind the measurements and the ratios of each ingredient. Also, blending it as opposed to just adding in the butter and oil and allowing it to melt, makes a difference.

How to make this coffee your own

  • Add flavor: As mentioned above, we love adding cinnamon, pumpkin spice (especially in the fall), or vanilla to ours.
  • Pair with breakfast: Enjoy it with a hearty breakfast. Pair it with a bowl of nature’s cereal (as seen on TikTok) or homemade granola.
  • Make pancakes: Keto-pancakes are a perfect match. While you’re at it, make some keto pancake mix to keep on hand for a quick breakfast anytime.
  • Try it with cinnamon sugar: If added sugar is no concern to you, you have to try your bullet coffee with cinnamon sugar.
  • Truly make it your own: All of the ingredients are just a guide. They are not written in stone so use whatever you want. Regular unsalted butter and coconut oil, or MCT oil and grass-fed butter, it’s up to you.
Bulletproof coffee in a clear glass mug.

Get the Recipe: Bulletproof Coffee

Bulletproof coffee is not your traditional cup of coffee! It’s frothy coffee blended with your choice of coconut oil or MCT oil, butter or ghee, and your choice of added flavors. It’s a keto-friendly, rich, creamy cup of coffee!
5 from 2 rating

Ingredients

  • 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
  • 2 teaspoons MCT oil or coconut oil (see note)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or ghee (don’t use salted)
  • Optional flavor additions: ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Place the coffee, oil, butter/ghee and flavor additions (if using) in a blender.
  • Start on low, then slowly turn the power up to high.
  • Blend for 15-20 seconds or until a creamy, frothy beverage develops.
  • Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Notes

  • Bulletproof coffee is often consumed for the MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) because, unlike most other fats, they enter the bloodstream immediately upon ingestion. This makes them available for energy use by the body right away. Coconut oil naturally contains a variety of fats, including MCT. If you choose to use coconut oil (which is more affordable) instead of MCT oil, you will get some but not all of the benefits of extracted MCT oil.
Serving: 1cup, Calories: 188kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 6mg, Potassium: 119mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 350IU, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 1mg