How Adding Butter to Coffee Can Help You Lose Weight (Bulletproof Coffee)
How Adding Butter to Coffee Can Help You Lose Weight (Bulletproof Coffee) is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by Kait Malthaner (BSc Nutrition & Exercise) on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 16 min
Cost: $1.50 total, $1.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Coffee (high‑quality brewed coffee, hot (195‑205°F))
- 1-2 tablespoons Grass‑Fed Butter (unsalted, cut into small cubes; can substitute ghee or coconut oil)
- 1-2 tablespoons MCT Oil (medium‑chain triglyceride oil, flavorless)
Instructions
Brew Coffee
Brew 8 oz of high‑quality coffee using your preferred method; aim for a temperature between 195°F and 205°F.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 195‑205°F
Measure Fats
Measure 1‑2 Tbsp of grass‑fed butter (or ghee) and 1‑2 Tbsp of MCT oil. Cut butter into small cubes to aid blending.
Time: PT1M
Blend Until Frothy
Add the hot coffee, butter, and MCT oil to the blender. Blend on low for a few seconds, then high for 30‑60 seconds until the mixture is thick, creamy, and frothy.
Time: PT1M
Serve Immediately
Pour the frothy coffee into your pre‑heated mug and enjoy right away for best texture and flavor.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 0 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Keto, Low Carb, Gluten‑Free, Paleo‑Friendly (if using ghee), Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Coconut
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Coffee: espresso, cold brew
- Instead of Grass‑Fed Butter: ghee, coconut oil, MCT oil powder
- Instead of MCT Oil: coconut oil, MCT oil powder
Equipment Needed
- Blender or Immersion Blender
- Coffee Maker (French press, drip, or pour‑over)
- Measuring Spoons
- Mug
- Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blending until the coffee becomes a stable, frothy emulsion
- Using grass‑fed butter or ghee for flavor and proper fat content
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use frozen butter cubes – they help create a stable foam
- A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavor and helps emulsify the fats
- If you have an immersion blender, blend directly in the mug to reduce cleanup
Troubleshooting
The coffee separates and looks oily.
Blend longer at high speed, ensure butter is fully melted, and consider adding a pinch of salt to stabilize the emulsion.
The drink is too thick or too thin.
Adjust the amount of butter or MCT oil; add a splash more coffee for a thinner consistency or an extra half‑Tbsp butter for thicker.
Storage
Refrigerator: If any coffee remains, store in a sealed container for up to 24 hours; re‑heat gently and blend again before drinking.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will change.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to bacterial growth.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑measure butter and MCT oil into a small jar for quick assembly
- You can keep the butter cubes frozen for faster emulsification
- If you must prepare ahead, blend and store in a thermos, but drink within 2 hours for optimal texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Bulletproof Coffee in the modern ketogenic diet?
Bulletproof Coffee was popularized by Dave Asprey in the early 2010s as a high‑fat, low‑carb breakfast replacement to support ketosis and cognitive performance. It quickly became a staple in the keto community for its ability to extend fasting windows and provide sustained energy.
What are the traditional regional variations of high‑fat coffee drinks similar to Bulletproof Coffee?
While Bulletproof Coffee is a modern creation, traditional high‑fat coffee drinks exist such as the Scandinavian "Kaffe med smør" (coffee with butter) and the Tibetan butter tea made with yak butter. These drinks share the concept of adding animal fat for energy and warmth.
How is Bulletproof Coffee traditionally served in keto‑focused communities?
It is typically served hot in a large mug, blended until frothy, and consumed immediately as a breakfast substitute. Some people garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for extra flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is Bulletproof Coffee commonly associated with in the keto lifestyle?
Bulletproof Coffee is most often associated with daily morning routines, especially for those practicing intermittent fasting or preparing for a workout. It is also featured at keto meet‑ups and wellness retreats as a quick, energizing start.
How does Bulletproof Coffee fit into the broader American ketogenic cuisine?
In American keto cuisine, Bulletproof Coffee serves as a convenient, portable breakfast that aligns with the high‑fat, low‑carb macro ratios. It complements other keto staples like avocado toast (without bread) and egg‑based dishes.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Bulletproof Coffee versus acceptable substitutes?
The classic recipe uses freshly brewed coffee, grass‑fed butter (or ghee) and pure MCT oil. Acceptable substitutes include ghee instead of butter, coconut oil in place of MCT oil, or MCT oil powder for easier mixing.
What other ketogenic dishes pair well with Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof Coffee pairs nicely with low‑carb options such as avocado egg salad, almond flour pancakes, or a handful of macadamia nuts, providing a balanced morning meal without breaking ketosis.
What makes Bulletproof Coffee special or unique in keto cuisine?
Its unique combination of caffeine and medium‑chain triglycerides delivers both mental alertness and rapid ketone production, while the butter adds satiety, making it a multifunctional beverage that replaces a traditional breakfast.
How has Bulletproof Coffee evolved over time in the health‑food community?
Since its inception, variations have emerged, including the use of MCT oil powder, flavored MCT blends, and dairy‑free options like coconut oil. Some creators also add collagen peptides or adaptogenic herbs for added benefits.
What are common misconceptions about Bulletproof Coffee?
A frequent misconception is that it is a magic weight‑loss solution; in reality, it works best when combined with a low‑carb or ketogenic diet and proper fasting protocols. Another myth is that any butter works—grass‑fed butter provides the best fatty‑acid profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Bulletproof Coffee?
Common errors include using too much MCT oil, which can cause stomach upset, not blending long enough so the fats separate, and using low‑quality butter that adds off‑flavors. Start with 1 Tbsp of each fat and blend for at least 30 seconds.
Why does this Bulletproof Coffee recipe use a blender instead of simply stirring?
Blending creates an emulsion that traps air, giving the drink a latte‑like froth and ensuring the butter and MCT oil stay fully incorporated. Stirring alone often leaves a greasy layer on top.
Can I make Bulletproof Coffee ahead of time and how should I store it?
You can blend and store it in a thermos for up to 2 hours, but the texture will become less frothy. For best results, prepare fresh each morning; if you must store, keep it refrigerated and re‑blend before drinking.
What does the YouTube channel Kait Malthaner (BSc Nutrition & Exercise) specialize in?
Kait Malthaner’s channel focuses on evidence‑based nutrition, exercise science, and practical strategies for metabolic health, including topics like insulin resistance, ketogenic diets, and performance nutrition.
How does the YouTube channel Kait Malthaner (BSc Nutrition & Exercise) approach ketogenic cooking compared to other channels?
Kait emphasizes scientific explanations behind macronutrient choices, provides clear cost‑effective ingredient guides, and integrates nutrition theory with everyday cooking, whereas many other channels focus more on trends without deep nutritional context.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
