Bulletproof Coffee

Bulletproof Coffee is a rich and frothy hot drink that replaces a typical breakfast for many followers of low-carb and ketogenic diets. The blend of quality coffee, grass-fed unsalted butter, and Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil creates a unique, creamy texture similar to a latte. It's designed to provide sustained energy, mental clarity, and keep you feeling full for hours without the crash associated with sugary breakfasts.
Bulletproof Coffee

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Bulletproof Coffee is a hot coffee drink popular within health and wellness communities. It is often categorized as a functional beverage due to its purported energy-boosting and cognitive-enhancing properties.

Serving

Bulletproof Coffee is a hot beverage served in a standard coffee mug. It is completely non-alcoholic.
Serving size
Approximately 250-350 ml / 8-12 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Mug
Glass treatment
Warmed up (optional)

Backstory

The drink was created by Dave Asprey, an American entrepreneur and author. He was inspired by the yak-butter tea he drank while hiking in Tibet. Asprey developed the specific recipe to, in his words, 'supercharge' his brain and body, launching the concept and brand in the early 2010s.
Origin
United States, circa 2011. Inspired by traditional Tibetan butter tea.

Bulletproof Coffee

Bulletproof Coffee is its original and most common name. It is also widely known as Butter Coffee due to its key ingredient, and as Keto Coffee because it aligns with the principles of the ketogenic diet.
Original name
Bulletproof Coffee
Alternative names
  • Butter Coffee
  • Keto Coffee

Characteristics overview

This drink has a rich, coffee-forward flavor with a uniquely creamy and frothy texture from the blended fats. The aroma is of freshly brewed coffee and butter, resulting in a smooth and warming beverage.
Flavor
Rich, creamy, buttery, coffee-forward, slightly nutty
Aroma
Roasted coffee, buttery, rich
Taste balance
Rich, slightly bitter
Aftertaste
Smooth, lingering, clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, light brown, frothy, creamy
Texture
Thick, creamy, smooth, frothy
Seasonality
Warming, suitable for all seasons

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by the bitterness of coffee and a high level of creaminess from the blended fats. It is not sweet, salty, or spicy, offering a rich and intense coffee experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe requires just three core ingredients: freshly brewed hot coffee, grass-fed unsalted butter, and MCT oil. The quality of each ingredient is emphasized for the best results.
  • Hot Brewed Coffee240-350 ml / 8-12 oz
    Use high-quality, single-origin beans, freshly brewed.
  • Grass-Fed Unsalted Butter1-2 tablespoons
    Grass-fed butter is recommended for its higher nutrient content.
  • MCT Oil1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons
    Start with a smaller amount (1 tsp) to assess tolerance, as it can cause digestive upset for some. MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglyceride.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

A blender is the key piece of equipment needed to properly emulsify the fats with the coffee, creating the signature creamy, frothy texture.
  • Blender for emulsifying the fats

Instructions

Preparation is simple: brew coffee, then combine it with butter and MCT oil in a blender. Blend until frothy and serve immediately.
1. Brew 1 cup (8-12 oz or 240-350 ml) of coffee using your preferred method.
2. In a blender, combine the hot coffee, 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of MCT oil.
3. Blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds, or until the drink is frothy and creamy, resembling a latte.
4. Pour immediately into a warm mug and enjoy.

Garnishing

Bulletproof Coffee is typically served without any garnish. Its frothy top serves as its own decoration.
  • None

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and dairy (butter). It is egg-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian but not vegan. Note that MCT oil is often derived from coconuts.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is very high in calories and fat, but contains virtually no carbohydrates or sugar. It is designed to be a high-energy, low-carb beverage.
Calories
Averagely 250-500 kcal / 1046-2092 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 0-1 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 0 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is primarily consumed in the morning as a breakfast replacement. It is also popular as a pre-workout drink or whenever a sustained mental and physical energy boost is needed.
  • Breakfast replacement
  • Morning energy boost
  • Pre-workout

Pairing suggestions

Bulletproof Coffee is designed to be a standalone meal replacement for breakfast. It is not typically paired with food, as its purpose is to promote satiety on its own.
  • Typically consumed alone as a meal replacement.

Bulletproof Coffee: The High-Energy Butter Coffee

Bulletproof Coffee is a creamy, frothy, and high-fat coffee drink created by Dave Asprey. It combines brewed coffee, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil, blended together to create a smooth, latte-like beverage. Proponents drink it for sustained energy, mental focus, and as a breakfast replacement, particularly within ketogenic and low-carb lifestyles. Its simplicity and unique texture have made it a popular 'biohack' in the wellness community.