A popular high-fat, low-carb drink associated with the ketogenic diet and the Bulletproof brand.
Ingredients:
- Freshly brewed coffee: 1-2 cups (use high-quality, mold-free, toxin-tested coffee beans, such as Bulletproof Coffee beans, if available)
- Unsalted butter: 1-2 tablespoons (preferably grass-fed, as it’s richer in nutrients like Omega-3s, vitamin A, and CLA)
- MCT oil: 1-2 tablespoons (Medium-Chain Triglyceride oil, derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, known for its ketogenic properties) OR Coconut oil: 1-2 tablespoons (virgin, unrefined coconut oil for maximum flavor and health benefits)
Optional Add-ins:
- Ghee: Substitute butter with 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed ghee for a lactose-free version.
- Sugar-free sweetener: A few drops of stevia or monk fruit (optional, to taste, for those who prefer a touch of sweetness while staying keto-friendly).
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (for a chocolate or vanilla flavor, keeping it keto-compliant).
Instructions:
- Brew the coffee: Use freshly ground Bulletproof coffee beans (or a similar high-quality, mold-free coffee) and brew 1-2 cups using your preferred method (e.g., drip, French press, or pour-over). Ensure the coffee is hot.
- Add butter and MCT oil: Pour the hot coffee into a blender. Add 1-2 tablespoons each of unsalted grass-fed butter and MCT oil.
- Blend until frothy: Blend on high for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is creamy and frothy, with a texture similar to a latte or cappuccino. The blending emulsifies the fats, creating a smooth, rich consistency with a golden crema-like float on top.
- Optional flavorings: If desired, add a sugar-free sweetener, unsweetened cocoa powder, or a drop of pure vanilla extract, and blend again briefly to incorporate.
- Serve immediately: Pour into a mug and enjoy as a satisfying, high-fat breakfast or energy-boosting drink.
Tips for a Bulletproof Version:
- Use pastured, grass-fed butter or ghee for maximum nutritional benefits and to align with the Bulletproof diet’s emphasis on clean, high-quality fats.
- Avoid low-quality coffee beans, as Bulletproof emphasizes toxin-free, mold-free coffee to avoid potential health issues.
- If you’re on a ketogenic or Bulletproof diet, avoid adding sugars or non-keto sweeteners—stick to the fat-heavy base for ketosis support.
Nutritional Benefits (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 200-300 (depending on the amount of butter and MCT oil)
- Fat: 20-30g (mostly healthy fats from butter and MCT oil)
- Carbs: 0g (if no sweeteners or add-ins are used)
- Protein: 0g
Why Bulletproof Coffee?
- It’s designed as a liquid breakfast for those following a ketogenic, paleo, or Bulletproof diet, providing sustained energy and mental clarity through healthy fats.
- The combination of coffee, butter, and MCT oil is said to promote ketosis, enhance focus, and suppress hunger, as popularized by Bulletproof founder David Asprey in 2011.
Variations:
- Cold Brew Bulletproof Coffee: Use cold brew coffee instead of hot coffee, blend with ice, butter, and MCT oil for a refreshing, iced version.
- Flavored Bulletproof Coffee: Add unsweetened cocoa powder for a mocha-like flavor or a sugar-free syrup (e.g., almond, caramel) for variety, ensuring it stays low-carb.
- Bulletproof Keto Breakfast Bowl: Pair with low-carb, high-fat foods like avocado or bacon for a more substantial meal, as suggested in the keto breakfast web results.