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Bulletproof Coffee – How to Make It (With 16 Recipes to Try)

The addition of butter and oil in hot drinks is nothing new— it’s actually a super old tradition in many parts of the world. In certain regions of China, a tea known as youcha (literally ‘oil tea’) is consumed as part of the daily diet and has been done so for centuries. In high altitude areas of Tibet and Nepal, tea with yaks butter provides the extra calories necessary for life at high altitudes. An adapted and modified version of this traditional, high-fat drink, has been adopted by many health-conscious, bio-hacking enthusiasts around the world, in the form of Bulletproof Coffee.

What Is Bulletproof Coffee

Bulletproof Coffee is a blended coffee drink, originally designed as a breakfast replacement, and usually as part of the high-fat, low-carb, Ketogenic diet. It has three ingredients— a cup of high-quality strong black coffee, 2 tablespoons of grass-fed cows butter or ghee, and 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil.

MCT is short for medium-chain triglyceride, which put simply, is an easily digestible oil, similar to, but not the same as, coconut oil. The three ingredients are blended together to form a smooth, high-fat, and low-carb, latte-esqe coffee smoothie that is served hot. 

Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee

The majority of the health benefits of drinking bulletproof coffee will only be felt by those practicing the Ketogenic diet. A Ketogenic diet is a high-fat way of eating that aims to force your body to burn fat as it’s the main energy source, rather than carbohydrates. While ketogenic dieters stand to gain the most from drinking bulletproof coffee, there are a few benefits that anyone, keto or not, might get, too.

Let’s get a couple of the more obvious benefits of bulletproof coffee out of the way. First up, yes, it’s delicious. Strong coffee and grass-fed cows butter!? Of course, it’s delicious!

Second, as a breakfast replacement, a cup of bulletproof coffee provides enough calories, around 440 of them, to really suppress one’s appetite. This allows you to stay in a reasonably calorie-restricted state until lunchtime while having a smooth caffeinated buzz without the shakes that can come with drinking coffee on an empty stomach, or the crash commonly experienced from having a sugary beverage.   

Other claimed benefits of bulletproof coffee, which remain largely untested, include weight loss, mental clarity, and high energy. Instead of looking at bulletproof coffee as a magic tonic, a weight-loss elixir, and what spinach is to Popeye— it is better to look at its individual ingredients, what they contain, and what they have been proven to do.

Because in this situation, there is little scientific evidence to back up the idea that bulletproof coffee is bigger than the sum of its parts. Luckily though, all of the parts that make up bulletproof coffee have a variety of their own health benefits.

Grass-fed butter and MCT oil, making up two-thirds of the ingredient list, both have anti-inflammatory properties, while grass-fed butter contains multiple antioxidants, and MCT oil, in some studies, has been shown to promote weight loss and improve cholesterol. 

And coffee? Well, coffee is just overall awesome! It is chock full of antioxidants, improves mental and physical performance, may lower the risk of certain diseases— and, as the icing on the cake, Harvard studies have indicated that people who drink coffee may lower their risk of early death when compared to their non-coffee drinking counterparts. Oh… and of course, it tastes great, too!

How Does Bulletproof Coffee Work

When included as part of a ketogenic diet, bulletproof coffee provides a high-fat drink, which helps keep your body producing ketones, which in turn, keeps your body in fat-burning mode. When included as a meal replacement in a regular, healthy diet, bulletproof coffee provides the body with quality fats, minerals, and antioxidants that keep your body going until lunchtime. 

Short History of Bulletproof Coffee

Bulletproof coffee isn’t just the name of a caffeinated meal replacement drink— it is actually an entire health food brand, Bulletproof, that was founded by entrepreneur and biohacker, Dave Asprey. In case you’re wondering, biohacking, a kind of do-it-yourself biology, is essentially where you optimize your body’s performance by hacking your own biology. In this case, we are talking about changing the way our body works through diet. 

Traveling around the highlands of Tibet, Mr. Asprey experiencing a drink made with tea and yaks butter, a drink commonly consumed in the area by people living at high altitudes.” I felt really crappy because there’s no oxygen,” Asprey says. He continues, “a little Tibetan woman gave me a bowl of yak butter tea, and in about 5 minutes, I felt my brain wake up!”

Upon returning home to California, he came up with the idea of adding butter to coffee. After trial and error with different ingredients in different combinations, he finally settled on his creation, what we know today as bulletproof coffee.

Dave Asprey, through his brand Bulletproof, sells a range of supplements for a variety of health improvements, including bulletproof branded coffee, ghee, and MCT oil. 

In a way, with bulletproof being a brand, but also the name of a coffee, it makes bulletproof the Kleenex of butter coffee— regardless of whether one uses bulletproof branded ingredients, it will still be referred to as bulletproof coffee!

Pros and Cons of Bulletproof Coffee

Pros

  • Tastes delicious. Use quality coffee and grass-fed butter and you’re in for a good time.
  • Works well as a step toward intermittent fasting. If you want to get into intermittent fasting, but just can’t get past skipping breakfast, bulletproof coffee can be a good way of easing yourself into it. 
  • It can aid weight loss by suppressing appetite. Components of the bulletproof coffee recipe have been known to suppress appetite, which might mean eating less.  

Cons

  • Reduces nutrient intake. While the ingredients of bulletproof coffee do provide certain nutrients, it certainly doesn’t provide the range that a healthy breakfast can. 
  • High in fat. High-fat diets do have their own risks, including low blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. 
  • You’ll only see the full benefits if you stick to the Ketogenic diet. 

Ingredients for Making Bulletproof Coffee

Standard Bulletproof coffee, in its classic form, is a simple combination of a cup of strong coffee blended with butter or ghee and MCT oil.

This doesn’t mean we can throw any old coffee in a blender with regular butter and oil, drink it, and then immediately expect to become Superman! No, in order to get the full benefits of bulletproof coffee, and to make it something worth considering as far as health is concerned, we need to start with the right ingredients. 

Coffee Beans

You’ll need quality, brewed coffee— that means no instant, I’m afraid. You don’t need to spend a small fortune on the best coffee from the foothills of a volcano in Costa Rica— just head down to your local coffee roaster and pick up something that appeals to you. Choose something within four or five days of the roast date. But if you really want to stick to the bulletproof way of doing things, go for the bulletproof brand of coffee, which is specifically processed to minimize any possible mold in the coffee.  

Your coffee can be brewed in pretty much any way you like— a Moka pot, a pour-over device, a dual coffee maker, or even your trusty Keurig (Keurig coffee makers last for a very long time). Each method has it’s own benefit— coffee brewed in Moka pot is more concentrated, and therefore, stronger, a pour-over coffee maker makes the tastiest coffee, and dual coffee makers offer different brew methods, making them a good choice for variety. 

Because bulletproof coffee is only as good as it’s three ingredients, using quality coffee is important. 

Grass-Fed Butter or Ghee

Butter is essentially the fat found in milk. Fat is bad for you, right? Well, not all fat is created equal. That layer of grease on the wrapper of a cheeseburger is almost an entire world away from the fat found in the glorious fruit of all fruits, the avocado. We come across the same thing when comparing regular butter made from the milk of grain-fed cows and butter made from the milk of grass-fed cows.

Only grass-fed butter has the levels of nutrients we need for bulletproof coffee. It is higher in Omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood pressure, and vitamin K2, a nutrient that decalcifies arteries.

For those who are lactose intolerant but still want to give bulletproof coffee a try, worry not— for we’ve got you covered! Ghee, a lactose-free, clarified butter, works just as well in bulletproof coffee, containing very similar nutrients and fats as grass-fed butter.  

MCT Oil

MCT oil, short for medium-chain triglyceride oil, is a key ingredient of bulletproof coffee and finds itself as one of the few ingredients thanks to its small molecule size. This smaller size means it is more easily digestible than regular fats, and absorbs more quickly into the bloodstream, allowing the body to turn it into usable energy.   

In short, MCT oil may give you an extra boost for your workout, and can also help with suppressing your appetite, contributing to why MCT oil may work as a weight loss supplement.   

While medium-chain triglycerides are naturally found in oils like coconut oil and palm kernel oil, it is best to use the more pure, straight up 100% MCT oil.  

Tools for Making Bulletproof Coffee

To make a cup of bulletproof coffee, there are a few essential pieces of gear we need. None of them are particularly specialized, and most people will have them, in one form or another, in their home kitchen. 

Blender

Water and oil tend to not mix together too well— think about the layer of oil that floats at the top of chicken soup. It never mixes properly with the broth. 

The fact that oil and water don’t play well together means that a blender is essential. Stirring with a spoon or shaking your coffee like a cocktail won’t cut it— we need that electric blending power! 

According to the creator of bulletproof coffee, Dave Asprey, the people of the village where he first tried yaks butter tea, consider the blender so important in the creation of the drink that they use a blender hooked up to a car battery! So, the blender is non-negotiable. 

You don’t need a fancy blender— just something standard will do the trick. Putting the blender to work will ensure your bulletproof coffee comes out nice and airy, creamy and somewhat latte like. 

One thing to note: Because the coffee you will be pouring into the blender will be hot, make sure it can take hot liquids. 

Coffee Maker

As far as the coffee maker goes, you can pretty much take your pick. If you usually use a batch brewer or a capsule coffee maker, that is totally fine if an Aeropress or a pour-over is your thing, even better. 

The only real requirement here is that you have a full cup and that it is relatively strong (we need our coffee strong, not only to provide an extra kick but also, so its flavor isn’t drowned out by the butter). Try drinking cold brew coffee if you need an energy boost— it can easily be used in bulletproof coffee. It can also be made super strong and is really tasty. If you do decide to use cold brew, be sure to heat it up first before blending. 

Glass Insulated Mugs

Of course, a delicious beverage should be consumed from a good mug. Insulated glass mugs make a good choice, because, A) They are clear, so you can see how creamy your delicious bulletproof coffee is, and B) they are insulted, keeping your coffee hot for longer than a regular, single-walled mug. 

When selecting a mug, think about where you’ll be using it— on the go, or at home? It’s always good to choose a big coffee mug, over a smaller one. A nice ceramic mug or the best stainless steel coffee mug are also great options. 

How to Make Bulletproof Coffee

Making bulletproof coffee is actually surprisingly easy if you can brew a cup of coffee and throw things into a blender— viola! You can make bulletproof coffee. 

You’ll need:

  • Blender
  • Coffee maker
  • 1 mug strong black coffee
  • 1-2 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1 tsp-2 tbsp MCT oil 

Step 1 — Set up the blender

Make sure the blender is clean, plugged in, and ready to go. 

Step 2 — Brew the coffee

Brew a cup of strong coffee using your chosen coffee brewer. If you are brewing pour-over coffee, try a stong 1:15 brew ratio, which means 1 part coffee, to 15 parts water, or around 65 grams of coffee per liter of water.

Step 3 — Add the MCT oil

If it’s your first time trying bulletproof coffee, it is recommended to start with 1 or 2 teaspoons of MCT oil, then work your way up to 2 tablespoons over a week or so. Add the MCT oil to the blender.

Step 4 — Add the coffee and the butter

Add 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter or ghee to the blender, followed by the mug of brewed coffee. Place the lid on the blender.

Step 5 — Blend

Ensure the lid is on, then blend for 20-30 seconds until your bulletproof coffee is foamy—  similar to the consistency of a latte.

Step 6 — Serve

Serve in your favorite cup and enjoy!    

Bulletproof Coffee Recipes

Just because bulletproof coffee started as one recipe, why just stick to one recipe!? If the original bulletproof recipe is so damn good, then tweaked recipes can be even better! The possibilities for bulletproof coffee are endless, so have fun with it! The only real rule is to not add any sugar, which would defeat the purpose. After all, syrup can’t be added to every coffee

From bulletproof chai to bulletproof ice cream and everything in between, here are some of the best bulletproof coffee recipes around! 

Original Bulletproof Coffee

This is the original, unadulterated bulletproof coffee recipe. It combines unsalted grass-fed butter or ghee, pure MCT oil, and a mug of black coffee. If you choose to use butter over ghee, make sure it is unsalted and grass-fed. If you accidentally use regular salted butter, not only will your bulletproof coffee have an unpleasant salty tinge that resembles coffee soup, but it will lack the nutrient content we need it to have.

Tip: If you are new to bulletproof coffee, it is recommended that you start with less butter and MCT oil, and slowly work your way up to the full amount over a week or so.   

You’ll need:

  • 1-2 tbsp of grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1 tsp to 2 tbsp of MCT oil 
  • 1 mug of strong black coffee

Method: Place all the ingredients in the blender, mix until smooth and frothy, and serve. 

Original + Great Lakes Collagen

If you’re looking for a more complete meal replacement, or a post-workout coffee with a protein boost, the addition of a collagen supplement, like the one from Great Lakes Gelatin, might be a good choice.   

Collagen is essentially a purified protein derived from the skin, connective tissue, and bones of cows. Adding a collagen supplement, as opposed to a regular form of supplemental protein will not only provide extra protein for increased muscle mass but can also improve skin health and relieve joint pain.    

You’ll need: 

  • 1-2 tbsp of grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1-2 tbsp of MCT oil 
  • 1 mug of strong black coffee
  • 1-2 tbsp of great lakes collagen

Method: Place all the ingredients in the blender, mix until smooth and frothy, and serve. 

Original + Chaga Mushroom Powder

The use of medicinal mushrooms has been commonplace in Chinese medicine for almost forever! Well, maybe not forever, but a long time. Why not try unlocking the power of the Chaga mushroom in your bulletproof coffee?

The Chaga mushroom is a nutrient-dense fungus found growing on trees, often Birch and Alder, usually in counties with colder climates such as Canada, France, and Norway. It is packed with antioxidants and is used as a superfood, known to come with a myriad of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.     

You’ll need: 

  • 1-2 tbsp of grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1-2 tbsp of MCT oil 
  • 1 mug of strong black coffee
  • 1-2 tsp of Chaga mushroom power

Method: Place all the ingredients in the blender, mix until smooth and frothy, and serve. 

Pumpkin Spice Bulletproof

Pumpkin would have to be the unequivocal flavor of fall. The colors, the sweetness, and the creamy texture just lend so well to many cafe favorites. You might have seen pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin chai, or even pumpkin butterbeer (Harry Potter anyone?) 

If a pumpkin spiced latte is good, and bulletproof coffee is good, does that mean the combination of the two is also good? Yes, yes, it does!

For this recipe, we’ll be adding straight-up pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and a few spices, in with the original bulletproof recipe. Enjoy as the leaves are falling!

You’ll need: 

  • 1-2 tbsp of grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1-2 tbsp of MCT oil 
  • 1 mug of strong black coffee
  • 1-2 tbsp of pumpkin puree
  • A pinch of sea salt 
  • ½ tsp of pumpkin pie spice (this can be replaced by cinnamon and nutmeg in even amounts) 
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • A little natural sweetener like maple syrup, to taste, if you really want those pumpkin spiced latte vibes 

Method: Place all the ingredients in the blender, mix until smooth and frothy, and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. 

Gingerbread Bulletproof Coffee

The benefits of ginger go on for miles— from treating nausea to reducing muscle paints and increasing brain function— the powers of ginger are widely known and have been studied for decades.

Ginger is also a chief ingredient in the classic human-shaped Christmas treat…you guessed it, right? Gingerbread! Next time the holidays roll around, make your morning coffee a little festive and try this gingerbread bulletproof coffee recipe. 

To get our bulletproof coffee to taste like gingerbread, we need to either use a gingerbread spice mix, which is the easiest way of doing it, or using freshly grated ginger with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. 

You’ll need: 

  • 1-2 tbsp of grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1-2 tbsp of MCT oil 
  • 1 mug of strong black coffee
  • 4 tsp of gingerbread spice mix 

Or

  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon 
  • ½ tsp clove
  • ½ nutmeg

Method: Place all the ingredients in the blender, mix until smooth and frothy, and serve with a sprinkling of the spice mix. 

Turbo Bulletproof Coffee Drops

We call these, ‘bulletproof coffee drops’, because you ‘drop’ one into a regular cup of coffee. Whisk all the ingredients together and there you have it, an extremely easy, grab-and-go version of bulletproof coffee. While you won’t get that same, creamy, latte feel as with the original blended recipe, it will give you the same fats and oils— it will also make dreary, sub-par coffee taste a whole lot better!  

You’ll need: 

  • ½ stick grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1 cup MCT oil
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp sea salt

Method: Place all the ingredients in blender and mix until smooth. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. When you are ready to use one, simply drop one into your hot coffee and stir.

Bulletproof Hot Cocoa

So far, we’ve seen multiple bulletproof coffee recipes. But what about those who want the benefits of a bulletproof beverage, without the coffee? Are we just going to leave you behind? Not a chance! Introducing the bulletproof hot cocoa—  and boy, what hot cocoa it is!

The creaminess of the coconut milk blended with the richness of the cocoa and butter make this a luxurious drink. The only real word that works to describe it accurately is yummy. Super yummy. 

Be sure to use unsweetened coconut milk and cocoa powder if you want to keep the sugar levels of this bulletproof hot cocoa low.

You’ll need: 

  • ½ cup of filtered water
  • ½ cup of coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp of grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1 tbsp of MCT oil
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Dash of cinnamon

Method:

  • In a medium-sized pot, bring the coconut milk and the water to a boil and remove from heat
  • Add the rest of the ingredients to the hot coconut milk and water
  • Transfer the mix to the blender
  • Mix until smooth and frothy
  • Serve in your favorite mug and enjoy!

Bulletproof Green Tea

One for the tea lovers out there! For anyone who has tried a blended green tea latte, this may sound familiar— this is just the bulletproof version.   

Not only is green tea chock-full of antioxidants, but it is also known to boost one’s metabolic rate, aiding weight loss. Green tea contains caffeine, which in turn, can improve brain function, and, thanks to catechins present in green tea, can even improve oral health by suppressing the growth of bacteria! A superfood (or super drink, rather) indeed!

In this recipe, we replace the bulletproof coffee with green tea. We also add a little extra creaminess to it. The cream will really give it that green tea latte taste we’re looking for. If you don’t want to use cream, try almond milk or vegan coffee creamer instead.

You’ll need: 

  • Filtered water
  • 2-3 green tea bags  
  • 1-2 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1-2 tbsp MCT oil
  • 3 tbsp cream, almond milk or premium vegan coffee creamer

Method: 

  • First, brew a cup of tea. Brew your tea twice as strong as you normally would. If you’d usually use one tea bag, use two or three. In order to cut through the flavor of the other ingredients, we need the tea to be strong. You can use tea bags or loose-leaf. Either way, make it strong.
  • Once the tea is brewed, discard the tea bags and combine the tea with the other ingredients in the blender.
  • Blend until smooth and foamy, serve and enjoy

Bulletproof Gummies

These chewy, nutrient-packed treats are great for a lil’ somethin’ on the go. For this recipe, you’ll be using all the usual bulletproof coffee culprits, with the addition of high-quality gelatin (this is what will make these set as gummies). You can use pretty much any kind of mold you like— just go for something that suits the size of gummy you are after. Candy molds are great for this.

These tasty gummies are super easy to whip up, and besides the gelatin, you’ll likely have everything you need, already in the kitchen. Simply blend, set in the fridge and they’re good to go! 

You’ll need:

  • 1 cup strong hot black coffee
  • 1 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1 tbsp MCT oil
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 5 tbsp grass-fed gelatin
  • A sweetener of your choice to taste

Method:

  • Add all the ingredients to the blender and blend for 20 or 30 seconds until smooth.
  • Pour the mixture into the mold.
  • Place the mold in the refrigerator and leave to set for 2 hours, depending on the size of your mold.
  •  Once they’re ready, pop the gummies out of the mold, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. Easy peasy!

Bulletproof Ice Cream

Ice cream needn’t be naughty food that you feel guilty about eating after the deed is done. The idea that we can easily make ice cream at home that not only tastes good but contains ingredients our bodies can actually use is a game-changer! 

No longer does ice cream have to be a cheat day food, but it can be an afternoon pick-me-up or an anytime snack. Sounds good!

This bulletproof ice cream is low in sugar, low in carbohydrates, and high in good quality fats.

You’ll need:

  • 4 whole eggs
  • 4 yolks (so that’s 8 yolks and 4 whites in total) 
  • 2 tsp vanilla powder or extract
  • 10 drops apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • 7 tbs grass-fed butter
  • 7tbs coconut oil
  • 3tbs + 2tsp MCT oil
  • ½ cup of water or ice
  • ¼ to ½ cup of cocoa powder
  • Natural sugar substitute to taste

Method:

  • Place everything minus the water or ice in a blender. Blend it all until it is nice and creamy and evenly mixed.
  • Add water or ice and continue to blend until everything is fully mixed. We’re looking for a yogurt-like consistency. Try adding small amounts of water until the desired consistency is reached.
  • If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture in and turn it on. If you don’t, you have two options. Ether: A) turn the mixture into ice cream the old fashioned way— in a bowl over ice and lots of stirring, Or, B) put the mixture in a bowl, place the bowl in the freezer. Give the mixture a mix every 20 minutes or so until it has reached the awesome level: BULLETPROOF ICE CREAM!

Bulletproof Mocha Mousse

How about getting your daily morning bulletproof coffee in by eating a chocolate mousse? Sounds good? Read on!

Here we combine a pretty standard bulletproof coffee recipe with a little grass-fed gelatin and cocoa to create this gorgeous mocha mousse. But this isn’t just a tasty treat— we end up with a low carb, a supercharged bowl of mocha goodness!

This bulletproof mocha mousse recipe will create one serve. This can easily be upsized to make more— just multiply all the ingredients. Easy. This delicious little cocoa mousse is perfect for keeping in the fridge— anytime you feel yourself going for a chocolate bar, just tuck into one of these babies instead!

You’ll need: 

  • 2 tsp MCT oil 
  • 1 tbsp grass‐fed butter or ghee
  • 8 oz strong coffee, freshly brewed
  • 1 ½ tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tsp grass-fed gelatin
  • Sweetener to taste

Method:

  • Add all ingredients to the blender and mix until smooth and frothy.
  • Pour into a small bowl and refrigerate around 3 hours.
  • Serve with a few mint leaves, coconut cream, heavy cream, nuts, or any other keto delight you can think of. Enjoy!

Vegan Bulletproof Coffee

Many have tried and many have failed— the vegan diet is, without a doubt, the hardest to stick to. Not necessarily because it’s hard to avoid eating meat, drinking milk and eating cheese, but because there are animal products in almost everything!

Of course, for a person following a vegan diet, the original bulletproof coffee, because of the butter, is out the window. But luckily, there are alternatives we can use that provide similar fats, without the use of animal products.

You’ll need:

  • 2 cups strong coffee
  • 1 tbsp MCT oil
  • 1-2 tbsp almond butter
  • ½ cup almond Milk

Method: In a blender, combine everything and mix until smooth and creamy. Enjoy your vegan bulletproof coffee!

Bulletproof Chai Latte

Smooth, creamy, and spicy— the chai latte is a beautiful thing. What’s cool is that a chai latte is super easy to make bulletproof— simply replace the brewed coffee with a strong cup of chai tea. This way, you’ll get a caffeine hit and an antioxidants boost from the chai tea, and you’re good fats and oils from the butter and MCT oil. 

The butter does provide quite a bit of sweetness in this, but if you’re used to having your chai latte the way they do it at Starbucks, and you just can’t go without the sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener of your choosing. Just keep away from traditional sugars— they will boost the carbohydrate content of your bulletproof chai latte.

You’ll need:

  • 2 cups hot strong-brewed chai tea
  • 1 tbsp grass-fed butter
  • 1 tbsp MCT oil
  • 1 tsp honey or sweetener (optional)
  • A pinch of cinnamon powder to serve

Method: Place all the ingredients in the blender, mix until smooth and frothy, and serve hot with a sprinkling of cinnamon powder.  

Bulletproof Matcha Latte

Another trendy cafe favorite, we can easily turn bulletproof! 

This may sound surprising, but many people actually prefer a bulletproof matcha latte over a bulletproof coffee! And for a very good reason. Thanks in large part to the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals present, matcha is considered a superfood with many potential health benefits.   The powerful combination of matcha tea, butter, and MCT oil makes this a nutrient-rich explosion! 

Matcha has around half the amount of caffeine as coffee does, making a bulletproof matcha latte a very good substitute for people who are sensitive to caffeine but still want the energy and brain-power boost that come with it.  

You’ll need:

  • 1-2 tbsp MCT oil 
  • 1-2 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee
  • ½ – 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
  • 1 cup hot water, 2 minutes off the boil 
  • 1 tsp agave or honey as a sweetener (optional)

Method:

  • Boil water in the kettle, then let it sit for 2 or 3 minutes to cool down.
  • Combine everything in the blender and mix until smooth and frothy. Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy!

Iced Bulletproof Coffee

What could be better than an iced coffee on a hot summer’s day? Bulletproof coffee actually works excellently as an iced coffee— creamy, strong, and just sweet enough!

Because bulletproof coffee contains butter, it will separate if we leave it to cool for too long. To avoid that, we simply whip up the original bulletproof coffee, then pour it into a glass over lots of ice. 

Iced bulletproof coffees are especially nice as an afternoon wake up call, or for something different on the weekends. If you want to get a little crazy, try adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder or even a little vanilla extract to give your ice coffee that real ‘ice coffee’ feel!

You’ll need:

  • 1-2 tbsp of grass-fed butter or ghee
  • 1-2 tbsp of MCT oil 
  • 1 mug of strong black coffee
  • A glass full of ice

Method: 

  • Place all the ingredients in the blender and mix until smooth and frothy.
  • Pour the coffee from the blender into a glass full of ice. Give it a good stir and serve immediately. Enjoy the summertime!

Bulletproof Yerba Mate

Ok, so first up, what is yerba mate? Good question. Yerba mate is a tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It is popular in parts of South America and is consumed for its caffeine content and numerous antioxidants. 

Just like matcha, Yerba Mate is packed chock full of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It has a little less caffeine than coffee, but more than a traditional tea, making it perfect middle ground for those still on the fence, caffeine wise. 

For this bulletproof yerba mate recipe, we’ll use all the usual ingredients for a bulletproof beverage, with the optional addition of a little sweetener. 

You’ll need:

  • 1 cup strong Yerba Mate tea
  • 1-2 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee 
  • 1-2 tbsp MCT oil
  • 1 tsp sweetener or honey (optional)

Method: Place the hot brewed tea in the blender, along with the other ingredients. Mix until smooth and frothy, then serve.

Biggest Bulletproof Coffee Mistakes

Drinking Bulletproof Coffee AND Eating Breakfast

Bulletproof coffee was designed as a high-fat meal replacement. Eating breakfast AND drinking bulletproof coffee drastically increases your caloric intake for the day. Now, if this is what you’re looking for, then, by all means, go for it! But if you are hoping to lose weight, or gain more energy by implementing a ketogenic diet, it is recommended to skip the morning meal.

Adding Sugar

One of the biggest drawcards of bulletproof coffee is that it is sweet without the added sugar. Most people find they don’t need to add any sugar. 

To understand why it isn’t great to add sugar to bulletproof coffee, we need an understanding of why bulletproof coffee does what it is supposed to. Because the full explanation for this might become quite lengthy, let’s just go for the short, in summary, version. 

It all comes down to what you give your body and the way your body uses what you feed it. 

Bulletproof coffee works well as part of a ketogenic diet— that’s because a ketogenic diet restricts the consumption of carbohydrates and increases the consumption of fats, which in turn encourages the body to use fat as fuel, rather than carbohydrates (sugars). This process, your body burning fats over sugars, is known as Ketogenesis. If we add sugar to bulletproof coffee or add bulletproof coffee to a regular sugar eating diet, Ketogenesis will not take place, and the body will continue to run like normal. 

Using Instant Coffee

Instant coffee can taste good— it is possible! But instant coffee isn’t the best choice for bulletproof coffee. Ideally, we want quality, preferably organic arabica coffee made from a good coffee maker. An AeroPress is a good choice, as you can try many different brew recipes, while a coffee machine made from stainless steel is the most durable.

Including Bulletproof Coffee During Intermittent Fasting

Sorry to break it to you, but intermittent fasting is exactly that— fasting. That means zero calories. While it may be easy to trick ourselves into thinking that a bulletproof coffee doesn’t count because it is a liquid, it is packed full of calories, making it just as good as eating food, as far as fasting is concerned. To get benefits from intermittent fasting, we’re talking water and black coffee (no sugar or milk!) only.

While bulletproof coffee shouldn’t be consumed during your fasting window, it can work well as part of caloric restriction— reducing one’s caloric intake. Depending on your usual breakfast, skipping the food and going for a bulletproof coffee instead can reduce your caloric intake quite substantially.  

Not Using a Blender

This can’t be stressed enough: a blender is 100% necessary to make good bulletproof coffee! To get the smooth texture and all the ingredients mixed in properly— a blender is the only way. The creator or bulletproof coffee claims that in Tibet, where he first tried a version of the drink with yaks butter and tea, the local people use a blender hooked up to a car battery… that is how important the blender is!

Let’s put it this way, imagine trying to stir-in, or use a shaker to mix the fat that has formed on top of a soup…Not going to happen!

Starting With Full Doses

The amount of butter and MCT oil we are using in a fully dosed cup of bulletproof coffee can take some getting used to. We’re not just talking taste-wise, but also for your digestive system. Start with a teaspoon of both butter and MCT oil, then work your way up to the full 2 tablespoons. There is no rush— letting your body get used to it naturally and gradually is the best way to go. 

FAQ About Bulletproof Coffee

Does Starbucks make bulletproof coffee?

Starbucks does not currently offer a bulletproof, or similar coffee. Because most Starbucks additions, such as cream and syrups, contain sugar, the safest coffee for anyone on a keto diet to drink at Starbucks is just a straight-up black coffee.  

Is it OK to drink bulletproof coffee every day?

Things are best done in moderation. While there is no conclusive scientific evidence to say whether or not a bulletproof coffee every day has negative or positive side effects, it’s best to stay on the side of caution and give the body a break for a couple of days a week. 

How many times a day should you drink bulletproof coffee?

While some people may be okay consuming more than once per day, due to the high levels of fat and relatively low levels of other nutrients our bodies need, it is recommended to stick to one per day, along with a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.

Can you gain weight from bulletproof coffee?

If you just add a mug of bulletproof coffee to your regular breakfast, lunch and dinner diet, then it is possible you might gain weight. You are drinking coffee mixed with fats, after all. If you replace breakfast with a bulletproof coffee, you are more likely to see positives effects. 

Does Walmart sell bulletproof coffee?

Yes! Walmart carries a huge selection of bulletproof products, including coffee, MCT oil, ghee and a number of other various supplements. 

How does bulletproof coffee taste?

Creamy, rich and smooth. Some people describe the taste of bulletproof coffee to be a nuttier, heavier version of a latte. If you use high-quality coffee that tastes good, to begin with and grass-fed butter, then you’ll end up with a tasty, creamy beverage!

Can bulletproof coffee upset my stomach?

Some people do find they have an upset stomach during their first few tries with bulletproof coffee. This is most likely due to your digestive system getting used to the MCT oil. MCT’s are metabolized differently to LCTs (long-chain triglycerides), and because of this, it can cause nausea or diarrhea at first. 

This is why it is recommended to start light with the MCT oil. One teaspoon at first, and let your body get used to it. 

How are Dave Asprey and bulletproof coffee related?

Dave Asprey, entrepreneur and biohacker, designed the drink we now know as bulletproof coffee. He also created the health brand, bulletproof, where he sells bulletproof brand coffee, MCT oil, ghee, and other dietary supplements. 

Conclusion

Bulletproof coffee sounds strange to most people at first. Adding butter and oil to coffee? But after their first sip, many become hooked. While it might not be for everyone, it certainly has become a big part of many people’s lives— from various athletes to Ed Sheeran and even a Kardashian or two! Give it a try and see how it goes for you.  

Photos from: tbralnina / depositphotos.com, lisovskaya / depositphotos.com, belchonock / depositphotos.com and cegli.o2.pl.

The post Bulletproof Coffee – How to Make It (With 16 Recipes to Try) appeared first on Trouble Coffee.



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Bulletproof Coffee – How to Make It (With 16 Recipes to Try)

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