Bulletproof Coffee (Butter Coffee)

What Is Bulletproof Coffee?

Bulletproof coffee, sometimes called bullet coffee for short, is a popular keto coffee made by blending butter (or ghee) with coconut oil or MCT oil. It’s a rich, frothy drink that tastes like a latte! Along with chaffles, it’s become a trend in the keto diet community, but I say you don’t have to be keto to enjoy its benefits!

The Bulletproof brand started this trend, but the term has become a go-to for any butter coffee. My recipe isn’t affiliated with the brand, but I do love using their coffee beans for it!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto coffee recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

Main Ingredients:

• Coffee – Use any brewed coffee you like! I’ve made bulletproof coffee using regular coffee (my fave coffee beans are these and these), decaf coffee when I don’t want caffeine, heated cold brew, and even this instant coffee which is unbelievably delicious. Sometimes I select Americano on my coffee maker (it was a splurge, but I’ve had it for years and it’s paid for itself with fewer coffee shop runs!).
• Butter – Butter in coffee may sound strange, but when blended, it emulsifies for an amazing latte-like vibe! I recommend this grass-fed butter for the best nutrition and health benefits. It has more omega-3s than conventional varieties (source). You can also use the same amount of ghee or coconut oil if you’re sensitive to lactose or dairy, but your coffee will be less creamy.
• MCT Oil – MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides. These fatty acids, found in coconut oil, aid in weight loss and fat burning (source) — but there are several types and some are better than others. C8 is absorbed faster for a burst of energy and produces more ketones, while C10 gives more sustained energy, so I like this blend of both. I don’t recommend C6 (can cause stomach upset) or C12 (harder to absorb). Coconut oil works as a substitute for texture, but doesn’t pack the same punch as refined MCT oil in coffee.

Optional Add-Ins & Variations:

• Milk – I don’t recommend regular dairy milk, since the lactose is sugar and will negate the benefits of this drink. I like to use unsweetened almond milk (regular or vanilla) in this recipe to lighten up the fat a bit, but any milk alternative or even sugar-free coffee creamer works, too.
• Collagen Protein – Add a scoop if you want extra protein for your macros. I like this brand. You might also like my high protein coffee recipe if you’re on a protein kick.
• Flavored Coffee Syrup – Add a splash of my sugar-free coffee syrup (it comes in hazelnut or vanilla). This is what I add most often!
• Plain Sweetener – When I want sweetness without flavor, my sugar-free simple syrup is my go-to. You can also add Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend, which dissolves effortlessly and has no aftertaste — unlike virtually every other sugar substitute.
• Mocha – Blend in up to 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, and sweetener if you like.
• Spices – Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or turmeric, or a dash of cayenne. For a fall vibe, swap the heavy cream for grass-fed butter in my sugar-free pumpkin spice latte.
• Toppings – Give it a coffee shop feel with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream, and a drizzle of sugar-free caramel or sugar-free chocolate syrup.

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3 Ways To Make Coffee With Butter

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

As you can imagine, you can’t just stir some butter into coffee and call it a day. It will be oily, and honestly, pretty bad that way. 😅 Instead, you have to make it frothy to emulsify it, which will make it taste like a latte! I’ve found 3 ways to do this:

• Blender – Just toss all the ingredients into a blender and blend until frothy. This is my favorite way to make it, pictured below. There’s less chance of a mess, and I can whip up a double batch for my husband and me.
• Milk Frother – Add everything to a mug or tall glass, then grab a milk frother (or immersion blender) and blend until frothy. Just make sure to leave enough space at the top to avoid spilling!
• Self-Stirring Mug – I just got this self-stirring mug and it’s the easiest way to make bulletproof coffee without extra tools to wash! Just add your ingredients, press a button, and it blends perfectly.

TIP: Drink your bullet coffee right away!

It will lose its frothy texture with time and can form a film on top. It tastes best fresh! But if you need to, you can blend it again later to bring it back together.

Common Questions

• Why do people put butter in their coffee? I put butter in coffee to make it rich, creamy, and frothy—like a latte without the carbs. It also adds healthy fats that can you full and energized. I love the mental clarity I get from it, too.
• Is coffee keto friendly? Yes, coffee is keto! It’s naturally carb-free—and so is my butter coffee recipe. Just skip the sugar and processed, high-carb creamers.
• Does bulletproof coffee break a fast? It depends on your approach. Technically, anything with calories does break a fast, but I find that I still get intermittent fasting benefits—like steady blood sugar and reduced hunger—even if I drink this keto coffee in the morning. But if you’re fasting, it’s best to skip the optional add-ins.
• Can you make it iced instead of hot? Yes, you can. Make it hot and just pour over ice. But drink it fast because it will separate in a few minutes! You could also make my keto iced coffee instead.
• Can you make it with tea? Yes! Sometimes I use brewed tea instead of brewed coffee. It’s delicious in its own way, with less caffeine.
• Can you make it ahead? Sort of. Bulletproof coffee will separate and/or form a film on top as it cools, which isn’t very appetizing. But I have a shortcut to meal prep on the recipe card below.

More Keto Breakfast Recipes

Looking for more low carb ways to start your day? I have so many low carb breakfast recipes you can try:

• Eggs & Bacon – Coddled eggs are my personal favorite, but baked eggs or egg muffins are awesome for meal prep. Cook up your bacon in the oven for a big batch, or you can air fry bacon or microwave bacon for smaller, quicker options.
• Low Carb Bagels – I always have a batch in my freezer! Toast them up and top with cream cheese and lox, mashed avocado with everything seasoning, or an egg and bacon for a keto breakfast sandwich.
• Sweets – Try my keto pancakes, low carb waffles, or French toast for a sweet treat. I also love low carb coffee cake or a keto donut together with bulletproof coffee.
• Low Carb “Oats” – Warm up with a bowl of keto oatmeal, or grab some low carb granola.