Ever wondered about all the hype of Bulletproof Coffee? I can’t take credit for this idea. It’s all Dave Asprey, one of the most popular podcasters in the health world.
I heard about this idea of butter in my coffee a few years ago. My trainer was drinking butter in his coffee daily and LOVED it. This idea sounded gross to me. I think of butter on my sweet potatoes or in my “Faux-tatoes“, but yuck, never in coffee. I think it’s because when most people think of butter, they think of salted butter, but this bulletproof coffee uses unsalted butter (MUCH different!).
The premise of this Bulletproof Coffee is to get a good dose of healthy fats from unsalted butter from grass-fed cows and then also from the added MCT oil. Is butter Paleo, you ask? Our caveman ancestors did not have domesticated cattle, therefore did not have butter. But instead of getting hung up on “IS it actually Paleo” I like to ask “Does it make me healthier?”. By the way, did you see that TIME magazine featured butter on the cover and claimed we are ending the war on fat? Some people speculate butter may be a superfood. I’m skeptical and don’t over consume butter… But I had to give this coffee a try at least once.
Now let me tell you how to make this famous bulletproof coffee.
Ingredients: 8 ounce coffee, 1-2 TB unsalted butter, 1-3 teaspoons MCT oil
1. Brew some quality coffee. When I make coffee I like a pour-over method, but you can use a french press, french drip, or a Mr. Coffee. Just make your coffee how you like it.
Note on the beans: I get my beans from my good friend Kevin (who lost 65 pounds on Paleo) with Coast Roast Coffee. He roasts them weekly. Fresh matters! Dave recommends buying Bulletproof Beans, that are mold-free and actually very delicious. You can get them on Amazon.
2. Blend the MCT oil, butter, and coffee in a food processor. Some people use a blender, but I exploded bulletproof coffee all over my kitchen 3 times before I got smart and started using a food processor or immersion blender instead. This is the brand of MCT Oil I use.
3. Enjoy. You really only need one cup. Two cups may put you on a wired caffeine high. I drank my cup around 8 or 9 in the morning and never after 12 can mess with your sleep!
What are your thoughts on Bulletproof Coffee?! Be honest.
Colleen says
It certainly sounds delicious (even more rich than half & half or heavy cream!), but why does it give you such a burst in energy?
Monica Bravo says
Yes you are right unlike half and half, which has milk, this combo much more fat so it is richer! Honestly I couldn’t tell you EXACTLY why the combo works so great, you’ll just have to try it yourself. MCT oil is concentrated medium chain triglycerides which are a great source of energy and are absorbed differently than long chain fatty acids!
Joni Stanley says
Hi!! After reading about “your” bulletproof coffee I have a few questions! I have a serious, SERIOUS lack of energy problem. I suppose, due to MS for 31 years, Fibromyalgia 25 years and Other general syndromes, etc. I am SO fatigued that I literally have no life! It’s terrible for me, even In the early afternoon, to find any energy. I am now wondering IF this coffee would be a benefit. I do take muscle relaxers due to Myofascial Pain Syndrome instead of trigger point injections. I do receive S1 epidurals on a monthly basis due to horrible pain that will put me in bed. BUT I NEED ENERGY!!! I was on a medication years ago that was for people with ADD because I am *SO* ADD I go from a to d via x, y and z. I’m exhausted before I ever get anything productive done but the Dr. took me off of that when I was dx ‘ed with PVCs. I’m a medical wreck but I just need energy!! Please let me know if the coffee would supply me with energy or could I use that as a source of energy as opposed to medications?!! Thanks in
advance for any info you could send me!
Sincerely,
Joni
Monica Bravo says
Joni,
I HIGHLY recommend ordering Dr. Terry Wahl’s book “The Wahl’s protocol”. This is a concern for a doctor, not a student, and I cannot answer your questions. Dr. Terry Wahls has overcome MS by eating an incredibly healthy diet and her website and book may be a great help to you. I would look there first. I think it will take more than just coffee to change your energy levels.
Monica
Lorena says
Hey Joni, I was feeling the same way for a long time, and I was reading something online about nitrate, i stop eating any unhealthy food and start feling better.
Hope you feel better soon.
Lori says
Hey Joni, it sounds like like you have a lot of medical issues that cause fatigue. I only have hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia with CFS and struggle to make it through the day. Haven’t tried this coffee yet, as I only just found the recipe, but i’m willing to give it a shot. Here’s hoping it works because nothing else has.
Lori says
Joni…Have you tried Ashwagandah? It really boosts energy. You can find it at Super Supplements. It’s an Auyvedic (spelling) herb. Worked for me!!
Sasha says
Yes! I have been living symptom free from lupus eating an autoimmune paleo diet. No more meds causing weight gain, ups and downs, and horrible long term affects. Bullet proof coffee gives me an added zip in my step for my morning workouts 🙂 I highly recommend following the WAHLS protocol.
Monica Bravo says
That’s amazing Sasha! Thanks for sharing.
muriel says
If you have MS please get on the Whals paleo diet. I have great results after two yeas on the diet.
Monica Bravo says
That’s awesome Muriel!
Susan says
Hi Joni, I have Scleroderma and Pulmondary fibrosis and was a medical train wreck as well. Because of all the meds, change of meds, etc. you have been on you might want to consider doing a few things. I’d do it all with support from your doctors and doing your own research. A good liver detox would be a good place to start as well as getting your gut flora in check. I was on antibiotics so long (YEARS) that leaky gut was a serious issue, though some GI doctors like to say that LG isn’t a real thing. I totally disagree. I take a probiotic and limit my artificial and processed sugar intake majorly. I also added Juice Plus and Protandim to my routine. I used to take 15 pharmacuticals a day and now take 1 and the rest are what I mentioned above. I used to nap all the time, parent from the couch and then nap some more. Now I’m skateboarding with my son (at almost 50), doing obstacle races and own my own company. Keep seeking answers! But as always… surround yourself with supportive doctors.
Monica Bravo says
Thanks for sharing Susan! I appreciate it.
Kris says
I’ve just discovered how important enzymes and probiotics are. Many illnesses and autoimmune disorders are linked to the bodies inability to break down protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The liver is responsible for over 600 functions and needs to be cleansed as well. Check out divinenature.com for more information. I drink coffee but that is just away to treat a symptom. I’m excited because I believe to have found a cure to many symptoms I’m experiencing. I’m just getting started but I’ve heard great testimonials. I’m not selling anything but a belief.
Sara Perron says
Have you ever tried a diet to fight Candida? No sugar, no wheat, no grains, and the addition of a very good brand of probiotics. Candida grows in your gut and excretes toxins that are very detrimental to one’s health. Most MD’s aren’t familiar with this. Google it.
Chris Barber says
Please contact a compounding pharmacy and ask if they can recommend someone that does saliva testing. Adrenal fatigue is the root cause of many diseases that cause fatigue and is detected through the saliva. It can be healed fairly easy. I saw someone recommended Ashwaghanda. This is used for healing adrenal issues but it is a night shade plant. It could cause more problems if you have food allergies. Something else you should be tested for if you haven’t done so already. Wheat and sugar cause many fatigue diseases and chronic inflammation and pain. If you don’t do anything else just cut those two things out of your life completely and you will see amazing results! You will feel worse at first because your body has to go through withdrawals but it is so worth it! I switched from sugar to xylitol and stopped eating grains.
Rose says
Hi Joni,
I have fibromyalgia and I started taking turmeric it helps with inflammation and inflammation is what causes some of the pain that you have. Look it it up. You can make it in many ways there is a recipe that is called golden milk…it taste great. Hope you give it a try.
Virginia says
It sounds like a thyroid issue. Your thyroid oversees all the other organs. Look into some iodine. Like Lugol’s iodine. That is a natural pick me up.
Sara says
I use a tablespoon of coconut oil with a tablespoon of grass fed butter and some heavy cream in my Nutri-bullet… YUMMMM!!
Monica Bravo says
Sounds yum!
martha says
is it ok to use heavy whipping cream or half n half in my coffee as well? Which is better for better results?
Monica Bravo says
Hey Martha! I can’t be sure which is better for results, but try them out. I’d try doing one for a whole week and then another and see if it makes a difference
martha says
I’ve been using this coffee for a week and I’m still at a plateau. Do I still follow my low carb diet and incorporate this coffee in the morning? Not sure what I’m doing wrong.
Monica Bravo says
Martha, I’m not an expert on this coffee or on diet. I only share things I like and what works for me, but I can’t tell you what you’re doing wrong/right. That’s a question for your doctor.
Dot King says
I love this coffee. I found that by putting coconut oil and butter, I did not have to use cream r half and half at all. Just coffee, coconut oil and butter. Then you use a mixer for a minute and low and hold it is wonderful. Oh, I use a little Stevia too.
Monica Bravo says
Yum!! Glad you enjoy it.
Sandy Davis says
Hi Dot,
How much of each did you use? I am a fan of coconut oil and have that on hand. I would like to try it but not sure the measurements.
Thanks,
Sandy
Danielle says
What really gives you the energy from this drink is using actual Bulletproof brand coffee. Dave found that the brain drain comes from the mold found on most coffee beans so he produces his own clean coffee beans. My husband and i have been drinking it for a few months now and there is no comparison to other brands of coffee. I was about to stop drinking coffee completely because i didn’t like the bitterness and the energy crash i was getting. You really need to give it a good whirl in a blender or Ninja to experience the best cup of coffee ever! I no longer even like half and half or heavy cream in my coffee and love the nice foam the blender gives it!
Check out the full story about Dave Asprey to see what makes this so revolutionary!
Todd Smith says
I just ordered some of the Upgraded Self cartridges for the Keurig machine along with the Upgraded Self MCT oil. I can’t wait to try it. I found some unsalted butter from grass fed cows at Wal-Mart. Thanks for your reply about my butter question on Twitter.
Monica Bravo says
No problem! Let me know how you like it : ) sounds awesome.
nancy Donnelly says
Hate to sound so stupid but what exactly is MCT oil? Does it go by another name? is this just the abbreviation for it. Please help
Monica Bravo says
It stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides. It is a type of fatty acids found in coconut oil but it is in a concentrated form.
Francesca says
Monica, what brand MCT oil do use? I’ve heard coconut oil is a decent replacement for MCT — have you tried both?
Monica Bravo says
The brand I have now is called NOW Sports. Yes coconut oil is a great replacement. MCT are found in coconut oil. The MCT oil is just a more concentrated form without the coconuty flavor.
Rachel says
Hey Monica! We have 20 ppl doing a 30 Paleo Challenge over at Pilates Bodies! We are so excited to help them find health. Where can I find MCT oil locally?
Monica Bravo says
Hey Rachel! That’s so awesome! I actually ordered mine online but I think they probably have it at Fresh Market. I will let you know if I see it around here.
Kiersten says
This is how I make my coffee and I LOVE it! I’ve been trying to cut back though lately which is hard because it’s just so darn tasty!
Gina says
Monica, if I’m understanding correctly, I can use coconut oil to make bulletproof coffee instead of MCT oil. Are they interchangeable in other recipes which call for either coconut oil or MCT oil?
Monica Bravo says
I would not interchange for other recipes. I have personally never used coconut oil for my bulletproof coffee, but other people have told me they use it and it works!
Courtney says
Hi!! I love bullet proof. I use Kerrygold unsalted – have you tried that?! It’s great!
Monica Bravo says
Yes that’s what I use too! : )
Lilli says
Could I make this with organic coconut oil instead of MCT? And where did you get that beautiful pour over coffee carafe??
Monica Bravo says
Yes you can! I have personally never tried it with coconut oil, but people keep telling me it tastes the same. I’m actually going to try that this morning. I got the pour over from Whole Foods! I love it.
Laurie says
I have been drinking this coffee for 2 months now and LOVE it! I used to use that nasty flavored creamer and never thought I could stop. Well I was wrong! After one cup of this I never went back. I use a tsp of MCT and a tsp of coconut oil and the unsalted Kerrigold… Mmmmmmm. 🙂
Monica Bravo says
That’s awesome Laurie. Thanks for sharing. I totally understand. Some of us can’t/don’t like to drink it black, and this bulletproof method definitely helps with flavor.
Celeste says
Does this method sweeten the coffee? I miss coffee badly, but I only like it sweet. I miss having flavored drinks period, and it’s the only thing I struggle with on this lifestyle.
Monica Bravo says
Celeste! I have some options for you that may help. First try this coffee, it’s not sweet but it is definitely not like drinking your coffee black. Also there’s this brand of flavored drinks that I just found that are totally Paleo and really tasty. It’s called La Croix water! Also you can try drinking more teas. I love passion tea and chamomille. Or try flavoring your water with lemon or cucumber.
Theresa says
Hi! I have heard of this kind of coffee, but have never tried it. Occasionally when I need to have a
boost of coffee in my day, I use this recipe:
2-4 T. Coconut oil
2-4 T. Honey
4 egg yolks
Organic milk or cream (if you are strict paleo, you could try coconut milk)
Put first 3 ingredients into blender and add the milk or cream up to the 16oz line. Then fill up to the 32oz with strong hot coffee and blend (you could also use immersion blender). You then add frozen coffee cubes to make it just like a frappé, or add to hot coffee to enjoy hot. This is what cures my sweet tooth and my desire for those sweet coffees. 🙂
Theresa says
…^ and this recipe makes 2+ big cups (depending on how much coffee you add to your cup).
Monica Bravo says
That sounds amazzzing. Thanks so much for sharing Theresa! I will have to try this soon.
Heidi says
Theresa….woow! Loved your recipe you posted! And this bullet proof coffee…im super impressed with both, thank you for enlightening me on more yummy things to enjoy!!
Monica Bravo says
Glad we can help Heidi!
Kimberly Christianson says
Do you have to blend it, could you whisk it on the stove instead?
Monica Bravo says
I’ve never tried whisking but most people recommend blending.
Organic Coffee K-Cups in Chicago says
I’m just a little uneasy about the raw, grass-fed butter. I mean, I suppose it’s better than using traditional butter.
Monica Bravo says
The raw, grassfed tastes better and has different fats than traditional. If the cow is fed right, the butter is better! But to be honest, I don’t have much butter in my diet anymore!
Jan Osburn says
i make a special Bulletproof coffee with coffee from Longevity or I did get some from Dave’s Bulletproof site for Christmas and I froth homemade almond milk with my espresso machine with heaping teaspoon of coconut oil or XCT oil, then I blend my shot of coffee with a heaping tablespoon of Jing City and a squirt of Butterscotch Toffee Stevia. Both came from David Wolfe’s Longevity site. The Jing City is for healing my adrenals that recently kinda shut down but are healing well now. It’s yummy. I figure the oil from my really raw almonds make up a little for leaving out the butter.
Monica Bravo says
That sounds delicious! I loveeee fresh almond milk. Thanks for sharing.
jasa seo bali says
wow awesome bulletproof coffe
im a coffe lovers
Matt says
I use this simple recipe, with little to no effort. 8-10 oz of coffee (regular drip) 1 tablespoon grassfed, unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Place all ingredients in a mason jar, seal lid on tight (you may want to use a pot holder and shake for one minute. I find the coconut oil sweetens the coffee just enough and the burst of energy is amazing.
Monica Bravo says
Thanks for sharing Matt! Sounds delish.
Tracey Cipriano says
I may try this, it sounds good!
Kendra says
Why don’t you drink Bulletproof Coffee anymore?
Monica Bravo says
I’d rather my breakfast be a few eggs and fruit! It was too filling, and it wasn’t working out great for me. Butter is technically not strict Paleo (according to Loren Cordain), and I don’t drink coffee every single day. I was on a bulletproof coffee kick for a few weeks and didn’t feel overall better.
Nicole says
bulletproof coffee is the specific brand of coffee with grassfed/organic butter and the oil. I also use the kerrygold butter that the woman above listed. I feel this is missing information.
Lauren says
Hi! Totally off topic, but what kind of glass container are you using for your coffee making? I’m looking for a new one, thanks!
Monica Bravo says
In that picture I’m using a Chemex! It’s a pour over technique, which is my favorite!
dan c says
ya know, you can just pour heavy cream in, instead of butter. same thing, just a little more whey
Mignon says
Can’t compair! If u have never tried it, try it! Been doing it for about a year now! Awesome!
Angela Torres says
Can you replace the butter for ghee?
Monica Bravo says
Yes
Angie says
Why do you use MCT oil over natural coconut oil?
After reading this about the difference, it seems like coconut oil would be better.
http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/mct-oil-vs-coconut-oil-the-truth-exposed/
I would love to hear your thoughts!
Monica Bravo says
I just was simply restating the recipe from Dave Asprey’s bulletproof coffee! The article is an interesting read and I think coconut oil could possibly be better. Like I’ve said though, I don’t personally drink bulletproof coffee regularly.
crystal says
can I blend this with ice? or serve over ice?
Monica Bravo says
You can try! I never have. I don’t think blending it with ice would work but you could serve over ice.
Alyson says
I love this! I found this recipe on pinterest and since I love lattes made with almond milk, I thought I’d give it a try. I used extra strong dark roast coffee (made in my chemex, which I love too), organic coconut oil and unsalted butter. I also added one packet of stevia. I blended with my immersion blender… YUM! I’m sold!
Curious though, what about the butter make this healthy? I’m still trying to figure everything out.
Monica Bravo says
Hey Alyson! I’m glad you liked it! It’s debatable in the health community if bulletproof coffee is healthy. I’d check out Dave Asprey’s site to see his reasons why, and then also read some articles why it’s not. I personally don’t drink my coffee this way. I actually don’t even drink coffee lately, only caffeinated tea. Sooo… it’s really up to you to decide if this is something you want to drink everyday. I personally include butter in my diet when cooking certain dishes, but don’t drink it in my coffee anymore. When I posted this recipe, I was just testing it out and thought people may want to know how to make it!
Phyllis says
Well didn’t you open a can of worms lol!
I’m going to try this. I love a latte and I love and miss butter!
Monica Bravo says
Yay yay!
Dolores Frey says
When I was a child, my mother who was from New Orleans would give me a cafe au lait and buttered (salted) toasted baguette cut into fingers which I dipped in the warm coffee. The butter would melt slightly into the coffee and it was delicious! Salted Caramel is a similar idea.
Monica Bravo says
mmm yum! I am from New Orleans area too. We love our good coffee.
Tanja says
The idea behind the bullet coffee idea is to couple fats with the caffeine. The presence of fats leads to a squeezing of the gall bladder. In other words, caffeine stimulates liver and gall bladder gets a detox by releasing bile to emulsify fats.
Monica Bravo says
Interesting. Thanks!
Organic Coffee K-Cups in Chicago says
Organic grass-fed butter? I have not seen that in the stores.
Kristen says
What are your thoughts on using high vitamin butter oil in this? And does adding a packet of raw stevia make a difference? Thanks!
Monica Bravo says
I have never used high vitamin butter oil… I’m not really sure what that is. And it will just make it sweeter. It all depends on if you believe in using stevia. I personally try to minimize it.
Emilio says
I discovered bulletproof coffee from my brother-in-law, who follows Dave Asprey religiously. I have to admit the coffee is delicious but I still usually had to have something for breakfast with it, or an hour or so later. One of the claims is that it will keep you going for several hours in the morning. Not true for me. I stopped because I was not following the rest of Dave’s diet plan and felt I was consuming way too much fat. Also, when the heat set in to Southern Nevada, I preferred iced coffee, which coagulates the butter in your coffee. So lately I’ve been drinking my own cold-brewed coffee over ice with cream from grass fed cows. But try bulletproof coffee if you’re reading this and haven’t decided. It is great. We would buy organic beans- Dave’s were too mild for my taste- and MCT oil from Whole Foods- which was much cheaper than from Amazon!
Monica Bravo says
I’m with you on the iced coffee. I sometimes go for a splash of heavy cream! And yes Dave’s beans are just one flavor, so I get mine from a local roaster! : ) Thanks for sharing your experience.
Mary says
absolutly love coffee this way!!!
Denise says
Could I just use coconut oil instead of the MCT drops?
Monica Bravo says
Yes ma’am!
Kim Vincent says
Hi Monica, I’m just trying Bullet Proof Coffee for the first time today. I used ghee along with MCT oil as recommended on the recipe that came with the Bullet Proof Coffee beans.
I have to say that I didn’t love it. That may have been because I didn’t blend everything, and ended up with an oil slick in my cup! I’ll try it again tomorrow using the blender. Hopefully, that will solve the problem.
Ole says
If you wanna be healthy, then read up on what the MCT Oil really is, it is sadly a big market scam, just use Coconut Oil 🙂
Wendy says
What is MCT oil and where can I find it?
Monica Bravo says
You can find it on Bulletproof’s Website or on Amazon
Shelly says
Coconut oil alone will do the same thing. It’s cheaper than asking butter then the MTC oil. My daughter gave me the recipe with using coconut oil.
Monica Bravo says
Thanks for the suggestion Shelly!
Dawn says
I love it. But I add coconut oil instead of MCT oil and add an ounce of heavy whipping creme to make it nice and creamy. I find that i’m not hungry all morning when I drink this.
Monica Bravo says
Thanks for sharing Dawn. I use coconut oil when I’m out of MCT too!
Rachel says
When you drink your bulletproof coffe in the AM, is that coffee replacing your breakfast or do you have something small so all of the fats won’t disprut your tummy..?
Becky says
I just made my first cup of bulletproof coffee with 1 Tbsp each of ghee and MCT oil and I added a packet of Stevia… it was awesome! Thank you for this recipe!
Monica Bravo says
You’re welcome Becky!
Marlene says
I hate coffee of any kind.I never drink it,but I try it.Not for me.I love teas now.
Libby Wadum says
Very helpful Thanks!
Monica Bravo says
No problem
JUDY says
Love it, use every morning. .I’m a two cup gal. 2nd cup use Collagen and butter. Yum.
Monica Bravo says
Yum!!