A DIY Bulletproof coffee recipe is a popular way to get fat for those following a keto diet. But what is it exactly? Find out how to make Bulletproof coffee to start your day.
Are you looking to lose weight with a ketogenic diet? If so, you may be wondering how to get into ketosis faster or if you should start intermittent fasting. Because consuming plenty of healthy fats is an important part of the keto diet, you’ll want to know how to make bulletproof coffee recipes.
Fans of Bulletproof coffee have made some far fetching claims.
- It helps you lose weight and burn fat
- High fat coffee is good for those on a low carb diet
- It can boost energy
- The fat and caffeine can help improve brain function and focus
Before examining whether or not these claims are legit, let’s start with some basics….
What is Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof Coffee is a brand name. The coffee is a blend of three ingredients.
First, there’s the coffee. Bulletproof claims that its proprietary blend is superior to all others because it has no mold. This claim makes it seem like many coffee beans that are sold commercially are polluted with mold or fungus. (If you read a short article, you’ll understand why this claim is false.)
How to Make Bulletproof Coffee
The original Bulletproof coffee recipe combines one cup of the branded coffee with two other ingredients: grass-fed butter (1-2 tbsp) or ghee (1-2 tbsp) and MCT oil (1 tsp to 2 tbsp).
MCT oil (branded by Bulletproof as ‘Brain Octane Oil,’) is medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil usually derived from coconut oil. And it’s very high in saturated fat.
To make the high fat beverage, all three ingredients are placed in a blender for 20-30 seconds. The end product is a frothy, foamy, latte-like beverage.
Where did Bulletproof Coffee originate?
The brand’s founder is a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur. On a trip to the Himalayas, he consumed tea with yak butter. The idea for bulletproof coffee was born and is now a multi-million-dollar operation.
As for the name “Bulletproof”? It comes from the concept of ‘biohacking.’ Hacks are clever tricks to better yourself. For example, a simple nutrition biohack would be to eat grass-fed beef instead of corn-fed beef.
Bulletproof’s founder has grown his fan base by sharing biohacking tips in his blog and newsletters.
Bulletproof coffee, proponents claim, is a hack for upgrading to a healthier coffee. You become so-called ‘bulletproof’ because you can drink this high-smart-fat style of coffee in the morning and not feel hungry for several hours later.
Is Bulletproof Better Quality Coffee?
Is Bulletproof Coffee superior to, say, Starbucks? Or is it just the latest fad?
In essence, bulletproof coffee falls in line with low-carb/high-fat diets. It’s also Paleo-friendly.
But is it so special that it’s worth an exorbitant cost for a pound of coffee? And that price doesn’t even include the grass-fed butter or MCT oil!
The short answer is no. You can buy organic coffee (to make sure it’s pesticide-free) for much cheaper.
You can also get grass-fed butter and ghee from most supermarkets at a price better than what Bulletproof sells it for. And instead of buying the Brain Octane (MCT oil) you can buy a much less expensive bottle of virgin coconut oil or use a cheaper brand of MCT oil.
Why all the fat?
Are you concerned about saturated fat intake? You can also just use one fat in the blended coffee instead of both butter and coconut oil.
The fat in the coffee most likely reduces the speed at which caffeine is released in your bloodstream. That’s why fans of Bulletproof say they can stay alert all morning without eating any food other than the fats in the coffee.
The fat content keeps them satisfied and eliminates cravings, especially for those on carb restricted diets. That’s why many use Bulletproof coffee with intermittent fasting eating plans.
And why all the saturated fat? Isn’t saturated fat bad for you? Not necessarily.
However, many health professionals would likely consider Bulletproof Coffee’s saturated fat content excessive. (Two tbsp of grass-fed butter and one tbsp of coconut oil yield 140% of your saturated fat daily allowance.)
Variations of the Original Recipe
Some people skip the MCT oil all together and just put butter in coffee. Others just use coconut oil in coffee for weight loss on a keto diet. However, the basic recipe remains the same where fat is added in the form of butter, ghee, MCT oil, and or coconut oil.
The Bulletproof coffee craze spun off other high fat keto coffee recipes as well. Many of them include things like almond butter or cinnamon to change up the flavor and benefits.
Is Official Bulletproof Coffee Worth Paying For?
Bulletproof Coffee was founded by an entrepreneur who knows how to sell a concept. His claim that many other coffees are rancid from mold is likely pure hype at best; intentionally-misleading at worst.
As for the weight loss claim, the answer is that Bulletproof Coffee may be good for that. But you’ll likely get leaner by reducing your sugars and high-starch carbs by any means necessary. Even by adding a whole stick of butter to your coffee!
The concept of adding fat to coffee is nothing new. After all, millions of people add cream or half and half to their coffee already.
The problem with most modern day people is that they rely on too much caffeine for energy. And many of them never felt good to begin with because they lack sleep, don’t eat right, and don’t exercise enough.
The increased fat content of so-called Bulletproof Coffee may offer some benefits. It may help prolong and moderate the effects of caffeine. This may help you stay alert without feeling too jittery for longer.
The branded Bulletproof coffee and high fat add-ins offered by the company are overpriced. You’re better off making your own version at home. Your wallet will thank you.
Bulletproof Coffee Recipe
A high fat keto coffee for those losing weight on a ketogenic diet plan. Just one serving can curb hunger for hours.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces strong brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, or MCT oil
- 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter, or ghee
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until frothy.
Notes
The amount of fat can be adjusted as needed.
For a vegan version use MCT oil and butter flavored coconut oil.
If making an iced coffee, use 2 tablespoons of MCT oil and no butter or ghee. A little heavy cream can be added for a creamy iced Bulletproof coffee.
Optional add-ins:
- Cinnamon
- Collagen powder
- Almond butter
- Coconut butter
- Coconut cream
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 459Total Fat: 51gSaturated Fat: 38gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 97mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.