Coffee is widely considered to be the standard morning beverage – for many of us, it’s what fuels the day ahead. But those who are looking for something a little stronger may have come across what’s known as a ‘bulletproof’ coffee.
So, what exactly goes into the recipe for bulletproof coffee, and what benefits does it have for drinkers? We’ve got all the answers and more — read on for an easy-to-follow bulletproof coffee recipe.
What is bulletproof coffee?
Bulletproof coffee, also referred to as butter coffee, is a variation of coffee that consists of healthy fats alongside (naturally) caffeine. The term ‘bulletproof coffee’ was actually popularised by the creator of the Bulletproof diet, Dave Aspery, but the concept of added butter to coffee can actually be traced back to Ethiopian culture where butter was added to coffee to enhance its nutritional value.
With the addition of butter, the coffee drink becomes an extra morning energiser — drinking a cup of bulletproof coffee in the morning provides a boost to the body’s energy levels without having to consume a carb-heavy meal.
The bulletproof coffee recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) of freshly brewed coffee: Use high-quality coffee beans that match your favourite flavour profile.
- 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter: Preferably grass-fed butter, for a richer taste and better nutritional value.
- 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil: Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which is a type of fat that is quickly absorbed and used for energy.
- Flavourings/toppings: A pinch of vanilla extract, cinnamon, or cocoa powder as optional additions to enhance flavour.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Brew coffee: Start by brewing a fresh cup of coffee with your preferred method, whether it’s a pour-over, French press, or with an espresso machine.
- Blend ingredients: With the freshly brewed coffee still warm, pour it into a blender along with the butter, MCT oil, and any optional flavouring. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and frothy (about 20-30 seconds).
- Pour and serve: Pour out the mixture from the blender into a serving cup. The resulting cup of bulletproof coffee should have the appearance of a creamy latte with a slightly thicker consistency.
Additional tips:
- The coffee blend will form the flavour base for bulletproof coffee. We recommend starting out with your favourite blend or single-origin beans first for a more familiar taste before experimenting with other beans for new flavours.
- The amount of butter and MCT oil used in the bulletproof coffee recipe can be adjusted to your liking — more butter and MCT oil will produce a creamier and thicker cup of bulletproof coffee. If you’re trying out bulletproof coffee for the first time, start with a smaller amount of butter and MCT oil as these ingredients can make the drink very filling (and will taste different to your normal coffee!).
When is the best time to drink bulletproof coffee?
Bulletproof coffee is designed to be consumed as a liquid breakfast at the start of the day, and it’s generally recommended to have it in the morning. The added fats in the coffee help to provide the body with energy throughout the day, with some avid drinkers claiming that it improves mental clarity and excludes the midday ‘caffeine slump’ that typically follows regular coffee consumption.
That being said, there’s no rule against drinking bulletproof coffee in the middle of the day, or even in the afternoon — it’s up to personal preference as to when bulletproof coffee can be enjoyed. In fact, some bulletproof coffee drinkers have it as a pre-workout drink due to the energy boost it provides.
What are the potential benefits of drinking bulletproof coffee?
Over the years, research into the effects of coffee has covered the potential benefits of bulletproof coffee:
- Better mental focus — The fats in bulletproof coffee, especially MCT oil, can enhance cognitive function by providing an alternative energy source for the brain.
- Higher energy levels — MCT oil is quickly absorbed and converted into ketones, which can be used by the body for fuel, leading to sustained energy levels throughout the day.
- Longer feelings of fullness — The high-fat content in bulletproof coffee can promote feelings of fullness, which can reduce hunger and prevent snacking between meals.
Can everyone drink bulletproof coffee?
Most can drink bulletproof coffee on a daily basis without much issue, however, this will ultimately depend on the body’s ability to tolerate the ingredients used in the bulletproof coffee recipe.
Those with elevated cholesterol levels should avoid drinking bulletproof coffee due to the high saturated fat content, while individuals with a higher sensitivity to caffeine may also wish to drink bulletproof coffee in moderation. If unsure, check with your nutritionist or dietician before incorporating bulletproof coffee into your daily routine.
At Bun Coffee, we offer a wide range of high-quality coffee beans sourced from some of the world’s best coffee regions including Colombia, Nepal, Brazil, Indonesia, Ethiopia and locally in Australia. Our handcrafted blends and single origin coffee beans come in diverse flavour profiles and are perfect for creating a bulletproof coffee.