by Lu -, Spillin’ the Beans
People have been putting butter in coffee for some time now. It may sound strange, but many people find the combination of coffee and butter delicious. Adding butter to coffee creates a beverage known as Bulletproof Coffee and one that’s been a hot topic in recent years.
Before we go any further, here is a little disclaimer. We’re not advocating for everyone to try Bulletproof Coffee. While it has some health benefits, and some people love the taste, it’s not a healthy alternative for others – especially if you’re watching your cholesterol.
So, we will dive into the details of putting butter in coffee and present it with pros and cons. And, if you’re really in doubt, leave a message for your doctor.
Jump to:
Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee
The downsides of butter in coffee
Why Would Anyone Even Think to Put Butter in Coffee?
Using butter in coffee can bring out different flavors and aromas that would otherwise remain hidden. Butter adds richness and smoothness to your cup of joe, making it extra decadent and creamy. The pairing also helps to reduce the bitterness of the coffee, allowing you to enjoy a cup with less acidity and more creaminess.
If you’re a coffee purist or enjoy a dash of cream, it might seem too weird to venture into new territory. However, coffee add-ins are all over the place, especially in different parts of the world.
Vietnamese coffee uses sweetened condensed milk. Cheese curds (yup – you read that right!) are common add-ins in some Scandinavian countries. Some Portuguese iced coffees are enhanced by lemon juice or lemon soda, and coffee in Morocco has warm spices, including black pepper.
The Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee
Butter isn’t just a great flavor enhancer; it also comes with several potential health benefits (for some people). Adding butter to your coffee can help improve mental clarity, boost energy levels, increase well-being, support weight loss goals, and even enhance athletic performance by providing an easily digestible fuel source.
Benefits come from butter’s healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids, CLA conjugated linoleic acid), medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), and vitamins A & K2.
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Five reasons why it could be beneficial to add butter to coffee (aka drink bulletproof coffee)
- An excellent source of energy to start the day
- It can help keep you full longer
- Butter is a rich source of beneficial fatty acids, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), linked to various health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular health
- Boosted cognitive performance and focus
- A way to add fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, K12, B12, D, and E, to your morning cup.
How to Make Bulletproof Coffee
Butter should be added to your cup of joe in moderation, as too much will cause its own set of problems!
When brewing Bulletproof Coffee, start with one tablespoon (14g) of grass-fed butter or ghee for an 8-ounce serving. You can then adjust the amount depending on your personal taste preferences. Some prefer up to two tablespoons for a richer flavor; others might go for just half a tablespoon.
A Blended Alternative
If you’ve got a blender handy, you can make a frothy, creamy Bulletproof Coffee.
Combine one cup of freshly brewed, preferably dark roast coffee, one tablespoon of butter, and one teaspoon of coconut oil or MCT oil. Blend until it’s got an appealing consistency and drink as is, or pour it over ice.
The Downsides of Butter in Coffee
We can’t stress enough that adding butter to coffee can provide some health benefits for some people – but not everyone. Butter is primarily fat and is low-go or no-go for anyone with high cholesterol.
While there are valid arguments for Bulletproof Coffee, there are also downsides:
- Butter is over 100 calories per tablespoon
- The salt in butter could affect blood pressure
- Not appropriate for anyone who is lactose intolerant
- Butter is high in saturated fat, and consuming too much of it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Some people just don’t like the taste of the coffee-butter combo
