Adding ghee to your morning cup of coffee could boost your energy levels

If you're keeping up with wellness trends, you've likely noticed the rise in popularity of bulletproof coffee. Even the likes of Harry Styles and Shailene Woodley are known to swear by “butter coffee.” You could say that the days of simple fair-trade brew with organic non-dairy milk or a single-origin pour-over espresso are behind us. Now, the focus is on enhancing your coffee with body-benefiting extras. Think a tablespoon of collagen, or adaptogenic mushrooms like lion’s mane or chaga, or maybe take this as your sign to give in and try the bulletproof coffee if you haven't already.

What is bulletproof coffee?

Bulletproof coffee is regular coffee enhanced with healthy fats like organic unsalted butter, ghee (clarified butter with numerous beneficial properties), or MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) extracted from coconut oil. These fats are easily digestible and metabolised by the body into ketones, providing quick energy to the brain.

The creamy and satiating drink is the creation of American entrepreneur, author, and biohacker Dave Asprey, who developed the Bulletproof Diet—a high-protein, high-fat regimen. Asprey discovered this unique combination during a trip to Tibet, where he sampled yak butter-enriched tea that locals drink before trekking at high altitudes, experiencing renewed energy and mental clarity. This inspired him to experiment with coffee, resulting in Bulletproof coffee. But can this unusual blend also benefit those of us who spend most of our time sitting in front of a screen rather than climbing mountains?

The benefits of bulletproof coffee

According to experts, this creamy coffee, enriched with fats, acts as a quick source of energy without causing glycemic spikes, which are often associated with carbohydrate and sugar-rich breakfasts. The spikes are known to leave us feeling exhausted and often lead to us craving a mid-morning snack. It also gives a sense of satiety, allowing us to skip unhealthy morning options like the classic croissant or continue intermittent fasting from the night before. This carbohydrate-free beverage is also ideal for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

The benefits of bulletproof coffee

Aids concentration and mental performance

Gives energy that lasts throughout the morning

Promotes a sense of satiety

Butter provides us with valuable vitamin A (retinol), vitamin D and vitamin E

Ghee, rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3, makes our skin healthy, strengthens the immune system, supports gut health, and has a detox effect

Coconut oil provides easily absorbed medium-chain fatty acids that generate highly available energy and help neutralise ghrelin, the hunger hormone

The downsides

Bulletproof coffee is high in calories (around 230 per cup) and saturated fat (about 21 grams), making it unsuitable for those with high cholesterol. Additionally, replacing a nutritious and complete breakfast with this caffeine and fat-laden beverage risks missing out on vital nutrients and fibre. Instead of Greek yoghurt with berries, unsweetened oatmeal with fruit, almonds, seeds, and nuts, or eggs with vegetables, you end up starting the day without the variety of essential nutrients your body needs.

How to make bulletproof coffee

The ketogenic recipe:

Make a cup (about 240 ml) of quality coffee, using your preferred method (coffee machine, mocha)

Add 1-2 teaspoons of unsalted butter, if possible from grass-fed cows, or ghee

Add 1 -2 teaspoons of MCT oil, or coconut oil possibly organic

Mix everything in a blender until creamy, or combine ingredients in a shaker

3 alternative recipes

Bulletproof matcha

Don't love coffee but are a fan of matcha tea? No problem. Lovers of this green tea can create their bulletproof matcha by substituting matcha for coffee in the recipe.

Decaf bulletproof coffee

Do you want to enjoy bulletproof coffee in the evening, but fear insomnia issues? All you need to do is replace the coffee with decaffeinated coffee.

Vegan bulletproof coffee

Eliminate the butter and ghee, and in its place use only MCT or coconut oil, and instead of butter, use cocoa butter.

When to drink bulletproof coffee?

This coffee is perfect for a morning energy boost but can also be enjoyed mid-afternoon if you are not too sensitive to caffeine. It helps fend off the typical energy slump of that time of day.

The tip to make it creamier and tastier

Want to make your bulletproof coffee even tastier? Mix it with an electric whisk to whip the milk and you will get a foam-like cappuccino foam.

Also read:

5 ways to make your morning coffee a lot healthier for your body, according to a nutritionist

Experts say you should never have a coffee when you wake up

Sobhita Dhulipala makes her own filter coffee, and this is her special ingredient