Following the keto diet might feel easy at first. Sure, you might need to cut back on your favorite breads and desserts — but just think about all of the cheese and bacon you can still eat! However, all of that changes when you pull up to Starbucks and realize your favorite pick-me-up is packed full of sugar and high-carb milk.

Sweet lattes and mochas are delicious, but they aren’t quite a match for a low-carb diet. However, that doesn’t mean you need to kiss that rich coffee flavor goodbye. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to turn your favorite brew into a delicious keto drink.

First, What Is Keto Coffee?

Keto coffee, often referred to as butter coffee or bulletproof coffee, is basically just coffee that’s been upgraded to meet the specifications of the ketogenic diet. Unlike regular coffee, you’ll make keto coffee by swapping milk or creamer for ingredients like MCT oil, ghee, or grass-fed butter. 

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are quickly metabolized into ketones, which can help you have energy all day long without kicking you out of ketosis. This low-carb luxury is popular because of its smooth texture and rich flavor.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Keto Coffee?

Keto coffee might seem a little strange at first, but the taste isn’t usually what draws people in, anyways. Instead, most people start drinking bulletproof coffee because of its health benefits. 

Here’s why it’s a staple for keto enthusiasts and coffee drinkers alike:

• Sustained Energy: Thanks to healthy fats like MCT oil and unsalted butter, keto coffee provides a steady energy release, which can keep you from the after-lunch crash you might get from regular coffee.
• Appetite Control: The high fat content helps you feel fuller for longer, curbing cravings and making it easier to stick to your diet.
• Supports Ketosis: Keto coffee boosts ketone production. This helps your body stay in a fat-burning state, which is key for anyone wanting to stay in ketosis.
• Enhanced Mental Clarity: Ketones provide a clean energy source for the brain. Plus, you won’t be having the carb-driven blood sugar crashes you might be used to after drinking your typical drive-through order.
• Improved Weight Loss: By suppressing appetite and encouraging fat metabolism, keto coffee can help support your weight loss journey.
• Versatility: You can enjoy it hot or as an iced coffee, customize it with vanilla extract or pumpkin spice, or even add a sugar-free syrup for a personalized experience (our personal favorite is hazelnut, but to each their own).

What Ingredients Are Used in Keto Coffee?

The foundation of a great cup of keto coffee is high-quality, keto-friendly ingredients. Start with freshly brewed black coffee coffee, as its robust flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy richness of the added fat. You can also try grinding your own coffee beans for extra flavor.

When it comes to the fat, grass-fed unsalted butter or ghee are popular choices. MCT oil or coconut oil are also highly praised additions, and they add a different flavor than butter. 

For a creamier consistency, heavy whipping cream works well, while unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk are excellent dairy-free options. You can also include sweeteners like stevia or sugar-free syrups if you prefer a touch of sweetness in your coffee drink without adding carbohydrates. 

The Perfect Keto Coffee Recipe

So, are you ready to try some keto coffee for yourself? Sure, you can just throw a lump of butter into your instant coffee, but for the best results, use precise measurements to get a truly out-of-this-world texture and flavor. Here’s our bulletproof coffee recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot coffee or espresso (we prefer our Mushroom Coffee+ because of its rich flavor and extra health benefits)
• 1 tbsp grass-fed unsalted butter or ghee
• 1 tbsp MCT oil or coconut oil
• Optional: 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream, keto coffee creamer, a pinch of vanilla extract, or sugar-free syrup

Directions:

1. Brew your coffee or espresso.
2. Add the coffee, butter, and MCT oil to a blender. You can also use an immersion blender or a milk frother if that’s more convenient.
3. Blend until frothy and creamy.
4. Pour into a coffee mug and enjoy!

Pro tip: You can also pour your coffee over ice for a delicious iced coffee.

What Can You Add to Keto Coffee?

When it comes to adding things to keto coffee, the main thing to keep in mind is your net carb intake. No matter how much fat you add to your coffee, it’ll still throw you out of ketosis if you add high-carb ingredients like whole milk, honey, or simple syrup. 

If you want to add some extra protein, try mixing in collagen powder. This can both enhance the coffee’s creaminess and support your skin, hair, and joint health. 

Of course, adding collagen creates a whole extra step to your coffee-making routine — wouldn’t it be better if your coffee already had collagen in it? Plot twist — it totally could.

Our Mushroom Coffee+ has four grams of grass-fed bovine collagen protein in each serving. This isn’t just to support gut health — collagen can also reinforce your gut lining, supporting nutrient absorption and encouraging smooth and comfortable digestion. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Our mushroom coffee also contains a proprietary nootropic blend that includes L-theanine, lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms, and coffee extract. All of these ingredients can combine to take your brainpower to the next level without causing the anxiety-inducing side effects you might normally get from your regular cup of Joe.

Are There Any Downsides to Keto Coffee?

While keto coffee is packed with benefits, there are some concerns to keep in mind before you whip out the butter. Bulletproof coffee’s high-calorie content, often ranging between 200 and 500 calories per cup, means that you need to account for it in your daily macros to avoid eating too much fat. 

Additionally, the drink’s high saturated fat levels, due to ingredients like butter and MCT oil, might not be the right choice for everyone, especially anyone managing cholesterol levels. It’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider if you’re not sure whether you should try keto coffee. 

The Bottom Line

Keto coffee might be an acquired taste, but once you get used to it, it’s all uphill from there. The extra fat highlights the rich coffee flavor in a way you won’t find anywhere else.

One of our favorite things about coffee is that there are just so many ways to enjoy it. You can make a cup of bulletproof coffee, add some milk to turn mushroom coffee into a latte, or even brew it cold. For more delicious coffee recipes and insights, visit the Everyday Dose blog today!

Sources:

Why Bulletproof Coffee Shouldn’t Be an Everyday Drink | Cleveland Clinic

What Is the Ketogenic Diet? | EatRight.org

The Ketogenic Effect of Medium-Chain Triacylglycerides | PMC

Effects of Ketone Bodies on Brain Metabolism and Function in Neurodegenerative Diseases | PMC