How Much Butter Should You Add to Your Coffee?

November 21, 2025 •

5 min read

According to Healthline, a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee with two tablespoons of unsalted butter and two tablespoons of coconut oil contains over 445 calories and 50 grams of fat. This high-fat beverage, popularly known as butter coffee or bulletproof coffee, has a specific ratio of ingredients, making the question of how much butter you should add to your coffee crucial for both taste and dietary goals.

Quick Summary

This guide provides expert-backed recommendations for adding butter to coffee, outlining standard measurements for ketogenic and high-energy diets. It explains how to achieve the perfect creamy texture through emulsification and discusses how different types of butter affect flavor and nutritional content. The article also covers potential side effects and considerations for portion control.

Key Points

Standard Measurement: A classic butter coffee recipe typically calls for 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsalted, grass-fed butter per 8–12 ounces of coffee.
Start Slowly: For newcomers, it is best to start with a single tablespoon to prevent potential digestive discomfort from the high fat content.
Blend for Emulsification: To achieve a creamy, non-oily texture, the coffee, butter, and MCT/coconut oil must be thoroughly blended for 20-30 seconds.
Choose the Right Butter: Grass-fed butter is the preferred choice for its higher nutrient content, but ghee is an excellent lactose-free option.
Consider the Calorie Count: This high-fat drink is calorie-dense (often over 400 calories) and should be accounted for in your daily intake, especially if weight gain is a concern.
Assess Potential Downsides: Be mindful that using butter coffee as a meal replacement can lead to nutrient deficiencies and excessively high saturated fat intake.

Standard Ratios for the Perfect Bulletproof Coffee

The typical recipe for a bulletproof-style coffee is quite consistent, but can be customized. The standard recommendation calls for 1 to 2 tablespoons of grass-fed, unsalted butter combined with 1 to 2 tablespoons of MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil per 8–12 ounces of coffee. The inclusion of MCT oil is a key component of the authentic "Bulletproof" recipe and contributes significantly to the drink's ketogenic properties and energy-boosting claims. However, many people opt to use coconut oil as a more accessible alternative.

For those new to the high-fat coffee trend, it's often best to start with a smaller quantity of fat and gradually increase it. Adding one tablespoon of butter initially helps your system adjust to the increased fat intake, which can cause digestive issues for some people. As your body adapts, you can increase the amount to two tablespoons to boost the fat content for energy and satiety.

How to Emulsify for a Creamy Texture

Simply stirring butter into hot coffee will result in an oily, separated liquid. The secret to a creamy, latte-like consistency is emulsification. This is achieved by blending the ingredients together. A standard blender is the most effective tool, but a hand immersion blender or a milk frother can also be used.

Blender Method: Pour your hot, freshly brewed coffee into a blender. Add the measured butter and MCT or coconut oil. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds, or until the mixture is frothy and well combined. Be cautious when blending hot liquids and do not overfill the blender to prevent a buttery mess.
Immersion Blender Method: Add all ingredients to a large mug or heat-safe pitcher. Use the immersion blender and move it up and down to properly emulsify the fats into the coffee.
Frother Method: For a smaller amount, a small battery-operated frother can work, though it may not produce as perfectly emulsified a result as a high-powered blender.

Choosing the Right Butter for Your Coffee

Not all butter is created equal when it comes to butter coffee. The type of butter can affect the flavor, nutrient profile, and overall quality of your drink. While any unsalted butter will work, purists and health-conscious individuals often opt for specific types.

Grass-Fed Unsalted Butter: This is the gold standard for bulletproof coffee. Grass-fed butter is typically higher in certain nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional butter. It offers a richer flavor and is the recommended option for those seeking the full benefits associated with the original recipe.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): Ghee is a popular alternative, especially for those with a sensitivity to lactose. It is clarified butter, meaning the milk solids have been removed, leaving only the pure fat. Ghee is also highly nutrient-dense, with a rich, nutty flavor that complements coffee well.
Regular Unsalted Butter: If grass-fed butter is not available or is too costly, standard unsalted butter is a perfectly acceptable substitute. Unsalted is preferred to control the flavor profile and avoid a potentially overwhelming salty taste.


Feature	Grass-Fed Butter	Standard Butter	Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Source	Milk from grass-fed cows	Milk from conventional grain-fed cows	Clarified butter; milk solids removed
Nutrient Profile	Higher in Omega-3s, vitamins A and K	Lower nutrient density than grass-fed	Good source of vitamins, lactose-free
Flavor	Rich, deep, and creamy	Standard buttery flavor	Rich, nutty, and intense
Suitability	Recommended for original recipe	Budget-friendly alternative	Ideal for lactose-sensitive individuals
Effect on Coffee	Creates a smooth, rich texture	Can still produce a creamy finish	Adds a distinct, flavorful richness

Potential Health Considerations and Disadvantages

While butter coffee is touted for its benefits by keto and paleo enthusiasts, it is important to understand the potential downsides. The drink is extremely high in calories and saturated fat, and when used as a meal replacement, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

Nutrient Displacement: Replacing a balanced breakfast with butter coffee means missing out on essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals typically found in a whole-food meal.
High Saturated Fat Intake: A single cup of butter coffee can exceed the daily recommended intake for saturated fat. While the role of saturated fat in heart health is debated, excessive intake can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol in some individuals, particularly those considered "hyper-responders".
Digestive Issues: The high fat content can cause digestive discomfort for those not accustomed to a high-fat diet, leading to bloating, stomach upset, or diarrhea.
Weight Gain: If consumed in addition to a regular diet, the significant calorie load from butter coffee can contribute to weight gain.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the amount of butter you should add to your coffee depends on your personal dietary goals and how your body tolerates the extra fat. For those following a ketogenic diet or seeking the high-energy boost of a bulletproof-style coffee, starting with one tablespoon of unsalted, grass-fed butter blended with MCT oil is a solid beginning. This can be increased to two tablespoons once you've adjusted. However, for most people, a well-rounded and nutrient-dense breakfast remains a healthier and more balanced way to start the day. If you do enjoy butter coffee, it's crucial to balance your overall daily fat intake and ensure you are still getting sufficient nutrients from other meals. Always listen to your body and consider consulting a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing health conditions like heart problems or diabetes.

Visit Healthline for more detailed information on the benefits and risks of butter coffee.

Choosing the Right Butter and Amount

Start small: Begin with 1 tablespoon of butter (or less) to allow your body to adjust to the high fat content and prevent digestive issues.
Use unsalted, grass-fed butter: For the best flavor, nutrient profile, and adherence to the original recipe, choose high-quality unsalted, grass-fed butter.
Emulsify thoroughly: Blend the coffee and butter for at least 20 seconds to achieve a creamy, latte-like consistency and avoid an oily separation.
Consider ghee: If you are lactose sensitive, use ghee (clarified butter) as a high-quality, butter alternative that still contains healthy fats.
Adjust for dietary needs: Scale the butter up or down based on your specific fat intake goals, especially if you are on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard bulletproof coffee recipe includes 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsalted, grass-fed butter along with 1 to 2 tablespoons of MCT or coconut oil per 8–12 ounce cup of brewed coffee.

For optimal nutrition and flavor, use unsalted, grass-fed butter. If you are lactose sensitive, ghee (clarified butter) is a great alternative. For basic needs, any unsalted butter will work.

Yes, blending is necessary to properly emulsify the butter and oil with the coffee. Stirring will leave an oily layer on top, whereas blending creates a creamy, frothy consistency similar to a latte.

Unsalted butter is generally recommended to control the flavor and avoid an overly salty taste. Some people prefer salted butter for flavor, but it is best to listen to your body and taste preferences.

It is often used as a meal replacement on ketogenic diets due to its high fat content and satiety. However, it lacks many essential nutrients, fiber, and protein found in a balanced meal, so it is not a suitable long-term replacement for everyone.

Due to its high fat content, potential side effects include digestive upset like diarrhea or bloating, especially for those not accustomed to a high-fat diet. It is also very high in saturated fat and calories, which can have health implications.

While proponents suggest it can aid weight loss by increasing satiety, the overall effect depends on total daily calorie intake and dietary balance. The high calories can lead to weight gain if not properly managed, and it is not a magic solution for weight loss.