How much ghee do I put in my coffee?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published in the journal Food Science and Nutrition, the fat content in coffee can significantly impact its digestion and the absorption of nutrients. This is why adding ghee to your coffee has gained popularity, especially among those following a ketogenic diet, as it offers a boost of healthy fats and a creamy texture. But the most common question for beginners is: how much ghee do I put in my coffee?

Quick Summary

A guide to adding ghee to coffee, covering recommended amounts for beginners, the benefits, how to properly blend it, and tips for finding the right balance for taste and health goals.

Key Points

Start with 1-2 teaspoons: For beginners, adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of ghee per cup of coffee is the recommended starting dose.
Increase gradually: Adjust the amount up to 1 tablespoon over time based on your taste and digestive comfort.
Blend for creaminess: Use a blender or hand frother for 20-30 seconds to emulsify the ghee and achieve a smooth, latte-like texture.
Provides sustained energy: The healthy fats in ghee offer a slow, steady release of energy, preventing the crash associated with plain coffee.
Supports gut health: Ghee is rich in butyric acid and free of lactose and casein, making it gentler on the digestive system than butter.
Offers fat-soluble vitamins: High-quality, grass-fed ghee provides essential vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are better absorbed when consumed with fat.
Ideal for keto diets: The high fat content and zero carbs in ghee make it a popular addition for those seeking to maintain ketosis.

Finding the Right Amount: A Starting Point

For those new to the trend of adding ghee to their coffee, the recommended starting point is conservative to allow your body to adjust. Adding too much at once can lead to digestive discomfort. Begin with 1 teaspoon of high-quality ghee per 8-12 ounce cup of coffee and see how it affects your taste preferences and digestion. If you enjoy the flavor and experience no issues, you can gradually increase the amount to 1 tablespoon over time.

Factors Influencing Your Ideal Ghee-to-Coffee Ratio

Several factors can affect the optimal amount of ghee for your coffee:

Your experience level: Beginners should start with a smaller amount and scale up.
Dietary goals: If you are on a ketogenic diet, you may opt for a larger quantity to increase your fat intake. If you are focused on weight management, a smaller portion is best due to ghee's high calorie density.
Tolerance: Some individuals are more sensitive to high-fat drinks. It is important to listen to your body to avoid digestive issues.
Taste preference: The nutty, buttery flavor of ghee becomes more pronounced with larger quantities. Adjust the amount to your desired taste profile.

The Health Benefits of Adding Ghee to Coffee

More than just a flavor enhancer, adding ghee to your coffee provides numerous health benefits that have contributed to its popularity.

Sustained Energy and Ketosis

Ghee contains healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digested and converted into ketones by the liver. These ketones provide a clean, steady source of energy for the brain and body, helping to avoid the energy crashes and jitters often associated with plain coffee. For those on a ketogenic diet, this helps maintain the state of ketosis.

Improved Digestion and Gut Health

Unlike regular butter, ghee is clarified, with the milk solids (lactose and casein) removed. This makes it a gentler alternative for those with dairy sensitivities. Furthermore, ghee is rich in butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that nourishes the cells of the gut lining and supports overall digestive health. The addition of ghee can also help buffer the acidity of coffee, making it easier on the stomach for those prone to indigestion or acid reflux.

Rich in Fat-Soluble Vitamins

High-quality, grass-fed ghee is a source of fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are better absorbed by the body when consumed with fat. Vitamin K, for instance, is important for bone health and proper blood clotting.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Ghee Coffee

To prevent the ghee from separating and floating on top of your coffee, proper emulsification is key. Simply stirring with a spoon will not achieve the creamy, latte-like consistency you are looking for.

Brew your coffee: Prepare one cup of hot, freshly brewed black coffee using your preferred method (French press, drip, or espresso).
Add ingredients to a blender: Pour the hot coffee into a blender. Add your starting amount of ghee (1-2 teaspoons). You can also add other optional ingredients like cinnamon or collagen peptides.
Blend until frothy: Secure the lid and blend for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is creamy and frothy. The emulsion will prevent the ghee from separating.
Serve immediately: Pour into a mug and enjoy the rich, creamy texture.

Ghee vs. Butter in Coffee: A Comparison


Feature	Ghee	Unsalted Butter (Grass-Fed)
Dairy Solids	Clarified, so lactose and casein are removed.	Contains lactose and casein.
Flavor Profile	Nutty, toasted, and rich.	Creamy, milky, and slightly salty.
Digestibility	Easier for those with dairy sensitivities.	May cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance.
Nutrient Content	Contains concentrated butyric acid, vitamins, and MCTs.	Also a source of healthy fats and vitamins, but less concentrated.
Shelf Stability	Shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration.	Requires refrigeration.

Conclusion: Start Small and Listen to Your Body

Finding the right amount of ghee for your coffee is a personalized process. For most beginners, starting with 1 to 2 teaspoons is the ideal approach to introduce this ancient food into your modern ritual. This provides enough healthy fat for a slow, steady energy release and helps temper coffee's natural acidity, all while offering a deliciously creamy texture. As you become more comfortable, you can adjust the quantity based on your health goals and taste. Remember to use a high-quality, grass-fed ghee and a blender for the best results. As with any dietary change, paying attention to your body's response is the most important step.

For more in-depth information on the health benefits of ghee and its role in diet, consider exploring resources on functional nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blending is crucial because it emulsifies the ghee with the coffee, preventing the oil from separating and floating on top. This process creates a smooth, creamy, and palatable drink.

While you can stir it, a spoon will not properly emulsify the fat, leaving an oily layer on the surface. Blending is the best way to achieve a consistent, frothy texture.

Yes. Since ghee is clarified butter, it has had the milk solids (lactose and casein) removed during processing. This makes it a good option for many individuals with dairy sensitivities who cannot tolerate regular butter.

Ghee coffee is a variation of bulletproof coffee, which traditionally uses grass-fed butter and MCT oil. Ghee coffee uses clarified butter (ghee) instead, which can offer a nuttier flavor and greater digestibility for some.

The healthy fats in ghee can increase feelings of fullness and curb appetite, which may aid in weight management. However, ghee is also calorie-dense, so it should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

Yes, many people add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for flavor, or collagen peptides for added protein. These can be blended in along with the ghee.

For many, the opposite is true. The fats in ghee can help buffer the natural acidity of coffee, making it gentler on the stomach and potentially reducing acid reflux.