Is Bulletproof Coffee the same as keto coffee? A nutritional breakdown

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

While many people use the terms interchangeably, there are key differences between Bulletproof Coffee and keto coffee. The former is a specific branded product, whereas the latter is a general category for high-fat, low-carb coffees popular among ketogenic dieters.

Quick Summary

Bulletproof Coffee is a specific trademarked recipe developed by Dave Asprey, while keto coffee is a broad term for high-fat coffee drinks. Though both use healthy fats like MCT oil and butter, keto coffee offers more ingredient flexibility and customization than the branded Bulletproof version.

Key Points

Branded vs. Generic: Bulletproof Coffee is a specific, trademarked recipe, while keto coffee is a general term for any high-fat, low-carb coffee.
Ingredient Specificity: Bulletproof requires branded beans and Brain Octane Oil, whereas keto coffee recipes are flexible with any coffee, MCT oil, or fat source.
Core Purpose: Both beverages aim to provide sustained energy, boost focus, and suppress appetite by using healthy fats as a fuel source.
Not a Complete Meal: High-fat coffee lacks the comprehensive nutrition of a balanced breakfast, including fiber and a full range of vitamins and minerals.
Preparation Method: For the creamiest texture, both Bulletproof and keto coffee require a blender to emulsify the fat and coffee properly.
High in Calories: These drinks are calorie-dense and should be used as a meal replacement rather than an addition to a standard diet to avoid weight gain.
Customizable Options: Keto coffee can be customized with various fats, spices, and low-carb sweeteners to suit personal taste.

The Rise of High-Fat Coffee

Over the last decade, a peculiar breakfast replacement has gained a cult following: a creamy, high-fat coffee drink often referred to as 'butter coffee'. The trend became a staple for those following ketogenic and low-carb diets, thanks to its ability to provide sustained energy and curb appetite. However, a common point of confusion arises with the terminology. People often ask: is Bulletproof Coffee the same as keto coffee? The answer lies in understanding their origins, ingredients, and definitions.

What is Bulletproof Coffee?

Bulletproof Coffee was popularized by entrepreneur and 'biohacker' Dave Asprey. After experiencing a similar drink made with yak butter in Tibet, he developed his own recipe for the Western market. The original, branded Bulletproof Coffee recipe consists of three specific ingredients, blended together until frothy:

Coffee: Brewed from high-quality, "mycotoxin-free" beans (marketed by the Bulletproof company).
Brain Octane Oil: A specific, concentrated form of C8 MCT oil, also sold by the Bulletproof brand.
Grass-fed Butter or Ghee: Unsalted, from grass-fed cows. The term "Bulletproof Coffee" is a registered trademark, which means only products and recipes using the official branded ingredients can technically carry this name.

What is Keto Coffee?

Unlike its branded counterpart, 'keto coffee' is a general, descriptive term for any high-fat coffee that aligns with a ketogenic diet. The primary goal of keto coffee is to add high-quality fats to your morning brew to promote a state of ketosis, where the body uses fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This provides lasting energy and mental clarity without the sugar crash associated with traditional, carb-heavy breakfasts. Keto coffee can be customized with a variety of ingredients, including but not limited to:

MCT Oil: Any brand of medium-chain triglyceride oil.
Coconut Oil: A common source of MCTs.
Grass-fed or Regular Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture.
Ghee: Clarified butter, often easier for some to digest.
Heavy Whipping Cream: A dairy option rich in fat.

Key Differences: Bulletproof Coffee vs. Keto Coffee

The table below highlights the main distinctions between the two popular high-fat coffee types, making it easier to understand their unique places in the nutrition world.


Feature	Bulletproof Coffee	Keto Coffee
Origin	Created and trademarked by Dave Asprey, inspired by yak butter tea.	A generic term for high-fat coffee, popularised by the ketogenic community.
Ingredients	Requires specific branded products: Bulletproof Coffee, Brain Octane Oil, and grass-fed butter or ghee.	Flexible ingredients, allowing for any brand of coffee, MCT oil, coconut oil, butter, or other high-fat additions.
Branding	A proprietary brand with a specific recipe and products.	Not tied to a specific brand; refers to a type of beverage.
Customisation	Highly specific recipe with little room for variation, as per brand standards.	Highly customizable with different fat sources, add-ins, and flavors.
Cost	Can be more expensive due to proprietary branded ingredients.	Typically less expensive, as it uses more widely available, generic ingredients.

Benefits of High-Fat Coffee

Regardless of whether you use the branded Bulletproof products or a generic keto-friendly recipe, the benefits largely stem from the high-quality fats included. The key ingredient for many is MCT oil, which is quickly metabolized into ketones, providing a rapid and sustained source of energy for the brain and body. This can result in several benefits:

Sustained Energy: The slow absorption of caffeine due to the fat content prevents the energy crashes often associated with sugary drinks.
Increased Focus: MCTs provide an efficient fuel for the brain, leading to enhanced cognitive function and mental clarity.
Appetite Control: The high-fat content promotes a feeling of fullness, which can reduce cravings and help manage appetite between meals.
Supports Ketosis: By consuming fats instead of carbs, these coffees help keep the body in a fat-burning state, which is the goal of the ketogenic diet.

Potential Concerns and Considerations

While high-fat coffees offer appealing benefits, it's important to consider potential drawbacks. For many, this drink replaces a solid breakfast, and while it provides calories and energy, it lacks the broader spectrum of vitamins, fiber, and protein found in a balanced meal. Additionally, the high saturated fat content is a concern for individuals with heart conditions or high cholesterol, and some may experience digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea, especially when first introducing MCT oil. It's best used as a tool to support a broader nutritional strategy, not as a complete replacement for a diverse diet. It is also calorie-dense, so overconsumption can lead to weight gain.

How to Make Your Own Keto Coffee

Making your own keto coffee is simple and allows for complete control over ingredients and flavor. For a rich, creamy, and well-emulsified drink, a blender is essential to combine the fats and coffee.

Basic Keto Coffee Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 cup (8–12 oz) freshly brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter or ghee
- 1 tablespoon MCT oil or coconut oil
Instructions:
1. Brew a cup of your favorite black coffee.
2. Pour the hot coffee into a blender.
3. Add the butter/ghee and MCT/coconut oil.
4. Blend for 20-30 seconds, until a thick, frothy, latte-like texture is achieved.

Customization Options

Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or turmeric for flavor and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Incorporate a scoop of collagen peptides for added protein and gut health support.
Sweeten with a few drops of stevia or monk fruit extract for a low-carb, zero-sugar option.
Use cacao butter for a rich, chocolatey twist in dairy-free versions.

Conclusion

In short, while Bulletproof Coffee is a specific, branded version of a high-fat beverage, keto coffee is the umbrella term for any customized high-fat, low-carb brew. The core principles behind both are identical: leveraging healthy fats like MCT oil and butter to provide sustained energy, mental clarity, and appetite control for those on a ketogenic diet. Whether you stick to the branded recipe or experiment with your own keto coffee creation, understanding the distinction allows for more informed and flexible nutritional choices. As with any dietary change, moderation and mindful ingredient selection are key to reaping the benefits while avoiding potential pitfalls.

For a deeper dive into nutritional changes and their effects, consulting an authoritative source is always a good idea. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials provides a balanced perspective on the risks and rewards of bulletproof and keto coffee consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use regular unsalted butter, but many keto coffee enthusiasts prefer grass-fed butter due to its higher content of beneficial nutrients like omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

No, Bulletproof Coffee is designed to support ketosis. Since it contains no carbohydrates or sugar, it doesn't cause an insulin spike and helps maintain the body's fat-burning state.

Blending is crucial to emulsify the fat and coffee. Fats and water don't naturally mix, so blending creates a smooth, frothy, latte-like texture instead of a layer of oil floating on top.

MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides. It is a type of fat that is rapidly absorbed and converted into ketones by the liver, providing a quick and efficient source of energy for the body and brain.

While it can be consumed daily, it's generally recommended as a breakfast replacement to manage calorie intake. Consuming multiple cups or adding it to a high-calorie diet can lead to weight gain due to its high-calorie density.

Yes, for a dairy-free keto coffee, you can substitute grass-fed butter or ghee with cocoa butter, coconut oil, or blend with canned coconut milk.

This depends on the strictness of your fasting. Technically, since it contains calories, it breaks a 'clean fast.' However, many people find that the high-fat content helps them extend their fasting window by providing a feeling of fullness without spiking insulin.