Is it healthy to drink coffee with ghee? Navigating the Facts

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Ghee coffee, a variation of butter coffee rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, has gained popularity among those seeking sustained energy and improved focus. Is it healthy to drink coffee with ghee, and can this creamy concoction truly enhance your morning routine? The answer requires a balanced look at both its purported benefits and potential drawbacks.

Quick Summary

This article explores the health benefits and potential risks of adding ghee to coffee. The practice can aid digestion and provide sustained energy, but its high calorie count and fat content warrant careful consideration.

Key Points

Gut Health: Ghee contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports the gut lining and reduces inflammation, which can aid digestion.
Sustained Energy: The healthy fats in ghee slow the absorption of caffeine, providing a steady release of energy and preventing the jitters and crashes common with black coffee.
Appetite Control: Adding ghee to coffee increases satiety due to its high-fat content, which can curb hunger and reduce snacking, supporting weight management goals.
High Calorie Density: Ghee is very calorie-dense, and regular, excessive consumption without balancing it in your overall diet may lead to unintended weight gain.
Lactose-Free: The process of making ghee removes milk solids, making it suitable for many people with lactose sensitivities who want a creamy texture without dairy.
Not for Everyone: Individuals with high cholesterol, heart disease, or digestive issues should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating ghee coffee into their routine.

Understanding the Ghee Coffee Trend

Often compared to 'bulletproof coffee,' which uses unsalted butter and MCT oil, ghee coffee substitutes clarified butter for its unique properties. Ghee is essentially pure butterfat, with the milk solids and water removed, which makes it a favorable option for those with lactose sensitivities. This trend has been adopted by people following ketogenic, paleo, and other low-carb diets, who use the high-fat content to fuel their bodies and curb hunger.

What is Ghee?

Ghee is clarified butter that has been simmered longer to brown the milk solids, giving it a richer, nuttier flavor profile than standard clarified butter. In Ayurveda, ghee is considered a revered food believed to support digestion, promote detoxification, and aid in overall vitality. This rich fat is packed with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid linked to gut health.

Potential Health Benefits of Ghee Coffee

When consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, adding a spoonful of ghee to your coffee may offer several advantages:

Sustained Energy and Focus: The combination of caffeine and the healthy fats in ghee provides a slow, steady release of energy, which can help prevent the blood sugar spike and crash associated with sugary breakfasts. This can lead to improved mental clarity and sustained focus throughout the morning.
Improved Digestion: For some, black coffee can be harsh on an empty stomach due to its acidity. Ghee's lubricating properties can help mitigate this effect and reduce the chance of acid reflux or general digestive discomfort. The butyrate in ghee also supports a healthy gut lining and reduces inflammation.
Appetite Control and Satiety: The high-fat content of ghee takes longer to digest, which promotes a feeling of fullness and can significantly reduce hunger cravings. This effect is particularly useful for those practicing intermittent fasting or trying to manage their weight by reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day.
Nutrient Absorption: The healthy fats in ghee act as a vehicle for the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) it contains, helping your body absorb these essential nutrients more effectively.

Risks and Considerations for Ghee Coffee

Despite the benefits, it's crucial to be aware of the potential drawbacks, as ghee coffee is not suitable for everyone.

High Calorie and Saturated Fat Content

One tablespoon of ghee contains approximately 120 calories and is nearly 100% fat, with a high percentage being saturated fat. Regularly adding this to your coffee without adjusting your overall diet can lead to unintended weight gain. For individuals with existing heart conditions, high cholesterol, or those following a low-fat diet, a high intake of saturated fats needs careful consideration and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Digestive Issues

While ghee can soothe the stomach for some, others, particularly those with existing digestive issues or a sensitivity to high-fat foods, might experience adverse effects such as bloating, diarrhea, or upset stomach. The body's response can vary greatly, and moderation is key, especially when first introducing it to your diet.

Comparison Table: Ghee Coffee vs. Butter Coffee vs. Plain Coffee


Feature	Ghee Coffee	Butter Coffee	Plain Coffee
Primary Fat Source	Ghee (Clarified Butter)	Unsalted Grass-Fed Butter & MCT Oil	None
Lactose/Casein	Trace amounts (Generally suitable for lactose sensitivity)	Contains trace amounts	None (if black)
Flavor Profile	Nutty, rich, and slightly sweeter	Rich, buttery, and bold	Varies by bean; can be acidic
Fat Source	100% Butterfat	Butterfat & MCT Oil	N/A
Digestibility	Gentle on the gut, anti-inflammatory butyrate	Can be harsh on sensitive stomachs due to MCT oil	Can be acidic on an empty stomach
Best For	Steady energy, gut support, intermittent fasting, dairy sensitivity	Quick mental energy, intense focus, keto diet	Low-calorie, clean energy boost

How to Make Ghee Coffee at Home

Creating a delicious and creamy cup of ghee coffee is a simple process. The key is proper emulsification to prevent the ghee from separating and creating an oily layer on top.

Brew Your Coffee: Start with a cup of freshly brewed hot black coffee. A French press or drip coffee maker works well.
Measure Ingredients: Add 1-2 teaspoons of high-quality, organic ghee to a blender. If you're new to ghee coffee, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Blend: Pour the hot coffee directly into the blender with the ghee. Blend on high for 20-30 seconds, or until the mixture becomes frothy and looks like a creamy latte.
Serve Immediately: Pour into a mug and enjoy right away for the best taste and texture. Optional additions include a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract.

Who Should Be Cautious?

While ghee coffee can be a beneficial addition for many, certain individuals should approach it with caution. This includes pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with gallbladder issues, individuals sensitive to caffeine, and those with high cholesterol or heart disease. As with any dietary change, consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is a good practice to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs.

Conclusion

So, is it healthy to drink coffee with ghee? For most healthy individuals, adding ghee to coffee in moderation can be a beneficial part of a balanced diet, offering sustained energy, improved digestion, and enhanced satiety. The high-fat content supports mental focus, making it a popular choice for those on ketogenic diets or practicing intermittent fasting. However, it is not a magic solution and should be approached with an understanding of its high-calorie and saturated fat content. The key to determining if this creamy, nutty brew is right for you lies in listening to your body's response and ensuring it complements your overall wellness goals. Healthshots source

Frequently Asked Questions

Ghee coffee can support weight management by increasing satiety and curbing appetite due to its high-fat content, particularly for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets. However, it is also high in calories, so moderation is key to avoiding unintended weight gain.

Yes, many people on intermittent fasting drink ghee coffee. Since it is pure fat with no carbohydrates or protein, it does not significantly spike insulin levels, which helps maintain the body in a fat-burning state (ketosis) for longer.

Ghee is clarified butter with the milk solids (lactose and casein) removed. This makes it a gentler option for most individuals with lactose sensitivities. However, those with severe dairy allergies should still exercise caution.

Excessive intake of ghee coffee can lead to several side effects, including unwanted weight gain due to its high calorie density, and digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea, particularly for those with a high-fat sensitivity.

Ghee coffee can be beneficial for digestion, especially for those sensitive to coffee's acidity. The ghee contains butyrate, which supports the gut lining, and it helps coat the stomach to create a gentler digestive process.

While similar, ghee coffee primarily uses clarified butter (ghee), while traditional bulletproof coffee also includes MCT oil and unsalted butter. Ghee coffee is often considered gentler on the stomach, as MCT oil can be intense for some individuals.

To make a creamy ghee coffee, brew a cup of hot black coffee, add 1-2 teaspoons of high-quality ghee, and blend for 20-30 seconds until a frothy, latte-like texture is achieved. This emulsification is crucial for the best result.