Is it okay to drink butter coffee every day?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Inspired by yak butter tea consumed for centuries in Tibetan communities, the modern butter coffee trend has surged in popularity. But is it okay to drink butter coffee every day? The answer depends heavily on your diet and individual health needs, with most experts recommending moderation over daily consumption.

Quick Summary

This article examines the pros and cons of daily butter coffee consumption. While it can provide sustained energy and benefit some on keto diets, it is high in saturated fat, lacks vital nutrients, and is not a balanced meal replacement.

Key Points

Sustained Energy: The combination of caffeine and MCT oil in butter coffee can provide a lasting energy boost without a crash, particularly for those on a keto diet.
Appetite Suppressant: The high fat content helps increase feelings of fullness, which may reduce overall calorie intake and assist with weight management.
Not a Balanced Meal: Butter coffee is nutritionally incomplete, lacking crucial protein, fiber, and many vitamins typically found in a healthy, balanced breakfast.
High in Saturated Fat: A single serving can exceed the recommended daily limit for saturated fat, which could potentially raise LDL cholesterol levels for some individuals.
Digestive Side Effects: Some people may experience gastrointestinal issues like bloating or diarrhea due to the high-fat content, especially if not used to it.
Moderation is Key: Occasional consumption as a supplement is likely fine, but replacing a daily breakfast is not recommended and can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time.
Consult a Doctor: Individuals with heart conditions, high cholesterol, or diabetes should consult a healthcare professional before making butter coffee a regular habit.

The Appeal of Daily Butter Coffee

For many followers of low-carb or ketogenic diets, a morning cup of butter coffee has become a staple. The blend of coffee, unsalted grass-fed butter, and MCT (Medium-Chain Triglyceride) oil is touted for its ability to provide a sustained energy boost and promote satiety. This can help curb cravings and assist with weight management, especially when replacing a high-carb breakfast.

Sustained Energy and Ketosis

One of the main drawcards is the promise of long-lasting, crash-free energy. Unlike sugar-loaded breakfast options that cause blood sugar spikes, the high fat content in butter coffee slows digestion. The MCT oil, in particular, is rapidly converted into ketones by the liver, which can be used as an immediate fuel source for the brain and body. This is especially beneficial for those in ketosis, as ketones serve as the primary energy source.

Appetite Control and Satiety

The high fat content promotes feelings of fullness, helping to reduce hunger pangs and snacking throughout the morning. The thermogenic effect of MCT oil may also slightly boost metabolism and fat-burning. However, this effect is often temporary, and its effectiveness for weight loss is highly dependent on overall calorie intake and dietary balance.

The Risks of Daily Consumption

Despite its popularity, drinking butter coffee every day is not without significant drawbacks, and for many people, it is not recommended. The primary concerns revolve around its nutritional profile and high saturated fat content.

High in Saturated Fat

A single cup of butter coffee can contain a substantial amount of saturated fat, often exceeding the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit. While the relationship between saturated fat and heart disease is complex, excessive intake can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, especially in individuals who are genetically predisposed to this effect, known as 'cholesterol hyper-responders'.

Nutrient Deficiency

Replacing a balanced breakfast with butter coffee can lead to significant nutrient gaps. A traditional breakfast provides a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber, along with essential vitamins and minerals. A cup of butter coffee, conversely, offers almost no protein or fiber. This lack of a complete nutritional profile can leave you feeling sluggish later in the day and can have long-term health consequences.

Potential for Digestive Issues

For some people, especially those not accustomed to a high-fat diet, a daily dose of butter and MCT oil can cause digestive distress. Side effects can include bloating, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. Starting with a small amount and gradually increasing can help the body adjust, but these issues may persist for sensitive individuals.

Balancing Butter Coffee in Your Diet

If you choose to enjoy butter coffee, it's essential to do so mindfully and in moderation. It should be seen as a supplement or occasional treat rather than a daily meal replacement. The rest of your diet needs to be extra rich in nutrients to compensate for what the coffee lacks.

Here are some key considerations for incorporating butter coffee responsibly:

Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Meals: Ensure your lunch and dinner are packed with vegetables, lean protein, and fiber. This helps balance the daily intake and provides the body with necessary nutrients missing from your morning brew.
Monitor Caloric Intake: A single cup can be high in calories, so be mindful of your overall daily calorie budget to avoid unintentional weight gain.
Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for grass-fed butter, as it contains more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.
Consult a Professional: Before making butter coffee a daily habit, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes, speak with a doctor or registered dietitian.

Butter Coffee vs. A Balanced Breakfast


Feature	Butter Coffee	Balanced Breakfast (e.g., eggs, oatmeal, fruit)
Energy Source	Primarily fat (ketones from MCT oil), caffeine	Carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber
Satiety	High due to fat content, may last for hours	High, driven by protein and fiber
Nutrient Profile	High fat, high calories; lacks fiber, protein, many vitamins	Comprehensive; rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals
Calorie Count	Can be very high (200-500+ per cup)	Varies, but provides more nutritional value per calorie
Daily Suitability	Not recommended for daily meal replacement; best in moderation	Recommended for daily consumption as part of a healthy diet

Conclusion: So, is daily butter coffee okay?

Drinking butter coffee every day is generally not advised as a healthy, sustainable practice for most people. While it offers potential benefits for energy and satiety, especially for those on a ketogenic diet, these advantages are overshadowed by the risks associated with its high saturated fat content and poor nutritional profile when used as a meal replacement. It lacks essential nutrients like fiber and protein found in a balanced breakfast, which are crucial for long-term health. For a healthy individual, a moderate, occasional cup is likely harmless, but it requires careful balancing with nutrient-dense foods throughout the day. Individuals with certain health concerns, including high cholesterol, heart conditions, or digestive issues, should exercise caution or avoid it altogether and consult with a healthcare professional. Ultimately, a well-rounded, balanced diet remains the gold standard for optimal health. Learn more about the potential downsides of this beverage from the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Butter coffee can promote feelings of fullness due to its high fat content, which may reduce overall calorie intake. However, its own high calorie count means that without accounting for it in your daily diet, it can lead to weight gain rather than loss.

While anecdotal evidence suggests improved focus, the cognitive boost likely comes from the combination of caffeine and ketones produced from MCT oil. However, studies have shown that for cognitive performance, it doesn't offer a significant advantage over regular black coffee.

Butter coffee can help individuals on a ketogenic diet enter and maintain ketosis by providing a high-fat, low-carb energy source. It's often used as a breakfast replacement to keep carbohydrate intake low.

Common side effects can include digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort due to the high fat content, especially if your body is not used to processing large amounts of fat.

Yes, grass-fed butter contains higher amounts of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants compared to regular butter. However, it still contributes to the high saturated fat and calorie content of the drink.

It is generally not recommended for people with high cholesterol or heart conditions, as butter coffee is high in saturated fat which can further raise cholesterol levels. It is important to consult a doctor before adding it to your routine.

Since it contains calories, consuming butter coffee technically breaks a fast. However, because it contains no carbohydrates, it will not spike blood sugar or insulin levels, and for those practicing intermittent fasting, it can help bridge the gap until the first meal.