What are the two ingredients in the coffee hack?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Over four cups of coffee daily may be associated with a 4% reduction in body fat, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which has led to many coffee-related wellness trends. The most recent viral trend, often referred to as the coffee loophole or coffee hack, centers around two primary ingredients added to your morning brew.

Quick Summary

This article explores the primary ingredients used in the viral coffee hack, such as lemon juice, cinnamon, and MCT oil, and explains their purported effects on metabolism, appetite, and weight management. It also discusses the potential risks and provides a balanced perspective on the trend's effectiveness and sustainability.

Key Points

Lemon & Cinnamon: One viral coffee hack involves adding lemon juice and ground cinnamon to black coffee, which are thought to aid digestion and regulate blood sugar.
MCT Oil & Butter: Another popular hack, known as "Bulletproof" coffee, adds MCT oil and butter for sustained energy and increased satiety, particularly for those on a ketogenic diet.
Scientific Evidence: There is little conclusive scientific evidence to support the claim that these hacks lead to significant weight loss; reported effects are often modest and anecdotal.
Potential Risks: Side effects can include digestive issues, acid reflux, and over-caffeination. High acidity from lemon can also potentially erode tooth enamel.
Balanced Approach: Health experts recommend a balanced diet and regular exercise for sustainable weight management, rather than relying on coffee hacks to replace meals or suppress hunger cues.
Moderation is Key: If you try a hack, consume it in moderation as a complementary beverage, not a meal replacement. Use high-quality ingredients and be mindful of your body's response.

What are the most common two ingredients in the coffee hack?

The term "coffee hack" refers to several different recipes that have gained popularity, particularly on social media. While there isn't just one universal version, two of the most commonly cited ingredients for a weight loss-focused hack are lemon juice and cinnamon. Another popular version involves MCT oil and butter. These ingredients are chosen for their individual health benefits, which some believe are amplified when combined with the natural metabolism-boosting properties of black coffee. It is important to note that many of the supposed benefits of these coffee concoctions are anecdotal, with little conclusive scientific evidence to support significant weight loss specifically from the hack itself.

The lemon and cinnamon coffee hack

One of the most widely circulated versions of the coffee hack involves adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a dash of ground cinnamon to a cup of black coffee. Each of these ingredients is thought to offer certain benefits on its own.

Lemon Juice: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon is often associated with digestion and detoxification. The idea is that it can aid the body's natural processes, though there is no definitive proof that adding it to coffee enhances fat loss.
Cinnamon: This spice is known to help regulate blood sugar levels, which can assist in reducing cravings and preventing energy crashes. It has also shown mild anti-inflammatory effects. Adding it to coffee can provide a flavor boost without adding sugar.

The MCT oil and butter coffee hack

Also known as "Bulletproof" coffee, this version is popular among those following a ketogenic diet and involves adding healthy fats to coffee.

MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil): This type of oil is quickly absorbed and converted into ketones, which can be used by the body for energy. This rapid energy conversion is believed to boost metabolism and promote fat oxidation.
Butter (specifically unsalted, grass-fed): The addition of fat helps promote a feeling of fullness and satiety, which can help curb appetite. However, this version is high in calories, and its weight loss efficacy is primarily tied to a ketogenic diet.

Potential benefits vs. risks

While the appeal of an effortless weight loss solution is strong, it is essential to approach these coffee hacks with a balanced perspective. The benefits often reported are generally modest, and there are potential risks to consider.

List of Reported Benefits and Potential Risks

Reported Benefits:

Increased metabolism: Caffeine and other ingredients like MCT oil are known to slightly boost metabolic rate.
Appetite suppression: The caffeine in coffee is a known appetite suppressant, and the high-fat content in some hacks (like Bulletproof coffee) can increase satiety.
Enhanced energy: The combination of caffeine and added nutrients or fats can provide a sustained energy boost.

Potential Risks:

Digestive issues: High acidity from lemon or a large intake of caffeine can cause acid reflux, bloating, and stomach irritation.
Over-caffeination: Consuming excessive coffee, especially with the intent to curb every hunger pang, can lead to anxiety, irritability, and dehydration.
Erosion of tooth enamel: The high acidity of lemon juice can erode tooth enamel over time.
Nutrient deficiencies: Substituting meals with coffee can lead to nutritional deficiencies over the long term.

Comparison Table: Common Coffee Hacks


Feature	Lemon and Cinnamon Hack	MCT Oil and Butter Hack (Bulletproof)
Primary Ingredients	Black coffee, lemon juice, cinnamon	Black coffee, MCT oil, butter (ghee)
Purported Mechanism	Boosts metabolism, regulates blood sugar, aids digestion.	Increases fat oxidation, provides sustained energy, promotes satiety.
Caloric Content	Low	High (from added fats)
Primary Diet Focus	General wellness, digestive health.	Ketogenic diet.
Potential Downsides	Stomach irritation, enamel erosion.	High calorie count, digestive discomfort.
Scientific Evidence	Anecdotal, no conclusive evidence for significant weight loss.	Some evidence for MCT oil's effects, but overall weight loss depends on diet.

How to approach the coffee hack safely

If you are interested in trying one of these coffee hacks, it is crucial to do so in a way that minimizes potential risks and focuses on overall health rather than a quick fix. Instead of treating it as a "loophole" to ignore hunger cues, consider it a beverage to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh lemon juice and Ceylon cinnamon, which is generally milder, and high-quality organic coffee. For the Bulletproof version, use grass-fed butter and a reputable MCT oil source.
Moderate Your Intake: Limit your consumption to one cup a day, especially when first trying it, to see how your body reacts. Avoid drinking it continuously throughout the day to suppress hunger.
Mindful Consumption: Instead of guzzling it down in seven seconds as some viral trends suggest, sip it slowly and mindfully. Listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues instead of trying to override them.
Balance with a Healthy Diet: The coffee hack is not a replacement for a nutritious, well-rounded diet. Focus on consuming whole foods, fiber, and lean protein for sustainable weight management.

Conclusion

The most common two ingredients in the popular coffee hack vary depending on the version, but are typically black coffee paired with lemon and cinnamon, or coffee combined with MCT oil and butter. While individual ingredients have potential health benefits, the hack itself is not a proven shortcut for significant weight loss and should not be used to replace meals or ignore natural hunger signals. The most effective and sustainable approach to weight management involves a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and mindful eating habits. The coffee hack can be enjoyed as a simple beverage addition, but it is not a magic solution. For personalized advice, consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any drastic dietary changes.

Here is a recipe for the lemon and cinnamon hack for you to try.

Frequently Asked Questions

The "coffee loophole" is a term for a viral diet trend, often on social media like TikTok, where people add ingredients like lemon juice, cinnamon, and sometimes cayenne pepper to black coffee with the unproven claim that it curbs appetite and boosts metabolism for weight loss.

No, there is no conclusive scientific evidence proving that adding lemon to coffee enhances its potential weight loss effects. While some research suggests coffee itself may aid weight loss, adding lemon has not been shown to improve this.

Yes, there are several versions. The two most common are the lemon and cinnamon hack and the Bulletproof-style hack, which uses MCT oil and butter. Other versions might include different spices or protein powder.

Most versions of the weight loss-focused coffee hack advise against adding milk or sugar, as they can add calories and negate the intended effects. For flavor, natural sweeteners like honey (in small amounts) or stevia are sometimes used, but many purists stick to black coffee.

Potential risks include digestive issues like acid reflux and bloating, enamel erosion from lemon juice, and negative effects from excessive caffeine intake, such as anxiety, dehydration, and heart strain.

It is best to consume the hack in moderation, generally no more than one cup per day. Drinking excessive amounts to suppress hunger can lead to health problems and is not a sustainable weight loss strategy.

No, you should not use the coffee hack to replace a meal. It does not contain the necessary nutrients to sustain your body and can lead to nutritional deficiencies. It should be used as a supplementary beverage within a balanced diet.