What is keto coffee called?: A Guide to Bulletproof and Butter Coffee

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 50% of adults in the US drink coffee daily, and a growing number are seeking low-carb, high-fat alternatives to traditional sugary lattes. The answer to what is keto coffee called? is surprisingly simple: it’s most famously known as Bulletproof Coffee, but is also commonly referred to as butter coffee. This fatty brew has become a morning staple for many following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Quick Summary

Keto coffee is a high-fat beverage, popularly known as Bulletproof or butter coffee, made by blending brewed coffee with grass-fed butter and MCT oil. It is designed to provide sustained energy and satiety for those on a ketogenic diet by promoting fat-burning and suppressing appetite.

Key Points

Name and Origin: Keto coffee is most commonly called Bulletproof Coffee or butter coffee, originating from a Tibetan yak butter tea tradition.
Key Ingredients: It is made by blending coffee with grass-fed butter (or ghee) and MCT oil to emulsify the fats into a creamy drink.
Sustained Energy: The combination of caffeine and healthy fats provides a slower, more prolonged energy release, preventing the typical caffeine crash.
Appetite Suppression: The high fat content promotes feelings of fullness, helping to curb cravings and reduce overall food intake.
High in Calories and Saturated Fat: Despite its benefits, keto coffee is calorie-dense and high in saturated fat, which should be considered within your daily nutritional intake.
Digestive Considerations: New users of MCT oil should start with small amounts, as it can cause digestive upset in some individuals.
No Replacement for a Balanced Meal: As a breakfast substitute, keto coffee lacks essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies over time.

The Origin of the Keto Coffee Phenomenon

For many, the idea of adding butter and oil to coffee seems unusual. However, the origin of this high-fat concoction stems from a tradition dating back centuries. The founder of the Bulletproof brand, Dave Asprey, was inspired by traditional yak butter tea he encountered in Tibet. This invigorating beverage provided energy and mental clarity in the harsh mountain environment. Upon returning home, Asprey adapted the concept using modern ingredients to create the recipe known as Bulletproof Coffee. Since then, the term has become a generic name for any coffee blended with butter and MCT oil for a ketogenic lifestyle.

Key Ingredients and How to Make It

At its core, keto coffee is a blend of three main components that are emulsified to create a creamy, frothy drink similar to a latte. The key to making it correctly is blending the ingredients thoroughly, which prevents the fats from separating and floating on top.

Core Ingredients

Coffee: High-quality, freshly brewed black coffee is the foundation. Using organic, toxin-tested beans is often recommended.
Grass-fed Butter or Ghee: This is a rich source of healthy fats, including butyrate and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). For those with lactose sensitivity, ghee is an excellent clarified butter alternative.
MCT Oil: Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are fats derived from coconuts that are easily and rapidly absorbed by the body. They are quickly converted into ketones, which the body can use as a fast, clean energy source.

Recipe for Basic Keto Coffee

Brew one cup (8-12 ounces) of hot coffee using your preferred method.
Pour the hot coffee into a blender or a large mug if using an immersion blender.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter or ghee.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of MCT oil (start with less if you are new to it, to avoid potential digestive upset).
Blend everything on high speed for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is creamy and frothy.
Enjoy immediately.

Keto Coffee vs. Regular Coffee

While black coffee is naturally keto-friendly, keto coffee supercharges the beverage with additional fats. The table below highlights the main differences between a standard cup of black coffee and a serving of keto coffee.


Feature	Regular Black Coffee	Keto Coffee (Bulletproof)
Carbohydrates	Negligible (0g)	Negligible (0g)
Fat Content	Very low (nearly 0g)	High (typically 12-25g)
Calories	Very low (under 5 kcal)	High (approx. 200-400 kcal)
Satiety	Low	High; promotes feeling of fullness
Energy Source	Primarily caffeine boost	Caffeine + fat for sustained energy
Ketosis Support	Does not promote ketones	Directly promotes ketone production
Additives	Often consumed with sugar or milk	Uses healthy fats, no sugar or high-carb creamers

Potential Benefits and Concerns

Keto coffee is celebrated for its ability to provide lasting energy and promote mental clarity without the sugar crash associated with traditional, sweetened coffee. For those following a ketogenic diet, it can be an effective tool for maintaining a fat-burning state and extending periods of intermittent fasting. The healthy fats can also help to suppress appetite and reduce cravings.

However, it is not without its downsides. Keto coffee is very high in calories and saturated fats, which can contribute to weight gain if not properly incorporated into a restricted-calorie diet. Furthermore, replacing a nutrient-dense breakfast with a high-fat drink can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies over time. Some individuals may also experience digestive issues, such as bloating and diarrhea, especially when first introducing MCT oil. It's also important for individuals with heart conditions or high cholesterol to consult a doctor before incorporating high amounts of saturated fat into their diet.

Creative Variations for Flavor and Function

While the basic recipe is effective, many enthusiasts enjoy customizing their keto coffee to enhance flavor or add more functional ingredients. Here are some popular variations:

Spiced Keto Coffee: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming flavor and potential blood sugar-regulating effects.
Keto Mocha: Blend in a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
Vanilla Keto Coffee: A few drops of sugar-free vanilla extract can satisfy a sweet craving without adding carbs.
Iced Keto Coffee: Combine chilled, brewed coffee with the fats in a blender, and serve over ice for a refreshing version.
Adaptogenic Keto Coffee: Incorporate adaptogenic mushroom powders like lion's mane or chaga to potentially support cognitive function and stress management.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "what is keto coffee called?", the most recognized names are Bulletproof Coffee and butter coffee. This high-fat beverage, popularized by the ketogenic movement, serves as a powerful breakfast replacement or energy boost for many. By blending coffee with grass-fed butter and MCT oil, it offers sustained energy, mental clarity, and satiety. However, its high caloric and saturated fat content means it should be consumed in moderation and within the context of a balanced, low-carb diet. As with any dietary change, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to ensure it aligns with your individual health goals and nutritional needs.

Visit the official Bulletproof website for more information on the original brand's ingredients and philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most popular and trademarked name for keto coffee is Bulletproof Coffee, but it is also widely known as butter coffee.

While keto coffee provides a significant energy boost, it is very high in calories and saturated fat. If you are not on a low-carb diet to burn fat, adding this high-calorie drink to your regular diet could lead to weight gain.

MCT oil is a rapidly absorbed fat that the liver can quickly convert into ketones, which the body can use for immediate energy and cognitive function. It provides a quick, clean fuel source, especially beneficial for those in ketosis.

Yes, strictly speaking, keto coffee breaks an intermittent fast because it contains calories. However, some people who follow a less strict approach or are focused purely on ketosis use it to extend their fasting period, as it does not spike blood sugar levels.

Potential side effects include high cholesterol (especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions), digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea from MCT oil, and vitamin deficiencies if it regularly replaces a balanced meal.

Blending is crucial to emulsify the fats (butter and oil) with the coffee. If you only stir, the fats will separate and float on the surface, resulting in an unpalatable, oily drink.

It is recommended to use unsalted, grass-fed butter, as it contains higher levels of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins compared to conventional butter. Ghee is also an excellent option for those avoiding lactose.