Why Do Americans Put Butter in Their Coffee? Exploring the Keto and Biohacking Trend

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

The practice of adding fat to coffee is not a new concept, with traditional roots in Tibetan yak butter tea and Ethiopian clarified butter coffee, but its popularity surged in America around the 2000s, causing many to ask why do Americans put butter in their coffee. This modern phenomenon is largely driven by a biohacking entrepreneur and the rise of low-carb lifestyles like the ketogenic diet.

Quick Summary

The trend of adding butter to coffee in America is fueled by the keto diet, promising sustained energy, appetite suppression, and mental clarity. It was popularized by Dave Asprey's 'Bulletproof Coffee' and reflects a broader interest in biohacking for improved performance.

Key Points

Keto Diet Fuel: Many Americans add butter to their coffee to increase fat intake and maintain ketosis on a high-fat, low-carb diet.
Sustained Energy: The combination of caffeine and healthy fats provides a prolonged energy boost without the typical spike and crash from sugar.
Mental Clarity: The MCT oil often included is rapidly converted into ketones, which provide a potent and clean-burning fuel for the brain.
Appetite Control: The high fat content promotes strong feelings of satiety, which can help suppress hunger and reduce overall calorie consumption.
Popularized by Dave Asprey: The trend gained significant traction and visibility in the U.S. after entrepreneur Dave Asprey developed and marketed "Bulletproof Coffee."
Not a New Concept: While modernized, the practice of adding fat to coffee or tea is centuries-old, with roots in cultures like Tibet and Ethiopia.

From Ancient Origins to a Modern Fad

While the concept may seem strange to some, adding fat to coffee or tea has been practiced in various cultures for centuries. In the high-altitude regions of Tibet, for instance, yak butter tea, known as po cha, has long been a staple beverage for warmth and energy. Similarly, in parts of Ethiopia, ground coffee mixed with clarified butter, or niter kibbeh, has been a source of nourishment. The modern American adaptation has capitalized on this ancient principle, but for distinctly different reasons.

The Birth of Bulletproof Coffee

The primary catalyst for the butter coffee trend in the West was Dave Asprey, an American entrepreneur and author. Inspired by a cup of yak butter tea he drank in Tibet, Asprey returned to the US and developed his own recipe, which he branded as "Bulletproof Coffee". His specific concoction calls for a precise blend of toxin-free coffee beans, unsalted grass-fed butter (or ghee), and Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil, all mixed vigorously in a blender. Asprey promoted this drink as a powerful tool for biohacking—the practice of using diet and technology to optimize human performance.

The Ketogenic Connection and Reported Benefits

For many Americans, adopting butter coffee is a deliberate dietary choice tied to the ketogenic diet. The keto diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. Replacing a carb-heavy breakfast with a high-fat butter coffee provides a large calorie boost from fat, helping keto dieters increase their fat intake and maintain ketosis.

Appetite Control and Sustained Energy

One of the most frequently cited benefits is its effect on hunger and energy levels. The high fat content in butter coffee, especially from the inclusion of MCT oil, promotes a feeling of fullness that can last for several hours, curbing cravings and reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day. Unlike the quick spike and crash often associated with sugary breakfasts, the fat in butter coffee slows the absorption of caffeine, providing a more sustained and steady energy release.

Mental Clarity and Focus

Proponents also credit butter coffee with enhancing cognitive function. MCT oil is quickly converted by the liver into ketones, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and serve as a potent energy source for the brain. This is believed to contribute to improved mental clarity, focus, and concentration, which is especially attractive to entrepreneurs and professionals seeking a mental edge.

The Modern American Butter Coffee Experience

Today, butter coffee is a customizable ritual. Here are the key components often included:

High-Quality Coffee: Many enthusiasts insist on using quality coffee beans to avoid potential toxins and enhance flavor.
Unsalted Grass-Fed Butter: Considered a superior source of healthy fats, including omega-3s and butyrate, a compound that supports gut health.
MCT Oil: A quick-metabolizing fat that provides a rapid and sustained energy source for the brain and body.
Optional Additions: For taste and added benefits, some people incorporate ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla extract, or collagen peptides.
The Blending Process: Blending the ingredients is crucial. It emulsifies the fats, creating a frothy, creamy texture similar to a latte and preventing oil separation.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

Despite its touted benefits, butter coffee is not a miracle cure and comes with potential drawbacks. Critics point out that replacing a whole-food breakfast with a high-calorie, fat-dense drink can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time, as it lacks fiber, protein, and other essential vitamins found in a balanced meal. The high saturated fat content is also a concern for individuals with high cholesterol or a history of heart disease, and some people may experience digestive distress, such as bloating or diarrhea, from the high fat intake.

A Comparison of Coffee with Common Add-Ins


Add-In	Calories (approx.)	Primary Energy Source	Key Benefits	Potential Drawbacks
Black Coffee	Minimal (<5 kcal)	Caffeine	Quick energy, no added calories	Jitters, potential crash
Butter Coffee	High (250+ kcal)	Fats (MCT oil, butter)	Sustained energy, high satiety, mental clarity	High saturated fat, nutrient deficiencies if replacing meals
With Cream & Sugar	Moderate (100+ kcal)	Carbs (sugar), some fat	Familiar taste, quick energy spike	Sugar crash, less nutritional value
With Ghee	High (similar to butter)	Fats (MCTs)	Lower in lactose, similar benefits to butter coffee	High calorie and saturated fat content

Conclusion: Is Butter Coffee Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision to incorporate butter coffee into a diet depends on individual health goals and dietary needs. For those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, it can be an effective tool for maintaining ketosis and controlling appetite. For others, a more balanced breakfast might be a healthier and more sustainable option. While the trend has strong advocates, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be considered within the context of an overall nutritious and balanced diet. As with any significant dietary change, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional. To learn more about the science behind its ingredients, see Healthline's detailed analysis of butter coffee(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/butter-coffee).

Frequently Asked Questions

The modern American trend was popularized by entrepreneur Dave Asprey after he was inspired by a traditional yak butter tea he tried in Tibet. He created and trademarked his own version, 'Bulletproof Coffee,' which gained a following in the 'biohacking' community.

For those on a ketogenic diet, butter coffee can help curb hunger and provide sustained energy, which may lead to reduced overall calorie intake. However, it is a very high-calorie drink, and if consumed in addition to a normal diet, it could cause weight gain.

Proponents claim it boosts mental clarity and focus. The MCT oil is converted into ketones, which the brain can use for fuel, while the fat slows the absorption of caffeine, providing a more gradual and prolonged alertness.

Bulletproof Coffee is a specific, trademarked recipe created by Dave Asprey, using his brand of toxin-free coffee beans, grass-fed butter or ghee, and Brain Octane Oil (a specific form of MCT oil). Regular butter coffee is a DIY version using standard ingredients.

Yes, you can use regular butter, but grass-fed butter is often recommended by enthusiasts. It is thought to have a more favorable fatty acid profile, including higher levels of omega-3s.

Yes, potential risks include nutrient deficiencies if used as a meal replacement, digestive issues (like diarrhea) from high fat content, and high saturated fat intake, which can be a concern for those with high cholesterol.

The key is to use a high-speed blender or an immersion blender. Blending the hot coffee with the butter and MCT oil for about 20-30 seconds emulsifies the mixture, creating a creamy, uniform consistency similar to a latte.

Yes, it is often consumed during intermittent fasting because it contains no carbs and can extend the feeling of fullness without spiking blood sugar, though purists might argue any calories technically break a fast.