Why Do People Put Butter in Their Coffee in the Morning?

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

While the trend of adding butter to coffee gained Western popularity through biohacker Dave Asprey, the practice of mixing fat with coffee or tea dates back centuries in regions like Tibet. So, why do people put butter in their coffee in the morning and swear by this high-fat beverage?

Quick Summary

Blending butter and MCT oil into morning coffee creates a high-fat drink popularized by the ketogenic diet. It aims to provide sustained energy, boost mental clarity, and suppress appetite.

Key Points

Sustained Energy: The fats in butter and MCT oil slow caffeine absorption, providing a steady, long-lasting energy boost without a sugar-induced crash.
Mental Focus: MCT oil is converted into ketones, which serve as a high-efficiency fuel source for the brain, enhancing mental clarity and focus.
Appetite Suppression: The high fat content promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help curb cravings and assist with weight management.
Keto-Friendly Fuel: The low-carb, high-fat nature of butter coffee supports ketosis, the fat-burning state central to the ketogenic diet.
Nutrient Considerations: While butter coffee offers some fat-soluble vitamins, it is not a balanced meal replacement and can displace nutrients like protein and fiber.
Origin Story: The trend was popularized by biohacker Dave Asprey, who was inspired by traditional Tibetan yak butter tea, showcasing its unique history.

The morning ritual of adding butter to coffee, commonly known as 'butter coffee' or 'Bulletproof coffee', has moved from a niche biohacking trend into the mainstream. Inspired by traditional yak butter tea in Tibet, this high-fat concoction is a staple for many following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. The reasons for its popularity are varied, from enhancing energy and focus to promoting weight management.

The Origins of Butter Coffee

Dave Asprey, the founder of Bulletproof, popularized this beverage after a trip to Tibet where he tried energizing yak butter tea. Impressed by the effects, he set out to create his own version, replacing tea with coffee and using grass-fed butter and Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil for optimized health benefits. The combination of quality coffee, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil is blended to create a creamy, foamy drink intended to replace a carb-heavy breakfast.

The Driving Motivations: Why Add Butter to Your Brew?

There are several key motivations behind the butter coffee trend. Many proponents claim that the high-fat content provides a host of benefits, particularly for those on specific diets.

Sustained Energy Without the Crash

One of the most frequently cited benefits is the promise of long-lasting, crash-free energy. When you consume regular coffee, the caffeine is absorbed relatively quickly, leading to a temporary energy spike followed by a crash. The fat in butter and MCT oil slows down the absorption of caffeine, creating a more gradual and sustained release of energy throughout the morning. For many, this avoids the jitters and eventual energy slump associated with black coffee or sugary drinks.

Improved Mental Clarity and Focus

The addition of MCT oil is crucial for the purported cognitive benefits. MCTs are a type of fat that is rapidly broken down and absorbed by the body, which can then be converted into ketones by the liver. Ketones are a powerful source of fuel for the brain, especially during ketosis. While the caffeine in coffee alone improves alertness, the addition of MCTs may help enhance mental clarity and cognitive function, which is particularly prized by biohackers and productivity enthusiasts.

Appetite Suppression for Weight Management

For individuals on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, butter coffee can serve as a meal replacement for breakfast. The high fat content promotes satiety, or a feeling of fullness, which can suppress hunger for several hours. By feeling full, a person may consume fewer calories overall and reduce cravings for mid-morning snacks. This makes butter coffee a valuable tool for those seeking to manage their weight or practice intermittent fasting.

Support for Ketogenic Diets

The cornerstone of the ketogenic diet is shifting the body's primary fuel source from glucose to fat, a state known as ketosis. With its zero-carb, high-fat profile, butter coffee fits perfectly into this dietary framework. Consuming MCTs can accelerate the body's transition into ketosis and provide a consistent source of fuel for those already in a fat-burning state.

How to Make Butter Coffee

Creating a creamy, emulsified butter coffee is key to its appeal. Simply stirring butter into hot coffee will result in an oily film on top, not the desired foamy latte-like consistency.

Brew Your Coffee: Start with one cup (8-12 oz) of hot, high-quality coffee. Organic, freshly brewed coffee is often recommended.
Measure the Ingredients: Add 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed, unsalted butter or ghee and 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil or coconut oil to the blender.
Blend Thoroughly: Combine the hot coffee and fats in a blender. Blend for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is fully emulsified and a frothy layer forms on top.
Pour and Enjoy: Pour the finished drink into a mug and serve immediately.

A Comparison of Butter Coffee vs. Regular Black Coffee


Feature	Butter Coffee	Regular Black Coffee
Energy Source	Sustainable energy from fats (especially MCTs) and slower caffeine release.	Quick energy boost from caffeine, often followed by a crash.
Mental Focus	Enhanced focus and clarity, fueled by ketones from MCTs, in addition to caffeine's effects.	Alertness and focus from caffeine alone.
Appetite	Strong appetite suppression due to high fat content, promoting feelings of fullness.	No significant effect on appetite.
Calorie Count	High in calories (typically 200-450 calories per cup), mostly from fat.	Virtually zero calories.
Nutrient Profile	High in healthy fats, and grass-fed butter offers vitamins A, K, E, and Omega-3s.	Rich in antioxidants, but lacks macro- and micronutrients found in the butter.
Taste & Texture	Creamy, frothy, and rich flavor, resembling a latte.	Standard coffee flavor, can be bitter or acidic.

Potential Downsides and Risks

Despite the glowing reviews, butter coffee is not without its potential drawbacks. It is extremely high in saturated fat and calories, which may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with pre-existing heart conditions or high cholesterol. Replacing a balanced breakfast with butter coffee can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time, as it lacks essential protein, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals. Finally, some individuals, particularly those new to high-fat diets, may experience digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea from the MCT oil.

Conclusion

The decision to add butter to your morning coffee depends largely on your personal health goals and dietary needs. For those on a ketogenic diet or seeking a high-fat energy source, it can be a powerful tool for sustained energy and appetite control. For others, especially those with cardiovascular concerns, a well-balanced breakfast might be a healthier option. Ultimately, while the creamy texture and purported benefits are appealing, it is essential to consider the high calorie and saturated fat content and consult with a doctor or nutritionist to ensure it aligns with a balanced overall diet. For those who choose to try it, using high-quality, grass-fed butter and organic coffee beans can help maximize the potential benefits. For more information, you can explore detailed nutritional comparisons on sites like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bulletproof coffee is the specific, trademarked brand developed by Dave Asprey, made with his branded coffee beans, grass-fed butter, and Brain Octane MCT oil. 'Butter coffee' is a more general term for any coffee blended with butter and often other oils like MCT or coconut oil.

The healthiness of butter coffee is debated. It is high in calories and saturated fat, which can be a concern for some, especially those with heart conditions or high cholesterol. It also lacks the protein, fiber, and diverse nutrients of a traditional breakfast. While proponents point to its benefits, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Butter coffee may aid in weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and suppressing appetite due to its high fat content. However, as it is high in calories, it will only contribute to weight loss if it helps create a daily calorie deficit.

While you can use regular butter, grass-fed butter is often recommended because it has a better nutritional profile, including higher levels of Omega-3s, vitamin K2, and antioxidants. These nutrients provide additional benefits not found in grain-fed butter.

Yes, some individuals may experience digestive side effects such as bloating, diarrhea, or an upset stomach, particularly when they first start consuming it. This is often caused by the MCT oil, so it's recommended to start with a smaller amount and increase gradually.

When properly blended, butter coffee has a rich, creamy, and smooth texture, similar to a latte. The fat mutes the bitterness of the coffee, resulting in a more palatable flavor without the need for sugar.

Technically, yes, since it contains calories from the fat. However, because it contains no carbohydrates or sugar and doesn't significantly spike insulin levels, many intermittent fasting practitioners drink it to curb hunger without breaking ketosis.