Why do people put ghee in their coffee?

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Rooted in ancient Ayurvedic tradition and popularized by modern wellness trends, millions are now putting ghee in their coffee to transform their daily routine. This practice is believed to offer benefits ranging from improved digestion to sustained energy, providing a rich, creamy twist to the typical morning brew.

Quick Summary

Blending ghee into coffee is a practice rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and popular in modern low-carb and ketogenic diets. It provides sustained energy, enhances mental clarity, and supports gut health by offering beneficial fats like butyrate, resulting in a rich, dairy-free, and creamy beverage.

Key Points

Sustained Energy: Ghee's healthy fats slow caffeine absorption, providing a steady, crash-free energy boost for better focus.
Gut Health: Ghee contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that nourishes the gut lining and helps reduce inflammation, making coffee easier on the stomach.
Lactose-Free Alternative: As a clarified butter, ghee is free of lactose and casein, making it suitable for many with dairy sensitivities.
Weight Management Support: The healthy fats increase satiety, helping to curb appetite and reduce cravings for those on low-carb or keto diets.
Rich Flavor and Texture: Ghee adds a distinctive nutty flavor and a creamy, frothy texture when blended, enhancing the coffee's taste profile.
Origin Story: The practice is influenced by ancient Ayurvedic traditions and popularized by modern Bulletproof coffee trends, drawing on fat-fuelled beverage concepts.

The Rise of Ghee Coffee

For many, the idea of adding a tablespoon of clarified butter to a morning cup of joe might seem strange. However, this practice is far from a fad, drawing inspiration from traditional cultures and gaining traction in modern wellness circles. Ghee coffee is India's take on the West's 'Bulletproof coffee' concept, and its popularity is soaring for a host of reasons beyond just a creamy texture. Inspired by Tibetan traditions of adding yak-butter to tea for energy, the modern version with coffee quickly gained a following among those seeking sustained energy and mental clarity.

From Ancient Ayurveda to Modern Diets

The use of ghee, a clarified butter, has been a staple in Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It's celebrated for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. This ancient wisdom converges with modern dietary trends, particularly the ketogenic and paleo diets, where high-fat, low-carb beverages are used to provide fuel and suppress appetite. Ghee is a natural fit for these diets, providing a potent dose of healthy fats to kickstart the day.

Health Benefits of Adding Ghee to Coffee

Beyond a simple change in flavor, adding ghee to your coffee is linked to several potential health benefits, backed by a blend of traditional use and nutritional science.

Sustained Energy and Mental Clarity

Unlike sugary creamers that can cause a rapid energy spike followed by a crash, the healthy fats in ghee slow the absorption of caffeine. This results in a smoother, more sustained energy boost and sharper mental focus throughout the morning. Ghee contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are more easily and rapidly absorbed by the body. The liver can quickly convert these MCTs into ketones, an alternative fuel source for the brain and muscles, particularly beneficial for those in ketosis.

Improved Gut Health and Digestion

One of the most praised benefits of ghee coffee is its potential to improve digestive health. Coffee, with its high acidity, can be harsh on an empty stomach for some individuals. Ghee, especially when sourced from grass-fed cows, contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in nourishing the cells lining the gut.

Reduces Acidity: Ghee's natural properties can help neutralize the acidity of coffee, making it gentler on the stomach.
Nourishes Gut Lining: The butyrate content supports a healthy intestinal wall, potentially reducing bloating and discomfort.
Aids Nutrient Absorption: The healthy fats in ghee help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), some of which are present in the coffee itself.

Supports Weight Management

For individuals focused on weight management, ghee coffee can be a useful tool. The healthy fats increase satiety, helping to curb appetite and reduce the urge for mid-morning snacking. By promoting a feeling of fullness, it can help regulate overall calorie intake. For those following a ketogenic diet, it provides an efficient source of energy from fat, aiding the body in staying in a state of ketosis.

Ghee vs. Butter in Your Coffee

While both ghee and grass-fed butter are used in fatty coffee recipes, there are key differences that make ghee a superior choice for many.


Feature	Ghee	Grass-fed Butter
Dairy Content	Lactose- & Casein-Free (milk solids and water removed during clarification)	Contains Lactose and Casein (can be an issue for sensitive individuals)
Flavor Profile	Nutty and rich, due to further cooking of milk solids	Creamy and sweet, but less complex than ghee
Smoke Point	Higher (up to 485°F), making it stable at high temperatures	Lower (around 350°F), due to milk solids
Shelf Stability	Shelf-stable for months without refrigeration	Requires refrigeration
Butyrate Content	Rich in butyrate	Contains butyrate, but ghee has it in a more concentrated form

Making the Perfect Ghee Coffee

Making a creamy, delicious cup of ghee coffee is simple and requires minimal ingredients. The key is proper emulsification to prevent the oil from separating.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of freshly brewed hot coffee
- 1-2 teaspoons of high-quality, grass-fed ghee
- (Optional) A dash of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or collagen powder for flavor
Method:
1. Brew your coffee using your preferred method (French press, drip, etc.).
2. Pour the hot coffee into a blender.
3. Add the ghee and any optional ingredients.
4. Blend on high for 20-30 seconds until a creamy, frothy layer forms. A handheld frother can also work effectively.
5. Pour into a mug and enjoy immediately.

Is Ghee Coffee for Everyone?

While many report positive experiences, it's important to consider that individual responses vary. Due to its high fat and calorie content, it's essential to consume it in moderation and ensure it aligns with your overall dietary goals. It is not a complete meal replacement, as it lacks essential nutrients found in a balanced breakfast. Individuals with severe dairy allergies or certain health conditions like high cholesterol should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into their diet.

Conclusion

In summary, the reasons why people put ghee in their coffee are a powerful fusion of ancient wellness practices and modern dietary science. This unique blend provides a source of sustained energy, enhances mental clarity, and supports better digestive health, particularly for those with dairy sensitivities or following low-carb and keto lifestyles. The rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture are an added bonus, elevating the daily coffee ritual into a more functional and satisfying experience. The key is using high-quality ingredients and listening to your body to find the right balance for your needs.

For more insight into the difference between ghee and butter, explore this guide: Ghee vs. Clarified Butter: Is There a Difference? - Allrecipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ghee coffee is often considered an Indian variation of Bulletproof coffee. While Bulletproof coffee typically uses grass-fed butter and MCT oil, ghee coffee substitutes butter with ghee, offering a similar high-fat, low-carb boost, especially for those with dairy sensitivities.

When combined with a balanced diet, ghee coffee can support weight management. Its healthy fats promote satiety, curb appetite, and help the body utilize fat for energy, particularly for those on a ketogenic diet. However, it is high in calories, so moderation is key.

For most individuals with lactose intolerance, ghee is a safe and gentle alternative to butter or cream. The process of making ghee removes the milk solids (including lactose and casein), which are the primary triggers for dairy sensitivities.

For maximum health benefits, it is recommended to use high-quality, grass-fed, organic ghee. Grass-fed ghee is richer in vitamins and beneficial fatty acids like butyrate and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

Yes. When blended, ghee gives the coffee a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy, latte-like texture. This can mask some of the coffee's bitterness and create a smoother, more satisfying drink.

For most people, drinking one cup of ghee coffee daily as part of a healthy diet is generally safe. However, it's high in fat and calories, so it's important to monitor your intake and listen to your body, especially if you have high cholesterol or other health concerns. Consult a doctor if unsure.

Most people prefer to drink ghee coffee in the morning to receive a sustained energy boost and mental clarity. It's often used by those practicing intermittent fasting to help curb hunger, or as a pre-workout drink for slow-burning energy.

Blending the ghee and hot coffee is crucial for emulsification. This process thoroughly mixes the fat into the liquid, creating a smooth, frothy texture and preventing the oil from separating and floating on top.