Why Would Somebody Put Butter in Their Coffee? The Keto and Wellness Trend Explained

October 19, 2025 •

5 min read

From ancient Tibetan yak butter tea to modern wellness trends, adding fats to beverages has a long history. For those asking why would somebody put butter in their coffee?, the answer often lies in the pursuit of sustained energy and appetite suppression, especially within ketogenic diets.

Quick Summary

Butter coffee is a high-fat drink popularized by the keto and wellness communities. Proponents add it for steady energy, enhanced mental clarity, and powerful appetite suppression, which can aid in weight management by replacing a carb-heavy breakfast.

Key Points

Sustained Energy: The fat in butter coffee slows caffeine absorption, providing a more stable, long-lasting energy boost without the typical crash.
Keto Diet Support: For those on a ketogenic diet, this high-fat drink helps maintain ketosis and provides a convenient, carb-free fuel source.
Appetite Suppression: The high fat content promotes feelings of fullness, helping to reduce cravings and curb appetite throughout the morning.
Enhanced Flavor and Texture: When blended, butter emulsifies into the coffee, creating a rich, frothy, and creamy texture that many find appealing.
High Calories and Fat: A single serving is high in both calories and saturated fat, which may not be suitable for everyone and can lead to weight gain if not managed.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Drinking butter coffee as a meal replacement means missing out on essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and micronutrients found in a balanced breakfast.

The Rise of Butter Coffee

A History of Fat-Infused Drinks

While the concept may seem strange to many, the practice of adding butter to coffee is not a modern invention. Historically, cultures in high-altitude regions, such as the Sherpas in the Himalayas and communities in Tibet and Ethiopia, have consumed beverages with animal fats for centuries. For instance, Tibetan yak butter tea, known as po cha, is a traditional staple that provides essential calories and energy for survival in harsh conditions. In Singapore, a version known as nanyang kopi with a slice of butter was once a popular, energy-rich breakfast for laborers.

The Modern "Bulletproof" Movement

The recent resurgence of butter coffee in the Western world can be largely attributed to entrepreneur Dave Asprey, who commercialized a version called “Bulletproof Coffee” after a trip to Tibet. Asprey's recipe famously combines coffee with unsalted, grass-fed butter or ghee and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, claiming it boosts energy, focus, and fat-burning. The drink quickly became a staple for those following a ketogenic or paleo diet, seeking to increase their fat intake and maintain ketosis.

Primary Reasons for Adding Butter to Coffee

Sustained Energy and Focus

One of the main draws is the promise of long-lasting energy without the jittery highs and subsequent crashes often associated with black coffee. When you add fat, it slows down the absorption of caffeine into your system. The body also rapidly converts MCT oil into ketones, which are a highly efficient source of fuel for the brain and body. This creates a steady stream of energy and improved mental clarity, which is a key benefit for many drinkers.

Ketogenic Diet and Weight Management

For people on a ketogenic diet, butter coffee serves as a high-fat, low-carb meal replacement for breakfast, helping them reach and maintain ketosis. The high fat content promotes satiety, or a feeling of fullness, which can significantly reduce hunger and cravings throughout the morning. This appetite suppression can naturally lead to a reduction in overall calorie intake and assist with weight loss goals.

Enhanced Flavor and Texture

Beyond the health claims, many people simply enjoy the taste and texture. When blended properly, the butter emulsifies with the coffee, creating a rich, frothy, and creamy drink similar to a latte, but without the added sugars or carbs. For those accustomed to adding cream or milk, butter offers a dairy-rich alternative that enhances the coffee's flavor profile.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Butter Coffee

Butter coffee's nutritional profile is starkly different from a traditional breakfast. It is extremely high in fat and calories but lacks other essential nutrients found in a balanced meal. The table below illustrates the contrast:


Nutrient Breakdown	Butter Coffee (approx.)	Traditional Coffee (black)	Balanced Breakfast (e.g., eggs, oatmeal)
Calories	230-500+	<5	300-500+
Total Fat	25-50g+	0g	15-30g
Saturated Fat	21g+	0g	5-10g
Protein	0g	0.3g	15-25g
Carbohydrates	0g	0g	30-50g
Fiber	0g	0g	5-10g
Vitamins/Minerals	A (good), minor others	Trace	Significant (complex)

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While butter coffee has its advocates, there are significant potential downsides to consider. It is crucial to approach this trend with balance and awareness of individual health needs.

High Saturated Fat: A single cup can exceed the daily recommended intake of saturated fat, which could be a concern for those with heart disease risk factors. Some studies suggest butter may increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in certain individuals.
Nutrient Displacement: Replacing a balanced breakfast with butter coffee means missing out on vital nutrients like fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals found in whole foods. This can negatively impact overall nutritional intake if not compensated for later in the day.
Digestive Issues: The high fat content, especially from MCT oil, can cause gastrointestinal side effects like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, particularly for those new to the drink.
Weight Gain: Despite the claims of weight loss, the high caloric density means that if you add butter coffee to your regular diet without making other caloric adjustments, it could lead to weight gain.

Who Should and Shouldn't Drink Butter Coffee?

This drink is not for everyone. While those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet may find it useful for maintaining ketosis and controlling appetite, other individuals should be more cautious.

You might benefit from butter coffee if:

You are on a ketogenic diet and need a high-fat energy source that won't kick you out of ketosis.
You practice intermittent fasting and want a high-fat beverage that can extend your fasting window without spiking insulin levels.
You want sustained energy and mental clarity to power through your morning without a sugar crash.

You should exercise caution or avoid butter coffee if:

You have high cholesterol or heart problems, as the high saturated fat content could pose a risk.
You have gastrointestinal issues that can be worsened by high-fat intake.
You have diabetes, as skipping a full breakfast can disrupt consistent carbohydrate intake needed for blood sugar management.

How to Make the Perfect Butter Coffee

If you decide to try butter coffee, the key to a creamy, non-oily result is to emulsify the ingredients properly with a blender. Simply stirring it won't suffice.

Ingredients:

1 cup (8-12 oz) of hot, brewed coffee
1-2 tablespoons of unsalted, grass-fed butter or ghee
1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil or coconut oil

Instructions:

Brew your coffee using your preferred method.
Add the hot coffee, butter, and MCT oil to a blender.
Blend for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is frothy, creamy, and looks like a latte.
Pour into a mug and enjoy immediately.

Conclusion: A High-Fat Fuel, Not a Complete Meal

For those on a ketogenic diet, adding butter to coffee can be a powerful tool for weight management and sustained energy, tapping into the historical use of fat-infused beverages for fuel. The inclusion of MCT oil and grass-fed butter enhances its fat-burning properties and promotes satiety. However, this beverage is not a nutritional silver bullet. For the average person, it is a high-calorie, high-saturated-fat drink that should not replace a balanced, nutrient-dense breakfast rich in fiber and protein. Before making it a regular part of your routine, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns about cholesterol levels. For more information on the ketogenic diet, you can visit Healthline's comprehensive guide on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, butter coffee is not healthy for everyone. While it can be useful for those on a ketogenic diet, its high saturated fat and calorie content can be problematic for individuals with high cholesterol, heart conditions, or sensitive digestive systems.

Butter coffee may aid weight loss as part of a ketogenic or low-carb diet by suppressing appetite and increasing satiety. However, its high calorie count means it could cause weight gain if added to an existing diet without other adjustments.

Bulletproof coffee is a specific, trademarked recipe that uses high-quality coffee beans, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil. Butter coffee is a general term for any coffee mixed with butter, often including MCT or coconut oil.

While you can use any butter, most proponents, and the original 'Bulletproof' recipe, recommend using unsalted, grass-fed butter. This is often considered to have a better nutrient profile, including more omega-3s and vitamin K2.

Blending is crucial for proper emulsification, which prevents the fat from separating and floating on top. This creates a smooth, frothy, and creamy texture similar to a latte, ensuring a more pleasant drinking experience.

Since butter coffee contains calories, it is technically not considered a 'true' fast. However, because it contains no carbs or sugar, it won't raise insulin levels and is often considered acceptable for those on intermittent fasting plans who prioritize keeping insulin low.

Some people may experience digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or upset stomach, especially when starting out or using too much MCT oil. Its high saturated fat content may also raise cholesterol levels in certain individuals.