Why People Swear By Drinking Coffee With Butter

Butter coffee has been the go-to drink for fans of keto and paleo diets for months now. This drink is as simple as it sounds: freshly brewed coffee mixed with unsalted butter and a bit of coconut oil. The result is pretty interesting. The butter and oil not only add a rich flavor to the coffee, but they also create a velvety texture once the butter melts within, giving you a foamy and smooth drink that's very similar to a latte. Proponents of the drink — led by Dave Asprey, who popularized the trend through his company Bulletproof Coffee — tout a long list of nutritional benefits associated with adding butter to coffee, from improved satiety (enough to replace breakfast) to enhanced energy and mental clarity for the day ahead.

Despite its growing popularity, the various claims about butter coffee have piqued both interest and skepticism alike. If you're curious and thinking about giving it a shot, here are a couple of things that you should know before you dive in and brew yourself a cup.

Most of the benefits that come with butter coffee stem from its two main ingredients: butter and an oil high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). The latter is usually derived from coconut oil in most recipes, but something like palm kernel oil can also be used.

The butter injects a hefty dose of saturated fat into your cup (natural butter contains around 80% of the stuff). The idea is that this high-fat content slows down caffeine absorption, keeping you alert and energized for longer without the typical coffee crash. Additionally, MCTs are believed to induce a feeling of fullness, reducing hunger throughout the day. This appetite-suppressing effect could aid in weight loss and improve metabolic efficiency for those who are on a keto or paleo diet.

Despite the enthusiastic claims from supporters, scientific backing for this concoction is lacking. There's minimal — if any — research to support these claims. According to Healthline, while butter might marginally slow caffeine absorption, its impact may be insubstantial. Similarly, the effects of MCTs on weight loss are widely debated — and, as of now, still inconclusive in nutritional circles, per a study found in the National Library of Medicine.

Whatever the truth is, there's one thing that most people — even scientists — can agree on. Butter coffee can taste pretty good! Dave Asprey, who got the idea for butter coffee after trying yak-butter tea in Tibet, eventually kickstarted the whole trend. Asprey's brand, Bulletproof Coffee, uses a very specific blend of coffee with MCT-rich additives and grass-fed butter.

But you don't have to stick to buying Bulletproof; going the DIY route works just as well. Start with your favorite type of coffee: ristretto espresso, cold brew, instant — whatever you like. Then, add about a tablespoon each of coconut oil and unsalted butter. If you're looking to reduce lactose, you can clarify the butter into ghee. And for those who are completely lactose intolerant, you can swap out the dairy entirely with vegan butter options like coconut butter, which pairs nicely with the coconut oil.

Blend everything together in a blender for about 30 seconds until you have a frothy, light-colored beverage. Pour it into a glass and give it a taste. While it might not replace your breakfast or possess nutritional superpowers, this buttery coffee will definitely give you an interesting caffeinated experience.