Now that you’ve read Confused About Coffee?, you’re aware that coffee is one of my loves. I am pumped to fill you in on my favorite coffee add-in (although the title of this post pretty much gives it away). I was introduced to the amazingly delicious and nutritious coffee with BUTTER by my friend and the expert, Dave Asprey (Bulletproof Coffee). It didn’t take long for it to make its way into my regular routine and become a favorite addition to my morning cup o’ Joe.
Adding butter to coffee has become popular as more and more people are making the connections between greater focus and brain power along with fewer cravings when they drink it. (Not to mention it’s pretty tasty too.) The reason why the typical person feels BETTER when they add butter to their coffee is because our low-fat diets aren’t doing us ANY good since they are LACKING in the fat that our brains and bodies so vitally need. The media of course is totally exploiting this revelation and calling it a “weight loss fad” and “craze” — understandably so, because it’s diametrically opposed to our nation’s “normal” way of thinking that has led to our obesity epidemic. (And in my opinion if it differs from what we have always thought, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Unbrainwash yourself from conventional wisdom!) We live in a culture that has fat-phobia and of COURSE anyone who thinks fat makes us fat is going to think any amount of butter is a bad thing. The reality is that fat is essential for our brains, metabolism and cells.
Adding butter to coffee sounds crazy, but when you take a step back and think about it, what’s so crazy about it!?
When we look at the biochemistry of how macronutrients are metabolized in the body, it doesn’t seem crazy at all. Science actually shows that it’s the carbohydrates, NOT fat, that turn into sugar in the bloodstream and lead to weight gain when not being utilized for energy. We know that healthy fat supports cognitive function and metabolism by slowing the assimilation of carbohydrates in the blood stream, and thus lessening their damaging effect.
The media is also quick to point out that a cup of coffee and butter can contain 300-some calories. This is true. Nevertheless, it doesn’t concern me because IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE CALORIES! (This is my face when asked about the calories in buttered coffee on this TV segment and this one.) Metabolism is about hormones, blood sugar balance, and the quality of food — NOT just the quantity, therefore the healthy fat found in butter is important for our brain and waistline, regardless of the number of calories.
So, while it can seem a little crazy at first, is there really that big a difference in putting butter in your coffee vs. cream? Butter is basically a semi solid form of cream (minus the skim milk). Cream is lower in fat than butter and since we all know fat is good for us then this is yet another reason why butter is SO great.
When I’m at home I love making my own version of Bulletproof Coffee by blending together coffee (I make a pot of this first) with Kerrygold butter and chocolate Dynamic Fruits & Greens to get some extra antioxidants in too. Sometimes I’ll also add some of the Vanilla powder too. This in combination with the chocolate Dynamic Fruits & Greens makes for a vanilla mocha latte flavored coffee drink. It’s incredible. Also, if I’m feeling like I need an extra punch of energy, I’ll then even add in a tablespoon of MCT oil (this is six times more potent than coconut oil; a great healthy fat and more brain power!).
Another way I enjoy butter in my coffee is in situations where I want to resist dessert, such as at weddings or parties. I’m not saying to never eat dessert, but what I AM saying is you can learn to train yourself to be satisfied by fats instead of carbs. Because coffee frequently goes hand in hand with dessert, I think adding butter to it is a good option as a replacement. (And no, I don’t always carry Kerrygold butter with me; I just make sure it’s real butter that I’m adding to my coffee and settle with this.) Even though it’s not perfect, I still think it’s a better option than dessert.
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Now, for a short Q & A on Butter in Coffee:
(using your questions from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram):
1. Why doesn’t it taste very good? BLEND IT! It is seriously so much better when blended compared to just stirring it in with a spoon. I would also tell you to make sure you’re using quality butter. Using cheap butter or a butter substitute makes a world of a difference. It definitely tastes better when it’s made with unsalted, grass-fed butter. The Kerrygold brand I mentioned produces excellent high quality butter and can be bought in bulk at places like Sam’s Club and Costco. And make sure it’s unsalted! Unless you’re one of those salted caramel latte fans, then you might like it salted, but I definitely don’t. 🙂
2. How much butter should I add? I usually add 2 Tablespoons of butter to my 8 ounce mug of coffee, or for instance, when I was at a wedding dinner I added 4 of these pats of butter (they are each 1/2 T). (Of course, these are not my first choice for butter, but since it’s not always available, I’m okay with working with what is [although, sometimes I DO bring my own butter! A lot of us did this on the Low Carb Cruise. Did you know that butter doesn’t have to be refrigerated?])
3. What do you order at a coffee shop? When I’m at a coffee shop, I usually order coffee or an Americano and ask for the heavy whipping cream. (They keep it stored in the little refrigerator behind the counter because most customers are content with the half and half that is at the DIY bar next to the skim milk and sugar.) Or, feel free to bring your own butter and add it to the coffee yourself. Just remember that stirring doesn’t quite give it the same effect as blending, which is optimal.
I hope I’ve opened your mind to the taste and health benefits of adding butter to your morning coffee. Now, venture out and give it a try!
*this is where I purchase my coffee beans.
Disclosure: One or more of the links posted on this page is an affiliate link. Please know, however, I wouldn’t recommend a product that I don’t personally use or believe in. 🙂
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I have it periodically. It’s got a distinctive taste, so it’s nice for a change of pace.
I also blend coffee with coconut cream, which tastes totally different, but is REALLY good. You really have to find a very thick coconut milk or cream, because most or thin and watery.
Full-fatted dairy products are superior. I agree.
I agree, Meg! It’s tastier and butter is so much more portable and doesn’t expire as quickly as cream does. Cheers to Kerrygold! 🙂
Thanks for the post on coffee with butter Cassie! I have made this a few times and think it is delicious! I have a question about how often you drink this? Do you have food with it? Or do you just stick with the coffee, as the fat does make it really filling. I’m trying to become un-brainwashed, but I think I still worry I may be having too much fat if I drink this coffee more than 2-3 times a week. What are your thoughts?
Thanks much!
Allison
Great thoughts and questions, Allison. I’m so glad that you’re in love with butter in coffee, just like I am 🙂 Do NOT be worried about having it too often! Daily is just fine. You are right when you mention still being in the brainwashed mindset 🙂 Keep reminding yourself that fat SUPPORTS metabolism, which is why it’s perfectly fine to have it daily! Now, as for what you should eat with it, if anything at all: My answer is: everyone is so different, but in general, I recommend having a Protein, Fat and Carbohydrate (PFC!) at all meals and snacks. So, how does the butter in coffee fit into this? Usually, I just count it as extra, bonus fat. 🙂 Some people will use it as a breakfast replacement, but some of my clients find that when they don’t have carbs, they don’t have quite the energy and depending on your goals (for my clients, weight loss is a typical goal) PROTEIN can be essential (it’s metabolism boosting too)! And remember, your goal is to keep your metabolism revved up and if you’re not getting enough of what your body needs then your body will conserve energy instead of your metabolism working efficiently! Contact me if you have any specific questions 🙂 http://www.dietitiancassie.com/contactdc/
Full Fat for the WIN! 🙂
I make my own version of this every morning and it keeps me feeling great and satisfied for about 6 hours. I add MCT oil, coconut oil, grass fed ghee, and also some hemp seeds to make it even creamier, and I blend it all together in my Vitamix.
Thanks for the blog love! Nuts are also an excellent healthy fat, like butter. And it can be beneficial to wait for some time after your meal before consuming coffee (the amount of time varies from study to study) to promote nutrient absorption.
Kerry Gold is also available at Kowalski’s, at least the one on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. They carry both Kerry Gold butter products, but also Cheese products, too.
The benefits provided to the brain by healthy fat and exercise are both beneficial, but very different…
Holy Moley and I just drink black coffee….
https://twitter.com/martyroddy I may get some butter at Farmers market and give it a try.
LOL
Just checked out Costco. No Kerrygold butter
2 tablespoons? 1 seems excessive.
You probably didn’t even try it. Well, keep munching on your processed granola or whatever garbage food you eat for breakfast instead.
I don’t think it’s necessary to respond so harshly. I’m new to the high-fat/low-carb concept, and I admit it’s very hard to wrap my head around 2 Tbl of butter in coffee. But I’m getting there. I’ve been following this way of eating for one week, and really do feel a difference, especially in brain power! But maybe you could try encouraging us newbies who still find high-fat questionable, instead of being critical.
No need to be self-righteous and obnoxious.
I think I’d really only see it as “excessive” if it were bad for you.
I think that sounds great but I also wouldn’t recommend having it by itself. I promote having a balance of PFC (protein, fat and carbohydrates) throughout the day (every 3-4 hours for most people) to promote stable blood sugar levels all day (and night) long.
I don’t get jittery from bulletproof coffee, which is the biggest reason I have never gotten into plain coffee. It’s just a nice wakefulness.
What a good idea. Just tried it this morning and LOVED it!! It’s 5:11am on Sunday morning and I’m watching the sun rise, votive candles twinkling and sipping a cup of butter coffee. 🙂 I don’t think I’d add anything but, instead, “steep” some chopped, pecans. That would be incredible!!!
@DietitianCassie:disqus thank you for this article! I am a coffee lover myself but I have the jitters and a stomach ache after drinking coffee alone, will the butter get rid of those issues? Also, is a no carb (only meats/eggs and veggies) diet good in the long run or is it bad? Do we need some carbs? I am on the paleo diet but a friend of mine said I should be on the no carb diet because of my fibromyalgia. I don’t want to take the leap unless I get expert advice.
Mallory, does decaf have the same impact on your tummy? I make my Bulletproof coffee with decaf, since I have an anxiety disorder and avoid caffeine, and I LOVE it. I have also found (after trying to do Paleo), that I feel better including carbs in my diet. I appreciate Cassie’s wisdom on why carbs are important. It’s just not good to eliminate a food group. Period. I have learned to minimize grains because my inflammation goes down when I eat that way, but having some grains keeps my energy up. This morning I ate a bowl of 1/2 serving of sprouted brown rice, 1/2 serving of blueberries, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, 20 pecans (using Cassie’s guideline for servings on the Getting Started Guide), and it was delicious, AND I got an energy surge right after and haven’t come down yet! And no inflammation (which I usually feel immediately after a “wrong” food). For protein, I just blended a scoop of plant-based strawberry protein powder in water with some spinach, stevia, and ice. Easy and delish. What I’ve learned is that we’re all different. What way of eating makes you FEEL best?
Is having a cup of bulletproof coffee and a slice of egg bake too big of a breakfast? Would it be better to space them out a couple hours? I know everyone is different, but I have read on some sites that eating with your bulletproof coffee negates its effects. Thanks Cassie!
Hi Maggie! I don’t think that’s too big a breakfast at all, but like you said, it’s individualized and depends on your goals. I wouldn’t necessarily space them out a couple hours, because I believe eating all 3 macronutrients (Protein, Fat and Carbs… PFC!) together provides the greatest benefit. I know everyone has a different idea about this, but those are my thoughts! 🙂
Do you think startchy veg are bad. When I don’t have them in pretty good amounts in my diet no matter how much fat I eat I end up binging out later. What do you think? Should I lower my fat in that case.. Cuz I know you usually recommend just like broccoli for the carbs.. THANK YOU!
Good question! We definitely recommend starchy carbs, including starchy veggies. What you’ve mentioned happens to lots of folks u2014bingeing later if they don’t get enough starchy carbs in and that’s because the starches raise blood sugars much more than non-starchy, and if you don’t raise your blood sugar enough it drops to low, causing cravings and that would explain your binges. Typically we recommend 1/2 cup serving of starch at EVERY meal and snack, but of course this would depend based on your goals. Read the carbohydrate section of this post for more: http://healthysimplelife.com/pfc-balanced-eating-part-2-the-components/ and let me know if you have further questions. Would love to help individualize in a coaching appointment!
i was so thrilled to find out about bulletproof coffee. before i even tried it, it made sense to me. i grew up in Mongolia drinking my grandma’s milk tea with ghee everyday. My mother and aunts were all in good shape and I dont even think they knew about calories to count it. After living in the US for 20 years I too thought fat was bad. So I tried and failed low carb diets, calorie restricted diets, I mean you name it and I tried it. Prior to the bulletproof coffee I havent even purchased butter for years. Over the years I just gained more weight and losing it was getting harder and harder. I’ve been drinking my morning coffee with kerry gold and coconut oil for a month and I lost 20 lbs! I really hope everyone would give this a try. It truly changed my eating habits, I no longer rely on starch like bread, rice or pasta for energy. I drink bullterproof coffee and i am perfectly satisfied : )
That moment you find out, there’s actually no difference between butter / heavy cream, and you’re on a LCHF-diet, it makes perfectly sense, blending your coffee with good old butter!
Thanks Cassie
I use the Magic Bullet several times a day to blend my coffee. It works perfectly, doesn’t take much space, and I don’t even bother washing it. I usually use about a tsp of coconut oil and blend with about 3/4 cup of coffee since it fills the cup after blended. I tried the butter today.
I have high cholesterol. Would this drink be safe for me?
Great question. Absolutely. You will BENEFIT from coffee + butter. Check out this post —7 Things Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You About Heart Health: http://www.dietitiancassie.com/7-things-your-doctor-didnt-tell-you-about-heart-health/
Hi Cassie, Great blog! I am just now learning about Bulletproof coffee (late to the game, I know). What are your thoughts on this buttered coffee practice on cholesterol and triglyceride levels? I enjoy buttered coffee but wonder if I’m hurting my heart with it.
Greta question! All of my thoughts on that, including linked research studies are found in this article: 7 Things Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You About Heart Health: http://www.dietitiancassie.com/7-things-your-doctor-didnt-tell-you-about-heart-health/ 🙂 Happy reading!