- Keto coffee blends coffee with healthy fats, providing energy and satiety while staying low-carb.
- It can be customized with various flavors and is quick to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Using MCT oil boosts energy; alternatives like coconut oil are budget-friendly without compromising taste.
Keto coffee is more than just a morning drink, it’s the ultimate creamy, energizing boost that helps you power through your day while staying low-carb. If you’ve ever heard it called butter coffee or bulletproof coffee, this rich blend of brewed coffee, healthy fats like MCT oil, and butter has become a go-to for keto beginners and seasoned low-carb lovers alike.
What makes keto coffee so special is that it’s both comforting and functional. Instead of relying on sugar or milk, you’re fueling your body with fats that support energy, focus, and satiety. I still remember the first time I swapped my regular latte for a frothy cup of keto coffee, it felt like having dessert for breakfast, but without the sugar crash.
The best part? You can make it your own. Whether you prefer it hot and frothy, poured over ice, or flavored with cinnamon or vanilla, keto coffee is quick, simple, and delicious, making it the perfect way to start your day.
Table of Contents
Quick Highlights
- Creamy and frothy, just like a latte, without the carbs
- Only 2g net carbs per serving
- Ready in 5 minutes with just 3 main ingredients
- Keeps you full and energized for hours
- Easy to customize with flavors like cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla
How To Make It
Keto Coffee (Butter Coffee)
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cup2
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kcalA creamy, frothy low-carb drink made with brewed coffee, butter, and MCT oil (or coconut oil). This energizing keto coffee is perfect for breakfast or as a mid-morning pick-me-up without the carbs.
Ingredients
8 oz brewed hot coffee
1 tbsp unsalted butter (preferably grass-fed)
1 tbsp MCT oil or coconut oil
Optional: 1–2 drops liquid stevia, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or ½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Start by brewing a strong cup of your favorite coffee, about 8 to 10 ounces. I personally love using a dark roast because it pairs so well with the buttery flavor, but any good-quality coffee works.
- Next, grab your blender. This step is super important because it’s what gives keto coffee that irresistible frothy latte vibe. Pour your hot coffee into the blender, then add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (grass-fed if you have it) and 1 tablespoon of MCT oil or coconut oil.
- Now, blend on high for about 20 to 30 seconds until the mixture looks creamy and has a nice foamy top. If you just stir the ingredients together, the fats will separate and you’ll end up with an oily layer, not nearly as tasty!
- Finally, pour your keto coffee into your favorite mug. At this point, you can leave it classic or customize it. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drop of vanilla extract, or a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or monk fruit if you prefer a sweeter taste. Sip and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a blender or milk frother, stirring won’t emulsify the fats properly.
- Start with 1 teaspoon of MCT oil if you’re new to it, and work your way up to avoid stomach upset.
- Grass-fed butter gives a richer taste, but regular unsalted butter works fine too.
- Coconut oil is a great budget-friendly substitute for MCT oil.
- For a mocha twist, add 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder before blending.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 1
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
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Ingredient Comparison Guide
Choosing Your Fat
| Fat | Taste Profile | Benefits | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butter | Rich, creamy, slightly savory | Adds body, source of butyrate | $$ | Use unsalted, grass-fed for best flavor |
| Ghee | Nutty, slightly sweeter | Lactose-free, shelf-stable | $$$ | Great for dairy-sensitive keto eaters |
| MCT Oil | Neutral, no aftertaste | Quick energy, supports ketosis | $$$ | Start small to avoid stomach upset |
| Coconut Oil | Light coconut flavor | Budget-friendly, antimicrobial | $ | Can solidify in cold drinks |
If you’re wondering whether MCT oil is worth it, studies show several science-based benefits of MCT oil, including improved energy and support for ketone production. (Healthline)
Choosing Your Coffee
- Light Roast: Bright, more caffeine, slightly acidic. Great for bold flavor lovers.
- Dark Roast: Smooth, less acidic, pairs beautifully with butter’s richness.
- Grind Size: Fine grind for espresso, medium for drip, coarse for French press.
- Low-Acid Beans: Easier on the stomach, especially for daily keto coffee drinkers.
Fun fact: coffee itself has compounds that affect how our body processes fats, see the research into coffee bioactive components and their effect on lipid metabolism. (PMC)
Choosing Your Sweetener
| Sweetener | Taste | Dissolves in Hot Coffee | Digestive Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stevia (liquid) | Sweet, slightly herbal | Excellent | None for most |
| Monk Fruit | Clean, no aftertaste | Excellent | None |
| Erythritol | Sugar-like, cooling aftertaste | Okay (may crystallize) | Can cause bloating in some |
Friendly Tips for the Best Keto Coffee
Keto coffee is already simple to make, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to make it as creamy and tasty as possible. Over time, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that take it from just good to coffeehouse-worthy.
- Blend, don’t stir: A blender (or handheld milk frother) is the secret to that creamy, latte-like foam. Stirring leaves the fats separated.
- Start small with MCT oil: If you’re new to it, begin with 1 teaspoon and increase gradually to avoid tummy troubles.
- Use hot, fresh coffee: Cold coffee won’t emulsify the fats properly, and you’ll end up with an oily layer.
- Add flavor upgrades: Cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa powder can make your coffee taste like dessert.
- Sweetener shortcut: Liquid keto sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia drops dissolve better than granules.
Creative Keto Coffee Variations
The best part about keto coffee? You don’t ever have to drink it the same way twice. There are so many fun twists you can try to keep your mornings exciting and delicious.
- Iced Keto Coffee: Blend your fats and coffee while hot, then pour over ice. Stick with liquid MCT oil so it won’t solidify.
- Mocha Keto Coffee: Add 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder before blending for a rich chocolate flavor. For more inspiration, check out this keto chocolate mousse recipe, you’ll see how chocolate and keto go hand-in-hand.
- Vanilla Latte Style: Add ½ tsp vanilla extract and a dash of cinnamon for cozy café vibes.
- Dairy-Free Keto Coffee: Use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter. You can even splash in unsweetened almond or coconut milk.
- Protein-Packed Coffee: Blend in a scoop of collagen or keto protein powder. Perfect if you want your drink to double as a light breakfast (try it with these keto protein waffles for the ultimate combo).
- Coffee & Cookies: Pair your cup with keto shortbread cookies or keto peanut butter cookies for a low-carb coffee break.
Keto Coffee Meal Prep Ideas
- Keto Coffee Bombs: Pre-mix butter, MCT oil (or coconut oil), sweetener, and flavorings, then freeze in silicone molds. Pop one into hot coffee and blend, no measuring required!
- Bulk Blends: Pre-portion butter and oil into small jars or containers for grab-and-go mornings.
- Iced Coffee Prep: Make a big batch, store in the fridge up to 3 days, then shake before serving over ice.
Troubleshooting Guide
Even though keto coffee is simple, a few common issues can pop up. Here’s how to fix them:
- “My coffee separated or looks oily”
This happens if the fats don’t emulsify properly. The fix? Use a high-speed blender or a milk frother and blend at least 20–30 seconds. If it still separates, add 1–2 tsp heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk to help it emulsify. One scientific study even found that coffee fractions stabilize emulsions, which supports the idea that proper blending or using certain coffee extracts can help avoid your keto coffee separating. (PMC) - “My stomach hurts after drinking it”
Totally normal when starting out with MCT oil or butter, it can be tough on your digestion at first. The trick is to start small. Begin with 1 teaspoon of MCT oil and work your way up over a week or two. Your body will adjust, and the stomach aches will go away. Because even though there are potential health benefits of MCT oil, starting with a smaller dose can help avoid digestive discomfort. (Cleveland Clinic) - “It tastes too buttery or oily”
If the flavor feels heavy, just adjust the fat-to-coffee ratio. Use ½ tbsp butter and 1 tsp MCT oil instead of the full amounts, then increase slowly as your taste buds adapt. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drop of vanilla, or even a little unsweetened cocoa powder also helps balance the flavor.
Keto Coffee on a Budget
One thing that scares people off keto coffee is the idea that you have to buy pricey ingredients. The good news? You don’t! Here’s how to enjoy it without breaking the bank:
- MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil: MCT oil is great for quick energy but it can be expensive. Coconut oil is a much cheaper substitute and still works perfectly. Choosing fats wisely matters, not just for taste but for long-term health, as shown in studies of the effects of MCT oil on weight loss and heart health which suggest benefits when MCTs replace other saturated fats. (PMC)
- Grass-Fed Butter vs. Regular Unsalted Butter: Grass-fed butter has a slightly richer taste, but regular unsalted butter is absolutely fine if that’s what you have.
- Coffee Beans: You don’t need “premium, mold-tested” beans unless you want to splurge. A good store-brand dark roast works just as well.
- Buy in Bulk: Stock up on butter, coconut oil, or MCT oil online or at warehouse stores, it’s much cheaper per serving.
FAQs About Keto Coffee
Can I drink keto coffee every day?
Yes! Many people start their mornings with it. Just make sure it fits into your daily fat macros and doesn’t replace balanced meals.
Do I have to use MCT oil?
Nope. Coconut oil works as a budget-friendly alternative, or you can stick with just butter or ghee.
Can I add cream or milk to keto coffee?
Heavy cream works, but avoid regular milk since it has more carbs. Unsweetened almond or coconut milk are great low-carb options.
Will keto coffee break my fast?
Yes, it technically breaks a fast because of the calories and fats. But many people use it during intermittent fasting since it doesn’t spike insulin and still keeps them in ketosis.
Can I make keto coffee without a blender?
You can! A milk frother works really well, and if you don’t have one, shake everything together in a heat-safe jar. Just be careful, it’s hot!
Bringing It All Together
Keto coffee really is one of those simple little recipes that makes a big difference when you’re living low-carb. It’s creamy, frothy, and feels like a treat, but it also fuels you with steady energy and helps keep cravings away.
The best part? You can make it your own. Whether you like it classic with just butter and oil, dressed up with cocoa and cinnamon, or even poured over ice, keto coffee is flexible enough to fit your taste and your routine. And with a few budget swaps and meal-prep tricks, it’s just as easy on your wallet as it is to whip up.
So go ahead, brew that cup, blend it up, and sip on something that’s as delicious as it is keto-friendly. I have a feeling it’s about to become your new morning favorite.
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