Bullet coffee is hot coffee blended with butter and a small amount of oil. The result is a rich, creamy drink with a smooth texture. In the United States, many people make it as a low-carb breakfast drink or as a warm morning coffee.
To make bullet coffee, brew 8 to 12 ounces of coffee. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of MCT oil. Blend for 20 to 30 seconds until the drink looks creamy and frothy.
What Is Bullet Coffee?
Bullet coffee is coffee mixed with a source of fat, then blended until the fat spreads through the drink. The name is often linked with “Bulletproof Coffee,” a branded version that commonly uses coffee, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil.
The basic recipe does not require a special brand. You can make it with regular coffee, unsalted butter, ghee, or MCT oil.
The main ingredients serve different roles:
- Coffee provides flavor, fluid, and caffeine.
- Butter or ghee adds a rich taste and creamy body.
- MCT oil adds fat with little flavor and blends well when used in a small amount.
Bullet coffee is not a magic weight-loss drink. It is a high-fat coffee that may help some people feel full, but it also adds calories. It does not provide the full range of nutrients found in a balanced breakfast.
Bullet Coffee Ingredients
Use these ingredients for one serving:
- 8 to 12 ounces freshly brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or ghee
- 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon MCT oil
- Optional: cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa powder, or a small amount of vanilla extract
Choosing the coffee
Use any brewed coffee you enjoy. Medium- or dark-roast coffee often works well because its bold flavor balances the butter.
You can use:
- Drip coffee
- French press coffee
- Pour-over coffee
- AeroPress coffee
- Plain espresso diluted with hot water
Decaffeinated coffee also works if you want the creamy texture without as much caffeine.
Choosing the fat
Unsalted butter gives bullet coffee a mild, familiar taste. It is the easiest option for beginners.
Ghee has a deeper, slightly nutty flavor. It contains less milk solids than butter, but it is still a dairy product.
MCT oil has a light taste. Start with a small amount because too much may cause stomach cramps or loose stools.
Avoid using solid coconut oil as your first choice if you want a smooth drink. It can work, but it may not blend as evenly as MCT oil.
How to Make Bullet Coffee
Follow these steps for a smooth cup.
1. Brew the coffee
Make 8 to 12 ounces of hot coffee. Use coffee that is fresh and hot, but do not fill a blender above its safe hot-liquid limit.
2. Add the fat
Place the coffee, butter or ghee, and MCT oil into a blender. For a first batch, use:
- 10 ounces coffee
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon MCT oil
Starting with less oil makes the drink easier to tolerate.
3. Blend with care
Secure the blender lid. If the lid has a removable center cap, open or remove it only if the manufacturer says this is safe for hot liquids. Cover the opening with a folded kitchen towel to help protect your hand from heat and splashes.
Blend for 20 to 30 seconds. The coffee should look lighter, creamy, and slightly foamy.
4. Pour and serve
Pour the coffee into a heat-safe mug. Taste it before adding more butter or oil.
If you want a stronger flavor, add cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa powder. Do not add sugar if you are trying to keep the drink low in carbohydrates.
The Best Bullet Coffee Ratio
A good starting ratio is 10 ounces of coffee, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 1 teaspoon of MCT oil. You can adjust the recipe after you know how your body handles it.
| Coffee | Butter or ghee | MCT oil | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ounces | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon | A lighter cup |
| 10 ounces | 1 tablespoon | 1 teaspoon | Beginners |
| 10 ounces | 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon | A richer, higher-fat cup |
| 12 ounces | 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon | A large serving |
More fat does not always make better coffee. Too much butter can make the drink greasy, while too much MCT oil may upset your stomach.
A tablespoon of butter adds roughly 100 calories. MCT oil also adds calories, so a large serving can become a substantial part of your daily energy intake.
How to Make Bullet Coffee Without a Blender
You can make bullet coffee without a full-size blender, but the texture may be less smooth.
Use a milk frother
Add hot coffee, softened butter, and MCT oil to a tall mug. Use a handheld milk frother for 20 to 30 seconds.
Keep the frother head below the surface. This helps prevent hot coffee from splashing.
Use a sealed shaker
Let the coffee cool slightly. Add it to a heat-safe shaker with the butter and oil. Close the lid firmly and shake until mixed.
Do not shake boiling liquid in a sealed container. Steam can build pressure and force the lid off.
Stir with a spoon
A spoon can mix the ingredients, but the butter and oil may float on top. This method works when you want speed and do not mind a less creamy drink.
How to Make Bullet Coffee Without MCT Oil
MCT oil is optional. You can make bullet coffee with butter alone.
Try this simple version:
- 10 ounces hot coffee
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Cinnamon, if desired
Blend until creamy. You can also replace the butter with ghee.
If you want a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter made for melting. Check the label because some spreads contain added sugar, starch, or water and may not blend well.
Coconut oil is another option, but it can leave a stronger flavor and may solidify in cooler coffee.
How to Make Bullet Coffee Taste Better
Bullet coffee can taste rich and buttery. These changes can make it easier to enjoy:
- Use a darker roast for a stronger coffee taste.
- Add cinnamon for a warm spice note.
- Add unsweetened cocoa powder for a mocha-style flavor.
- Add a small amount of vanilla extract.
- Use ghee for a nutty flavor.
- Blend longer if the drink looks oily.
- Reduce the butter if the coffee feels too heavy.
Avoid adding sweetened creamers if you want a low-carb drink. Many flavored creamers contain sugar and can change the nutrition of the recipe.
A small pinch of salt can sharpen the flavor, but use very little. Coffee already has a strong taste, and too much salt can make the drink unpleasant.
Common Bullet Coffee Problems
The coffee looks oily
The fat may not be fully mixed into the coffee. Blend for another 10 to 15 seconds.
A very large batch may also blend better than a small batch, depending on the blender. If you are using a handheld frother, use a tall, narrow cup.
The coffee tastes greasy
Reduce the butter to 1 teaspoon or use less oil. Ghee may also taste lighter than butter in some recipes.
The coffee causes stomach problems
MCT oil can cause nausea, cramping, or diarrhea, especially in large amounts. Stop using it until your symptoms settle. If you try it again, start with ½ to 1 teaspoon with food.
If symptoms continue, avoid MCT oil and speak with a health professional.
The coffee separates after a few minutes
This is normal when the fat is not fully emulsified. Reblend the drink or use less fat.
The blender splashes
Hot liquids can create pressure in a blender. Follow the blender maker’s instructions for hot drinks. Never fill the container to the top.
Is Bullet Coffee Healthy?
Bullet coffee can fit some eating plans, but it is not automatically healthy for everyone.
The drink contains fat and caffeine but little protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. If you replace a balanced breakfast with bullet coffee every day, you may miss important nutrients.
Butter and ghee contain saturated fat. The American Heart Association advises limiting saturated fat, especially for people who need to lower LDL cholesterol. Your overall eating pattern matters more than one drink, but a daily high-fat coffee may not be a good fit for everyone.
People with high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, digestive problems, or a medically prescribed diet should ask a qualified health professional how this drink fits their plan.
Does Bullet Coffee Help With Weight Loss?
Bullet coffee may help some people feel full for a while, but it does not guarantee weight loss.
The drink can also add several hundred calories when made with large amounts of butter and oil. Weight change depends on total food intake, activity, sleep, health conditions, and other factors.
If you want to reduce calories, try this lighter version:
- 10 ounces coffee
- 1 teaspoon butter
- No MCT oil
You can also drink black coffee and eat a protein-rich breakfast. Foods such as eggs, Greek yogurt, beans, or cottage cheese may provide more protein than bullet coffee alone.
How Much Caffeine Is in Bullet Coffee?
The caffeine amount depends on the coffee type, serving size, and brewing method. Adding butter or oil does not remove the caffeine.
For most healthy adults, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is not generally linked with dangerous negative effects. Sensitivity varies, so some people may need less.
Caffeine can cause:
- Trouble sleeping
- Shakiness
- A fast heartbeat
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Stomach upset
Pregnant or breastfeeding people should ask their health care provider about a suitable caffeine limit. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists commonly advises keeping caffeine below 200 milligrams per day during pregnancy.
Bullet Coffee Safety Tips
Use these simple precautions:
- Start with a small amount of MCT oil. Increase only if you tolerate it well.
- Handle hot coffee carefully. Steam and splashes can burn skin.
- Use a blender approved for hot liquids. Check the manual before blending.
- Do not rely on bullet coffee as your only source of nutrition.
- Watch your total caffeine intake. Include tea, energy drinks, soda, chocolate, and supplements.
- Check with a health professional if you have a heart, cholesterol, digestive, metabolic, or pregnancy-related concern.
Children and teenagers should not use high-fat coffee as a meal replacement. Caffeine may affect sleep and cause unwanted effects in younger people.
A Simple Bullet Coffee Recipe Card
Yield: 1 serving
Prep time: 2 minutes
Ingredients
- 10 ounces hot brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or ghee
- 1 teaspoon MCT oil
- Optional cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa powder
Directions
- Brew the coffee.
- Add the coffee, butter, and MCT oil to a blender.
- Blend carefully for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Pour into a mug.
- Add cinnamon or cocoa, if desired.
- Drink while warm.
For a richer drink, increase the MCT oil to 1 tablespoon only after you know that your stomach handles it well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bullet coffee with instant coffee?
Yes. Dissolve instant coffee in 8 to 12 ounces of hot water, then blend it with butter and MCT oil. Use plain instant coffee if you want to avoid added sugar.
Can I drink bullet coffee every day?
Some adults can drink it daily, but the answer depends on your total calories, caffeine, saturated fat intake, and health needs. It should not replace a varied diet unless a qualified professional has advised you to use it that way.
Is bullet coffee keto-friendly?
A version made with coffee, butter, and unsweetened MCT oil is usually low in carbohydrates. Check flavored oils, creamers, and plant-based spreads because some contain added sugar.
Can I use olive oil instead of MCT oil?
You can, but olive oil has a stronger flavor and may not create the same creamy texture. Extra-virgin olive oil can work in small amounts, though it may taste unusual with coffee.
Why does my bullet coffee separate?
The fat may not be fully mixed, or the drink may have cooled. Blend it again, use less fat, or serve it right after blending.
Final Takeaway
The easiest way to make bullet coffee is to blend 10 ounces of hot coffee with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of MCT oil for 20 to 30 seconds. Start with less oil, use care with hot liquids, and adjust the recipe to your taste.
Bullet coffee can be a creamy low-carb drink, but it is not a complete breakfast and does not guarantee weight loss. For the best fit, consider your caffeine intake, total calories, saturated fat, and personal health needs.
