Bulletproof coffee has become a popular beverage among health enthusiasts and those following low-carb, high-fat diets like the keto diet. Its proponents claim that adding grass-fed butter and MCT oil to your morning coffee can help you burn fat, increase energy, and improve focus. But one common question people have is whether bulletproof coffee contains any caffeine.
What is Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof coffee is made by blending regular black coffee with 1-2 tablespoons of grass-fed, unsalted butter and 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil. The typical bulletproof coffee recipe calls for:
- 8-12 oz brewed coffee
- 1-2 tbsp grass-fed, unsalted butter
- 1-2 tbsp MCT oil or coconut oil
Some variations include adding collagen powder or other ingredients like cinnamon or vanilla. But the basic recipe consists of just coffee, butter, and MCT oil blended together into a frothy, creamy beverage.
The butter and MCT oil provide healthy fats and nutrients. Some key claimed benefits of bulletproof coffee include:
- Increased energy and focus from caffeine and fats
- Suppresses hunger and cravings
- Provides sustained energy for 4-6 hours
- Helps your body burn fat instead of carbs for fuel
Does Bulletproof Coffee Contain Caffeine?
Yes, bulletproof coffee contains caffeine because it is made with regular brewed coffee. An 8 oz cup of coffee contains approximately 95-200 mg of caffeine depending on the brew method and bean variety.
So an average cup of bulletproof coffee would contain:
- 8 oz coffee: 95-200 mg caffeine
- 1-2 tbsp grass-fed butter: 0 mg caffeine
- 1-2 tbsp MCT oil: 0 mg caffeine
The butter and MCT oil do not contain any caffeine. So the only caffeine comes from the coffee itself. An average 8-12 oz bulletproof coffee likely contains 150-250 mg of caffeine, similar to a normal cup of coffee.
Caffeine Content of Different Coffees
| Brew Method | Serving Size | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Drip coffee | 8 oz | 95-200 |
| French press | 8 oz | 115-175 |
| Espresso | 1 oz | 47-75 |
| Cold brew | 8 oz | 155-325 |
As you can see, caffeine content can vary widely depending on the specific coffee beans and brew method. But in general, an 8 oz cup of black coffee will contain around 95-200 mg caffeine.
So bulletproof coffee made with 8-12 oz of regular drip coffee would contain a similar amount of caffeine as a normal cup of joe.
Decaf Bulletproof Coffee
You can make a caffeine-free version of bulletproof coffee by using decaf coffee instead of regular coffee.
Look for organic 100% decaf coffee beans to avoid any chemicals used in the decaffeination process. Swiss water process is one of the best decaffeination methods.
Then brew your decaf coffee and follow the rest of the bulletproof recipe, adding in grass-fed butter and MCT oil.
A decaf bulletproof coffee will provide you with the healthy fats without any of the caffeine. This may be a better option for those who are sensitive to caffeine or want to limit their intake.
Other Tips for Caffeine-Free Bulletproof Coffee
Here are some other tips for making caffeine-free bulletproof coffee:
- Substitute herbal tea for the coffee. Chicory root tea has an earthy, coffee-like flavor and can be used to make a caffeine-free bulletproof tea.
- Try mushroom coffee made from mushrooms like chaga, lion’s mane, and cordyceps. Mushroom “coffee” provides a rich, earthy flavor without caffeine.
- Use dandelion tea as a coffee substitute in your bulletproof brew for a natural, caffeine-free option.
- Add caffeine-free ingredients like cacao powder or maca powder to enhance the flavor without any stimulants.
- Limit your portion size to 4-6 oz to reduce the overall caffeine content.
Should You Drink Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof coffee may offer some benefits related to appetite control, sustained energy, and focus. But it’s not necessarily recommended for everyone.
Potential pros:
- Provides healthy fats that can increase satiety
- May boost cognitive function from caffeine and MCTs
- Keto-friendly way to start the morning
- Contains antioxidants from coffee
Potential cons:
- High in calories and fat
- Can cause digestive issues in some people
- Not ideal for those sensitive to caffeine
- Adds extra insulin-spiking fat to your diet
As with any food or drink, it’s best to listen to your own body and determine if bulletproof coffee fits your lifestyle and health goals. Pay attention to how you feel after drinking it.
Some people may benefit from the cognitive boost while others will want to avoid the extra calories or high caffeine. Try making it with decaf coffee or herbal tea to determine if the caffeine is causing any unwanted effects.
Overall, bulletproof coffee can be included as an occasional treat in moderation. But it shouldn’t be relied on as a daily fix for energy, focus, or weight loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bulletproof coffee break a fast?
Yes, bulletproof coffee will technically break your fast as it contains calories from fat. However, some people following intermittent fasting still drink bulletproof coffee in the mornings without issue. So it likely won’t spike blood sugar or insulin significantly, but be aware it is not a true fasted state.
Is bulletproof coffee good for weight loss?
The healthy fats in bulletproof coffee may help you feel more satiated, leading to less calories consumed throughout the day. But there are no studies proving bulletproof coffee causes more weight loss compared to a normal breakfast. It may aid weight loss on a keto diet, but results will vary individually.
Can you make bulletproof coffee with regular coffee creamer?
No, bulletproof coffee is made with grass-fed butter and MCT oil instead of traditional creamer. Creamers contain processed oils and additives while butter and MCTs provide pure, healthy fats that are believed to have different effects.
Is bulletproof coffee keto-friendly?
Yes, bulletproof coffee fits into a ketogenic diet since it contains very low carbs, high fat, and moderate protein. Just be sure to account for the extra calories from fat if you’re tracking macros.
Is there a vegan substitute for butter in bulletproof coffee?
You can use coconut oil or vegan butter such as Miyoko’s instead of grass-fed dairy butter. This allows you to get plant-based fats and make the drink dairy-free. However, grass-fed butter provides unique nutrients like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
Conclusion
Bulletproof coffee made with regular coffee will contain a similar amount of caffeine as a normal cup of coffee, providing 95-200 mg per 8 oz cup. The only way to make bulletproof coffee completely caffeine-free is to substitute decaf coffee or herbal tea for the regular brewed coffee.
Potential health benefits of bulletproof coffee include increased energy, focus, and satiety from the caffeine and healthy fats. But it is high in calories and should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Listen to your body and avoid bulletproof coffee if you experience any negative side effects from the caffeine or fat content.
