How To Make Bulletproof Coffee (BPC)

Quick answer

• Use high-quality, low-toxin coffee beans.
• Brew it strong, like a potent drip or French press.
• Add unsalted grass-fed butter and MCT oil.
• Blend until frothy and emulsified.
• Sip and enjoy the energy boost.
• Adjust butter/oil to your taste.

Who this is for

• Anyone looking for a high-energy, satiating morning drink.
• Folks interested in keto or low-carb lifestyles.
• Campers who want a seriously robust start to their day.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Your BPC base matters. Drip coffee makers work, but French press or AeroPress often give a richer body. Paper filters can trap some oils, which is fine, but metal filters let more through. Whatever you use, make sure it’s clean. Nobody wants yesterday’s coffee residue in today’s fuel.

Water quality and temperature

Good coffee starts with good water. If your tap water tastes funky, your coffee will too. Filtered water is usually best. For brewing, aim for water just off the boil, around 195-205°F. Too cool, and you won’t extract enough flavor. Too hot, and you can scorch the grounds.

Grind size and coffee freshness

Freshly ground beans are key. Buy whole beans and grind them right before brewing. For drip, a medium grind is standard. French press needs a coarser grind. If your coffee tastes bitter or sour, your grind size might be off. Coffee loses its magic quickly after grinding, so don’t let it sit around.

Coffee-to-water ratio

This is where you dial in the strength. A good starting point for BPC is about 1:15 or 1:16 (coffee to water by weight). So, for 10 oz of water, use about 0.6-0.7 oz of coffee. Too weak, and it won’t feel “bulletproof.” Too strong, and it might be overwhelming.

Cleanliness/descale status

A dirty brewer is the enemy of good coffee. Buildup from old grounds and mineral deposits from water can ruin the taste. Regularly clean your brewer and descale it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is especially true for automatic drip machines. A clean machine makes a clean cup.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Grind your beans.

• What to do: Measure your whole beans and grind them just before brewing.
• What “good” looks like: A consistent grind size appropriate for your brewer.
• Common mistake: Using pre-ground coffee or an inconsistent grind. Avoid this by investing in a decent burr grinder and grinding right before you brew.

2. Heat your water.

• What to do: Heat filtered water to 195-205°F.
• What “good” looks like: Water that’s steaming but not violently boiling.
• Common mistake: Using boiling water or water that’s too cool. Let boiling water sit for about 30 seconds before pouring.

3. Prepare your brewer.

• What to do: Rinse your filter (if using paper) and preheat your brewer.
• What “good” looks like: A clean, warm brewer ready for coffee.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to rinse paper filters, which can leave a papery taste. Just a quick rinse with hot water does the trick.

4. Add coffee grounds.

• What to do: Add your freshly ground coffee to the brewer.
• What “good” looks like: An even bed of grounds.
• Common mistake: Tamping down the grounds too much, which can lead to over-extraction. Just gently level them.

5. Bloom the coffee.

• What to do: Pour just enough hot water over the grounds to saturate them. Wait 30 seconds.
• What “good” looks like: The grounds puffing up and releasing CO2, forming a bubbly surface.
• Common mistake: Skipping the bloom. This step releases trapped gases, allowing for a more even extraction and better flavor.

6. Complete the brew.

• What to do: Slowly pour the remaining water over the grounds in a circular motion.
• What “good” looks like: A steady, controlled pour that saturates all the grounds.
• Common mistake: Pouring too fast or unevenly, which can create channels and lead to an unbalanced brew.

7. Steep (if applicable).

• What to do: For French press or AeroPress, let it steep for 3-4 minutes.
• What “good” looks like: A rich aroma filling the air.
• Common mistake: Steeping too long, which can result in a bitter taste. Set a timer!

8. Press or finish brewing.

• What to do: For French press, slowly press the plunger. For drip, let it finish its cycle.
• What “good” looks like: A clean separation of grounds from liquid.
• Common mistake: Pressing the French press plunger too hard or too fast. This can force fine grounds into your cup.

9. Pour brewed coffee.

• What to do: Pour the hot coffee into a blender.
• What “good” looks like: A full cup of strong, hot coffee.
• Common mistake: Letting the coffee sit too long, which can cause it to cool and separate. Work quickly once it’s brewed.

10. Add butter and MCT oil.

• What to do: Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted grass-fed butter and 1-2 tablespoons of MCT oil to the blender.
• What “good” looks like: The correct proportions for your preference. Start small if you’re new to this.
• Common mistake: Using regular butter or the wrong type of oil. Grass-fed butter and MCT oil are key for the intended texture and benefits.

For the best results, use unsalted grass-fed butter like this one, which provides the beneficial fatty acids crucial for Bulletproof Coffee.

Kerrygold, Irish Salted Butter Sticks, 16 Ounce

• KERRYGOLD SALTED BUTTER STICKS: Made in Ireland, leveraging generations of dairy craftsmanship — Kerrygold Salted Butter Sticks 4 pack deliver a smooth and satisfying flavor
• GRASS FED BUTTER: What sets this European butter apart is the milk. Grass-fed cows produce naturally rich milk, giving Kerrygold butter its silky texture and that golden yellow color
• REAL, SIMPLE INGREDIENTS: Crafted using pasteurized cream and salt, Kerrygold keeps it refreshingly simple. Taste the difference with quality ingredients handled with care for a balanced, pure Irish butter
• RICH, CREAMY, & EASY TO SPREAD: This spreadable butter softens beautifully at room temperature, making it a natural choice for toast, muffins, and warm bread. No waiting, no effort—just a smooth, satisfying spread every time
• ELEVATE EVERYDAY COOKING: A dependable salted butter for daily meals, however you cook. Sauté vegetables, make hollandaise sauce or perfectly golden grilled cheese, finish seafood dishes, or prepare butter popcorn for movie night

Buy on Amazon

11. Blend until frothy.

• What to do: Blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds until emulsified and frothy.
• What “good” looks like: A creamy, latte-like consistency with a nice foam on top.
• Common mistake: Not blending long enough. This is crucial for emulsifying the fat into the coffee, creating the signature texture.

12. Serve immediately.

• What to do: Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy.
• What “good” looks like: A delicious, energizing beverage.
• Common mistake: Letting it sit. BPC is best consumed right after blending.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your coffee tastes bitter, then try a coarser grind because a finer grind can over-extract.
• If your coffee tastes sour, then try a finer grind because a coarser grind can under-extract.
• If your BPC separates quickly, then blend it longer because it needs more emulsification.
• If you get digestive upset, then reduce the amount of MCT oil because it can be potent.
• If your coffee is weak, then use more coffee grounds or a finer grind because you’re likely under-extracting.
• If your coffee is too strong, then use fewer coffee grounds or a coarser grind because you’re likely over-extracting.
• If your brewed coffee tastes “off,” then clean your brewer because residue can ruin the flavor.
• If you’re new to BPC, then start with 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp MCT oil because you can always add more.
• If your coffee doesn’t foam well, then ensure your blender is powerful enough and blend for longer because this creates the emulsified texture.
• If you experience jitters, then reduce the caffeine intake or the amount of MCT oil because both can contribute.

FAQ

What kind of coffee beans are best for Bulletproof Coffee?

Look for high-quality, organic beans that are tested for mold and mycotoxins. This is a key part of the “bulletproof” concept. Single-origin beans often have distinct flavors that shine.

Can I use regular butter?

While you can, it won’t give you the same creamy texture or nutritional profile. Grass-fed butter contains beneficial fatty acids like butyrate that are central to BPC. Regular butter lacks these.

What is MCT oil?

MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides. It’s a type of fat that’s easily digested and quickly converted into energy by your body. Coconut oil is a common source.

How much butter and MCT oil should I use?

Start with 1 tablespoon of each and see how you feel. You can increase it to 2 tablespoons of each, or even more, depending on your personal preference and tolerance.

Why does it need to be blended?

Blending emulsifies the fat (butter and MCT oil) into the coffee, creating a smooth, creamy, latte-like texture. Without blending, it’ll just be oily coffee.

Is Bulletproof Coffee healthy?

It can be a great source of energy and satiety, especially for those on low-carb or keto diets. However, it’s high in fat and calories, so portion control is important. It also replaces a traditional breakfast with nutrients.

Can I add sweetener or other things?

Sure, but the original BPC is unsweetened. If you add sweetener, try a natural one like stevia or monk fruit. Some people add cinnamon or vanilla extract.

What if I don’t have a blender?

A high-powered blender is ideal, but you can try using an immersion blender or even a milk frother vigorously. It might not get as smooth, but it’s better than nothing.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Detailed explanations of mycotoxins in coffee and how to test for them. (Look for resources on coffee quality and testing).
• Specific brand recommendations for coffee beans, butter, or MCT oil. (Explore coffee blogs and health food reviews).
• The science behind ketogenic diets or intermittent fasting. (Consult with nutritionists or keto-focused websites).
• Advanced brewing techniques like siphon or pour-over variations for BPC. (Dive into dedicated coffee brewing guides).
• Recipes for other BPC variations or complementary meals. (Search for BPC recipe collections).