Making Bulletproof Coffee with Coconut Oil
Quick answer
- Yes, you can make Bulletproof Coffee using coconut oil as the fat source.
- Start with freshly brewed black coffee and blend it with coconut oil and butter or MCT oil.
- The ideal ratio is typically 1-2 tablespoons of fat per 8-12 oz of coffee.
- Blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds until frothy and emulsified.
- Ensure your coffee is hot for best blending results.
- Experiment with the amount of coconut oil and other fats to find your preferred taste and texture.
You can make Bulletproof Coffee using coconut oil as the fat source. For the best results, consider using a high-quality coconut oil like this one.
- MCT Oil from Organic Coconuts - Made from virgin coconut oil, Natural Force Organic MCT Oil provides 14g of high quality, full-spectrum MCTs (C8, C10, & C12) per 1tbsp serving. With 0g sugar, 0g carbs, and only 125 calories per serving, it is the perfect source of healthy fats for keto and low carb coffee, smoothies, and cooking.
- Pure Glass Bottle and Eco-Friendly Packaging – Natural Force Organic MCT Oil is packaged in an infinitely recyclable, non-toxic pure glass bottle. The product label is biodegradable and printed with plant-based inks and the cap is made from infinitely recyclable food-grade aluminum. Exclusive bonus for 32 oz. size: Stainless-steel easy pour spout!
- USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, Keto, Paleo, Kosher, & Vegan - We work with the industry’s leading 3rd-party certifiers to ensure that our Organic MCT Oil meets and exceeds their rigorous standards of quality and purity.
- Lab Tested for Quality & Purity – Every batch of Natural Force Organic MCT Oil is produced in a cGMP certified facility and 3rd-party lab tested for heavy metals, mold, gluten, and more - we freely share the results of our testing because we have nothing to hide!
- Nutrition You Can Trust - Natural Force values the health and happiness of our customers. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, send us a message from your Amazon account and our world-class Customer Support team will help to make it right.
Who this is for
- Individuals interested in the Bulletproof Coffee trend for potential energy and focus benefits.
- Those looking for a dairy-free or plant-based alternative to traditional Bulletproof Coffee recipes.
- Home brewers who want to experiment with different fat sources in their morning coffee.
What to check first
Brewer type and filter type
Your coffee maker and filter choice significantly impact the final taste. A French press or pour-over will yield a richer, more full-bodied coffee compared to a drip machine, which might produce a cleaner cup. Paper filters will remove more oils and sediment than metal or cloth filters.
Water quality and temperature
The water you use is crucial. Filtered water is recommended to avoid off-flavors from tap water impurities. For brewing, water temperature is key. Aim for a temperature between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Water that’s too cool will result in under-extraction and a weak, sour coffee, while water that’s too hot can scald the grounds and create a bitter taste.
Grind size and coffee freshness
The grind size should match your brewing method. For example, a coarse grind is best for a French press, while a medium grind is suitable for drip coffee makers. Freshly roasted and ground coffee beans will offer the best flavor. Grind your beans just before brewing for optimal aroma and taste. Stale coffee can lead to a flat or bitter cup.
Coffee-to-water ratio
A common starting point for black coffee is a ratio of 1:15 to 1:18 (coffee to water by weight). For an 8 oz cup (approximately 240ml or grams of water), this means about 13-16 grams of coffee. Adjust this ratio based on your preference for strength. Too little coffee will result in a weak brew, while too much can make it overwhelmingly strong.
Cleanliness/descale status
A dirty coffee maker can impart stale or bitter flavors into your brew. Regularly clean your coffee machine, including the brew basket, carafe, and any removable parts. If you have hard water, descaling your machine periodically is essential to remove mineral buildup, which can affect both the taste of your coffee and the machine’s performance.
Step-by-step (brew workflow)
1. Brew your black coffee.
- What to do: Prepare 8-12 oz of hot, black coffee using your preferred brewing method. Use fresh, quality beans and filtered water.
- What “good” looks like: A hot, flavorful cup of black coffee that’s brewed to your usual strength.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using lukewarm water or stale coffee. Always ensure your water is the correct temperature and grind beans just before brewing.
2. Measure your ingredients.
- What to do: Measure 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (grass-fed is often recommended) or MCT oil, and 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil. You can adjust these amounts later.
- What “good” looks like: Clearly measured fats, ready to be added to the coffee.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Eyeballing the amounts, which can lead to an overly oily or unbalanced drink. Precise measurement helps with consistency.
Measure 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (grass-fed is often recommended) or MCT oil, and 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Opting for grass-fed butter can enhance the nutritional profile.
- KERRYGOLD PURE IRISH SALTED BUTTER: Our European-style salted butter is made on family farms from the milk of grass-fed cows, who graze year round on lush Irish pastures, for a golden yellow butter that's rich & creamy.
- ALL-NATURAL, ALL-PURPOSE: Kerrygold Salted Butter is a great all-purpose, all-natural butter. Keep a block in your butter dish to spread on fresh bread, or enhance the flavor of your baking & cooking.
- KERRYGOLD BUTTER: Made from the milk of grass-fed cows, our pure Irish butter is rich and soft. From salted butter to unsalted, garlic and herb to reduced fat, Kerrygold butter elevates your dishes.
- MORE THAN BUTTER: Beloved for our richly flavorful butter, we put the same care and quality into our all-natural cheese, like our classic Dubliner, aged cheddar, Swiss, and Blarney Castle cheese.
- TASTE THE DIFFERENCE: Kerrygold butter & cheese are made with milk from grass-fed cows not treated with rBST or other growth hormones* & raised on Irish family dairy farms. This all-natural milk is what makes our products so flavorful & creamy.
3. Combine coffee and fats.
- What to do: Pour the hot brewed coffee into a blender. Add the measured butter/MCT oil and coconut oil.
- What “good” looks like: All ingredients are in the blender, ready for emulsification.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Adding ingredients in the wrong order or using a blender that’s too small. Ensure your blender has enough capacity for the volume.
4. Blend on high speed.
- What to do: Secure the lid tightly and blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds.
- What “good” looks like: The mixture will transform into a frothy, creamy, latte-like consistency with no visible oil separation.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not blending long enough or on high enough speed. This results in an oily, separated drink rather than an emulsified one.
5. Check for emulsification.
- What to do: Observe the texture after blending. It should be smooth and uniform, without oil slicks on top.
- What “good” looks like: A creamy, opaque beverage that looks like a frothy latte.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Stopping the blend too early. Insufficient blending is the primary cause of separation.
6. Pour and serve immediately.
- What to do: Pour the blended coffee into your favorite mug.
- What “good” looks like: A warm, frothy beverage ready to be enjoyed.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Letting it sit for too long. The emulsification is temporary, and the drink will start to separate if left standing.
7. Taste and adjust (optional).
- What to do: Take a sip and note the flavor and texture. If desired, add a tiny bit more coconut oil or butter for richness, or a pinch of cinnamon for flavor.
- What “good” looks like: A beverage that meets your personal taste preferences for richness and flavor.
- Common mistake and how to avoid it: Adding too much additional fat at once. It’s better to add small amounts and re-blend if necessary.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using stale or low-quality coffee beans | Bitter, flat, or unpleasant coffee flavor. | Use freshly roasted, whole beans and grind them just before brewing. |
| Incorrect water temperature | Under-extracted (sour) or over-extracted (bitter) coffee. | Aim for 195°F-205°F (90°C-96°C). Use a thermometer or let boiling water sit for 30-60 seconds. |
| Wrong grind size for brewing method | Over-extraction (bitter) with too fine a grind, or under-extraction (weak) with too coarse. | Match grind size to your brewer: coarse for French press, medium for drip, fine for espresso. |
| Insufficient blending time/speed | Separated, oily coffee instead of a creamy, emulsified drink. | Blend on high speed for at least 20-30 seconds until frothy and well-combined. |
| Using cold coffee | Difficulty in emulsifying the fats, leading to a greasy texture. | Ensure your brewed coffee is hot enough to properly blend with the fats. |
| Not cleaning the blender thoroughly | Lingering oil residue can affect the taste of future blends. | Wash the blender immediately after use. |
| Adding too much fat initially | An overly rich or greasy texture that can be off-putting. | Start with 1 tablespoon of each fat and adjust in subsequent brews to find your preferred balance. |
| Using low-quality or rancid fats | Unpleasant taste and potential digestive upset. | Use fresh, high-quality unsalted butter (preferably grass-fed) and reputable coconut oil or MCT oil. Check expiration dates. |
| Not securing the blender lid properly | Coffee explosion and a significant mess. | Always double-check that the blender lid is firmly secured before blending. |
| Overfilling the blender | Inefficient blending and potential for overflow. | Ensure your blender is not filled beyond its maximum capacity. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If your coffee tastes sour, then you likely under-extracted. Try a finer grind or hotter water.
- If your coffee tastes bitter, then you likely over-extracted. Try a coarser grind or slightly cooler water.
- If your blended coffee separates into oil and liquid, then you didn’t blend long enough or on high enough speed. Blend for another 15-20 seconds.
- If you find the texture too greasy, then reduce the amount of coconut oil or butter in your next brew.
- If you want a richer flavor, then increase the amount of butter or coconut oil slightly, and re-blend.
- If your coffee is not hot enough to blend properly, then brew it hotter or let it cool slightly before adding fats if it’s too hot to handle.
- If you experience digestive discomfort, then reduce the amount of coconut oil or MCT oil, as your body may need to adjust.
- If your brewed coffee tastes weak, then increase the amount of coffee grounds you use for the same amount of water.
- If you are sensitive to dairy, then use only MCT oil or coconut oil and omit the butter.
- If you want to avoid potential coffee grounds in your cup, then use a brewer with a fine filter like a pour-over or a drip machine with a paper filter.
FAQ
Can I use any type of coconut oil?
Yes, you can use virgin, refined, or fractionated coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil will impart a slight coconut flavor, while refined and fractionated (MCT oil) are more neutral. Fractionated coconut oil is often preferred for its higher MCT content and liquid state at room temperature.
What if I don’t have butter or MCT oil?
While traditional Bulletproof Coffee often includes butter or MCT oil, you can experiment with just coconut oil. However, the emulsification might be slightly different, and the flavor profile will be more distinctly coconut. For best results, try to incorporate a complementary fat like butter or MCT oil.
How much coconut oil should I use?
A common starting point is 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil per 8-12 oz of coffee. It’s best to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it to find your ideal taste and tolerance.
Will this make my coffee taste like coconut?
Virgin coconut oil will add a subtle coconut flavor. If you prefer a more neutral taste, opt for refined coconut oil or fractionated coconut oil (MCT oil), which have very little to no coconut flavor.
Is this the same as regular coffee with coconut oil added?
No, the key difference is the blending process. Simply stirring in coconut oil will result in an oily layer. Blending emulsifies the oil, creating a smooth, creamy, latte-like texture.
Can I make Bulletproof Coffee with coconut oil ahead of time?
It’s best to make and consume Bulletproof Coffee immediately after blending. The emulsification is temporary, and the drink will start to separate if it sits for too long.
What are the benefits of using coconut oil in coffee?
Proponents suggest it can provide sustained energy, improve mental clarity, and aid in satiety. However, individual results may vary, and it’s important to listen to your body.
Can I add sweeteners or other flavors?
Yes, you can add sugar-free sweeteners, cinnamon, or other spices to your Bulletproof Coffee. Some people add a touch of vanilla extract. Re-blend briefly if you add anything after the initial emulsification.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Specific health claims or detailed nutritional breakdowns of Bulletproof Coffee. For this, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
- Detailed comparisons of different brands of coconut oil, MCT oil, or butter. Research product reviews for specific recommendations.
- Advanced brewing techniques for coffee that go beyond basic preparation for Bulletproof Coffee. Explore resources on specialty coffee brewing methods.
- The science behind ketosis or ketogenic diets, which are often associated with Bulletproof Coffee. Look for information from reputable health and wellness sources.