Bulletproof Coffee Recipe: Butter Coffee in a French Press

**The original Bulletproof coffee recipe from Dave Asprey is 1 cup (8-12 oz) freshly brewed coffee (ideally from Bulletproof beans using a French press), 1-2 tbsp grass-fed unsalted butter or ghee, and 1 tsp to 2 tbsp Brain Octane C8 MCT oil (start low to avoid digestive issues), blended 20-30 seconds until frothy like a latte.[1][4][7]**

Scientific Evidence for Claimed Benefits

Bulletproof coffee claims to provide a sense of fullness from the high calorie content (300-500 calories per cup), mental focus, and weight loss via ketones from MCT oil and fats, replacing breakfast carbs. However, evidence is limited and mixed:

• Energy and focus: MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) converts quickly to ketones, potentially boosting energy and cognition in low-carb states, per small studies on MCTs generally (not specific to this recipe). No direct trials on Bulletproof coffee exist; Asprey's claims stem from personal anecdote.
• Weight loss: A 2015 review found MCTs may slightly aid fat loss (1-2 kg over weeks) by increasing satiety and metabolism vs. long-chain fats, but effects are modest and require calorie control. High-fat coffee alone doesn't guarantee loss without overall deficit; some studies show no benefit.

Studies emphasize short-term effects in controlled settings; long-term data is lacking, and benefits may mimic any high-fat keto meal, not unique to this mix.

Criticisms from Nutrition Experts

Experts criticize it as a high-calorie (230-500 kcal per cup) "fad" promoting unhealthy habits:

• Adds ~400+ empty calories from fats without protein/fiber, potentially leading to weight gain if not offsetting meals.
• Lacks evidence for superiority over balanced breakfasts; may disrupt hunger cues or gut health.
• Asprey's mold-free bean claims unproven; recipe seen as marketing for his products.

Calorie Count

One standard serving (1 cup coffee + 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp MCT oil) totals ~460 kcal, mostly from fats (butter: ~200 kcal, MCT: ~240 kcal; negligible from coffee).

How to Make in a French Press

• Brew coffee in the French press using filtered water just off boil and 2.5 heaping tbsp ground beans per cup (preserves oils paper filters remove).
• Do not blend in the press—it's not designed for it and risks damage. Pour hot brewed coffee into a separate blender, add butter/ghee and MCT oil, then blend 20-30 seconds for froth. Preheat blender with hot water to minimize cooling.

The InstaCuppa Glass French Press (Rs 1,299-1,999) features borosilicate glass, 4-part filtration, and measurement markings in 350ml, 600ml, and 1000ml sizes.

Note on coconut oil and ghee: Coconut oil raised both total and LDL cholesterol in 6 of 7 controlled trials reviewed in a 2020 meta-analysis. If you use ghee or coconut oil instead of MCT oil, be aware of the cholesterol implications, especially with daily consumption.

Saran Reddy

Founder, InstaCuppa | Building kitchen tools that give busy Indian moms their time back