This coffee is an energy drink based on strong brewed (or instant) coffee with the addition of ghee. The recipe was initially known as “bronecoffee” and included ghee, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sugar-free whipped cream.
The drink is extremely popular among followers of the carbohydrate-free keto diet – due to the combination of caffeine and a special type of fatty acids, coffee with butter gives a burst of energy, blocks hunger and activates the metabolism without increasing blood sugar levels.
Keto coffee – what is it?
Keto coffee is a drink based on coffee and MCT fats (butter and coconut oil), with no added sugar or milk. Dave Espy, an American entrepreneur and renowned biohacker, initially introduced the proposal, which later gained popularity among keto diet enthusiasts.
The classic keto coffee recipe is a strong coffee drink with the addition of ghee. Some sources claim that the combination of caffeine and short-chain saturated fatty acids tones both brain activity and metabolism, all without impacting blood sugar levels.
Just a reminder, butter (including ghee) and coconut oil consist of a unique type of saturated fat with a fairly simple structure—indeed, the body starts assimilating them in the digestive tract. The benefits of coconut oil are built on MCT fats.
Benefit for health
First of all, due to the addition of oil, keto coffee contains enough calories – which ensures a long-lasting feeling of fullness. Additionally, the body utilizes the energy from MCT fats to meet its immediate metabolic requirements and practically avoids storing it in fat reserves.
Caffeine, being a stimulant of the central nervous system, gives a charge of vivacity – at the same time reducing appetite. Because of this combination of ingredients, people following a carbohydrate-free diet recommend keto coffee as a breakfast option.
Keto coffee – the classic recipe
According to Dave Espy, he came up with the idea to create keto coffee while traveling in Tibet – he tried a local drink based on strong black tea and ghee made from yak butter. The unique taste of the drink, its creamy texture, and the surge of energy after consuming it struck him.
Back in America, Dave began experimenting with coffees and oils, and in 2009 he published a classic recipe on his blog.
Keto coffee:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 500 ml coffee without sugar
- vanilla extract
- heavy whipped cream (optional)
Calorie content and BJU:
- calories – 270 kcal
- carbohydrates – 0.8 g
- proteins – 1.3 g
- fats – 28 g
Step by step preparing
For two servings of bronco coffee, use the ingredients listed above. First, in a French press or other suitable container, mix strong coffee (both freshly brewed and instant without sugar will do), then add a tablespoon of ghee, a tablespoon of coconut oil and a little vanilla extract.
Using a whisk, mix the ingredients for about one minute. Then (optionally) add whipped cream and stir the resulting keto coffee once more – however, remember that whipped cream should not contain sugar or sweeteners.
Keto coffee with butter
Note that although a keto coffee recipe may involve the use of regular butter, ghee is preferable. While undergoing the heat treatment (“melting”), the oil bakes the lactose it contains, which is a reminder that lactose is milk sugar.
In fact, butter coffee will contain some fast carbohydrates – which is unacceptable when following a carbohydrate-free diet. In contrast, ghee undergoes a natural lactose- and casein-refining process.
When it comes to coconut oil, there are no clear rules. Although highly recommended by Dave Espy, using a double dose of ghee does not fundamentally change the composition – in any case, the main saturated fats will be MCT triglycerides.
Keto coffee is an energy drink based on strong brewed (or instant) coffee with the addition of coconut oil or ghee. The benefit comes from the combination of a powerful dose of caffeine and a special type of short chain triglyceride fatty acid.