Butter Coffee: The UK-US Trend for Fat-Burning Brews

Looking to lose weight without skipping your morning coffee? A growing number of people in the UK and US are stirring butter—yes, actual butter—into their coffee, claiming it boosts energy, fights fatigue, and even helps shed pounds. But is there any science behind adding fat to your brew, or is it just another wellness fad?

Yes, butter coffee is a real trend: it involves adding unsalted, grass-fed butter to black coffee. This drink, popularized in the US and now sold in UK stores, is often used as a meal replacement. Its fans say it curbs hunger and aids weight loss—but experts warn of potential side effects from extremely low sugar intake.

What Is Butter Coffee?

Butter coffee is exactly what it sounds like: a cup of black coffee blended or stirred with unsalted, grass-fed butter. Often, it also includes medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, though that ingredient isn’t mentioned in the original UK reports. The result is a rich, creamy drink that resembles a latte but without milk or sugar.

The Origins: From Tibetan Yak Butter Tea to Bulletproof Coffee

The idea of putting butter in coffee was inspired by American entrepreneur Dave Asprey, who encountered yak butter tea while visiting Tibet. Impressed by how Himalayan mountaineers used it for energy, he experimented with adding butter to his own coffee. He later dubbed the recipe “bulletproof coffee” and built a whole brand around high-fat, low-carb living. The version now trending in the UK and US keeps it simple: black coffee + grass-fed butter.

Why Grass-Fed Butter?

Not all butter is created equal in this trend. Advocates insist on unsalted, grass-fed butter—the kind made from the milk of cows fed a natural grass diet, not grain. According to proponents, grass-fed butter contains higher levels of antioxidants, beneficial fatty acids, and beta-carotene. These compounds are claimed to support brain health, immunity, and may even have anti-cancer properties. That’s a big claim for a pat of butter, but it’s central to the marketing of this drink.

The Diet Logic: Fat Burning Without Carbs

The core idea behind butter coffee for weight loss is nutritional ketosis. By skipping carbs and sugar, and instead consuming high amounts of healthy fats, the body is forced to burn fat as its primary fuel source. In theory, this leads to reduced hunger, steady energy, and gradual weight loss. Butter coffee fits this model as a high-fat, zero-carb drink that can replace a full meal—especially for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets.

Where You Can Buy It

Butter coffee isn’t just a DIY trend. Planet Organic, a UK retailer specializing in natural products, has been selling butter coffee drinks for over a year—and reports continued rising demand. While many enthusiasts make it at home, pre-made versions are increasingly available on store shelves.

Criticism and Health Concerns

Not everyone is convinced. Traditional nutrition experts have raised red flags, noting that diets extremely low in carbohydrates and sugars can lead to headaches, muscle cramps, and digestive issues. The very high fat content, while satiating, also raises questions about long-term heart health and cholesterol levels. As with any trend, moderation and individual health conditions matter.

How to Make Butter Coffee at Home

If you're curious to try it yourself, here’s the basic formula based on the original concept:

• Brew a cup of strong black coffee (8–12 oz or 240–360 ml)
• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons (14–28 g) of unsalted, grass-fed butter
• (Optional) Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of MCT oil for extra energy
• Blend until frothy, using a milk frother or blender, to emulsify the butter

The result should be smooth, creamy, and rich—like a warm, liquid buttery latte. No sugar, no milk, just coffee and fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is butter coffee?

Butter coffee is black coffee mixed with unsalted, grass-fed butter, and sometimes MCT oil. It’s creamy, rich, and meant to be consumed without milk or sugar. The drink is high in fat and low in carbs, often used as a meal replacement or energy booster.

Why do people add butter to coffee?

People add grass-fed butter to coffee to increase fat intake, reduce hunger, and promote ketosis—a metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbs. The trend started with US entrepreneur Dave Asprey, who was inspired by Tibetan butter tea.

Is grass-fed butter different from regular butter?

Yes. Grass-fed butter comes from cows that eat grass, not grain. It typically contains more omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and certain fatty acids believed to benefit brain and immune health. That’s why proponents of butter coffee insist on grass-fed.

Does butter coffee help with weight loss?

Advocates say yes, because it’s high in fat and very low in carbs, which may encourage the body to burn stored fat. However, scientific evidence is limited, and some experts warn that cutting out carbs too drastically can cause side effects like headaches or digestive trouble.

Can I make butter coffee without a blender?

You can stir it, but blending or using a milk frother is recommended to emulsify the butter and create a smooth, creamy texture. Without blending, the butter may float on top and the drink won’t have the same velvety mouthfeel.

Are there any risks to drinking butter coffee regularly?

Possible risks include headaches, muscle cramps, and digestive issues due to very low sugar and carb intake. Long-term, the high saturated fat content could affect heart health or cholesterol, especially without balanced nutrition. People with certain medical conditions should consult a doctor first.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Butter Coffee

Try these FrontStreet beans for a flavorful black coffee base in your butter coffee: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe (notes of lemon, jasmine, and berries), Colombia Huila (orange, caramel, and nuts), or Kenya AB (blackcurrant, winey acidity, sweet finish). Their bright profiles cut through the richness—great for testing butter coffee without milk. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.