Australian Butter Coffee Trend: What's in Your Cup?

You’ve heard of lattes, flat whites, and even oat milk cappuccinos—but what about coffee with butter stirred right in? While it may sound strange or even unappetizing, this butter-infused coffee trend has made its way from health blogs to Australian cafés, with some charging up to 8 Australian dollars per cup.

The quick answer: Australian butter coffee typically includes 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and sometimes 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, blended or stirred into hot black coffee—no milk, no sugar. Fans say it tastes better than a creamy latte, and it’s become a new go-to energy drink in certain cafés.

What Is Butter Coffee?

Butter coffee—also known as bulletproof coffee in the U.S.—is a blend of hot brewed coffee, unsalted butter, and often coconut oil. Instead of milk or cream, the drink uses 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter, and some versions add an extra spoonful of coconut oil for added fats. The result is a rich, creamy beverage that resembles a latte in texture but is entirely dairy-free.

Why Are Australians Drinking Butter Coffee?

This trend is driven by followers of the paleo and primal (or “original human”) diet movements, who advocate for high-fat, low-carb, and dairy-minimal nutrition. Rather than using traditional milk or plant-based creamers, advocates use pure fats like butter and coconut oil to create a satiating and energy-boosting drink. While unusual to some, proponents claim it offers sustained energy without the crash associated with sugary coffees.

The Origins: From Tibet to the West

The idea of mixing caffeine with fats for morning fuel isn’t new. U.S. health entrepreneur Dave Asprey claims he first encountered the concept during a trek in Tibet, where he tried traditional yak-butter-infused tea, known as po cha or butter tea. Inspired by its rich taste and energizing effects, Asprey adapted the principle to Western coffee culture, coining the term “bulletproof coffee” and popularizing it through his wellness brand. The drink eventually made its way to Australia, where cafés have begun serving their own takes on the concept.

How Australians Are Making It

According to reports, Australian cafés are putting their own spin on butter coffee by blending 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter—sometimes substituting or adding 1 tablespoon of coconut oil—into a standard black coffee. The mixture is typically blended to create a frothy, latte-like texture. No milk or sugar is used. Each cup is sold at around 8 AUD (approximately 46.9 RMB). While some make it at home with blenders, others are ordering it as a specialty beverage from cafés embracing the trend.

What Does It Taste Like?

Fans of the drink report that butter coffee actually tastes better than a cream-based latte. The butter lends a smooth, rich mouthfeel, while the coconut oil (when added) contributes a subtle nuttiness. Without the acidity or sweetness of traditional coffee drinks, it offers a bold, clean caffeine hit paired with long-lasting fats that appeal to those avoiding carbohydrates or dairy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much butter is used in butter coffee?

Most butter coffee recipes call for 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Some versions also include an additional 1 tablespoon of coconut oil for extra fat content and flavor.

Is coconut oil always added to butter coffee?

No, coconut oil is optional. Many recipes use just butter, but some baristas and enthusiasts add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil for a richer texture and additional energy-boosting medium-chain triglycerides.

Does butter coffee contain milk or sugar?

No, butter coffee is a dairy-free and sugar-free drink. It replaces milk with butter and sometimes coconut oil, resulting in a creamy texture without any lactose or added sweetness.

Where did the idea of butter in coffee come from?

The concept was popularized in the West by U.S. entrepreneur Dave Asprey, who encountered butter-infused tea in Tibet. He adapted the idea to coffee, creating the bulletproof coffee trend that later spread globally, including to Australia.

How much does butter coffee cost in Australia?

Butter coffee is typically sold for around 8 Australian dollars (about 46.9 RMB) per cup in cafés that offer it as a specialty beverage.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Butter Coffee

For butter coffee drinkers seeking high-quality beans to brew at home, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe offers bright citrus and floral tones with a silky body, ideal for highlighting the richness of added fats. The Kenya Little Tomato presents juicy acidity with red fruit sweetness, balancing the heavy mouthfeel of butter. Both single origins showcase clean flavours that won’t clash with the creamy texture. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.