Butter Coffee in Singapore: What Is Bulletproof Coffee?

You’ve tried coffee with milk, with sugar, maybe even with cheese—but have you ever had coffee blended with butter? In Singapore, a growing trend puts a dollop of unsalted plant butter and a dose of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil into your morning cup. It’s called butter coffee, or more famously, bulletproof coffee. If the idea turns your stomach, you’re not alone—but the drink has a surprising following. So what is it, why do people drink it, and what’s really in it?

Yes, butter coffee contains 1–2 tablespoons of unsalted plant butter and 1–2 tablespoons of MCT oil (instead of coconut oil) mixed into a standard cup of coffee. This makes a high-fat coffee that delivers around 460 calories and is marketed to reduce hunger, aid weight loss, and boost mental focus.

What Is Butter Coffee?

Butter coffee—known internationally as bulletproof coffee—is a beverage made by blending hot brewed coffee with 1–2 tablespoons of unsalted plant butter and 1–2 tablespoons of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. In some versions, coconut oil is used instead of MCT oil, but the Singapore trend specifically highlights MCT oil as the fat source. The result is a creamy, rich drink that looks like a latte but tastes very different.

Why Add Fat to Coffee?

The concept behind adding butter and MCT oil to coffee is rooted in dietary trends that promote high-fat, low-carb intake. Advocates claim that the fats in bulletproof coffee can help suppress appetite, leading to reduced overall food consumption and potential weight loss. Additionally, the high-fat content is said to provide sustained energy and enhance cognitive function—or, as proponents put it, deliver a “tremendous impact on cognitive ability.”

How Many Calories Are We Talking?

A single serving of butter coffee made with 1–2 tablespoons of unsalted plant butter and 1–2 tablespoons of MCT oil contains over 460 calories. Most of those calories come from fat, as both butter and MCT oil are nearly 100% fat. This makes butter coffee more calorically dense than a typical meal, let alone a regular cup of black coffee, which usually contains fewer than 5 calories.

What’s the Science (or Theory) Behind It?

Butter coffee is based on dietary ideas popularized by certain low-carb and ketogenic diets. The idea is that consuming healthy fats in the morning can shift your body into a fat-burning state, reduce hunger pangs, and stabilize energy levels without the spikes and crashes associated with carbohydrates and sugar. MCT oil is specifically chosen for its faster digestion and quicker energy availability compared to long-chain fats.

Does It Work?

According to the original source material, drinking this high-fat coffee is claimed to reduce the desire to eat, support weight loss, and have a significant positive effect on brain function. However, the article does not cite clinical studies or provide direct evidence beyond these claims. The perceived benefits are largely anecdotal or based on diet ideologies rather than verified scientific research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is butter coffee?

Butter coffee, also called bulletproof coffee, is made by blending hot coffee with 1–2 tablespoons of unsalted plant butter and 1–2 tablespoons of MCT oil. It creates a rich, creamy drink high in fat and calories, typically around 460 per serving.

Where did bulletproof coffee originate?

Bulletproof coffee originated as a dietary trend in the U.S., promoting high-fat, low-carb intake. It gained attention for claims related to weight loss, energy, and cognitive performance. In Singapore, it's commonly referred to simply as butter coffee.

What’s the difference between MCT oil and coconut oil?

MCT oil is a concentrated form of medium-chain triglycerides, which are absorbed and metabolized faster than the fats in coconut oil. While coconut oil contains MCTs, it also has other fats. Bulletproof coffee in Singapore specifically uses MCT oil rather than coconut oil.

Is butter coffee good for weight loss?

Advocates claim it helps reduce hunger and supports weight loss by providing sustained energy and reducing overall calorie intake later in the day. However, these claims are not universally supported by scientific evidence and should be approached cautiously.

What does butter coffee taste like?

Butter coffee has a rich, creamy, and slightly oily texture. The flavor is often described as smooth and savory, distinct from traditional sweetened or milk-based coffee drinks.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Creative Coffee Brewing

For coffee enthusiasts experimenting with bold recipes like butter coffee, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui offers bright floral and citrus notes that can cut through fat, while Yirgacheffe brings juicy berry tones. For a richer base, try the Brazil Queen Manor with its nutty and chocolatey profile. These single origins are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.