Butter Coffee Is Trending in Australian Cafés

A growing number of Australian coffee drinkers are stirring butter—yes, actual butter—into their morning brew. The unusual practice, once confined to niche health circles, has made its way into cafés where it’s now sold as a premium drink option. But what’s behind the butter coffee craze, and is there any reason it might actually taste good?

Yes, some Australians are paying AUD 8 (around RMB 46.9) for a cup of coffee blended with 1–2 tablespoons of butter and sometimes coconut oil. Baristas report it’s rich, creamy, and even more satiating than standard milk-based espresso drinks.

What Is Butter Coffee?

Butter coffee is made by replacing steamed milk with 1–2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, blended directly into an espresso or black coffee. In some versions, an extra spoonful of coconut oil is also added. The result is a frothy, high-fat coffee drink that resembles a lighter version of bulletproof coffee.

Origins: From Tibet to the West Coast

The idea of mixing fat with coffee isn’t new. American entrepreneur Dave Asprey claims he first encountered the concept while trekking in Tibet, where locals drink butter-rich yak-butter tea. He later popularised a similar drink in the U.S. under the name “bulletproof coffee,” marketing it as a high-performance breakfast alternative.

Why Are Australian Cafés Serving It?

Melbourne-based specialty coffee expert Matt Perger began experimenting with butter and even traditional clarified butter (known as ghee or in Chinese) in coffee around a year ago. Though he hasn’t added it to his shop menu, he says his partner makes it at home and believes other coffee enthusiasts would enjoy the texture and fullness it provides. Perger notes, "A well-made butter coffee can be surprisingly delicious. The saturated fat delivers a lot of calories early in the day, and it tends to keep you full longer."

How It’s Made

To make butter coffee, baristas or home brewers typically:

• Brew a shot of espresso or prepare black coffee using any preferred method
• Add 1–2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• (Optional) Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and frothy

The final drink is rich, smooth, and often described as creamier than a standard latte—without any dairy milk involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is butter coffee actually popular in Australia?

Yes, it’s being served in some Australian cafés, where it’s priced around AUD 8 per cup. While not yet mainstream, it’s gaining attention as a niche health-oriented coffee drink.

Who first promoted butter in coffee?

American entrepreneur Dave Asprey introduced the concept to a wider audience after encountering butter tea in Tibet. He branded a similar drink as bulletproof coffee in the United States.

What does butter coffee taste like?

Fans say it’s richer and creamier than a regular latte, with a smooth mouthfeel. Some compare it to bulletproof coffee, noting it feels more filling due to the high fat content.

Do Australian cafés really charge AUD 8 for it?

Yes, according to reports, cafés in Australia are selling butter coffee for approximately AUD 8 (about RMB 46.9) per cup.

Is butter coffee healthier than regular coffee?

The article doesn’t make health claims, but fans suggest the high fat content helps with satiety. Nutritionists were not quoted in the original report.

Can I make butter coffee at home?

Yes, it’s simple: brew espresso or black coffee, blend in 1–2 tablespoons of butter and optionally 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, then blend until creamy.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Fatty Coffee Drinks

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