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Discover the 10 best Bulletproof Coffee Add-ins + the basic recipe for bulletproof coffee! As long as you’re blending, why not throw in one more healthy ingredient, to make it that much better?
What is bulletproof coffee
Bulletproof coffee is simply great quality, fair trade coffee with (usually) coconut oil and butter blended in for a creamy and healthy outcome.
Bulletproof coffee is great for most wellness diets, including Keto, Paleo, Vegan, GAPS diet and Gluten-free.
The nutrition and satisfying nature of bulletproof coffee has modified many people’s morning ritual for the better.
In addition to great coffee and fat, each of us can tweak the cozy, comforting beverage to suit our own needs and tastes!
Fat: what does it add to coffee? — both creaminess and nourishment.
Discover below the 10 best add-ins — what to add … to make it your own.
10 Best Bulletproof Coffee Add-ins
Coconut Oil
This is really where it started:
- speed up the metabolism
- slow the digestion of caffeine
- increase the yield of energy to both brain and body
- increase one’s intake of medium chain triglycerides
Coconut oil does all that and more, as well as making coffee creamy, when blended.
Coconut oil is also anti-viral and anti-bacterial — helping to keep us well and to maintain the right flora gut balance.
Use 1 tablespoon coconut oil for every mug of bulletproof.
Butter or Ghee
Butter leaves my body satisfied by providing hard to find nutrition:
- vitamins D3
- E
- K2
- selenium
- healthy saturated fat for good blood sugar and energy levels
- short and medium chain fatty acids
- antioxidants
- immune boosting conjugated linoleic acid
For those who can tolerate dairy, butter is a true health food, and it makes bulletproofs creamy.
Use 1 tablespoon grass-fed, A2 butter for every mug of bulletproof. I like Kerrygold brand best.
Fair-trade Cocoa
What’s not to love about a mocha?
(Remember that chocolate and cocoa should be designated “Fair Trade” to not support child slave labor. Choose a cocoa like this one that supports its workers and sustains the environment.)
How much? Start by adding 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (non-Dutch processed) to each mug of bulletproof. (See recipe below.)
If you love bulletproof mochas, you can also add organic orange zest or pure orange oil, to create a Borgia — delicious.
MCT Oil
MCTs are medium-chain triglycerides. MCTs get broken down in the body — into fatty acids that are actually digested in the liver! This means they can’t and aren’t stored as fat; rather, they’re used as fuel by the body immediately: fuel for the brain and the body.
The end result of consuming MCT oil is a decrease in body fat, an increased metabolism and more energy.
Use 1 tablespoon MCT oil in place of coconut oil for every mug of bulletproof.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is often used to treat stomach issues like gastritis. It contains mucilage, which is a gel-like polysaccharide. This substance coats the intestines and gives the herb its name. For those who may lack adequate mucosal lining, due to leaky gut, slippery elm provides this protective barrier.
However, the herb is not only protective. It’s also high in antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Added bonus, slippery elm is a prebiotic food; it’s consumed in the colon by probiotics, creating a healthier gut ecosystem.
Slippery Elm has a mild flavor and just slightly thickens a beverage when blended in.
You can find slippery elm powder HERE.
Use 1 tablespoon slippery elm for every mug of bulletproof.
Lavender or Peppermint Essential Oil
Regarding safety, when essential oils are blended with warmed fat the fat serves as a carrier oil, evenly homogenizing and distributing the power of the herbs.
Only 1 drop of essential oil is needed in the blender for 1 to 3 servings.
I buy this lavender and this peppermint essential oil.
Make a lavender mocha or a peppermint latte or a peppermint hot chocolate — lots of flavor variations to try!
Here’s a coffee-free bulletproof steamer with lavender, warmed milk (non-dairy option) and cocoa butter — such a special bulletproof option.
Cinnamon
As you may know, cinnamon is excellent for blood sugar levels and the metabolism. It’s a great compliment to bulletproofs, which can have a similar effect — toning down the jolt that caffeine often otherwise provides … instead making the surge of energy more gradual and lasting, even helping with weight loss.
Cinnamon is also delicious in coffee with hints of Turkey and Vienna.
Use up to 1 teaspoon cinnamon for every mug of bulletproof.
Gelatin or Collagen
Gelatin and collagen are both easy to add to the blender and are great staples.
They help to set up one’s blood sugar for the whole day, by adding a hefty dose of protein to breakfast.
Gelatin especially creates a fine foam when blended, which adds to the experience.
If you’d like to read more about gelatin and its many health benefits, go here. Gelatin benefits hair, nails, gut, skin and more. (You can find collagen discounted here and gelatin discounted here. Use code BEAUTIFUL10 at checkout.)
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons gelatin or collagen for every mug of bulletproof.
(Leftover gelatin bulletproof coffee ends up being a nice treat to eat with a spoon, as it hardens up like a firm pudding.)
Paleo Chocolate Protein Powder
I first learned of this protein powder from Chris Kresser, a functional medical practitioner whose writings I often read.
We tried it for our family, especially for my teenage son, because Chris mentioned it increases athletic performance and recovery.
I also found it reduces belly fat and increases energy — because it contains MCT oil!
Four years later, I’m still buying this same protein powder because we love it.
Enjoy the flavor and even add it to homemade ice cream recipes. In bulletproofs it also makes the loveliest, creamy texture. Highly recommended. (Get it here.)
Start by using 1/2 a scoop protein powder for every mug of bulletproof.
Cocoa Butter
This fat is my favorite — so delicious and healthy.
Although I can eat butter and my daughter can eat coconut oil, neither of us can have the other.
So when I make bulletproofs for the whole family, cocoa butter solves that problem.
Cocoa butter yields a super creamy, chocolatey bulletproof.
Health-wise, cocoa butter boasts:
- healthful saturated fat
- lots of antioxidants
- a long shelf life (so it won’t go rancid)
Find fair trade cocoa butter here.
Use approximately 1 tablespoon cocoa butter for every mug of bulletproof.
It can be hard to measure solidified cocoa butter, so just guess about how many pieces would fill a tablespoon. Too much won’t hurt.
Use in place of either coconut oil or butter.
10 Best Bulletproof Coffee Add-ins
Equipment
- blender or immersion blender
Ingredients
- 12 to 16 ounces coffee fair trade and fresh
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil or MCT oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter grass-fed and A2, such as Kerrygold brand
- optional add-ins fair-trade cocoa, slippery elm, cinnamon, gelatin or collagen, lavender or mint essential oils (not with cinnamon option), protein powder, cocoa butter
- 1 pinch sea salt for minerals and best flavor
Instructions
- Pour hot coffee into blender.
- Add to blender coconut oil and butter.
- Add any additional optional ingredients, as desired, plus pinch of sea salt.
- Start blender at lowest speed setting. Use caution when blending hot liquids.
- Blend coffee 12 seconds, increasing speed to medium.
- Serve.
Nutrition
What about sweetener?
That’s up to you.
As with the other ten options, bulletproofs may be catered to your tastes and your health goals.
In our cafe our customers really vary: some ask for the traditional (and Keto version), which is no sweetener.
Others ask for a teeny bit of stevia, and still others ask for a teaspoon of honey. For bulletproof mochas at our cafe, we use coconut sugar.
At home I use a combination of pure maple syrup and stevia whenever I add cocoa (which is often).
But I do love my bulletproof coffee without sweetener. So it’s up to you!
Carrie @ Clean Eating Kitchen says
I love this post! So many great ways to make coffee a nutritious drink!
Megan Stevens says
Thank you, Carrie! So true. I can’t resist mine with cocoa and butter, but I’m SO thankful I can add in something so healthy like gelatin each day!
Oh Snap! Let's Eat! says
Awesome list! Coconut Oil and Butter are my go tos!
Megan Stevens says
Thank you! Those are great ones; classic!
hannah says
I never thought of putting essential oils in bulletproof coffee! I bet peppermint would be yummy!
Megan Stevens says
It’s so good, Hannah. It’s a fun surprise for my boys when they don’t know it’s coming and a great way to change it up, since we have them daily.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
I am all about the bulletproof hot chocolate and I can’t wait to make some now! I have been adding in slippery elm lately and have really been enjoying that. Love all of these nourishing add-ins!
Megan Stevens says
Yay, so glad you have! I love the texture and good gentle digestive components that slippery elms adds!
Kari Peters says
I love the idea of adding cocoa powder and making it a bullet proof mochaccino!
Megan Stevens says
Yes!! 🙂
Donna says
I love this and am going the share because when I first started paleo I could not find decent recipes.
Megan Stevens says
Thanks, Donna! Yes, it’s great to have the basic recipe and the add-in options. 🙂
Katja Heino says
Mmmmmm….coco powder sound amazing in a bulletproof coffee!
Megan Stevens says
Thanks Katja, it’s my favorite too!
Darryl Edwards says
I’ve never tried bulletproof coffee mainly because I’m not a coffee drinker but these options certainly give me something to consider if I venture that way!
Megan Stevens says
Great, Darryl! You can also bulletproof hot tea, if and when you drink it. The fat blended in ads a different dimension nutritionally, and it’s satisfying in a different way, too. 🙂
Darryl Edwards says
I would really struggle with anything other than hot water with my green tea, if I do ever go that route I’ll let you know. Thanks for the suggestion!
Holley Marth says
I have still never had bulletproof coffee!
Megan Stevens says
I hope you get to! 🙂
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
I have never tried cocoa butter in bulletproof coffee and I have bunch of it in my pantry. Going to try this tomorrow!
Megan Stevens says
Yay, Kelly!! It’s one of my favorites!! You’ll love it; sooo good!! 🙂
Renee Kohley says
I use the Brain Octane from Bulletproof and coconut milk in my coffee! Ilove the idea of adding the slippery elm or other add ins for extra nourishment! Thank you for the great options to choose from!
Megan Stevens says
Yummy, what you do. We had slippery elm this morning in our bulletproofs. It’s excellent. 🙂
Irena Macri says
As a bulletproof coffee fan, I am loving all these ideas. I often add cinnamon to mine, and almost always collagen powder, but I’d like to try some essential oils. Lavender sounds divine!
Megan Stevens says
Wonderful Irena! We just had the lavender variation again yesterday; and even my boys said, Mmmm! Hard not to! Enjoy. 🙂
Cristina Maria Curp says
Nice add ins list! I always do a little butter and mct…
My go to add in is gelatin but I might have to try some slippery elm!
Megan Stevens says
Lovely! It’s got a great texture in mouth and belly! 😉
ChihYu says
I’m going to add cocoa powder to my coffee ! It’s going to be delicious !!
Megan Stevens says
Awesome, and definitely! 😉