Coffee has become a staple of many Americans’ daily routines, with iconic coffeehouse chain Starbucks at the forefront of the trend. Yet, there’s a rising interest in an alternative coffee drink: bullet coffee. But does Starbucks sell bullet coffee?
Bullet coffee, also known as butter coffee, is coffee blended with fats such as butter, coconut oil, or MCT oil. It was created by a Canadian entrepreneur and has grown in popularity, especially among fitness enthusiasts. There are claims that this coffee concoction is great for its health benefits, in addition to providing a jolt of energy.
Nutrionist Dr. Eric Berg explains that when consumed in its purest form, bullet coffee contains only three ingredients: coffee, butter, and MCT oil—medium-chain triglyceride oil. Berg notes that the presence of fats from the butter or MCT oil helps the body to absorb and utilize the caffeine, which provides a longer-lasting boost of energy than traditional coffee. He further explains that MCT oil is a healthy fat that is relatively easier for the body to digest than other saturated fats, and it boasts proven benefits such as improving cognitive performance and aiding weight loss.
Although bullet coffee—or at least its components—might provide health benefits, Starbucks’ current menu does not include it. According to a spokesperson, the chain has no plans to launch a bullet coffee menu item due to menu standardization and simplification. However, customers can make such concoctions from the ingredients available at Starbucks, such as adding butter or MCT oil to its coffee drinks. It’s worth noting, however, that there are no plans for a future rollout of such an item.
Given Starbucks’ global presence, it’s understandable why there is demand for the iconic chain to offer bullet coffee. It’s an intriguing coffee alternative, and its health benefits add another layer of appeal to it. Unfortunately, it looks like bullet coffee fans may need alternatives to order this beverage. But there are more options for them when it comes to creating their own bullet coffee recipes with ingredients they can purchase at Starbucks.
Homemade Bullet Coffee Recipes
Bullet coffee may not be available through Starbucks, but coffee lovers can still have it in their own homes. All that is needed is a blender and a few simple ingredients.
The basic recipe involves combining 8 ounces of hot coffee, 2 tablespoons of MCT oil, and 2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter or ghee. Simply blend this mixture until it’s creamy and frothy, and then enjoy. It’s also possible to customize your beverage by adding a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Consider adding cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, or cream for flavor and texture.
For a less caloric option, try this recipe that requires 8 ounces of hot coffee, 1 teaspoon of MCT oil, 1 teaspoon of butter, and 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. Just mix the ingredients together in a blender and enjoy the savory taste and health benefits.
If you’re looking for a less intense bullet coffee alternative, try a decaf version. Just substitute decaf coffee beans for your regular coffee grounds, and you’ll have all the goodness without the caffeine.
Finally, if you’re looking for a lighter bullet coffee option, try blending 8 ounces of freshly brewed hot tea with 1 teaspoon of MCT oil and 1 teaspoon of butter or ghee. Add some honey or stevia if you wish and enjoy the mix of flavorful and healthy ingredients.
Other Coffee Alternatives
Bullet coffee might not be available at Starbucks, but there are other coffee alternatives to consider. While not as high in fats as bullet coffee, cold brew and nitro coffee are still great choices for health-conscious coffee lovers.
Cold brew and nitro coffee are both made with cold water, which produces a smooth, low-acidic beverage with a pleasant, mellow taste. The biggest difference between the two is that cold brew has a milder, more herbal-like flavor, whereas nitro coffee has a robust body and creamy texture.
Cold brew and nitro coffee may also contain fewer toxins—such as acrylamide—as these chemicals form mainly at high temperatures. Both types of coffee also contain less caffeine than a regular cup of hot coffee; that means they can provide a steady burst of energy without the crash.
For a sweeter cup of cold brew, consider adding 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of grass-fed butter to 8 ounces of cold brew. Blend it all together and you’ll have a delicious and healthy cup of bullet coffee.
Health Benefits of Bullet Coffee
Many proponents of bullet coffee claim that it has numerous health benefits. Among them is improved energy levels and mental clarity due to the addition of MCT oil and butter to the coffee. Other purported benefits include increased ketone levels, fat burning, and improved cognitive performance. Additionally, bullet coffee is a great source of of healthy fats and can help you to stay fuller for longer.
Summarizing the scientific evidence, nutritionist Sarah Peach explains that bullet coffee does deliver some of the promised health benefits. For example, it may help with mental clarity and focus in the short-term because of the caffeine and fats. It can also provide energy due to its calorie content, although it can provide more energy if paired with regular food.
While there has been promising research on the potential benefits of bullet coffee, it is still unclear if these potential benefits outweigh any potential risks. As with any caffeine or fat-based coffee drinks, it is best to limit their consumption and to speak with a health professional about any concerns or questions.
Risks of Bullet Coffee
Bullet coffee has received much attention from health experts and fitness enthusiasts, but there are also concerns about its safety. Nutritionist Dr. Laurie Cullen-Dean explains that bullet coffee is high in fat, which may contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular disease. In addition, it can cause digestive issues and an unhealthy spike in insulin levels, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Another potential risk of bullet coffee is its high caffeine content. Caffeine is an addictive stimulant and its overconsumption can lead to health problems such as insomnia, headaches, and irritability. It is important to consume this beverage in moderation—no more than one or two cups per day. Lastly, it is important to remember that adding fats to coffee can mask the bitterness, making it easier to consume too much in one sitting.
Conclusion
Bullet coffee is a unique and popular alternative to regular coffee that has generated much interest, but Starbucks does not currently sell it. Customers can, however, create their own bullet coffee beverage from the ingredients available at Starbucks. There are also homemade bullet coffee recipes and other coffee alternatives, such as cold brew and nitro coffee, that offer similar health benefits. While bullet coffee does offer a variety of potential benefits, it also carries some risks such as weight gain, digestive issues, and addiction. Thus, it is important to consume this beverage in moderation and to speak with a health professional before trying it.
