Butter coffee first gained widespread recognition during the late 2000s lifestyle circles, though its history dates back centuries. Made by layering sweetened condensed milk with freshly-brewed robusta coffee (nanyang kopi) and unsalted butter slices on top for a thick and foamy drink resembling a latte-type drink, its popularity among fitness enthusiasts and low carb dieters alike is not without detractors due to its high saturated fat levels which may increase cholesterol in some individuals, as well as its many calories which could lead to weight gain if used as part of a breakfast replacement meal replacement meal replacement!

Butter coffee contains up to 450 calories and saturated fat per cup, making it high in both calories and saturated fat. Though not a major issue if consumed only occasionally or snacked upon, too much butter coffee consumption could pose problems when trying to lose weight.

The butter coffee trend was spurred on by the rising popularity of low-carb diets, specifically ketogenic ones. Many who follow ketogenic diets find the drink helpful in reaching and maintaining ketosis – where fat instead of carbohydrates is burned as fuel – but there’s no evidence to show any additional health benefits beyond what could be gained by simply consuming individual ingredients separately.

Grass-fed butter has been associated with increased levels of heart-protective HDL cholesterol and may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, while MCT oil may improve energy, promote fat burning, and decrease hunger. If you drink butter coffee regularly, however, it’s essential that it be balanced out by other nutrient-rich foods to maximize weight loss while keeping cholesterol at an acceptable level.

Ganjhu and St Pierre don’t recommend that their clients or patients try this fad, but they won’t argue against anyone who finds benefit from doing it themselves. “If someone’s doing it and enjoying it,” according to St Pierre, then she won’t discourage them from continuing it.