Black Coffee with Ghee: Benefits, How to Make It & Side Effects

Introduction

Coffee has always been a go-to morning drink, but lately, adding ghee to black coffee has become a growing wellness trend. From fitness enthusiasts to people following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets, many are swapping regular milk and sugar for a spoonful of ghee in coffee.  

While some people drink black coffee with ghee for weight loss support, others simply enjoy its rich taste and long-lasting satiety. However, like any dietary trend, it is important to understand both its potential benefits and possible side effects before making it a regular part of your routine.  

In this blog, we will explore black coffee with ghee benefits, how to make it at home, and the possible side affects you should know before adding it to your daily routine. 

What is Ghee Coffee?

Black coffee with ghee is inspired by the concept of ‘bulletproof coffee.’ In this concept, fats (like butter, ghee, etc.) are added to coffee to create a creamy, filling beverage¹.

Ghee, a form of clarified butter widely used in Indian households, is rich in healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins².

When mixed with black coffee, it becomes ghee coffee and creates a smooth drink that some people believe helps reduce hunger cravings and keeps them energised for longer¹.

How Many Calories Are There in Ghee Coffee?

Many people check ghee coffee calories before adding it to their daily diet, as the calorie content depends on the amount of ghee used. 

Black coffee has negligible calorie content³. However, when ghee is added, the calorie content increases significantly. On average²: 

• 1 teaspoon (5 g) of ghee provides around 45 calories 
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) of ghee provides around 135 calories 

This means ghee in coffee can provide anywhere between 45 and 135 calories, depending on the amount of ghee added. However, the exact calorie content may vary depending on the brand of ghee used, the serving size, and the type of coffee. 

Black Coffee with Ghee Benefits

Many people are now adding ghee to their black coffee because it is believed to offer several health and wellness benefits. Some of these include: 

1. Provides Long-Lasting Energy  

The healthy fats in ghee may help provide steady energy and reduce the sudden energy crash that some people experience after regular coffee^1,4. 

2. Can Help You Feel Full for Longer

Some studies suggest that high-fat coffee drinks (like ghee coffee) may increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger for a few hours, which may help with appetite control⁴.

3. May Support Mental Alertness

Coffee naturally contains caffeine, which can help improve alertness and concentration. However, studies show that adding ghee may not provide extra cognitive benefits compared to regular black coffee^1,4. 

4. Contains Healthy Fats and Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Ghee contains fats along with vitamins like vitamin A, which are important for overall health when consumed in moderation^2,4.

5. May Reduce Sugar Intake

Some people replace sugary coffee drinks with ghee coffee, which may help lower added sugar intake in their daily diet. 

6. May Support Weight Loss

Ghee coffee is low in carbohydrates and rich in fats, which is why it is popular among ketogenic and low-carbohydrate diet followers⁴. Due to its relatively lower calorie content (than other sweetened beverages), low sugar spikes, and better appetite control, many people consume black coffee with ghee for weight loss as part of a low-carb or calorie-conscious diet routine. 

7. Can Support Digestion and Gut Health

Ghee contains healthy fats that may help support digestion and maintain a healthy gut. It may also help keep the digestive system functioning smoothly and support better nutrient absorption². 

8. May Help Reduce Inflammation

Coffee contains natural compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Certain nutrients and healthy fats present in ghee may also help support the body’s natural immune system². This may support overall wellness and help the body recover from everyday stress and fatigue. 

Important: While ghee coffee has become popular for energy and appetite control, scientific evidence supporting many of the claimed ghee coffee benefits is still limited. More studies are needed to confirm its long-term effects and benefits. 

Ghee in Coffee vs. Butter Coffee

Both ghee coffee and butter coffee are popular high-fat coffee drinks, but they differ in ingredients, taste, and nutritional properties⁵.

Some people prefer ghee coffee over butter coffee because ghee is lactose-free which may be better for the gut and digestion. Also, its richer flavour may be preferrable. 

How to Make Ghee Coffee at Home?

The ghee coffee recipe is quick and easy to make at home. It can be made quickly at home using just a few simple ingredients. 

Ingredients (for ghee coffee recipe)

• Instant or filter coffee (as per your choice)  
• 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure organic ghee 
• Sweetener of choice (completely optional) 
• A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional) 

Method

• Prepare a cup of hot black coffee by adding boiling water. 
• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of ghee (as per your preference) to the coffee. 
• Add sweetener, cinnamon, or cocoa powder (if desired). 
• Blend or whisk the coffee for a few seconds until it becomes frothy and creamy. 
• Pour into a cup and serve hot. 

Best Time to Drink Ghee Coffee

Many people prefer drinking ghee coffee in the morning as it may help provide energy and keep them feeling full for longer⁶.

However, since coffee contains caffeine, drinking it late in the evening or at night may affect sleep in some individuals⁷.

Note: The best time to drink ghee coffee can vary from person to person depending on their caffeine tolerance, eating habits, and dietary needs. It is important to listen to your body and consume it in moderation. Always consult a clinician before starting the same. 

Things to Remember Before Drinking Ghee Coffee

Before making ghee coffee a regular part of your routine, it is important to keep a few things in mind and consume it in moderation. 

• Ghee coffee is high in calories (when compared to plain black coffee) because of the added fat content. Therefore, avoid consuming large amounts, especially if you are trying to manage your calorie intake. 
• Always start with a small amount of ghee to see how your body responds. 
• Choose good-quality coffee and ghee for better taste and quality. 
• Avoid adding too much sugar or sweeteners, as this can increase calorie intake. 
• Ghee coffee should not replace balanced meals or proper nutrition. 
• Individual tolerance and dietary needs can vary from person to person. 

Possible Side Effects of Ghee in Coffee

While ghee coffee is enjoyed by many people, consuming it in excess may cause some mild side effects in certain individuals. 

• Some people may experience bloating or digestive discomfort, especially if they are not used to high-fat drinks⁸.
• The caffeine in black coffee may cause restlessness or difficulty sleeping in some individuals⁹.
• Drinking ghee coffee on an empty stomach may cause acidity or stomach discomfort in some people¹⁰.
• Adding too much ghee regularly may not be suitable for people who are advised to limit saturated fat intake (people with greater body weight or heart conditions)¹¹. 

Note: Individual reactions can vary depending on dietary habits, caffeine tolerance, and overall health. If you have any medical conditions/dietary restrictions, it is best to consult a doctor before consuming it regularly. 

Also Read: ABC Juice (Apple, Beetroot & Carrot): What It Is, Benefits, Side Effects & More

Conclusion

Black coffee with ghee has become a popular wellness drink among people looking for a quick energy boost and a more filling coffee option. Many people enjoy ghee coffee for its rich taste, smooth texture, and its ability to keep them feeling full for longer. 

However, ghee coffee may not suit everyone, especially when consumed in large amounts. Since it is high in fat and calories, it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle. Individual responses can vary depending on dietary habits, caffeine tolerance, and overall health. 

While some early studies and wellness trends suggest possible benefits, scientific evidence is still limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects. If you have any medical conditions or dietary restrictions, consult a doctor before making it a regular part of your routine. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Crampton K, Jackson G, Streight H, Little J. Investigating the Effects of a High-fat Coffee Beverage Containing Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil and Ghee on Cognitive Function and Measures of Satiety. Curr Dev Nutr. 2021;5(Suppl 2):902. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzab049_015 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8181361/

2. Health benefits of ghee: Review of Ayurveda and modern science perspectives – PMC. Accessed May 20, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10789628/ 

3. Keirns B, Elliott D, Sciarrillo C, Koemel N, Poindexter K, Emerson S. Effect of Black Coffee on Fasting Metabolic Markers and an Abbreviated Fat Tolerance Test. Curr Dev Nutr. 2020;4(Suppl 2):639. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzaa049_032  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33487304/

4. Goldman D, Lambert K, Quarshie M, Craddock J. Assessing the Validity of Bulletproof Coffee’s Claims. Beverages. 2023;9:101. doi:10.3390/beverages9040101 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376410000_Assessing_the_Validity_of_Bulletproof_Coffee’s_Claims

5. Portnoi PA, MacDonald A. The lactose and galactose content of milk fats and suitability for galactosaemia. Mol Genet Metab Rep. 2015;5:42-43. doi:10.1016/j.ymgmr.2015.10.001 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5471386/ 

6. When it comes to the health benefits of coffee, timing may count | NHLBI, NIH. February 12, 2025. Accessed May 20, 2026. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2025/when-it-comes-health-benefits-coffee-timing-may-count 

7. Drake C, Roehrs T, Shambroom J, Roth T. Caffeine Effects on Sleep Taken 0, 3, or 6 Hours before Going to Bed. J Clin Sleep Med JCSM Off Publ Am Acad Sleep Med. 2013;9(11):1195-1200. doi:10.5664/jcsm.3170 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24235903/

8. Thomson CL, Garcia AL, Edwards CA. Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in the UK adult population and perceived effects of foods. Eur J Nutr. 2025;64(6):265. doi:10.1007/s00394-025-03780-0 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40848137/

9. Chaudhary NS, Grandner MA, Jackson NJ, Chakravorty S. Caffeine consumption, insomnia, and sleep duration: Results from a nationally representative sample. Nutr Burbank Los Angel Cty Calif. 2016;32(11-12):1193-1199. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2016.04.005 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27377580/

10. Effects of Coffee on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative Review and Literature Update – PMC. Accessed May 20, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8778943/ 

11. Facts about saturated fats: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Accessed May 20, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000838.htm 

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