Bulletproof coffee with hemp oil – coffee with power

Bulletproof coffee is traditionally made with ghee butter and MCT oil. Replacing ghee with hemp oil is not just a flavor modification – it improves the fat profile. Ghee butter mainly provides saturated fatty acids, while hemp oil contains about 76–80% polyunsaturated fatty acids with an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 3:1. The result? A creamy, frothy coffee that provides energy for several hours, with a better fat profile than the original recipe. In this recipe, I will show you how to do it in 5 minutes, what to avoid when blending hot liquids, and when this coffee makes sense as breakfast.

KEY INFORMATION
• Hemp oil: about 76–80% PUFA, omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 3:1 – a better profile than ghee butter (Callaway, Euphytica, 2004).
• The smoke point of hemp oil is about 165°C – brewed coffee (85–90°C) is a safe range for omega acids.
• The bioavailability of CBD consumed with fat is 3× higher – the fat from hemp oil in coffee is an ideal carrier for optional CBD drops.
• A tablespoon of hemp oil (15 ml) provides about 125 kcal, 14 g of fat, and approximately 5 mg of vitamin E (USDA FoodData Central, 2023).

Why does hemp oil in coffee make nutritional sense?

Classic bulletproof coffee is based on the theory that fat in the morning – without sugars and carbohydrates – provides stable energy without sharp spikes in glucose. Ghee butter in the original provides saturated fatty acids, which are energetically stable but have limited value in the context of a Western diet – which already has plenty of saturated fats. Callaway (Euphytica, 2004) showed that hemp oil contains about 76–80% PUFA with an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 3:1 – a profile that the Western diet chronically lacks.

Simopoulos (Nutrients, 2016) indicated that the modern Western diet has an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 15:1–17:1 instead of the optimal 4:1 or less. A teaspoon of hemp oil in morning coffee is one way to improve this ratio daily. The effect is cumulative – one teaspoon provides about 2 g of omega acids in total, which with daily use adds up to a measurable improvement in the PUFA balance in the diet.

From our experience, the best version of this coffee combines 1 teaspoon of hemp oil with 1 teaspoon of ghee butter. Hemp oil adds PUFA and a green, nutty aroma, while ghee butter provides creaminess and a lasting feeling of fullness. Ghee itself is creamier, while hemp oil is more watery and less cohesive after blending. The combination works better than either option alone.

Nutritional values and caffeine – what does this cup provide?

Bulletproof coffee with 1 teaspoon of hemp oil (5 ml) provides about 50 kcal, 5 g of fat (mainly PUFA), and practically zero protein and carbohydrates. With a tablespoon (15 ml) of hemp oil, it amounts to about 125 kcal and 14 g of fat – USDA FoodData Central (2023) confirms these values. Caffeine from strong coffee (about 80–120 mg) combined with fat is absorbed more slowly than in black coffee – the energy effect is spread over 3–4 hours instead of 1–1.5 hours, and the sharp drop in energy after caffeine is less.

Ingredients – what do you need?

Ingredients for 1 large cup (about 250 ml):

• 200–250 ml of strong coffee (diluted espresso, French press, or drip coffee)
• 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed hemp oil (5 ml) – basic version
• optional: 1 teaspoon of ghee butter or MCT C8 oil for extra creaminess
• optional: a few drops of CBD oil to the cup after blending
• optional: a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or turmeric
• blender or milk frother

How to prepare bulletproof coffee with hemp oil – step by step?

The entire process takes 5 minutes. A key safety aspect: blending hot liquids requires caution – always hold the blender lid.

Safety: When blending hot liquids, fill the jar no more than halfway and always hold the lid with your hand through a cloth. Hot liquid under pressure can forcefully pop the lid off and cause burns. Start at low speed, then gradually increase.

Step 1. Brew strong coffee. Prepare 200–250 ml of coffee using your chosen method. Espresso diluted with hot water (1:3) provides the most aromatic base. A French press after 4 minutes of extraction yields a full-bodied, oily coffee ideal for blending. The coffee should be hot, around 85–90°C.

Step 2. Add oil to the blender jar. Pour the hot coffee into the blender jar (max halfway). Add 1 teaspoon of hemp oil. Optionally, add a teaspoon of ghee or MCT oil. Do not add milk – the fat emulsion with coffee without milk creates better foam.

Step 3. Blend carefully. Cover the blender jar, holding the lid with your hand through a folded cloth. Start at the lowest speed for 5 seconds, then switch to the highest and blend for 20–25 seconds. The coffee will create a creamy, frothy emulsion – the fat will be dispersed in the coffee in a microemulsion.

Step 4. Pour into a mug. Pour the creamy coffee into a large mug or glass. The foam should last for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top. If you are using CBD oil, add a few drops now, after pouring into the mug – not into the blender. Also, check out our article on avocado toast with hemp oil – the perfect complement to this coffee as a complete breakfast.

Step 5. Drink slowly. Sip bulletproof coffee in small sips over 15–30 minutes, not in one gulp. The fat in the coffee is absorbed more slowly than if drunk quickly – the energy effect is spread out and more stable. This coffee is filling due to the fats and can replace a small breakfast on days without intense training.

Tips and variations

Bulletproof coffee with hemp oil is a recipe with several modification directions:

CBD version. Add 3–5 drops of 5% CBD oil to the finished coffee in the mug (not to the blender – high temperature may affect the CBD). Huestis (Chemistry and Biodiversity, 2016) showed that the bioavailability of CBD consumed with fat is 3× higher than CBD without a lipid carrier. The fat from hemp oil in coffee is the ideal carrier.

Keto version with MCT. Add 1 teaspoon of C8 MCT oil along with the hemp oil. C8 MCT (caprylic acid) is the fastest converted to energy – the ketogenic effect is more intense. Hemp oil brings PUFA, MCT – quick energy, ghee (optional) – creaminess.

Version without a blender. Use an electric milk frother – immerse the tip in the mug and froth for 30 seconds. The foam effect is less, but the coffee is creamy and well mixed. An alternative for those without a blender or those who dislike washing the jar in the morning.

When NOT to drink bulletproof coffee. This coffee is not a breakfast option for those training intensely in the morning – the lack of protein and carbohydrates does not support post-workout recovery. In such cases, a full breakfast like protein pancakes or an omelet with hemp protein is a better choice, with coffee served separately. Bulletproof coffee works best on days without training or with light activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is hemp oil better for bulletproof coffee than butter?

Hemp oil contains about 76–80% PUFA with an omega-6:omega-3 ratio of about 3:1 according to Callaway (Euphytica, 2004) – a significantly better profile than ghee butter (mainly saturated fats). Hemp oil complements the PUFA that are lacking in the Western diet. Ghee butter provides more creaminess – a combination of both is optimal.

How many calories are in bulletproof coffee with hemp oil?

With 1 teaspoon of hemp oil (5 ml) about 50 kcal and 5 g of fat. With a tablespoon (15 ml) about 125 kcal and 14 g of fat according to USDA FoodData Central (2023). Without sugar and milk – pure fats, caffeine, and omega acids.

Can you cook hemp oil in coffee?

Add hemp oil to coffee after brewing, never to boiling water. The smoke point of hemp oil is about 165°C according to PMC (2020). Brewed coffee is about 85–90°C – a safe range for omega acids. Blending does not raise the temperature above that of the coffee.

Does bulletproof coffee replace breakfast?

Bulletproof coffee provides fats and caffeine, but almost zero protein and carbohydrates. It can replace breakfast on a ketogenic diet or during intermittent fasting. For physically active individuals – it is better to treat it as an addition to a full breakfast, not a substitute.

How to make frothy bulletproof coffee without a blender?

Use an electric milk frother – immerse the tip in a cup with coffee and oil and froth for 20–30 seconds. Alternatively, shake the coffee with oil in a tightly closed thermos for 30 seconds. The froth effect is less than with a blender, but the coffee will be creamy and well mixed.

This article is for informational and educational purposes and does not replace consultation with a doctor. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have chronic conditions, consult the use of supplements or herbs with a specialist.

Author: Michał Waluk · Published: 2026-05-04 · Updated: 2026-05-04