can we drink coffee during fast

Coffee For Fasting: Does Bulletproof Coffee Break Your Fast?

Sarah McCahill |   | 5 min read

Intermittent fasting is quickly becoming a popular lifestyle choice for many seeking to improve health, lose weight, and boost metabolism. As more people embrace this way of eating, questions inevitably arise about which beverages can be consumed during the fasting window without interrupting the fast.

A commonly asked question is: Can you drink coffee while fasting?
While coffee is a beloved morning ritual for many, its role in fasting routines has sparked debate. Some fasting purists believe that anything other than water breaks a fast. Others argue that certain low-calorie drinks—including specific kinds of coffee—may still align with your fasting goals.

But what about Bulletproof Coffee—that rich, creamy blend of coffee, ghee, and MCT oil? Does it break the fast, or can it work within an intermittent fasting plan?

Let’s explore the science of fasting, coffee, and how different additives might impact your fast.
coffee for Fasting

Table of Contents

  1. Can We Drink Coffee during Intermittent Fasting?
  2. Why Is Low Calorie Coffee Good for Fasting?
  3. How Coffee Additives Impact Your Intermittent Fasting
  4. Benefits of Drinking Bulletproof Coffee while Fasting
  5. FAQs
  6. Bottom Line

Can We Drink Coffee during Intermittent Fasting?


Yes—but with a few caveats.

Black coffee (without added sugar, milk, or creamer) contains virtually no calories (about 2–5 calories per cup) and doesn't trigger significant insulin responses in most people. This means that black coffee generally doesn't interfere with many of the metabolic benefits of fasting, such as enhanced fat-burning and cellular repair processes.

In fact, many people find that black coffee helps suppress appetite, boost energy, and improve mental clarity during their fasting window. But what happens when you add ingredients to your coffee? That’s when things start to get complicated.

Why Is Low Calorie Coffee Good for Fasting?

Low-calorie coffee is an excellent companion during fasting windows, offering several benefits without breaking your fast. When enjoyed black or with minimal additions, coffee contains almost no calories—yet delivers powerful compounds that can enhance your fasting experience.

It naturally helps suppress appetite, making it easier to extend your fast, while its caffeine content supports fat-burning and increases metabolic activity. Many intermittent fasting practitioners rely on coffee not just for energy, but also for the mental clarity it brings—without triggering the insulin response that would disrupt a fast.

Here’s why low-calorie coffee can be a valuable part of your fasting routine:

  1. Appetite suppression: Coffee contains compounds that naturally reduce appetite, helping you maintain your fast more comfortably. The caffeine in coffee can temporarily suppress hunger signals, making it easier to extend your fasting window.
  2. Enhanced fat-burning: Caffeine has been shown to increase metabolic rate and improve fat-burning potential. When consumed during a fast, coffee may actually complement your body's natural fat-burning processes.
  3. Autophagy support: Some research suggests that certain compounds in coffee might support autophagy, the cellular cleaning process that is one of the key benefits of fasting.
  4. Mental clarity: Many people report improved focus and mental performance when drinking coffee for fasting. This cognitive boost can be particularly welcome during extended fasting periods when energy might temporarily dip.
  5. Minimal insulin impact: Unlike sugary or high-carbohydrate food and drinks, plain black coffee doesn't significantly affect insulin levels, allowing your body to remain in a fasting state

How Coffee Additives Impact Your Intermittent Fasting


While black coffee may be generally compatible with fasting, what happens when you add other ingredients? Different coffee additives affect your fasting state in various ways:

Sugar and Sweeteners

Adding sugar to your coffee will definitely break your fast. Sugar causes an immediate insulin response, which interrupts the fasting state and its associated benefits. Even a small amount of sugar (including honey, maple syrup, or agave) provides enough calories and carbohydrates to take your body out of fasting mode.

Artificial sweeteners present a more complex picture. While they don't contain calories, some research suggests they may still trigger insulin responses in certain individuals, potentially disrupting fasting benefits. The safest approach is to avoid all sweeteners during fasting periods.

Milk and Cream

Traditional milk and cream contain both protein and carbohydrates, providing enough calories to interrupt a fast. Even small amounts of dairy in your coffee can trigger metabolic responses that break the fasting state.  If you're strictly fasting, it's best to avoid adding milk or cream to your coffee.

MCT Oil and Ghee: The Bulletproof Question

This brings us to Bulletproof Coffee—a popular blend of coffee with MCT oil and grass-fed butter or ghee. So, does this rich, creamy concoction break a fast?

Technically, yes. Bulletproof Coffee contains a significant amount of calories (typically 200–500, depending on how it’s made), mainly from fats. From a strict caloric standpoint, consuming it breaks your fast.

However, many intermittent fasting practitioners argue that because Bulletproof Coffee is made almost entirely of fats—with no protein or carbohydrates—it has minimal impact on insulin levels. As a result, it may preserve certain fasting benefits, particularly those related to ketosis and fat-burning.

This brings us to an important distinction: while Bulletproof Coffee does break a strict fast, it may still be compatible with modified fasting approaches, especially for those aiming to support ketosis, appetite control, or sustained energy during fasted hours.

Benefits of Drinking Bulletproof Coffee while Fasting

is coffee allowed in fast
For those following a modified intermittent fasting approach that allows a small number of calories during the fasting window, Bulletproof Coffee can offer several powerful benefits:

  1. Sustains ketosis: The high-quality fats in Bulletproof Coffee—especially when made with AsmitA Organic Farm’s Organic MCT Oil—can help maintain or even boost ketone production, supporting your body’s fat-burning state.
  2. Enhanced appetite suppression: The combination of caffeine and fats delivers lasting satiety, helping many people extend their fasting periods with ease.
  3. Steady energy without blood sugar spikes: Unlike carb-heavy beverages, Bulletproof Coffee made with AsmitA’s A2 Gir Cow Ghee or A2 Bilona Cow Ghee provides sustained energy without causing blood sugar fluctuations or post-caffeine crashes.
  4. Brain function support: The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in MCT oil are rapidly converted into ketones—an efficient fuel source for the brain—potentially improving mental clarity during fasted hours.
  5. Nutrition without protein interference: Although Bulletproof Coffee does contain calories, its lack of protein means it may have a lesser impact on autophagy—the cellular clean-up process central to fasting benefits.
When you choose high-quality ingredients like AsmitA Organic Farm’s certified A2 Ghee and Organic MCT Oil, you’re not only supporting your fasting goals—you’re also fuelling your body with clean, healthy fats that deliver maximum benefits for overall wellness. Here’s how:

  • USDA Certified Organic MCT Oil: A pure, additive-free blend of 60% C8 (Caprylic Acid) and 40% C10 (Capric Acid), designed to deliver rapid ketone energy, sharpen mental clarity, and support sustained metabolism. Keto- and Paleo-friendly, it’s flavourless, odourless, and blends effortlessly into coffee, smoothies, or any routine.
  • A2 Gir Cow Ghee: Sourced from the A2 milk of grass-fed Gir cows raised on our Nagpur farm, this ghee is rich in CLAs, SCFAs, and A2 protein—supporting digestion, immunity, and heart health. With its high smoke point (252°C) and naturally rich, nutty flavour, it’s the perfect addition to your coffee and your fasting lifestyle.

Bottom Line

coffee for fast
The question of whether you can drink coffee while fasting doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re practising strict fasting for autophagy or specific medical reasons, black coffee is your safest bet—it offers the benefits of caffeine without disrupting your fast.

However, for those following intermittent fasting, Bulletproof Coffee may offer valuable support—helping to curb hunger, boost focus, and sustain energy—despite technically breaking a fast.

Whatever your approach, one thing is clear: quality matters. Choosing clean, premium ingredients ensures you receive the maximum benefits with minimal unwanted additives.
AsmitA Organic Farms’ pure A2 Ghee and Organic MCT Oil are ideal for crafting the highest quality Bulletproof Coffee—designed to support your fast and your wellness goals.

At the end of the day, fasting is personal. The best approach is the one that aligns with your body, your lifestyle, and your long-term health goals. Shop now and elevate your fasting journey with the purest organic ingredients from AsmitA Organic Farms!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does coffee break a fast completely?

It depends on what's in your coffee. Plain black coffee has minimal impact on a fast and is generally considered acceptable during fasting periods. However, coffee with added sugar, milk, or substantial calories will break a strict fast.

2. Can I drink Bulletproof Coffee during my fasting window?

Technically, yes—it breaks a strict fast. But many people following modified intermittent fasting include Bulletproof Coffee in their routine. Because it’s made mostly from fats (like MCT oil and ghee), it has minimal impact on insulin and may still support ketosis, satiety, and mental clarity during fasting hours.
3. Will adding MCT oil to my coffee interfere with fat loss during fasting?

While MCT oil adds calories, these come from healthy fats that your body can readily convert into energy—especially during fasting. Many people find that moderate use of MCT oil supports fat loss by prolonging satiety and boosting ketone production. Individual results may vary.

4. How much coffee can I safely drink while fasting?

Most experts recommend limiting intake to 2–3 cups of black coffee during fasting periods. Too much caffeine may raise cortisol and stress levels, which can counteract your goals. Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust as needed.

5. Can I add cinnamon or other spices to my coffee during fasting?
Yes—small amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom are fine. These spices contain negligible calories and may even help stabilise blood sugar levels. They’re a great way to add flavour without breaking your fast.

 

Back to blog