Super Coffee has become an increasingly popular drink in recent years, marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee. But what exactly is in Super Coffee and what are its nutritional values? Here we will take a look at the ingredients, calories, vitamins, and other nutrients found in Super Coffee.
What is Super Coffee?
Super Coffee is a type of instant coffee that contains additional ingredients marketed to provide extra nutrients and health benefits. The main ingredients in Super Coffee are:
- Coffee – The base is regular instant coffee.
- MCT oil – This is a type of fat found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
- Grass-fed butter or ghee – Adds more fat and nutrients.
- Collagen peptides – A protein that supports skin, hair, nails, bones and joints.
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) – A rapid source of energy.
- Stevia or monk fruit – Natural zero-calorie sweeteners.
- Additional vitamins and minerals – Such as B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, antioxidants.
The combination of coffee with MCT oil, butter, and collagen is designed to provide a blend of caffeine, healthy fats, and protein to give you sustained energy, focus, and fullness.
Calories in Super Coffee
The number of calories in Super Coffee can vary depending on the specific brand and recipe, but a typical serving contains around 200 calories or more.
This is considerably higher than regular black coffee, which contains nearly zero calories. However, Super Coffee is meant to be more of a meal replacement than just a regular cup of coffee.
The extra calories come from the butter, MCT oil, and collagen peptides. For example, one tablespoon of butter or MCT oil alone contains around 100 calories.
Carbohydrates
Super Coffee does not contain any significant amount of carbohydrates.
A typical serving may have 1-2 grams of carbs from the small amounts found in instant coffee and collagen peptides. This makes Super Coffee very low in carbohydrates and suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Fats
The majority of calories in Super Coffee come from fats. This includes:
- MCT oil – Around 14 grams per tablespoon
- Butter or ghee – Around 12 grams per tablespoon
MCT oil and butter provide medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of beneficial saturated fatty acid that has been associated with improved energy, cognitive function, and weight management.
The MCTs in Super Coffee are also a fast source of energy and can help you feel more full and satisfied after drinking it.
Protein
Super Coffee contains collagen peptides which provide a solid protein boost. One to two scoops of collagen peptides can provide around 10-20 grams of protein.
Collagen is high in certain amino acids including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Consuming collagen may promote healthy skin, nails, hair, joints, and bones.
Vitamins and Minerals
The vitamins and minerals in Super Coffee can vary based on the specific ingredients used in the recipe. However, some commonly added vitamins and minerals include:
- Vitamin D – An essential fat-soluble vitamin many people are deficient in.
- Vitamin B12 – Important for energy, brain function, and red blood cell formation.
- Riboflavin (B2) – Plays a role in energy production.
- Niacin (B3) – Supports metabolism and brain function.
- Magnesium – Involved in over 300 processes in the body including energy and muscle function.
- Potassium – Important electrolyte that many don’t get enough of.
- Antioxidants – From ingredients like cocoa and cinnamon.
Due to the added vitamins and minerals, Super Coffee can help provide more nutrient density and health benefits than regular coffee.
Caffeine Content
The base of Super Coffee is regular instant coffee, so it will contain similar amounts of caffeine. Instant coffee typically contains around 27–173 mg of caffeine per serving.
Exactly how much will depend on the type of coffee beans used and serving size. Some Super Coffee recipes also include additional caffeine from sources like green tea or guarana extract.
Caffeine is the stimulant in coffee responsible for boosting alertness, focus, and energy levels.
Super Coffee Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for Super Coffee can vary between recipes and brands. However, here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a typical serving of Super Coffee made with 1-2 tablespoons each of instant coffee, MCT oil, butter, and collagen peptides:
| Nutrient | Per 10 oz Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| MCTs | 14g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbs | 2g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 4% DV |
| Potassium | 4% DV |
| Vitamin A | 6% DV |
| Vitamin C | 0% DV |
Potential Health Benefits
Some potential health benefits associated with the ingredients in Super Coffee include:
- Increased energy and focus – From the caffeine and MCT oil.
- Weight management – MCTs may increase metabolism, reduce hunger, and promote fat loss.
- Lower cholesterol – Butter and MCT oil may help improve cholesterol levels.
- Improved skin, nails, and hair – Collagen peptides support skin, nail, and hair health.
- Reduced joint pain – Collagen may help relieve joint pain.
- Boosted immunity – From antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin D.
- Enhanced brain function – MCTs and collagen may benefit cognitive performance.
Keep in mind more research is still needed on some of these potential benefits. But the ingredients in Super Coffee may provide additional perks beyond those you get from regular coffee.
Potential Downsides
Some potential downsides and risks to keep in mind with Super Coffee include:
- High in calories and fat – Could lead to weight gain if consumed in excess.
- Gastrointestinal issues – Large amounts of MCT oil or collagen may cause diarrhea or stomach pain.
- Allergy risk – Contains dairy which may not be suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities.
- Caffeine overdose – Potential for side effects like anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations if over-consumed.
- Increased LDL cholesterol – Some research links butter consumption to increased LDL levels.
Overall, moderate consumption of Super Coffee as part of a healthy diet is likely fine for most people. But those with dairy allergies or sensitivities may want to avoid it.
Super Coffee vs. Regular Coffee
Here is a comparison of the nutrients found in a typical serving of Super Coffee versus an equal serving of regular brewed coffee:
| Nutrient | Super Coffee | Regular Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 200 | 5 |
| Fat | 18g | 0g |
| MCTs | 14g | 0g |
| Protein | 15g | 0g |
| Carbs | 2g | 1g |
| Sodium | 100mg | 5mg |
| Calcium | 4% DV | 0% DV |
| Vitamin D | 10% DV | 0% DV |
As you can see, Super Coffee provides far more calories, fat, and other nutrients compared to regular black coffee. The MCT oil, butter, collagen, and added vitamins and minerals give it a significant nutritional boost.
Is Super Coffee Healthy?
Super Coffee can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation, but there are some pros and cons to consider.
Potential benefits:
- Provides healthy fats from MCT oil and butter
- Good source of protein from collagen
- Contains extra vitamins and minerals
- May aid weight loss and cognitive function
- Can help increase energy levels
Potential downsides:
- High in calories, fat, and caffeine if consumed excessively
- Includes dairy which some people cannot tolerate
- Potential for LDL cholesterol increase from butter
- Higher cost compared to regular coffee
Overall, Super Coffee can be a healthy choice when consumed in moderation as part of an otherwise balanced diet. Limiting intake to one serving per day or less can help minimize any potential downsides.
How to Make Super Coffee
Super Coffee is easy to make at home. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 1-2 tablespoons MCT oil
- 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee
- 1-2 scoops unflavored collagen peptides
- 8-12 oz hot water
- Sweetener (optional)
- Additional spices, cocoa powder, etc. (optional)
Instructions:
- Add the instant coffee, MCT oil, butter, and collagen peptides to a blender or food processor.
- Blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer mixture to a mug.
- Add hot water and stir well to combine.
- Sweeten if desired with a natural zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
- Add any additional spices, cocoa powder, vanilla, etc. as desired.
- Drink and enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts based on your personal preferences and nutritional needs. You can make it with just instant coffee, MCT oil, and collagen if you want a simpler version.
Pre-Made Super Coffee Brands
There are a number of ready-made brands of Super Coffee available for purchase as well. Some popular pre-made options include:
- Keto Coffee – MCT oil, butter, collagen peptides
- Bulletproof Coffee – MCT oil, grass-fed butter
- Kitu Super Coffee – MCT oil, whey protein
- VitaCup Super Coffee – MCT oil, collagen, vitamins
- Daybreak Coffee – MCT oil, coconut oil, collagen
Pre-made Super Coffees are convenient, but often more expensive than making it yourself. Check the ingredient list to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences.
Tips for Using Super Coffee
Here are some tips for incorporating Super Coffee into your diet:
- Mix it up – Try different ingredient combos like cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, etc.
- Start small – Begin with lower amounts of fat until your body adjusts.
- Avoid excessive caffeine – Limit intake to avoid side effects.
- Watch your calories – Be mindful of your total daily caloric intake.
- Don’t overheat – Heat to 160°F or less to preserve nutrients.
- Store properly – Keep refrigerated and use within a week.
- Avoid straight butter – Opt for grass-fed ghee instead which is lactose-free.
- Listen to your body – Discontinue use if any discomfort arises.
Enjoy your Super Coffee in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle for the best results.
Conclusion
Super Coffee contains a beneficial blend of fats, protein, and nutrients from ingredients like MCT oil, butter, and collagen peptides. This gives it a higher calorie, fat, and protein content than regular coffee.
Potential health benefits include increased energy, Focus, weight management, and improved hair, skin, nails, and joints. However, excessive amounts may also lead to unwanted side effects.
Overall, consuming Super Coffee in moderation can be part of a healthy diet and provide additional perks compared to regular coffee.
Be sure to adjust the recipe to suit your individual needs and always listen to your body, discontinuing use if any discomfort arises.