AIP “Bulletproof” Style Dandelion/Chicory Coffee

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I’ve been searching for a morning beverage that gives me that “mmmm…. coffee” feeling for literally six years since working as a barista in Seattle, and this definitely fits the bill! It can be made in a French press coffee maker, or steeped in any contraption you’d use to make loose-leaf tea. For the blending component, you can either use a regular or immersion blender — just make sure your appliance can handle hot liquid.

For those skeptical about how this recipe tastes, I promise it is quite similar to the roasted, slightly acidic flavor of coffee. Both dandelion and chicory roots have liver detoxification properties, so this drink is not only caffeine-free, but it supports those detox pathways. Win-win!

On the hunt for some dandelion and chicory root? I’ve had a hard time finding them in stores, but you can easily pick them up on Amazon.com using the links above.

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4.9 from 15 reviews
AIP "Bulletproof" Style Dandelion/Chicory Coffee
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Place the dandelion and chicory root in the bottom of a french press or other container and cover with boiling water. Let steep for 4 minutes before plunging with the press or straining.
  2. Place the coconut concentrate, coconut oil, and “coffee” into a blender, making sure to lid tightly and place a kitchen towel over top to protect your hand. Blend for 30 seconds on high, until creamy and frothy. Enjoy!
Notes
*NOTE: Coconut concentrate is otherwise known as coconut manna or coconut butter. It is solid at room temperature and sold in a jar.

 

About Mickey Trescott

Mickey Trescott is a co-founder here at Autoimmune Wellness and a co-teacher of AIP Certified Coach. After recovering from her own struggle with both Celiac and Hashimoto’s disease, adrenal fatigue, and multiple vitamin deficiencies, Mickey started to write about her experience to share with others and help them realize they are not alone in their struggles. She has a Master's degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Nutrition, and is the author of three best-selling books--The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook, and The Nutrient-Dense Kitchen. You can watch her AIP cooking demos by following her on Instagram.

118 comments

  • Christine says

    I made this and was floored. It truly quashes the coffee craving. The bitterness mellows after a few sips and I don’t feel the need to drink gallons more, which is a significant victory for me. 😇

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Christine… I am SO happy you like it! I feel the same way!

  • Paula says

    Can i make this without the coconut concentrate? ( I don’t tolerate coconut)

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Paula,
      Unfortunately, I don’t have a good substitute for it for this recipe. You could make it non-bulletproof style, and just blend the chicory and dandelion to make a tea!

      • Lesly says

        Hi! I’m drinking my very first cup of chicory coffee right now – got it specifically to make it bullet coffee style w coconut oil – but I’m traveling – in a hotel right now -so I made it in my Aeropress w Almond milk/coconut cream – DeeeeeeeeeLish!!!!

    • Jesse Sutton says

      I make this blend in a drip coffee maker but add a bit of cinnamon, tablespoon or less of collagen and a gee/MCT blend. It drowns and tastes fine without coconut. I’m going to try it in a French press because I do think it would be richer in taste.

    • Kim says

      Thank you for your recipe… going to try cacao next…
      I’ve been making chicory with MCT oil and that is also delicious…

  • Danielle says

    I am so excited to buy some coconut manna and chicory to try this. I make “lattes” with dandelion tea, collagen, and coconut oil but I’m all for different variations. 🙂 I’m also super curious what the moon book in your picture is – I must know!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Danielle – collagen would be a great addition to this! And the moon book is a copy of McSweeney’s 🙂

      • josh says

        Try Gellatine istead of collagen – it froths up. If you use ghee & gellatine instead of coconut manna you get that thick, frothy goodness.

    • Anneliese says

      I plan to try it with raw cacao butter (its just raw cacao fat, no actual butter), in place of the coconut manna. I will report back the results!

      • Anneliese says

        (Sorry, I meant to post that under Paula’s comment above)

      • Beverly says

        Anneliese, have you tried the cacao butter yet? Thanks.

    • Casey says

      How much collagen would you add? I’m very curious to try your recipe! Do your “lattes” get creamy when you use the collagen-coconut oil combo?

  • Ruthie says

    Do you think I can use my one cup coffee maker for this? Not a Kuerig (sp?)

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Ruthie,
      I’m not sure the brew time is going to be right. It is very simple to brew in a cup and you won’t need to clean an appliance!

    • Pat says

      I brew Chickory and dandelion root tea in mine all the time. You can brew 3 cups out of a teaspoon of each root combined but you will have to do the last cup in a pot.

  • Sandy says

    Can you use grass fed butter instead of the coconut oil? Can’t wait to try this!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Sandy, butter isn’t included on the elimination diet so if you are trying to stay AIP, no. If you tolerate butter, I am sure it would be delicious!

  • stacy says

    I cannot tolerate anything with chickory root fiber. Worst bloating and gas you can imagine. Will the coffee do the same thing? I don’t know if the inulin transfers into a brewed beverage.

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Stacy,
      I’m mildly sensitive to inulin, and I don’t have trouble here, although we are all different! Maybe try and few sips and see how it goes? You could also try making it with just dandelion.

  • Elsa says

    I am a bit confused and wondered if someone could help. The recipe calls for dandelion and chicory root. Is this roasted powder? I have also seen chicory/dandelion roasted granules. Can they be used too? What’s the difference? All these are quite expensive so I want to make sure I get the right ingredients. Thank you.

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hey Elsa! Check out the links in the recipe above. Both the dandelion and chicory are roasted root granules, not powdered (which may work but I haven’t tried). Hope it helps!

  • Sharon Wilson says

    really enjoyed this recipe..thank you:)

  • Jennifer says

    Oh my gosh, Mickey! I can’t believe how perfect this is!!! Amazon just delivered my granules today, so I just tried it. It’s absolutely amazing….so close to the latte coffee experience I am missing. I saw you and Angie speak in Denver a couple months ago, that was so great. Thank you for continuing to share your journeys with us!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Jennifer – so happy you like it, and that you made it out to our event. We are grateful for your support!

  • Sabine says

    Dear Mickey,

    I can´t buy the roots roasted. Do you think it would work better in the oven or in a pan?
    Thank you. Your work helps my condition so much.
    We can´t wait to try it.

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Sabine! Yes you could try toasting them in a dry pan, I would try the stovetop and keep them moving so they don’t burn.

  • Ute says

    This is absolutely delicious and satisfying. It makes me so happy. Thank you, Mickey!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Ute,
      So happy to hear! It makes me happy too 🙂

  • Tabitha says

    I found all the ingredients at Market Of Choice today and loved it! I didn’t blend it yet just put coconut oil in my mug, tomorrow I plan to blend it with ice. So glad I found this website with other women I can relate to although my symptoms are still very much there I have great advice from reading through everything.

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Tabitha,
      Happy you found them! Love MOC 🙂 Wishing you wellness!

  • Christina Frank says

    What do you think of the herbal beverage, Dandy Blend? Have you tried it? I’m wondering if I could substitute it for the granulated chicory and dandelion? Thanks!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Christina,
      Dandy blend is not recommended as it contains barley. It is not elimination diet friendly. I would get the raw ingredients and make the recipe above!

  • Greta Geankoplis says

    I have a sensitivity to coconut (sigh). Is there a nice alternative for the bullet recipe, using hazelnut beverage plus something to substitute for the coconut manna…perhaps hazelnut butter?

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Greta, If you are fine with hazelnuts, that could work, but they are not included on the elimination diet.

  • Rebecca says

    Gorgeousness!! Thank you! I am in the first few days of caffeine withdrawl and my slightly-weathered brain was struggling yet determined, so to reward myself with this frothy cup of comfort has soothed me no end! And the nicest thing about it is I am a coffee lover – but predominately due to the comfort food aspect of it so this has given me a completely satisfying replacement that is better for me! And I buy these – so much easier with no mess! https://www.bonvit.com.au/shop/viewitem.php?productid=35

  • Elizabeth says

    Hi Mickey, I’ve heard mixed messages about Chicory root potentially complicating periods and pregnancy. My sources have not been reliable this far though. Do you know anything about this or have any informed information? Thanks!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Elizabeth! Chicory, and actually dandelion, can have effects on the detoxification process (they help stimulate). This, in turn, can affect hormones which can affect cycles and pregnancy. I’m not knowledgable about their use during pregnancy and would urge you to seek the opinion of an herbalist before trying. In terms of women who aren’t pregnant, these compounds can actually be great at detoxifying excess hormones in the body. Of course, there may be the few who suffer from low hormone levels who won’t feel good here. As always, listen to your body, and don’t overdo it!

      • Mindy says

        Hi Mickey, this has got me worried since I have low oestrogen levels. Are we talking chicory root only that affects hormones? Can I still drink roasted dandelion root?

        • Mickey Trescott says

          Hi Mindy,
          I have no idea if dandelion and/or chicory are going to be problematic for you – best to consult a herbalist or naturopathic doctor who can help guide you.

    • Meghan says

      Can you use the roasted dandelion tea bags? I’m having a hard time finding it loose

      • Mickey Trescott says

        Meghan, I haven’t done it before, but I am sure it would work for this recipe!

      • Holly says

        Megan – you probably found your answer by now, but I used a roasted dandelion tea bag (just cut it and measured out the amount). It worked great!

  • Val says

    I love the recipe, i have being on the autoinmune prootcol for 4 weeks now. I have used in the past a dandy blend. Is pretor much your version, this one though smells like coffee, and is caffeine free. Certainly a really good choice, i haven’t used it in fear that might not be still approbate for the diet. Ps: i also love your book! have made my journey so much easier.

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Thanks Val! Be aware that dandy blend is made from barley and not elimination diet friendly.

  • theresa says

    When you add the coconut butter in, do you melt it first? I must admit, I have had a hard time figuring the stuff out since I went AIP. When I melt it on the stove, it gets deliciously creamy and gooey, but still hardens at room temperature. I’ve tried using it in smoothies and it crumbles. Do you take a spoon out and melt it before adding it to the “coffee” mix?

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Theresa,
      I don’t melt it, I just scoop it out, place in the blender and then pour the hot tea over it to melt before blending!

  • Katie says

    Thanks for this! I’ve been trying to find the perfect coffee substitute, and this does it for me. I love the flavor and frothiness, and I sleep so much better now that I don’t rely on caffeine each day! As another commenter suggested, I too have added collagen to this “coffee”.

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Katie, Great idea, so happy you like it!

  • Corinne Grinwald says

    I am in heaven right now! I’ve been on AIP for 10 days, 6 of which I’ve cheated and had coffee (it’s my one struggle). I purchased all the ingredients yesterday, made my first cup just now, and am silently enjoying this gem during nap time. No amount of thank yous will ever thank

    • Corinne Grinwald says

      You enough. (Can this give you the jitters to prematurely hit the submit button? Geesh).

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Corinne, so happy you like it!

  • Angela says

    I am a coffee snob. I am happy to admit it. Giving up coffee is the only thing I struggle with daily and that’s really saying a lot because I was addicted to baked goods and breads when starting AIP. I dug through my pantry and found a bag of roasted chicory and dandelion with the added bonus of roasted carob from Mountain Rose Herbs. This may just be the closest thing I’ve found to that true coffee flavor! I’ve used Dandy Blend in the past when trying to quit coffee (but not going AIP – Dandy Blend is not AIP compliant) and this is so much more like that taste I love. Thank you for sharing Mickey, and for all that you contribute to my journey on AIP.

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Angela, I am so happy you enjoyed it! I agree, it is SO like coffee. This is coming from a former Seattle barista 🙂

  • Amanda Cowan says

    Do you know how this does iced?

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Amanda, I have not tried icing it, but I suspect it wouldn’t work well because of the coconut, which hardens when cooled!

  • Kenley says

    I am so glad I found this site. I am 5 weeks into AIP and I FANTASIZE about coffee. Do I have to use both the coconut concentrate and coconut oil? That seems highly calorie dense. Could I substitute one of those for a tbsp of beef gelatin? Look forward to making this soon. I think my french press is more than 16 oz, its the standard size that usually gives me 2 full cups of coffee, not sure how many ounces that is… Thanks!!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Kenley, I make the recipe as written up above. You can certainly experiment to add some collagen in there for a little boost!

  • Jennifer says

    I am allergic to chamomile and understand that I should not have dandelion root because of that. How can this be made without the dandelion root?

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Jennifer! You could try it just with roasted chicory and see how you like it.

  • shawna hartley says

    What do you think about using an almond milk or hemp seed milk (made just with water and the real deal in a blender then using a nut back to remove all bits)? Especially for iced version?

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Shawna, if you tolerate both those milks and aren’t in the elimination phase of AIP, I don’t see why not!

  • Rachel says

    This aip “bulletproof coffee” is amazing! Love it and so grateful this fits the bill for my morning cup o’ joe.

  • Stephanie Michael says

    Hello! Looking forward to trying this recipe. Do you know if MCT oil could work in place of coconut butter?

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Stephanie, it would not make it as creamy, but you could try it!

  • Taylor K says

    I had such high hopes for this, maybe too high. It’s definitely frothy and good in that way, but it taste like coconut oil and water. I can taste the dandelion, but not the chicory. I am a black coffee drinker, so I like it super strong. Could I add more chicory? I did 16oz of water and 1 tsp each of the chicory and dandelion. Thanks!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hey Taylor! Did you get roasted dandelion and chicory flakes? The un-roasted have a very different flavor. Also, you could try making it a little stronger. Hope it helps!

  • Lindsey says

    Would this work with a pour-over method like I use to make my morning coffee? I’m preparing to start AIP tomorrow and know the routine of making the coffee is going to be harder to quit than the coffee itself!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hey Lindsey! No, I wouldn’t pour over it – the tea needs to be steeped (soaked in hot water) to get the flavor correct!

  • Cindy Denny says

    Do we have to use a french press or is there another method to prepare it?

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Cindy, you can steep it and then run the liquid through a fine mesh strainer, if you have one!

  • Paty Shaulis says

    I am also about to start the AIP tomorrow and coffee is a big part of my morning routine (cozy, warm, while watching tv). I just made this and it is amazing! Thank you so much Mickey. This will make everything so much easier!

  • Meg says

    Thank you for this recipe! I’m going to try it right now! Both my dandelion root tea package and my chicory root package say to steep for 10 minutes. Would it work okay for this recipe to follow that time? I love strong coffee, so am hoping for a strong flavor anyways, but I don’t want it to become too bitter…

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Meg – sure, you can experiment to find out how you like it best!

  • […] found this recipe on Mickey Trescott’s site Autoimmune Wellness, and it is just in time for me. I went to buy my regular Dandelion Tea when we came back from […]

  • Cristie says

    Thank you for this recipe!!! I have been doing Paleo for a while but just switched to AIP a week ago. I am suffering from Hashimotos and Lyme disease. I ordered the Dandelion and Chickory and tried it for the first time yesterday. It was rather awful! Very bitter! I was determined to keep experimenting and make it work and this morning I used this recipe and it is wonderful! My morning coffee was one of the last things to go and I was sad to give up that treat. This is a game changer. I made the recipe as is and sprinkled some cinnamon on it and it is absolutely delicious.

  • Kathy says

    I am starting AIP and have struggled with many of the changes, but coffee is the hardest. I would drink coffee all day not for the caffeine, but because I love the taste. This recipe is terrific! Ok, it’s not exactly the same flavor, but it is yummy and satisfying. I make mine strong because that is how I like my coffee and I don’t find it bitter at all with the coconut manna. It is more involved and time consuming than a regular coffee, so I wonder if I made a big batch at night and re-heated it in the microwave in morning if it would taste ok. I’m a “stumble to the coffee maker” person in the morning and I don’t know if I would have patience for this. I also wonder about drinking several cups…like I said, I like to drink it all day. Thank you so much for this recipe!!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Kathy, I’m so happy you like it! I’ve never made it ahead of time so I don’t know how it keeps, but I imagine the flavor would intensify since the base is a tea. I think a couple of cups a day should be fine, but I wouldn’t overdo it – dandelion and chicory both have medicinal properties and even too much of a good thing can throw the body off balance. When in doubt go by how you feel. Good luck!

  • Nathalie says

    Great recipe. I was drinking chicory root for a while before I received my dandelion root. I liked it a lot but the dandelion does add a bit of jazz! This will be my new morning cup of Joe!

  • […] a good amount of bitterness and can be everything that you're expecting from a cup of coffee. This is a good recipe to start with, but play around with the ratios as I find this much chicory to be too bitter for me […]

  • Laurie says

    THANK YOU! This really hits the spot! After several months without coffee, I am back to my “coffee” routine each morning. I add about a tablespoon of coconut nectar as well. So so good.

  • Elle says

    When you prepare it bulletproof style, does it taste like black coffee? Or can almond milk or cream be added as a substitute for milk? I’m interested in trying this but just want to know what I can use for milk/sugar substitute. Thanks 🙂

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Elle! Prepared bulletproof style it tastes more like a lightly creamed coffee.

  • Melody says

    This sounds delicious! Could you use the Teecino (sp?) dandelion/chicory blend instead of using separate ingredients? I have two boxes of those at home and would love to use up what I have.

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Melody! Teecino is not AIP-friendly as it includes barley and other grains. I recommend using the plain roasted roots.

  • Amy says

    Thank you so much for this! Especially the links. I have dandelion root tea in bags and chicory root that’s powdered. I’ve used 3 heaping teaspoons of the chicory and two bags of dandelion. I pour hot water over both but only about half a teacup each then combine them. Then I wing it with condensed coconut and honey and coconut oil. Once I run out of what I have I’ll order what you recommended.

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Amy – sounds like you are on the right track!

  • Ana says

    Hi there! I’ve been AIP for a long time but my mom just started as well, and this is great for helping her gain some weight. Also, I’ve used roasted chicory and dandilion for years but i grind it to a powder and use a ceramic pour over gadget. It’s just like coffee but much stronger, so I go easy on the amount used. Also saves more money – and who doesn’t want to do that on this diet?!! Thank you!!!

  • Angie says

    Can this be made with coconut milk?

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Angie! Yes, you can use coconut milk but it won’t be as creamy.

  • […] *Adapted from: Trescott, Mickey, Autoimmune Wellness, AIP “BULLETPROOF” STYLE DANDELION/CHICORY COFFEE, 1/18/2017 https://autoimmunewellness.com/aip-bulletproof-style-dandelionchicory-coffee/ […]

  • Garrett Coffman says

    Hi. Thank you for the recipe! I’m looking forward to trying it. I’m just starting down an AIP elimination path… In the prep stage. I think coffee will by my hardest thing to give up, lol. I’m confused about one thing– coconut oil vs concentrate. When I look in the store for coconut oil, I find it in a solid form just like the concentrate in your link. Is that what I want or is there some liquid version I need to find? Thank you!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Garrett! Coconut concentrate and coconut oil are both likely solid at room temp (unless you live somewhere quite hot!) but coconut concentrate will be even firmer. The texture is more like peanut butter. When it gets heated, it doesn’t turn into a liquid like coconut oil will, but have more of a butter-y texture. This is because it still has some of the coconut fiber in it, which straight oil does not. You don’t need it to be liquid to make this recipe – just chip off a chunk and it will melt when you put it in a hot liquid 🙂

  • Kris Johnson says

    Just made this and it’s quite good! Sorry to seem a little skeptical, but I do love my coffee. I used coconut shortening (has some palm oil in it) with the coconut oil to see if I liked it enough to make the investment in the manna. I liked it so it’ll be interesting to see if the manna makes it even better. It didn’t froth much and I felt it didn’t have enough “body” to be totally satisfying but almost. I added a little vanilla and it helped. Looking forward to trying it with manna. Thanks!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Kris, I find the manna to give it a nice creamy flavor, but I understand a jar can be an investment compared to some other ingredients. The good news is that a little goes a long way, and it keeps well in the pantry!

  • Maya says

    Thank you, thank you, thank you. The only thing I really miss eating AIP is coffee, and it was likely my worst trigger. This fills the need, and taste yes shockingly close mixed with a little bit of coconut cream. I’m feeling hopeful again!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      I’m so glad you like it Maya! Good luck!

  • Christine says

    Hi! Does it matter if the dandelion root tea is roasted or raw? Thanks!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Christine, the roasted will have a better flavor!

  • Kristin says

    I have PBC. Do you know if chicory/dandelion tea would be problematic for someone with autoimmune biliary disease?

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Kristin! I’m not a medical provider and can’t advise on specific conditions – if you have a biliary issue, I would definitely reach out to your doctor or a qualified herbalist before using chicory or dandelion to make sure it is safe for you.

  • Alice says

    Hi Mickey! Do you have any other recommended sources for the roasted Dandelion Root? Looks like it’s unavailable from the link you shared. Thank you!

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hey Alice! Strange, I see they are sold out of the Frontier brand on Amazon. I also purchase from Mountain Rose Herbs – just make sure to get the roasted type.

  • Nicole says

    Hi Mickey!

    THANK YOU for all you do! I’m in early months of AIP after a very long health journey and am SO grateful for your voice and your books!

    Coffee has been the hardest for me to give up by FAR. I was excited to try this recipe, but I’m learning unfortunately that I have a coconut sensitivity/allergy. I love the dandelion and chickory flavor profile but I really am missing either a coffee creamer or a bullet coffee taste.

    Do you have any recommendations for bullet “coffee” substitutes that are coconut-free and AIP friendly?

    Are there AIP coffee creamers you recommend that are coconut free too? I’ve experimented with tigernut milk but it is expensive and difficult to make every day.

    THANK YOU!!! I’m hoping your cooking ingenuity and expertise will help me out with this question! I think about it daily 🙂

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Nicole! I have heard of some AIPers making tigernut milk and using that in place of coconut. Also, if you get to the point of reintroducing ghee (a stage 1 reintroduction), you might be able to use that as the creamer to make bulletproof “coffee.” Good luck!

  • chelsea Wallis says

    Yeah so is dandy blend elimination phase compliant? I desperately need something to replace coffee

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Hi Chelsea! Dandy blend contains barley, so it is not AIP compliant. We highly recommend trying out SIP Herbals, that makes an AIP compliant blend! Here is their site: http://sipherbals.com

  • Rachael says

    The link for the chicory root no longer works. Can you update it.

    • Mickey Trescott says

      Rachael,
      Your best bet is to search online for a retailer that sells organic chicory root. Or, if you want an all-in-one product, check out SIP herbals! http://sipherbals.com

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