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If you have ever considered going on a ketogenic diet AKA keto diet, you have more than likely seen the words "MCT Oils" thrown around. Keto, simply put, consists of consuming higher amounts of fats, moderate proteins, and low carbohydrates. This will get the body into a state of ketosis, which means it will start using fat as an energy source rather than carbohydrates.
Now, where does MCT oil fit into this?
MCT Oil is said to enhance a keto diet by helping with ketone production, energy levels, burning fat, and weight loss. We'll get into the science down below for those interested, but without further ado, here are our 7 top MCT Oil products.
7 Best MCT Oil Supplements
Overall Best MCT Oil: Sports Research MCT Oil
Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss: Nature’s Way MCT Oil
Best Premium MCT Oil: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
Best MCT Oil For Keto: Onnit MCT Oil
Best MCT Oil Powder: Sports Research MCT Oil Powder
Best Flavored MCT Oil: Perfect Keto MCT Oil
Best MCT Oil Capsules: Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules
1. Overall Best MCT Oil: Sports Research MCT Oil
Our pick for the best overall MCT oil is the Sports Research MCT Oil supplement. Available in a huge 40-ounce bottle, you get around seventy-nine servings of medium chain triglycerides.
Extracted from 100% organic coconut oil, this high-quality organic MCT oil consists of C8 (Caprylic acid) and C10 (Capric acid), which have been proven to quickly cross the blood-brain barrier and convert into ketones giving you that boost to your ATP energy production.
Sports Research MCT Oil utilizes a patented extraction process, that avoids using Hexane or other undesirable solvents so you know you are getting the best form of caprylic acid without anything unwanted additives.
This quality MCT oil supplement is a great addition to coffee, tea, smoothie, or whatever else you have to get your morning going. Add it to salad dressing in place of olive oil to get a dose of medium chain triglycerides during the afternoon, or use it in your baked goods.
Sports Research has made sure that their MCT oil is organic, using non-GMO coconuts to give you the best possible MCT oil that is keto and vegan friendly. If you are looking for a quality product that does not rely on fillers or harsh solvents, we recommend Sports Research as one of the best MCTs on the market.
Pros
Doesn't use solvents in the extraction process
Only contains C8 and C10 acids
Organic, Keto, Vegan, Non-GMO Verified
Cons
Bottle cap can be difficult to measure out small amounts
Due to potency, your stomach may need an adjustment period
Overall Best MCT Oil
MCT C8 and C10 are body and brain boosting fatty acids that are extracted from organic coconut oil. Our MCT oil C8 Caprylic Acid and C10 Capric Acid is quickly digested...
2. Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss: Nature’s Way MCT Oil
Nature's Way MCT Oil is our pick for helping with weight loss. Made from pure coconut oil, Nature's Way doesn't depend on palm oil or any other fillers to bring you a premium Hexane-free product.
Available in a 16-ounce or 30-ounce bottle, you can get 32 and 59 servings respectively. You will get approximately 14 grams of C8 and C10 acids per serving to get your energy production going.
Flavorless and odorless, this high-quality MCT oil supplement can be a great addition to anything you want to consume it with. Coffee, salad dressing, guacamole (the healthy fat from avocados is a perfect pairing), nut butter are all some great options to get this into your diet.
Nature's Way has been a trusted supplement company since 1969, sourcing quality non-GMO ingredients as often as possible.
All their products go through a rigorous testing, including chemical, microbiological, and identity, so you know you are getting exactly what you are paying for.
Pros
Trusted brand
Only contains C8 and C10 acids
Certified USDA Organic, Certified Vegan, Certified Paleo, Keto Certified, Non-GMO Verified
Cons
A full dose may cause some stomach discomfort if unacclimated
There are some complaints about the bottle cap
Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss
100% Potency. Non-GMO Project Verified. 14 grams per serving...
3. Best Premium MCT Oil: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT oil is our choice for your best premium MCT oil option. Brain Octane oil is made from 100% coconut oil, no palm kernel oil filler oils which can be found in some lesser quality MCT oils.
Brain Octane is made up of pure C8 caprylic acid, unlike other MCT oils that utilize additional acids to fill out their product. Pure C8 acid acts as a supercharged brain fuel, kicking brain mitochondria into gear in ATP energy creation.
Bulletproof MCT oil can be used in coffee (like the company's original Bulletproof coffee), salad dressings, marinade, and many other applications that can add variety to your supplement intake.
Brain Octane Oil is gluten and dairy free and uses non-GMO coconuts.
Pros
Pure C8 acid - quickest ketone producer
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, non-GMO
From the company that brought you Bulletproof Coffee
Cons
Some gastro discomfort may occur due to potency
Doesn't come in a glass container
Best Premium MCT Oil
Brain Octane C8 MCT oil is extracted from 100% coconut oil, not palm oil, and rapidly converts into brain-powering, fat-burning ketone energy...
4. Best MCT Oil For Keto: Onnit MCT Oil
Onnit MCT Oil supplies three different medium chain triglycerides, in the form of C8 caprylic acid, C10 capric acid, and C12 lauric acid. While other MCT oils on this list don't contain the medium-chain triglyceride lauric acid, mainly due to its slower absorption time, this coconut oil based product doesn't shy away from keeping them as part of their product.
One way to look at it is to keep a closer composition to unrefined coconut oil than some of the other products on the market.
An added benefit of keeping lauric acid in the mix is the positive effect it has on your gut biome. It has antibacterial properties that can keep your healthy gut bacteria winning the battle over bad sickness-causing bacteria. Does this mean this product will keep you from getting sick? No, it doesn't, but gut health is extremely important for your overall well-being and can contribute to more efficient weight loss.
Pros
Promotes good gut health
Comes in a flavored variety (Almond Milk Latte) specifically for coffee
Good price point at $.83 per fluid ounce
Cons
Inclusion of lauric acid seen as a negative by some
Quality seems to be hit or miss for some
Best MCT Oil For Keto
100% pure premium MCT oil with lauric acid, harvested from coconuts. Onnit MCT Oil is sustainably sourced and contains no palm oil...
5. Best MCT Oil Powder: Sports Research MCT Oil Powder
Sports Research is back on the list, this time for their powdered form of MCT oil. Just like its liquid counterpart, this MCT oil is derived from organic coconuts, is USDA Organic Certified, Keto and Vegan Certified, and Non-GMO Verified.
You can expect to get the same benefits as you would from liquid MCT oil products, but in a creamier when mixed package. This might be a great option for someone who is looking to get a somewhat smaller dose of medium chain triglycerides due to the amount being 6 grams of MCTs versus the approximately 14 grams in liquid versions.
Also in this product, you get 3 grams of Organic Acacia, which is a great natural prebiotic that will help keep your digestive system functioning as optimally as it can.
Pros
Added benefit of a prebiotic
Smaller dose for those sensitive to gastro side effects
Doesn't have the "greasy" effect liquid MCT oils can have
Cons
Less MCTs for your money
Incorporation into anything other than liquids not possible
Best MCT Oil Powder
Say hello to your new daily ritual! Load up on C8 and C10 by mixing our coconut oil MCT into your morning coffee, tea, or smoothie formulas...
6. Best Flavored MCT Oil: Perfect Keto MCT Oil
Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder has got our pick for the best flavored MCT Oil. Processed from organic coconuts, this organic MCT oil is comprised of 70% C8 caprylic acid and 30% C10 capric acid, so you will be getting 7 grams and 3 grams per serving, respectively.
Perfect Keto MCT Oil comes in an 11.5-ounce BPA-free plastic container, giving you 30 servings per container. This is pure MCT oil in a delicious powder form. Available in chocolate, cinnamon toast, matcha, peanut butter, salted caramel, strawberry, unflavored, and vanilla, this can help on your weight loss journey while giving you something with great flavor.
Unlike some other powdered MCT oils, Perfect Keto doesn't rely on lactose to get a creamy consistency when mixed in. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly means this is a great choice for almost anyone's dietary needs.
Pros
Multiple flavors available
Dairy-free, Gluten-free
70/30 C8 and C10 ratio
Cons
Price varies by flavor
Needs to be consumed with a liquid
Best Flavored MCT Oil
Has zero added carbs or sugar - just MCT fats from coconuts, which curb your appetite & hunger. It’s GF, nondairy, and best for Keto...
7. Best MCT Oil Capsules: Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules
Horbäach has our pick for the best capsule form of MCT oil. With every serving of Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules, you get 3.6 grams of C8 and C10 medium chain fatty acids. While this is a lower amount of MCT oils, the capsules are the gentlest form of MCT oil on the gut, which may be appealing to those with a sensitivity to this dietary supplement.
MCT oil capsules are an easier-to-transport form of MCT oil, making them ideal for someone who may be traveling a lot and doesn't want to risk spilling liquid MCT oils all over everything.
Capsules also have the added benefit of being encapsulated in gelatin, so you don't have to worry about the MCT oil going bad on you.
Horbäach does use coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil in their product, which can vary the percentage range of caprylic acid and capric acid by 10% in each serving size. So those looking for a product that is made from 100% organic coconuts and nothing else may want to check out other options on this list.
Pros
Easy to transport
Great shelf life
Gentle on the stomach
Cons
Not a single source product (coconut oil and palm oil)
Small dose of MCTs
Best MCT Oil Capsules
Our professional formula is backed by our commitment to purity and potency. Laboratory Tested, Trusted Ingredients, Superior Quality, 100% Guaranteed!...
What is MCT Oil?
MCT Oil or medium chain triglyceride oil, is a type of fat found in common products like coconut oil as well as palm oil. MCT oil has the interesting distinction of being considered a healthy fat (which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), even though it is mainly made from saturated fat (which is an unhealthy fat). As you can probably infer from the name, there are also short-chain triglycerides and long-chain triglycerides. For the sake of brevity, we'll stick to the relevant fatty acids found in coconut oil which are medium-chain fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids.
The distinction between medium chain triglycerides and long chain triglycerides is the number of carbon atoms contained in all of the fatty acids.
Medium chain fatty acids have carbon counts of 6 through 12, which are C6 caproic acid, C8 caprylic acid, C10 capric acid, and C12 lauric acid.
Long chain triglycerides have carbon values between 13 atoms and 20 atoms. The longer the fatty acid chain, the longer it takes to be absorbed into the body, this means it is more likely to be turned into fat by your body rather than be used for energy.
MCT oil is made from a process called fractionation, which isolates and extracts only the MCTs which are absorbed quickly by the body and turned into ketones.
It should be noted that while C12 lauric acid makes up a large part of the medium chain triglycerides, it acts closer to a long chain triglyceride, which is why you won't usually see it in a "premium quality" MCT oil.
C6 capric acid is also removed due to its unpleasant taste. So that leaves C8 and C10 as the most desirable acids to be used.
Benefits Of MCT Oil
In order to get the full benefit of taking MCT oil, you should be on a ketogenic diet. That being said, people that are on a keto diet have sung the praises of adding MCT oil to their weight management routine. While it may not be a cure-all product, taking a good MCT oil can possibly help with a wealth of things.
1.) Weight Loss
People taking an MCT oil may see a positive change in their weight loss progress. MCT oils increase the release of the hormones peptide YY and leptin, which signals fullness to your body. If you feel satiated, you are less likely to snack or have other negative dietary behaviors.
Pure MCT oil will also aid in the production of ketones, meaning your body is looking to burn fat as fuel rather than storing it. Burning fat to use for body and brain energy is going to help you lose weight especially when incorporating some sort of exercise into your daily routine.
MCT oil may help increase the good bacteria in your gut as well, which means you'll be able to digest your food more efficiently. A well-oiled machine works a lot better when all of its internal parts are lubricated and tuned up.
2.) Energy Boost
While in the beginning stages of a ketogenic diet, people find their energy levels drop and may turn to a product such as Keto Energy, which will give a caffeine and energy boost.
As your body enters a state of ketosis, MCT oil can help increase energy by the quickly produced ketones. Rather than needing to be broken down by your body, your liver will convert the MCTs to ketones which will promote energy almost instantly. As ketones, they can pass through the blood-brain barrier and be converted to energy in your brain cells and even contribute to brain health.
3.) Boosting Brain Health
Studies have found that MCT oil blocks a receptor in the brain that causes memory loss. There also have been studies of high-quality MCT oil improving short-term cognition of people with a specific Alzheimer's gene type.
4.) Reduce Heart Disease
There has been evidence of MCT oil taken in conjunction with some other supplements can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which improves HDL cholesterol levels. Along with weight loss, a lower BMI will help lower your chance of heart disease. There also has been evidence that MCT oil can reduce C-reactive Protein which is an inflammatory marker for heart disease.
What to look for when buying MCT Oil:
As you can see from our list of products, there is a decent amount of variety in just the small amount of products we've covered. Knowing what you want out of your MCT oil can be made a little easier by following our guide below.
1.) Ingredients
Knowing that MCT oil can be taken from coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil, figuring out how important the source of your MCT oil is to you should take priority. Do you need to have only organic coconuts, or are you fine with a blend of oils? If you decide to buy a powdered MCT oil supplement, what is being used as the binder?
2.) Special Ingredients
Special ingredients could be something as simple as natural flavoring. An unflavored MCT oil is less likely to have any additives, while our recommendation for best powdered MCT oil has organic acacia in it, which is a prebiotic not seen in any of the other options.
3.) Certifications
It is becoming more and more common for people to be concerned about where their food and supplements are coming from. These products will display proudly on their bottle if it's USDA certified organic MCT oil, if organic coconut oil was used, Vegan-friendly, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, or non-GMO verified. Even checking to make sure it's a BPA-free plastic bottle if the container isn't glass.
4.) Price
Price can vary widely by product. More expensive doesn't always indicate a good MCT oil. Some of the best MCT oils available don't have to break the bank. One may look at a product like Performance Lab MCT oil (which is on the higher end of the price spectrum) and assume it must blow the competition away, but you can find a comparable product for much less money.
Remember to check the size of the container and the cost of price per fluid ounce for liquid MCTs so you can really understand how much you are paying.
5.) Reviews
It's always good to check out the reviews both good and bad to see what people that have tried the product think about it. Fair warning, when it comes to MCT oil reviews, you are going to see a lot of reviews mentioning an upset stomach which seems to occur when not easing into product use.
MCT Oil FAQ
How To Take MCT Oil?
As mentioned above, there are many ways you can consume your MCT oil. The powdered form can be mixed into your beverage of choice, capsule form is self-explanatory. Options really open up with a liquid MCT oil. It can be mixed into your Bulletproof coffee, be used in salad dressings, taken as a standalone shot, or really however you feel like getting creative. That being said, it isn't recommended as a cooking oil due to reduced efficacy.
When is the best time to take MCT Oil?
In general, people mostly take their MCT oil in the morning, commonly with their coffee. Taking MCT oil in the morning can help get you out of the morning brain fog and give you some mental clarity, not to mention MCT oil increases ketones in your body, starting off your day with fat burning.
Another popular time to take your favorite MCT oil is as a pre-workout supplement. Since ketones are converted to energy almost immediately, taking MCT before your workout will give you increased physical energy.
Does MCT Oil Have Side Effects?
Just like the coconut oil, it is derived from, even the best MCT oils can cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting if too high a dose is taken. It's better to start with a lower dose to assess how your body responds and increase accordingly.
SUMMARY
If you have been enjoying the benefits of coconut oil and are looking to refine your supplementation to only the beneficial saturated fats, then making the jump to MCT oil might be the logical step for you.
We've given you some of the science behind the functioning of MCT and your body, but if you really want to take a deep dive into the subject, you can research MCT oil on the Clinical Nutrition site. Fair warning, the presentations can be a bit wordy to get through.
Whether you are looking for sustained energy throughout the day, or want to take advantage of the potential benefits of pairing MCT oil with low-carb diets, we've given you a rundown of the 7 best MCT oils on the market.
More Best Supplement Roundups:
If you have ever considered going on a ketogenic diet AKA keto diet, you have more than likely seen the words "MCT Oils" thrown around. Keto, simply put, consists of consuming higher amounts of fats, moderate proteins, and low carbohydrates. This will get the body into a state of ketosis, which means it will start using fat as an energy source rather than carbohydrates.
Now, where does MCT oil fit into this?
MCT Oil is said to enhance a keto diet by helping with ketone production, energy levels, burning fat, and weight loss. We'll get into the science down below for those interested, but without further ado, here are our 7 top MCT Oil products.
7 Best MCT Oil Supplements
[*]
Overall Best MCT Oil: Sports Research MCT Oil
[*]
Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss: Nature’s Way MCT Oil
[*]
Best Premium MCT Oil: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
[*]
Best MCT Oil For Keto: Onnit MCT Oil
[*]
Best MCT Oil Powder: Sports Research MCT Oil Powder
[*]
Best Flavored MCT Oil: Perfect Keto MCT Oil
[*]
Best MCT Oil Capsules: Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules
1. Overall Best MCT Oil: Sports Research MCT Oil
Our pick for the best overall MCT oil is the Sports Research MCT Oil supplement. Available in a huge 40-ounce bottle, you get around seventy-nine servings of medium chain triglycerides.
Extracted from 100% organic coconut oil, this high-quality organic MCT oil consists of C8 (Caprylic acid) and C10 (Capric acid), which have been proven to quickly cross the blood-brain barrier and convert into ketones giving you that boost to your ATP energy production.
Sports Research MCT Oil utilizes a patented extraction process, that avoids using Hexane or other undesirable solvents so you know you are getting the best form of caprylic acid without anything unwanted additives.
This quality MCT oil supplement is a great addition to coffee, tea, smoothie, or whatever else you have to get your morning going. Add it to salad dressing in place of olive oil to get a dose of medium chain triglycerides during the afternoon, or use it in your baked goods.
Sports Research has made sure that their MCT oil is organic, using non-GMO coconuts to give you the best possible MCT oil that is keto and vegan friendly. If you are looking for a quality product that does not rely on fillers or harsh solvents, we recommend Sports Research as one of the best MCTs on the market.
Pros
Cons
Overall Best MCT Oil
MCT C8 and C10 are body and brain boosting fatty acids that are extracted from organic coconut oil. Our MCT oil C8 Caprylic Acid and C10 Capric Acid is quickly digested...
2. Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss: Nature’s Way MCT Oil
Nature's Way MCT Oil is our pick for helping with weight loss. Made from pure coconut oil, Nature's Way doesn't depend on palm oil or any other fillers to bring you a premium Hexane-free product.
Available in a 16-ounce or 30-ounce bottle, you can get 32 and 59 servings respectively. You will get approximately 14 grams of C8 and C10 acids per serving to get your energy production going.
Flavorless and odorless, this high-quality MCT oil supplement can be a great addition to anything you want to consume it with. Coffee, salad dressing, guacamole (the healthy fat from avocados is a perfect pairing), nut butter are all some great options to get this into your diet.
Nature's Way has been a trusted supplement company since 1969, sourcing quality non-GMO ingredients as often as possible.
All their products go through a rigorous testing, including chemical, microbiological, and identity, so you know you are getting exactly what you are paying for.
Pros
Cons
Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss
100% Potency. Non-GMO Project Verified. 14 grams per serving...
3. Best Premium MCT Oil: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT oil is our choice for your best premium MCT oil option. Brain Octane oil is made from 100% coconut oil, no palm kernel oil filler oils which can be found in some lesser quality MCT oils.
Brain Octane is made up of pure C8 caprylic acid, unlike other MCT oils that utilize additional acids to fill out their product. Pure C8 acid acts as a supercharged brain fuel, kicking brain mitochondria into gear in ATP energy creation.
Bulletproof MCT oil can be used in coffee (like the company's original Bulletproof coffee), salad dressings, marinade, and many other applications that can add variety to your supplement intake.
Brain Octane Oil is gluten and dairy free and uses non-GMO coconuts.
Pros
Cons
Best Premium MCT Oil
Brain Octane C8 MCT oil is extracted from 100% coconut oil, not palm oil, and rapidly converts into brain-powering, fat-burning ketone energy...
4. Best MCT Oil For Keto: Onnit MCT Oil
Onnit MCT Oil supplies three different medium chain triglycerides, in the form of C8 caprylic acid, C10 capric acid, and C12 lauric acid. While other MCT oils on this list don't contain the medium-chain triglyceride lauric acid, mainly due to its slower absorption time, this coconut oil based product doesn't shy away from keeping them as part of their product.
One way to look at it is to keep a closer composition to unrefined coconut oil than some of the other products on the market.
An added benefit of keeping lauric acid in the mix is the positive effect it has on your gut biome. It has antibacterial properties that can keep your healthy gut bacteria winning the battle over bad sickness-causing bacteria. Does this mean this product will keep you from getting sick? No, it doesn't, but gut health is extremely important for your overall well-being and can contribute to more efficient weight loss.
Pros
Cons
Best MCT Oil For Keto
100% pure premium MCT oil with lauric acid, harvested from coconuts. Onnit MCT Oil is sustainably sourced and contains no palm oil...
5. Best MCT Oil Powder: Sports Research MCT Oil Powder
Sports Research is back on the list, this time for their powdered form of MCT oil. Just like its liquid counterpart, this MCT oil is derived from organic coconuts, is USDA Organic Certified, Keto and Vegan Certified, and Non-GMO Verified.
You can expect to get the same benefits as you would from liquid MCT oil products, but in a creamier when mixed package. This might be a great option for someone who is looking to get a somewhat smaller dose of medium chain triglycerides due to the amount being 6 grams of MCTs versus the approximately 14 grams in liquid versions.
Also in this product, you get 3 grams of Organic Acacia, which is a great natural prebiotic that will help keep your digestive system functioning as optimally as it can.
Pros
Cons
Best MCT Oil Powder
Say hello to your new daily ritual! Load up on C8 and C10 by mixing our coconut oil MCT into your morning coffee, tea, or smoothie formulas...
6. Best Flavored MCT Oil: Perfect Keto MCT Oil
Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder has got our pick for the best flavored MCT Oil. Processed from organic coconuts, this organic MCT oil is comprised of 70% C8 caprylic acid and 30% C10 capric acid, so you will be getting 7 grams and 3 grams per serving, respectively.
Perfect Keto MCT Oil comes in an 11.5-ounce BPA-free plastic container, giving you 30 servings per container. This is pure MCT oil in a delicious powder form. Available in chocolate, cinnamon toast, matcha, peanut butter, salted caramel, strawberry, unflavored, and vanilla, this can help on your weight loss journey while giving you something with great flavor.
Unlike some other powdered MCT oils, Perfect Keto doesn't rely on lactose to get a creamy consistency when mixed in. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly means this is a great choice for almost anyone's dietary needs.
Pros
Cons
Best Flavored MCT Oil
Has zero added carbs or sugar - just MCT fats from coconuts, which curb your appetite & hunger. It’s GF, nondairy, and best for Keto...
7. Best MCT Oil Capsules: Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules
Horbäach has our pick for the best capsule form of MCT oil. With every serving of Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules, you get 3.6 grams of C8 and C10 medium chain fatty acids. While this is a lower amount of MCT oils, the capsules are the gentlest form of MCT oil on the gut, which may be appealing to those with a sensitivity to this dietary supplement.
MCT oil capsules are an easier-to-transport form of MCT oil, making them ideal for someone who may be traveling a lot and doesn't want to risk spilling liquid MCT oils all over everything.
Capsules also have the added benefit of being encapsulated in gelatin, so you don't have to worry about the MCT oil going bad on you.
Horbäach does use coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil in their product, which can vary the percentage range of caprylic acid and capric acid by 10% in each serving size. So those looking for a product that is made from 100% organic coconuts and nothing else may want to check out other options on this list.
Pros
Cons
Best MCT Oil Capsules
Our professional formula is backed by our commitment to purity and potency. Laboratory Tested, Trusted Ingredients, Superior Quality, 100% Guaranteed!...
What is MCT Oil?
MCT Oil or medium chain triglyceride oil, is a type of fat found in common products like coconut oil as well as palm oil. MCT oil has the interesting distinction of being considered a healthy fat (which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), even though it is mainly made from saturated fat (which is an unhealthy fat). As you can probably infer from the name, there are also short-chain triglycerides and long-chain triglycerides. For the sake of brevity, we'll stick to the relevant fatty acids found in coconut oil which are medium-chain fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids.
The distinction between medium chain triglycerides and long chain triglycerides is the number of carbon atoms contained in all of the fatty acids.
Medium chain fatty acids have carbon counts of 6 through 12, which are C6 caproic acid, C8 caprylic acid, C10 capric acid, and C12 lauric acid.
Long chain triglycerides have carbon values between 13 atoms and 20 atoms. The longer the fatty acid chain, the longer it takes to be absorbed into the body, this means it is more likely to be turned into fat by your body rather than be used for energy.
MCT oil is made from a process called fractionation, which isolates and extracts only the MCTs which are absorbed quickly by the body and turned into ketones.
It should be noted that while C12 lauric acid makes up a large part of the medium chain triglycerides, it acts closer to a long chain triglyceride, which is why you won't usually see it in a "premium quality" MCT oil.
C6 capric acid is also removed due to its unpleasant taste. So that leaves C8 and C10 as the most desirable acids to be used.
Benefits Of MCT Oil
In order to get the full benefit of taking MCT oil, you should be on a ketogenic diet. That being said, people that are on a keto diet have sung the praises of adding MCT oil to their weight management routine. While it may not be a cure-all product, taking a good MCT oil can possibly help with a wealth of things.
1.) Weight Loss
People taking an MCT oil may see a positive change in their weight loss progress. MCT oils increase the release of the hormones peptide YY and leptin, which signals fullness to your body. If you feel satiated, you are less likely to snack or have other negative dietary behaviors.
Pure MCT oil will also aid in the production of ketones, meaning your body is looking to burn fat as fuel rather than storing it. Burning fat to use for body and brain energy is going to help you lose weight especially when incorporating some sort of exercise into your daily routine.
MCT oil may help increase the good bacteria in your gut as well, which means you'll be able to digest your food more efficiently. A well-oiled machine works a lot better when all of its internal parts are lubricated and tuned up.
2.) Energy Boost
While in the beginning stages of a ketogenic diet, people find their energy levels drop and may turn to a product such as Keto Energy, which will give a caffeine and energy boost.
As your body enters a state of ketosis, MCT oil can help increase energy by the quickly produced ketones. Rather than needing to be broken down by your body, your liver will convert the MCTs to ketones which will promote energy almost instantly. As ketones, they can pass through the blood-brain barrier and be converted to energy in your brain cells and even contribute to brain health.
3.) Boosting Brain Health
Studies have found that MCT oil blocks a receptor in the brain that causes memory loss. There also have been studies of high-quality MCT oil improving short-term cognition of people with a specific Alzheimer's gene type.
4.) Reduce Heart Disease
There has been evidence of MCT oil taken in conjunction with some other supplements can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which improves HDL cholesterol levels. Along with weight loss, a lower BMI will help lower your chance of heart disease. There also has been evidence that MCT oil can reduce C-reactive Protein which is an inflammatory marker for heart disease.
What to look for when buying MCT Oil:
As you can see from our list of products, there is a decent amount of variety in just the small amount of products we've covered. Knowing what you want out of your MCT oil can be made a little easier by following our guide below.
1.) Ingredients
Knowing that MCT oil can be taken from coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil, figuring out how important the source of your MCT oil is to you should take priority. Do you need to have only organic coconuts, or are you fine with a blend of oils? If you decide to buy a powdered MCT oil supplement, what is being used as the binder?
2.) Special Ingredients
Special ingredients could be something as simple as natural flavoring. An unflavored MCT oil is less likely to have any additives, while our recommendation for best powdered MCT oil has organic acacia in it, which is a prebiotic not seen in any of the other options.
3.) Certifications
It is becoming more and more common for people to be concerned about where their food and supplements are coming from. These products will display proudly on their bottle if it's USDA certified organic MCT oil, if organic coconut oil was used, Vegan-friendly, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, or non-GMO verified. Even checking to make sure it's a BPA-free plastic bottle if the container isn't glass.
4.) Price
Price can vary widely by product. More expensive doesn't always indicate a good MCT oil. Some of the best MCT oils available don't have to break the bank. One may look at a product like Performance Lab MCT oil (which is on the higher end of the price spectrum) and assume it must blow the competition away, but you can find a comparable product for much less money.
Remember to check the size of the container and the cost of price per fluid ounce for liquid MCTs so you can really understand how much you are paying.
5.) Reviews
It's always good to check out the reviews both good and bad to see what people that have tried the product think about it. Fair warning, when it comes to MCT oil reviews, you are going to see a lot of reviews mentioning an upset stomach which seems to occur when not easing into product use.
MCT Oil FAQ
How To Take MCT Oil?
As mentioned above, there are many ways you can consume your MCT oil. The powdered form can be mixed into your beverage of choice, capsule form is self-explanatory. Options really open up with a liquid MCT oil. It can be mixed into your Bulletproof coffee, be used in salad dressings, taken as a standalone shot, or really however you feel like getting creative. That being said, it isn't recommended as a cooking oil due to reduced efficacy.
When is the best time to take MCT Oil?
In general, people mostly take their MCT oil in the morning, commonly with their coffee. Taking MCT oil in the morning can help get you out of the morning brain fog and give you some mental clarity, not to mention MCT oil increases ketones in your body, starting off your day with fat burning.
Another popular time to take your favorite MCT oil is as a pre-workout supplement. Since ketones are converted to energy almost immediately, taking MCT before your workout will give you increased physical energy.
Does MCT Oil Have Side Effects?
Just like the coconut oil, it is derived from, even the best MCT oils can cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting if too high a dose is taken. It's better to start with a lower dose to assess how your body responds and increase accordingly.
SUMMARY
If you have been enjoying the benefits of coconut oil and are looking to refine your supplementation to only the beneficial saturated fats, then making the jump to MCT oil might be the logical step for you.
We've given you some of the science behind the functioning of MCT and your body, but if you really want to take a deep dive into the subject, you can research MCT oil on the Clinical Nutrition site. Fair warning, the presentations can be a bit wordy to get through.
Whether you are looking for sustained energy throughout the day, or want to take advantage of the potential benefits of pairing MCT oil with low-carb diets, we've given you a rundown of the 7 best MCT oils on the market.
More Best Supplement Roundups:
Click here to view the article.
Now, where does MCT oil fit into this?
MCT Oil is said to enhance a keto diet by helping with ketone production, energy levels, burning fat, and weight loss. We'll get into the science down below for those interested, but without further ado, here are our 7 top MCT Oil products.
7 Best MCT Oil Supplements
Overall Best MCT Oil: Sports Research MCT Oil
Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss: Nature’s Way MCT Oil
Best Premium MCT Oil: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
Best MCT Oil For Keto: Onnit MCT Oil
Best MCT Oil Powder: Sports Research MCT Oil Powder
Best Flavored MCT Oil: Perfect Keto MCT Oil
Best MCT Oil Capsules: Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules
1. Overall Best MCT Oil: Sports Research MCT Oil
Our pick for the best overall MCT oil is the Sports Research MCT Oil supplement. Available in a huge 40-ounce bottle, you get around seventy-nine servings of medium chain triglycerides.
Extracted from 100% organic coconut oil, this high-quality organic MCT oil consists of C8 (Caprylic acid) and C10 (Capric acid), which have been proven to quickly cross the blood-brain barrier and convert into ketones giving you that boost to your ATP energy production.
Sports Research MCT Oil utilizes a patented extraction process, that avoids using Hexane or other undesirable solvents so you know you are getting the best form of caprylic acid without anything unwanted additives.
This quality MCT oil supplement is a great addition to coffee, tea, smoothie, or whatever else you have to get your morning going. Add it to salad dressing in place of olive oil to get a dose of medium chain triglycerides during the afternoon, or use it in your baked goods.
Sports Research has made sure that their MCT oil is organic, using non-GMO coconuts to give you the best possible MCT oil that is keto and vegan friendly. If you are looking for a quality product that does not rely on fillers or harsh solvents, we recommend Sports Research as one of the best MCTs on the market.
Pros
Doesn't use solvents in the extraction process
Only contains C8 and C10 acids
Organic, Keto, Vegan, Non-GMO Verified
Cons
Bottle cap can be difficult to measure out small amounts
Due to potency, your stomach may need an adjustment period
Overall Best MCT Oil
MCT C8 and C10 are body and brain boosting fatty acids that are extracted from organic coconut oil. Our MCT oil C8 Caprylic Acid and C10 Capric Acid is quickly digested...
2. Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss: Nature’s Way MCT Oil
Nature's Way MCT Oil is our pick for helping with weight loss. Made from pure coconut oil, Nature's Way doesn't depend on palm oil or any other fillers to bring you a premium Hexane-free product.
Available in a 16-ounce or 30-ounce bottle, you can get 32 and 59 servings respectively. You will get approximately 14 grams of C8 and C10 acids per serving to get your energy production going.
Flavorless and odorless, this high-quality MCT oil supplement can be a great addition to anything you want to consume it with. Coffee, salad dressing, guacamole (the healthy fat from avocados is a perfect pairing), nut butter are all some great options to get this into your diet.
Nature's Way has been a trusted supplement company since 1969, sourcing quality non-GMO ingredients as often as possible.
All their products go through a rigorous testing, including chemical, microbiological, and identity, so you know you are getting exactly what you are paying for.
Pros
Trusted brand
Only contains C8 and C10 acids
Certified USDA Organic, Certified Vegan, Certified Paleo, Keto Certified, Non-GMO Verified
Cons
A full dose may cause some stomach discomfort if unacclimated
There are some complaints about the bottle cap
Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss
100% Potency. Non-GMO Project Verified. 14 grams per serving...
3. Best Premium MCT Oil: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT oil is our choice for your best premium MCT oil option. Brain Octane oil is made from 100% coconut oil, no palm kernel oil filler oils which can be found in some lesser quality MCT oils.
Brain Octane is made up of pure C8 caprylic acid, unlike other MCT oils that utilize additional acids to fill out their product. Pure C8 acid acts as a supercharged brain fuel, kicking brain mitochondria into gear in ATP energy creation.
Bulletproof MCT oil can be used in coffee (like the company's original Bulletproof coffee), salad dressings, marinade, and many other applications that can add variety to your supplement intake.
Brain Octane Oil is gluten and dairy free and uses non-GMO coconuts.
Pros
Pure C8 acid - quickest ketone producer
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, non-GMO
From the company that brought you Bulletproof Coffee
Cons
Some gastro discomfort may occur due to potency
Doesn't come in a glass container
Best Premium MCT Oil
Brain Octane C8 MCT oil is extracted from 100% coconut oil, not palm oil, and rapidly converts into brain-powering, fat-burning ketone energy...
4. Best MCT Oil For Keto: Onnit MCT Oil
Onnit MCT Oil supplies three different medium chain triglycerides, in the form of C8 caprylic acid, C10 capric acid, and C12 lauric acid. While other MCT oils on this list don't contain the medium-chain triglyceride lauric acid, mainly due to its slower absorption time, this coconut oil based product doesn't shy away from keeping them as part of their product.
One way to look at it is to keep a closer composition to unrefined coconut oil than some of the other products on the market.
An added benefit of keeping lauric acid in the mix is the positive effect it has on your gut biome. It has antibacterial properties that can keep your healthy gut bacteria winning the battle over bad sickness-causing bacteria. Does this mean this product will keep you from getting sick? No, it doesn't, but gut health is extremely important for your overall well-being and can contribute to more efficient weight loss.
Pros
Promotes good gut health
Comes in a flavored variety (Almond Milk Latte) specifically for coffee
Good price point at $.83 per fluid ounce
Cons
Inclusion of lauric acid seen as a negative by some
Quality seems to be hit or miss for some
Best MCT Oil For Keto
100% pure premium MCT oil with lauric acid, harvested from coconuts. Onnit MCT Oil is sustainably sourced and contains no palm oil...
5. Best MCT Oil Powder: Sports Research MCT Oil Powder
Sports Research is back on the list, this time for their powdered form of MCT oil. Just like its liquid counterpart, this MCT oil is derived from organic coconuts, is USDA Organic Certified, Keto and Vegan Certified, and Non-GMO Verified.
You can expect to get the same benefits as you would from liquid MCT oil products, but in a creamier when mixed package. This might be a great option for someone who is looking to get a somewhat smaller dose of medium chain triglycerides due to the amount being 6 grams of MCTs versus the approximately 14 grams in liquid versions.
Also in this product, you get 3 grams of Organic Acacia, which is a great natural prebiotic that will help keep your digestive system functioning as optimally as it can.
Pros
Added benefit of a prebiotic
Smaller dose for those sensitive to gastro side effects
Doesn't have the "greasy" effect liquid MCT oils can have
Cons
Less MCTs for your money
Incorporation into anything other than liquids not possible
Best MCT Oil Powder
Say hello to your new daily ritual! Load up on C8 and C10 by mixing our coconut oil MCT into your morning coffee, tea, or smoothie formulas...
6. Best Flavored MCT Oil: Perfect Keto MCT Oil
Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder has got our pick for the best flavored MCT Oil. Processed from organic coconuts, this organic MCT oil is comprised of 70% C8 caprylic acid and 30% C10 capric acid, so you will be getting 7 grams and 3 grams per serving, respectively.
Perfect Keto MCT Oil comes in an 11.5-ounce BPA-free plastic container, giving you 30 servings per container. This is pure MCT oil in a delicious powder form. Available in chocolate, cinnamon toast, matcha, peanut butter, salted caramel, strawberry, unflavored, and vanilla, this can help on your weight loss journey while giving you something with great flavor.
Unlike some other powdered MCT oils, Perfect Keto doesn't rely on lactose to get a creamy consistency when mixed in. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly means this is a great choice for almost anyone's dietary needs.
Pros
Multiple flavors available
Dairy-free, Gluten-free
70/30 C8 and C10 ratio
Cons
Price varies by flavor
Needs to be consumed with a liquid
Best Flavored MCT Oil
Has zero added carbs or sugar - just MCT fats from coconuts, which curb your appetite & hunger. It’s GF, nondairy, and best for Keto...
7. Best MCT Oil Capsules: Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules
Horbäach has our pick for the best capsule form of MCT oil. With every serving of Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules, you get 3.6 grams of C8 and C10 medium chain fatty acids. While this is a lower amount of MCT oils, the capsules are the gentlest form of MCT oil on the gut, which may be appealing to those with a sensitivity to this dietary supplement.
MCT oil capsules are an easier-to-transport form of MCT oil, making them ideal for someone who may be traveling a lot and doesn't want to risk spilling liquid MCT oils all over everything.
Capsules also have the added benefit of being encapsulated in gelatin, so you don't have to worry about the MCT oil going bad on you.
Horbäach does use coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil in their product, which can vary the percentage range of caprylic acid and capric acid by 10% in each serving size. So those looking for a product that is made from 100% organic coconuts and nothing else may want to check out other options on this list.
Pros
Easy to transport
Great shelf life
Gentle on the stomach
Cons
Not a single source product (coconut oil and palm oil)
Small dose of MCTs
Best MCT Oil Capsules
Our professional formula is backed by our commitment to purity and potency. Laboratory Tested, Trusted Ingredients, Superior Quality, 100% Guaranteed!...
What is MCT Oil?
MCT Oil or medium chain triglyceride oil, is a type of fat found in common products like coconut oil as well as palm oil. MCT oil has the interesting distinction of being considered a healthy fat (which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), even though it is mainly made from saturated fat (which is an unhealthy fat). As you can probably infer from the name, there are also short-chain triglycerides and long-chain triglycerides. For the sake of brevity, we'll stick to the relevant fatty acids found in coconut oil which are medium-chain fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids.
The distinction between medium chain triglycerides and long chain triglycerides is the number of carbon atoms contained in all of the fatty acids.
Medium chain fatty acids have carbon counts of 6 through 12, which are C6 caproic acid, C8 caprylic acid, C10 capric acid, and C12 lauric acid.
Long chain triglycerides have carbon values between 13 atoms and 20 atoms. The longer the fatty acid chain, the longer it takes to be absorbed into the body, this means it is more likely to be turned into fat by your body rather than be used for energy.
MCT oil is made from a process called fractionation, which isolates and extracts only the MCTs which are absorbed quickly by the body and turned into ketones.
It should be noted that while C12 lauric acid makes up a large part of the medium chain triglycerides, it acts closer to a long chain triglyceride, which is why you won't usually see it in a "premium quality" MCT oil.
C6 capric acid is also removed due to its unpleasant taste. So that leaves C8 and C10 as the most desirable acids to be used.
Benefits Of MCT Oil
In order to get the full benefit of taking MCT oil, you should be on a ketogenic diet. That being said, people that are on a keto diet have sung the praises of adding MCT oil to their weight management routine. While it may not be a cure-all product, taking a good MCT oil can possibly help with a wealth of things.
1.) Weight Loss
People taking an MCT oil may see a positive change in their weight loss progress. MCT oils increase the release of the hormones peptide YY and leptin, which signals fullness to your body. If you feel satiated, you are less likely to snack or have other negative dietary behaviors.
Pure MCT oil will also aid in the production of ketones, meaning your body is looking to burn fat as fuel rather than storing it. Burning fat to use for body and brain energy is going to help you lose weight especially when incorporating some sort of exercise into your daily routine.
MCT oil may help increase the good bacteria in your gut as well, which means you'll be able to digest your food more efficiently. A well-oiled machine works a lot better when all of its internal parts are lubricated and tuned up.
2.) Energy Boost
While in the beginning stages of a ketogenic diet, people find their energy levels drop and may turn to a product such as Keto Energy, which will give a caffeine and energy boost.
As your body enters a state of ketosis, MCT oil can help increase energy by the quickly produced ketones. Rather than needing to be broken down by your body, your liver will convert the MCTs to ketones which will promote energy almost instantly. As ketones, they can pass through the blood-brain barrier and be converted to energy in your brain cells and even contribute to brain health.
3.) Boosting Brain Health
Studies have found that MCT oil blocks a receptor in the brain that causes memory loss. There also have been studies of high-quality MCT oil improving short-term cognition of people with a specific Alzheimer's gene type.
4.) Reduce Heart Disease
There has been evidence of MCT oil taken in conjunction with some other supplements can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which improves HDL cholesterol levels. Along with weight loss, a lower BMI will help lower your chance of heart disease. There also has been evidence that MCT oil can reduce C-reactive Protein which is an inflammatory marker for heart disease.
What to look for when buying MCT Oil:
As you can see from our list of products, there is a decent amount of variety in just the small amount of products we've covered. Knowing what you want out of your MCT oil can be made a little easier by following our guide below.
1.) Ingredients
Knowing that MCT oil can be taken from coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil, figuring out how important the source of your MCT oil is to you should take priority. Do you need to have only organic coconuts, or are you fine with a blend of oils? If you decide to buy a powdered MCT oil supplement, what is being used as the binder?
2.) Special Ingredients
Special ingredients could be something as simple as natural flavoring. An unflavored MCT oil is less likely to have any additives, while our recommendation for best powdered MCT oil has organic acacia in it, which is a prebiotic not seen in any of the other options.
3.) Certifications
It is becoming more and more common for people to be concerned about where their food and supplements are coming from. These products will display proudly on their bottle if it's USDA certified organic MCT oil, if organic coconut oil was used, Vegan-friendly, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, or non-GMO verified. Even checking to make sure it's a BPA-free plastic bottle if the container isn't glass.
4.) Price
Price can vary widely by product. More expensive doesn't always indicate a good MCT oil. Some of the best MCT oils available don't have to break the bank. One may look at a product like Performance Lab MCT oil (which is on the higher end of the price spectrum) and assume it must blow the competition away, but you can find a comparable product for much less money.
Remember to check the size of the container and the cost of price per fluid ounce for liquid MCTs so you can really understand how much you are paying.
5.) Reviews
It's always good to check out the reviews both good and bad to see what people that have tried the product think about it. Fair warning, when it comes to MCT oil reviews, you are going to see a lot of reviews mentioning an upset stomach which seems to occur when not easing into product use.
MCT Oil FAQ
How To Take MCT Oil?
As mentioned above, there are many ways you can consume your MCT oil. The powdered form can be mixed into your beverage of choice, capsule form is self-explanatory. Options really open up with a liquid MCT oil. It can be mixed into your Bulletproof coffee, be used in salad dressings, taken as a standalone shot, or really however you feel like getting creative. That being said, it isn't recommended as a cooking oil due to reduced efficacy.
When is the best time to take MCT Oil?
In general, people mostly take their MCT oil in the morning, commonly with their coffee. Taking MCT oil in the morning can help get you out of the morning brain fog and give you some mental clarity, not to mention MCT oil increases ketones in your body, starting off your day with fat burning.
Another popular time to take your favorite MCT oil is as a pre-workout supplement. Since ketones are converted to energy almost immediately, taking MCT before your workout will give you increased physical energy.
Does MCT Oil Have Side Effects?
Just like the coconut oil, it is derived from, even the best MCT oils can cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting if too high a dose is taken. It's better to start with a lower dose to assess how your body responds and increase accordingly.
SUMMARY
If you have been enjoying the benefits of coconut oil and are looking to refine your supplementation to only the beneficial saturated fats, then making the jump to MCT oil might be the logical step for you.
We've given you some of the science behind the functioning of MCT and your body, but if you really want to take a deep dive into the subject, you can research MCT oil on the Clinical Nutrition site. Fair warning, the presentations can be a bit wordy to get through.
Whether you are looking for sustained energy throughout the day, or want to take advantage of the potential benefits of pairing MCT oil with low-carb diets, we've given you a rundown of the 7 best MCT oils on the market.
More Best Supplement Roundups:
If you have ever considered going on a ketogenic diet AKA keto diet, you have more than likely seen the words "MCT Oils" thrown around. Keto, simply put, consists of consuming higher amounts of fats, moderate proteins, and low carbohydrates. This will get the body into a state of ketosis, which means it will start using fat as an energy source rather than carbohydrates.
Now, where does MCT oil fit into this?
MCT Oil is said to enhance a keto diet by helping with ketone production, energy levels, burning fat, and weight loss. We'll get into the science down below for those interested, but without further ado, here are our 7 top MCT Oil products.
7 Best MCT Oil Supplements
[*]
Overall Best MCT Oil: Sports Research MCT Oil
[*]
Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss: Nature’s Way MCT Oil
[*]
Best Premium MCT Oil: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
[*]
Best MCT Oil For Keto: Onnit MCT Oil
[*]
Best MCT Oil Powder: Sports Research MCT Oil Powder
[*]
Best Flavored MCT Oil: Perfect Keto MCT Oil
[*]
Best MCT Oil Capsules: Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules
1. Overall Best MCT Oil: Sports Research MCT Oil
Our pick for the best overall MCT oil is the Sports Research MCT Oil supplement. Available in a huge 40-ounce bottle, you get around seventy-nine servings of medium chain triglycerides.
Extracted from 100% organic coconut oil, this high-quality organic MCT oil consists of C8 (Caprylic acid) and C10 (Capric acid), which have been proven to quickly cross the blood-brain barrier and convert into ketones giving you that boost to your ATP energy production.
Sports Research MCT Oil utilizes a patented extraction process, that avoids using Hexane or other undesirable solvents so you know you are getting the best form of caprylic acid without anything unwanted additives.
This quality MCT oil supplement is a great addition to coffee, tea, smoothie, or whatever else you have to get your morning going. Add it to salad dressing in place of olive oil to get a dose of medium chain triglycerides during the afternoon, or use it in your baked goods.
Sports Research has made sure that their MCT oil is organic, using non-GMO coconuts to give you the best possible MCT oil that is keto and vegan friendly. If you are looking for a quality product that does not rely on fillers or harsh solvents, we recommend Sports Research as one of the best MCTs on the market.
Pros
- Doesn't use solvents in the extraction process
- Only contains C8 and C10 acids
- Organic, Keto, Vegan, Non-GMO Verified
Cons
- Bottle cap can be difficult to measure out small amounts
- Due to potency, your stomach may need an adjustment period
Overall Best MCT Oil
MCT C8 and C10 are body and brain boosting fatty acids that are extracted from organic coconut oil. Our MCT oil C8 Caprylic Acid and C10 Capric Acid is quickly digested...
2. Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss: Nature’s Way MCT Oil
Nature's Way MCT Oil is our pick for helping with weight loss. Made from pure coconut oil, Nature's Way doesn't depend on palm oil or any other fillers to bring you a premium Hexane-free product.
Available in a 16-ounce or 30-ounce bottle, you can get 32 and 59 servings respectively. You will get approximately 14 grams of C8 and C10 acids per serving to get your energy production going.
Flavorless and odorless, this high-quality MCT oil supplement can be a great addition to anything you want to consume it with. Coffee, salad dressing, guacamole (the healthy fat from avocados is a perfect pairing), nut butter are all some great options to get this into your diet.
Nature's Way has been a trusted supplement company since 1969, sourcing quality non-GMO ingredients as often as possible.
All their products go through a rigorous testing, including chemical, microbiological, and identity, so you know you are getting exactly what you are paying for.
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Only contains C8 and C10 acids
- Certified USDA Organic, Certified Vegan, Certified Paleo, Keto Certified, Non-GMO Verified
Cons
- A full dose may cause some stomach discomfort if unacclimated
- There are some complaints about the bottle cap
Best MCT Oil For Weight Loss
100% Potency. Non-GMO Project Verified. 14 grams per serving...
3. Best Premium MCT Oil: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT oil is our choice for your best premium MCT oil option. Brain Octane oil is made from 100% coconut oil, no palm kernel oil filler oils which can be found in some lesser quality MCT oils.
Brain Octane is made up of pure C8 caprylic acid, unlike other MCT oils that utilize additional acids to fill out their product. Pure C8 acid acts as a supercharged brain fuel, kicking brain mitochondria into gear in ATP energy creation.
Bulletproof MCT oil can be used in coffee (like the company's original Bulletproof coffee), salad dressings, marinade, and many other applications that can add variety to your supplement intake.
Brain Octane Oil is gluten and dairy free and uses non-GMO coconuts.
Pros
- Pure C8 acid - quickest ketone producer
- Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, non-GMO
- From the company that brought you Bulletproof Coffee
Cons
- Some gastro discomfort may occur due to potency
- Doesn't come in a glass container
Best Premium MCT Oil
Brain Octane C8 MCT oil is extracted from 100% coconut oil, not palm oil, and rapidly converts into brain-powering, fat-burning ketone energy...
4. Best MCT Oil For Keto: Onnit MCT Oil
Onnit MCT Oil supplies three different medium chain triglycerides, in the form of C8 caprylic acid, C10 capric acid, and C12 lauric acid. While other MCT oils on this list don't contain the medium-chain triglyceride lauric acid, mainly due to its slower absorption time, this coconut oil based product doesn't shy away from keeping them as part of their product.
One way to look at it is to keep a closer composition to unrefined coconut oil than some of the other products on the market.
An added benefit of keeping lauric acid in the mix is the positive effect it has on your gut biome. It has antibacterial properties that can keep your healthy gut bacteria winning the battle over bad sickness-causing bacteria. Does this mean this product will keep you from getting sick? No, it doesn't, but gut health is extremely important for your overall well-being and can contribute to more efficient weight loss.
Pros
- Promotes good gut health
- Comes in a flavored variety (Almond Milk Latte) specifically for coffee
- Good price point at $.83 per fluid ounce
Cons
- Inclusion of lauric acid seen as a negative by some
- Quality seems to be hit or miss for some
Best MCT Oil For Keto
100% pure premium MCT oil with lauric acid, harvested from coconuts. Onnit MCT Oil is sustainably sourced and contains no palm oil...
5. Best MCT Oil Powder: Sports Research MCT Oil Powder
Sports Research is back on the list, this time for their powdered form of MCT oil. Just like its liquid counterpart, this MCT oil is derived from organic coconuts, is USDA Organic Certified, Keto and Vegan Certified, and Non-GMO Verified.
You can expect to get the same benefits as you would from liquid MCT oil products, but in a creamier when mixed package. This might be a great option for someone who is looking to get a somewhat smaller dose of medium chain triglycerides due to the amount being 6 grams of MCTs versus the approximately 14 grams in liquid versions.
Also in this product, you get 3 grams of Organic Acacia, which is a great natural prebiotic that will help keep your digestive system functioning as optimally as it can.
Pros
- Added benefit of a prebiotic
- Smaller dose for those sensitive to gastro side effects
- Doesn't have the "greasy" effect liquid MCT oils can have
Cons
- Less MCTs for your money
- Incorporation into anything other than liquids not possible
Best MCT Oil Powder
Say hello to your new daily ritual! Load up on C8 and C10 by mixing our coconut oil MCT into your morning coffee, tea, or smoothie formulas...
6. Best Flavored MCT Oil: Perfect Keto MCT Oil
Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder has got our pick for the best flavored MCT Oil. Processed from organic coconuts, this organic MCT oil is comprised of 70% C8 caprylic acid and 30% C10 capric acid, so you will be getting 7 grams and 3 grams per serving, respectively.
Perfect Keto MCT Oil comes in an 11.5-ounce BPA-free plastic container, giving you 30 servings per container. This is pure MCT oil in a delicious powder form. Available in chocolate, cinnamon toast, matcha, peanut butter, salted caramel, strawberry, unflavored, and vanilla, this can help on your weight loss journey while giving you something with great flavor.
Unlike some other powdered MCT oils, Perfect Keto doesn't rely on lactose to get a creamy consistency when mixed in. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly means this is a great choice for almost anyone's dietary needs.
Pros
- Multiple flavors available
- Dairy-free, Gluten-free
- 70/30 C8 and C10 ratio
Cons
- Price varies by flavor
- Needs to be consumed with a liquid
Best Flavored MCT Oil
Has zero added carbs or sugar - just MCT fats from coconuts, which curb your appetite & hunger. It’s GF, nondairy, and best for Keto...
7. Best MCT Oil Capsules: Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules
Horbäach has our pick for the best capsule form of MCT oil. With every serving of Horbäach MCT Oil Capsules, you get 3.6 grams of C8 and C10 medium chain fatty acids. While this is a lower amount of MCT oils, the capsules are the gentlest form of MCT oil on the gut, which may be appealing to those with a sensitivity to this dietary supplement.
MCT oil capsules are an easier-to-transport form of MCT oil, making them ideal for someone who may be traveling a lot and doesn't want to risk spilling liquid MCT oils all over everything.
Capsules also have the added benefit of being encapsulated in gelatin, so you don't have to worry about the MCT oil going bad on you.
Horbäach does use coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil in their product, which can vary the percentage range of caprylic acid and capric acid by 10% in each serving size. So those looking for a product that is made from 100% organic coconuts and nothing else may want to check out other options on this list.
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Great shelf life
- Gentle on the stomach
Cons
- Not a single source product (coconut oil and palm oil)
- Small dose of MCTs
Best MCT Oil Capsules
Our professional formula is backed by our commitment to purity and potency. Laboratory Tested, Trusted Ingredients, Superior Quality, 100% Guaranteed!...
What is MCT Oil?
MCT Oil or medium chain triglyceride oil, is a type of fat found in common products like coconut oil as well as palm oil. MCT oil has the interesting distinction of being considered a healthy fat (which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), even though it is mainly made from saturated fat (which is an unhealthy fat). As you can probably infer from the name, there are also short-chain triglycerides and long-chain triglycerides. For the sake of brevity, we'll stick to the relevant fatty acids found in coconut oil which are medium-chain fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids.
The distinction between medium chain triglycerides and long chain triglycerides is the number of carbon atoms contained in all of the fatty acids.
Medium chain fatty acids have carbon counts of 6 through 12, which are C6 caproic acid, C8 caprylic acid, C10 capric acid, and C12 lauric acid.
Long chain triglycerides have carbon values between 13 atoms and 20 atoms. The longer the fatty acid chain, the longer it takes to be absorbed into the body, this means it is more likely to be turned into fat by your body rather than be used for energy.
MCT oil is made from a process called fractionation, which isolates and extracts only the MCTs which are absorbed quickly by the body and turned into ketones.
It should be noted that while C12 lauric acid makes up a large part of the medium chain triglycerides, it acts closer to a long chain triglyceride, which is why you won't usually see it in a "premium quality" MCT oil.
C6 capric acid is also removed due to its unpleasant taste. So that leaves C8 and C10 as the most desirable acids to be used.
Benefits Of MCT Oil
In order to get the full benefit of taking MCT oil, you should be on a ketogenic diet. That being said, people that are on a keto diet have sung the praises of adding MCT oil to their weight management routine. While it may not be a cure-all product, taking a good MCT oil can possibly help with a wealth of things.
1.) Weight Loss
People taking an MCT oil may see a positive change in their weight loss progress. MCT oils increase the release of the hormones peptide YY and leptin, which signals fullness to your body. If you feel satiated, you are less likely to snack or have other negative dietary behaviors.
Pure MCT oil will also aid in the production of ketones, meaning your body is looking to burn fat as fuel rather than storing it. Burning fat to use for body and brain energy is going to help you lose weight especially when incorporating some sort of exercise into your daily routine.
MCT oil may help increase the good bacteria in your gut as well, which means you'll be able to digest your food more efficiently. A well-oiled machine works a lot better when all of its internal parts are lubricated and tuned up.
2.) Energy Boost
While in the beginning stages of a ketogenic diet, people find their energy levels drop and may turn to a product such as Keto Energy, which will give a caffeine and energy boost.
As your body enters a state of ketosis, MCT oil can help increase energy by the quickly produced ketones. Rather than needing to be broken down by your body, your liver will convert the MCTs to ketones which will promote energy almost instantly. As ketones, they can pass through the blood-brain barrier and be converted to energy in your brain cells and even contribute to brain health.
3.) Boosting Brain Health
Studies have found that MCT oil blocks a receptor in the brain that causes memory loss. There also have been studies of high-quality MCT oil improving short-term cognition of people with a specific Alzheimer's gene type.
4.) Reduce Heart Disease
There has been evidence of MCT oil taken in conjunction with some other supplements can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which improves HDL cholesterol levels. Along with weight loss, a lower BMI will help lower your chance of heart disease. There also has been evidence that MCT oil can reduce C-reactive Protein which is an inflammatory marker for heart disease.
What to look for when buying MCT Oil:
As you can see from our list of products, there is a decent amount of variety in just the small amount of products we've covered. Knowing what you want out of your MCT oil can be made a little easier by following our guide below.
1.) Ingredients
Knowing that MCT oil can be taken from coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil, figuring out how important the source of your MCT oil is to you should take priority. Do you need to have only organic coconuts, or are you fine with a blend of oils? If you decide to buy a powdered MCT oil supplement, what is being used as the binder?
2.) Special Ingredients
Special ingredients could be something as simple as natural flavoring. An unflavored MCT oil is less likely to have any additives, while our recommendation for best powdered MCT oil has organic acacia in it, which is a prebiotic not seen in any of the other options.
3.) Certifications
It is becoming more and more common for people to be concerned about where their food and supplements are coming from. These products will display proudly on their bottle if it's USDA certified organic MCT oil, if organic coconut oil was used, Vegan-friendly, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, or non-GMO verified. Even checking to make sure it's a BPA-free plastic bottle if the container isn't glass.
4.) Price
Price can vary widely by product. More expensive doesn't always indicate a good MCT oil. Some of the best MCT oils available don't have to break the bank. One may look at a product like Performance Lab MCT oil (which is on the higher end of the price spectrum) and assume it must blow the competition away, but you can find a comparable product for much less money.
Remember to check the size of the container and the cost of price per fluid ounce for liquid MCTs so you can really understand how much you are paying.
5.) Reviews
It's always good to check out the reviews both good and bad to see what people that have tried the product think about it. Fair warning, when it comes to MCT oil reviews, you are going to see a lot of reviews mentioning an upset stomach which seems to occur when not easing into product use.
MCT Oil FAQ
How To Take MCT Oil?
As mentioned above, there are many ways you can consume your MCT oil. The powdered form can be mixed into your beverage of choice, capsule form is self-explanatory. Options really open up with a liquid MCT oil. It can be mixed into your Bulletproof coffee, be used in salad dressings, taken as a standalone shot, or really however you feel like getting creative. That being said, it isn't recommended as a cooking oil due to reduced efficacy.
When is the best time to take MCT Oil?
In general, people mostly take their MCT oil in the morning, commonly with their coffee. Taking MCT oil in the morning can help get you out of the morning brain fog and give you some mental clarity, not to mention MCT oil increases ketones in your body, starting off your day with fat burning.
Another popular time to take your favorite MCT oil is as a pre-workout supplement. Since ketones are converted to energy almost immediately, taking MCT before your workout will give you increased physical energy.
Does MCT Oil Have Side Effects?
Just like the coconut oil, it is derived from, even the best MCT oils can cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting if too high a dose is taken. It's better to start with a lower dose to assess how your body responds and increase accordingly.
SUMMARY
If you have been enjoying the benefits of coconut oil and are looking to refine your supplementation to only the beneficial saturated fats, then making the jump to MCT oil might be the logical step for you.
We've given you some of the science behind the functioning of MCT and your body, but if you really want to take a deep dive into the subject, you can research MCT oil on the Clinical Nutrition site. Fair warning, the presentations can be a bit wordy to get through.
Whether you are looking for sustained energy throughout the day, or want to take advantage of the potential benefits of pairing MCT oil with low-carb diets, we've given you a rundown of the 7 best MCT oils on the market.
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