5 Best MCT Oils for FAT Loss 2024 [Emulsified, C8 & Powder]

best mct oil

It’s no secret, that you can harvest loads of benefits from MCTs and ketogenic diets.

But here’s the problem:

There are virtually billion equivalent products out there.

How on earth should youpick the best MCT oil for ketosis?

Everyone is claiming to be the best, providing the biggest energy boost and even burn your neighbors fat if you only buy their product.

best mct oil

In this article, I will cut the jibber jabber and show you exactly how to pick the right MCT oil for the best results.

Quick overview

best-emulsified mct oil keto

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best mct oil powder for keto

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best c8 mct keto

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Here’s what the rocket fuel for your body is made of

what is mct oil

Before we show you how to choose the right oils for the best results, let’s go over what is MCT oil and what is it made of?

The definition:

MCT stands for “medium-chain triglycerides.”

But, MCT is not an MCT oil.

Here’s the difference:

MCTs are fats with a carbon chain of a medium length – between 6 and 12 atoms.

The reason fats are categories by their carbon chain length is that the body processes these fats differently (more on that latter).

And MCT oil:

MCT oil is a synthetic mixture of MCTs and that is sold as a supplement. It is made from either coconut or palm kernel oil through hydrolysis and fractionation.

This process yields a highly purified oil containing one or all of the following fatty acids:

  • C8 (caprylic acid)
  • C10 (capric acid)
  • C12 (lauric acid)

During the making of MCT, C6 (caproic acid) is also extracted. However, manufacturers exclude C6 because it is difficult to digest.

Most MCT oils contain just C8, C10, or a combination of both. Some brands also include C12.

In 1963, Vigen K. Babayan filed a patent that he called “glycerides mixture of fatty acids shorter than C12[1].”

This was the first ever MCT oil made. Later on, researchers discovered that the body absorbs MCTs better than long-chain fatty acids;

That’s where the power of MCTs come into play!

MCTs don’t require pancreatic enzymes, bile, and carnitine to be digested and metabolized.

The everlasting duel: Coconut oil vs MCT oil

coconut oil vs mct oil

Okay, here’s the problem:

If you looked up MCT oil supplements, you likely noticed the often hefty price tag.

You may have even considered coconut oil as a cheaper alternative.

However, there is a huge difference between MCT oil and coconut oil.

Here’s the difference:

  • First off, coconut oil contains different types of fat. Around 87% of coconut oil is saturated, 6% monounsaturated, and 2% polyunsaturated.
  • Secondly, most of the saturated fat in coconut oil (around 50%) is lauric acid. Researchers are not sure whether lauric acid should be categorized as a medium or long-chain fatty acid.[2]

And because of its relative abundance in nature, lauric acid is considered a cheaper and less valuable MCT.

  • MCT oil, on the other hand, is a purified source of rare and potent MCTs, namely C8 and C10, which make up 6-12% of coconut oil.
  • You would have to take six times more coconut oil to get the benefits of one tablespoon of MCT oil.

And when talking about quality and efficiency, MCT oil beats coconut oil where studies are concerned. Just consider these findings:

  • A study published in a 2017 issue of Physiology & Behavior found that participants ate less after consuming MCT oil than they did after consuming coconut oil.[3] The study concluded that coconut oil does not have the same hunger-suppressing properties of MCT oil.
  • A study involving 15 overweigh teens found that coconut oil does not enhance thermogenesis and that it does not reduce appetite.[4] On the other hand, similar studies on MCT oil found that it induced thermogenesis by over 50%.[5]
  • Studies examining the effects of MCT oil and coconut oil on brain energy and Alzheimer’s found that MCTs are more effective. But to be fair, coconut oil is still promising as a treatment for brain disorders, and it’s also more affordable.[6][7]

Unfair advantages that MCT’s provide

benefits of mct oil

We know that MCT oil beats coconut oil when it comes to benefits.

Below are just a few examples of benefits you could get by adding MCT to your diet.

#1. Weight loss

MCT oil helps with weight loss by enhancing thermogenesis and by suppressing appetite. Thermogenesis is losing energy as heat.

There’s evidence that people who have trouble maintaining a healthy weight have defective diet-induced thermogenesis.[8] MCT oil, then, may just be their magic bullet.

#2. Increased energy

MCT oils is a highly efficient energy source. MCTs get absorbed in the small intestine through the portal vein and go straight to the liver.

They also do not require carnitine to enter mitochondria. Many dieters will notice this directly as greater mental and physical energy.

#3. Ketosis

Unlike LCF, which promote fat accumulation and even insulin resistance, MCTs promote fat burning and ketosis [9]. In fact, they are among the most ketogenic fatty acids out there.

There is even a version of the ketogenic diet that is heavily base on MCTs to boost ketone production to treat epilepsy [10].

#4. Brain health

MCT oil improves focus, learning, and memory. It does so by increasing ketone production, and we already know that the brain thrives on ketones. There is even evidence that ketones from MCTs increase energy production in brain cells [11]

#5. Heart health

MCT oil protects the heart by supplying it with ketones when needed. Studies show that the heart muscle relies heavily on ketones after injuries [12].

And when used as part of a weight-loss diet, MCT oil does not cause adverse cardiovascular events after a 16-week weight-loss program [13].

#6. Appetite control

If you are simply looking to reduce your food intake, MCT oil can help. MCTs suppress hunger by decreasing the production of hunger hormones.

They may also suppress appetite by promoting ketone production (ketones are appetite suppressants).

What happens if you abuse MCTs

mct oil side effects

While MCT oil is proven to provide a host of benefits, it also comes with its share of side effects.

Adverse reactions happen when people start using MCT oil or when they take more than the recommended daily limit. These side effects are limited to the digestive system and include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Cramping
  • Bloating
  • Gassiness
  • Abdominal pain

If this is happening to you, stop using MCT oil until your digestive symptoms go away. After that, resume your intake slowly within the recommended limits. The usual suggestion is starting with one tablespoon daily and building it to four tablespoons after a couple of weeks. 

However, it is safest to simply read the label. MCT oil is the most potent but also the most difficult to digest MCT supplement. Creamers and powders, on the other hand, tend to be easier on the digestive system.

Deadsimple Tricks To Get The Most Out Of MCTs

how to take mct oil

Most brands give instructions on how to use their products on product packaging and website. But as a rule of thumb, you should:

  • Take around 5-7g MCTs daily for the first 3-4 days. That’s the equivalent to one teaspoon of pure MCT oil or one and a half tablespoon of emulsified MCT oil.
  • Double your intake to around 10-14g MCTs on days 4-7. That’s around one tablespoon of pure MCT oil or two tablespoons of emulsified oil.

The research found that most people can tolerate 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of pure MCT oil daily [14]. They also found that the maximum daily dose is 4-7 tablespoons (50-100 mL) after building tolerance. However, you can get all the benefits at much lower doses (1-2 tablespoons). 

When it comes to different ways you can incorporate MCT oil into your diet, consider the following:

  • Straight upPour MCT oil into a tablespoon, measuring cup, or a glass and consume as is. MCT oil is flavorless and odorless, so you won’t have any trouble consuming it this way. Its oiliness might get in the way, though. That’s why I suggest consuming it with a keto meal or drink. But you have alternatives in the form of powder, capsule, and creamers.
  • Make your coffee bulletproof MCT oil is an ingredient in bulletproof coffee (keto coffee). To make bulletproof coffee, simply pour coffee into a blender, add butter and MCT oil, and blitz until you get something resembling a latte. There are many other versions of bulletproof coffee. Brands are also making products that simplify keto coffee. 
  • Take your smoothies and shakes to next levelThis is especially valuable a pre- and post-workout meal. Newer studies show that MCTs boost exercise endurance by increasing muscle mitochondria mass and metabolism[15]. But you can also make your morning smoothies using MCT oil for an energy boost.
  • Salad dressings made in heavenYou can also make vinaigrettes and other salad dressings with MCT oil. Since it is flavorless, it’s a good idea to combine it with olive oil to make your dressings tastier. MCTs. However, don’t use it for frying. Most MCT oils have a low smoking point and will degrade if you fry with it.

The right way to choose an effective MCT oil for you

how to choose an mct oil

What’s the secret of choosing the best?

Is it the price? The brand?

Or the half-naked six-pack guy on the label?

With dozens of MCT oils hitting the market, choosing can be quite the headache. On the bright side, the most popular brands are quite reliable.

MCT oils also don’t differ much among different brands. With that in mind, how do you choose the best MCT oil?

  • Go for well-known brandsBigger brands will not take the risk of selling low-quality products to their many customers. And while name brand products will be on the pricier side, you do get more bang for your buck, along with great customer service. Lower quality products may not be purified enough and contain too many C6 fats that lead to digestive upset.
  • Read the labelLauric acid is an MCT, but it is not as powerful and effective as caprylic and capric acids. It’s also much cheaper to extract. That’s why you need to read the label to know if the price is justified (MCT oils with lauric acid should be cheaper). However, that doesn’t mean lauric acid isn’t good. Studies show it has a higher smoking point, and it also leads to a slower but steady rise in ketones.[16]
  • Buy a combination of C8 and C10MCT oil containing a combination of these two is cheaper than MCT oils containing just C8. The latter is difficult to extract but are notable for their powerful effects on the brain. In fact, manufacturers will often market these specifically as brain boosters. Another reason you should go for MCTs containing both fats is that most research to date has relied on these two.
  • Go for other MCT productsMCT is the gold standard when it comes to MCT supplements. But if you have a sensitive stomach, go for emulsified MCT oil, MCT creamers, and capsules. The same goes true if you’re living a busy lifestyle. Also consider products containing a combination of MCTs, protein, or electrolytes.

Best MCT oil for ketosis

I will not talk about different brands of MCT oils here since most are practically the same.

All serious MCT oil brands need to abide by specific manufacturing standards, so you won’t go wrong whichever brand of oil you choose. 

Things a different with other MCT supplements. Below is a list of the top 5 you may want to consider.

#1. Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder

Perfect Keto is a brand dedicated to selling 100% keto-friendly products.

Their Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder was designed specifically with the low-carb diet in mind.

The 300-gram container packs pure MCTs, along with other beneficial ingredients.

Using this powder is fairly simple. Add a scoop to your favorite beverage at any time of the day. 

perfect keto mct oil powder

You do not need to plan your intake of Perfect Keto’s MCT oil powder around meals. The product is said to support ketosis and increase energy.

One container should last you a whole month if you take only one serving per day.

» Check the price of Perfect Keto MCT powder here

What’s special about it?

Perfect Keto states that this is the only MCT oil supplement that uses acacia fiber and has zero fake ingredients.

Acacia is a probiotic that promotes gut and cell health. The product also blends easily with liquids and is less messy than MCT oil.

It comes in vanilla, chocolate, salted caramel, and neutral flavors.

perfect keto mct oil shake

Best for whom:

If you’re always on the road, this powder is for you. It’s also great if you don’t like the oiliness of classic MCT oil.

Nutrition facts:

One scoop provides 70 calories. Almost all of these calories are from the MCTs (7g) and a tiny amount from protein (1g) for the vanilla and cocoa-flavored varieties. The same amount also contains 2g of dietary acacia fiber. The product is sweetened with stevia and flavored with cocoa, natural vanilla, or caramel powder.

PROS

  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Made from coconut oil
  • Comes in a variety of flavors
  • You get 15% off if you subscribe
  • Contain added fiber

CONS

  • Types of MCTs not listed on the packaging
  • Expensive considering it only has 30 servings

» Check the price of Perfect Keto MCT powder here

#2. Onnit Emulsified MCT Oil

Onnit is a supplements company that has been around since 2010. Their goal is to provide customers with cutting-edge products that optimize health.

Their Emulsified MCT Oil is definitely no exception to this.

The product is an emulsified MCT oil, a relatively new type of supplement on the market.

I already mentioned that some MCT oils are emulsified, but what does that even mean?

onnit emulsified mct oil

Well, emulsified MCT oil is simply MCT oil that contains water and gum arabic to make it water soluble. This MCT oil dissolves in both hot and cold liquids. Besides being convenient, the water-in-oil emulsion is also easier on your stomach.

» Check the price of Onnit Emulsified oil here

What’s special about it?

The product is emulsified, which means you won’t need to use a blender when making keto coffee with this product.  

It’s essentially a creamer, but you can also use it as an ingredient for your smoothies, shakes, puddings, and other desserts.

Unlike many other MCT supplements, this one provides all three MCTs in almost equal amounts. Some may consider this an advantage.

onnit emulsified mct oil drink

Best for whom:

If you are looking for a unique product from a company that cares about the environment, Onnit Emulsified MCT oil is for you. It’s also great if you’re a big coffee lover and need a creamer that will support your keto lifestyle.

Nutrition facts:

A tablespoon of Onnit MCT oil has 70 calories coming from a mixture of different MCTs. It’s richest in caprylic acid at 2.7g per tablespoon, followed by lauric acid at 1.9g. The product also contains water, gum arabica, natural flavors, and sorbic acid (preservative).

PROS

  • Dissolves easily in hot and cold liquids
  • Sourced from coconuts
  • Lists the amounts of MCTs in the products
  • Comes in a variety of flavors
  • Recommended by pro athletes

CONS

  • Some customers are not satisfied with the taste
  • Contains lauric acid, which may not justify the price point
  • Contains preservatives, which some may not like

» Check the price of Onnit Emulsified oil here

#3. Perfect Keto MCT Oil softgels

Another Perfect Keto product to make it on this list is MCT Oil softgels (300 count).

The product is meant to enhance your physical and mental performance with its high percentage of caprylic acid (70%) along with capric acid (30%).

However, its uses can also include fighting the keto flu, increasing ketone production, appetite support, and so on.

The sofgels are gelatin-based and are easy to digest and absorb. 

perfect keto mct oil capsules

You get 300 sofgels in one container, which should last you one to three months, which will depend on how many servings a day you take.

For reference, one serving is 3 capsules.

» Check the price of MCT oil softgels here

What’s special about it?

It is an MCT oil packed in tiny softgels that you can carry with you anywhere, anytime.

It also contains a blend of C8 and C10 MCTs – the most powerful mental and physical performance-enhancing MCTs.

Best for whom:

For people who really have no time to blend MCT oils, creamers, or powders with their beverages.

Nutrition facts:

A serving size of 3 capsules contains 30 calories. The product is 70% caprylic acid (C8) and 30% capric acid (C10). The product also contains gelatin.

PROS

  • Convenient and easy to carry around
  • Contains high-quality MCTs
  • Great price considering value and amount
  • Has positive customer reviews
  • Flavorless and easy to digest

CONS

  • You need to take 6 capsules to get the daily minimum serving
  • The product is not Kosher and it’s also not vegan

» Check the price of MCT oil softgels here

#4. Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil

Being a leader in keto supplements, you can definitely trust Bulletproof to provide you with the best products on the market.

Their Brain Octane Oil is one of the purest MCT oils out there, containing only C8 triglycerides. 

The product works best as a brain-booster, aka nootropic. 

However, it’s also great for increasing energy levels and enhancing your workouts.

bulletproof brain octane mct oil

According to Bulletproof, they did not use chemical solvents when extracting this oil but mechanical extraction methods like water, heat, and pressure.

This makes it an organic MCT oil.

» Check the price of Bulletproof C8 oil here

What’s special about it?

The product is a natural and pure source of powerful MCTs, namely caprylic acid (C8).

Studies show that caprylic acid increases blood ketones more than coconut oil or other MCTs.[17] 

It’s safe to assume that this would also lead to greater ketone concentrations in the brain and the body.

It is also extracted using natural methods, a definitive plus but that adds to its price.

bulletproof coffee mct

Best for whom:

For people who need a cognitive enhancer or want to boost their overall energy levels. It’s best suitable for those on a keto diet, but you can get the benefits even if you’re not eating low carb.

Nutrition facts:

A tablespoon of Brain Octane provides 130 calories from caprylic acid. The product is free of artificial ingredients and additives.

PROS

  • Extracted using natural methods
  • A source of pure C8 MCTs
  • A proven nootropic and ketogenic oil
  • Is suitable for people not on a keto diet
  • From a leading MCT oil brand

CONS

  • Is more expensive than other MCT oils
  • Can be difficult to digest
  • Customers complain about the quality of the packaging

» Check the price of Bulletproof C8 oil here

#5. Nature’s Way MCT Oil

Nature’s Way is a reliable brand that’s been selling herbal remedies since the 1960s.

The company offers affordable, yet high-quality products for everyone’s needs.

Their Organic MCT Oil is one such product loved by thousands of their customers.

Nature’s Way Organic MCT Oil is also extracted from coconuts without any artificial and dangerous chemicals.

natures way mct oil

It is produced in Singapore and contains only C8 and C10 MCTs. It’s also much cheaper than other brands of MCTs, with price ranges of $15-$30 depending on where you buy it.

» Check the price of Nature’s Way MCT oil here

What’s special about it?

It’s certified organic while not containing lauric acid. It also comes from a trusted brand that’s been around for half a century. And at a lower price range, you definitely get the bang for your buck.

Best for whom:

For those who love organic and natural products and who want to save money.

Nutrition facts:

It contains 130 calories per tablespoon of oil. It is free of artificial ingredients, preservatives, and fillers – only 100% pure MCT oil.

PROS

  • It’s affordable
  • Certified organic
  • Packaged in a dark bottle
  • It has only positive customer reviews
  • Easy to use

CONS

  • You cannot buy the product directly from the manufacturer’s website

» Check the price of Nature’s Way MCT oil here

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