The Best MCT Oils of 2024
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Medium-chain triglycerides or MCT oil, is a coconut-derived oil commonly taken as a supplement. MCT oil can be incorporated into your daily routine by taking it as a supplement or by adding it to the foods you eat (such as salad dressings or soups). Typically, MCT oil is derived from coconut oil, but it can be derived from palm oil as well.
There are many different reasons why people take MCT oil, including for weight loss, to reduce inflammation, for energy and for appetite control. The proven benefits of MCT oil are still in need of further research, but plenty of wellness experts are advocating for its daily usage. Most people consume MCT oil by adding it to their morning cup of coffee. This can help give you an extra energy boost and may even prevent a caffeine crash later in the day. You can also take an MCT oil supplement by adding it to your food or taking it as a capsule.
With so many different MCT oil products on the market, finding the best MCT oil can be a challenge. Most MCT oils are in liquid form, but there are also powder forms like BUBS Naturals. For this reason, we’ve broken down some of our top choices below and some tips for choosing the best MCT oil.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Our Picks for the Best MCT Oil of 2024:
- Best Overall MCT Oil Supplement: BUBS Naturals
- Best MCT Oil for Keto: Nature’s Way MCT Oil
- Best MCT Oil for Weight Loss: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
- Best MCT Oil for Energy: Onnit MCT Oil
- Best Affordable MCT Oil: NOW Sports Nutrition MCT Oil
- Best MCT Oil Powder: Perfect Keto MCT Oil C8 Powder
- Best Organic MCT Oil: Natural Force Organic MCT Oil
- Best MCT Oil Capsules: Pure MCT Oil Capsules
Best Overall MCT Oil Supp: BUBS Naturals
BUBS Naturals
Key features and specs:
- Serving size: One scoop
- Servings per container: 30
- Fat: Five grams
- Carbs: Three grams
- Source of MCT: Coconut
BUBS Naturals MCT Oil powder offers a simple way to incorporate MCT oil into your daily routine. Simply add a scoop of this powder to any beverage and it will dissolve. This MCT oil is sustainably sourced from coconut oil. BUBS MCT oil powder is not designed to replace a meal, but it can offer an added energy source when combined with your favorite beverages, such as coffee or smoothies. For extra nutritional support, you can also combine this MCT powder with collagen powder in your morning coffee.
MCT oil powder is easy to use since you don’t have to worry about leaving behind an oily residue when adding it to your food or beverage. We chose BUBS Naturals MCT oil powder as our top choice for the best MCT oil due to its convenience and quality. This powder is sustainably sourced and blends easily into smoothies, coffee, salad dressings and baked goods. The 30-day supply is reasonably priced, making stocking up for daily use easy.
What we love:
- Easy to mix into beverages because the powder should dissolve well in most liquids
- 30-day supply per bag which brings the price per serving closer to other products
- Sustainably sourced from coconuts
- Can easily be combined with other supplements (such as collagen powder) without affecting the texture
What to consider:
- Higher price point
- Not organic
- Contains some carbs
Best MCT Oil for Keto: Nature’s Way MCT Oil
Nature's Way
Key features and specs:
- Serving size: One tablespoon
- Servings per container: 69
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbs: 0
- Source of MCT: Coconut oil
With 14 grams of fat per serving, Nature’s Way MCT Oil is a great source of healthy fat. The large container has 69 servings, so you’ll be stocked up for a while. This MCT oil is paleo, keto and vegan-friendly. The ingredient label is pure and simple–free from filler oils, artificial flavors and other additives.
You can take this MCT oil one to three times per day as a natural and clean source of energy and to curb the appetite. This MCT oil has a higher volume of fat per serving when compared with other brands. It is also certified organic, making it a clean and natural option.
What we love:
- Certified organic MCT oil
- Contains 14 grams of fat which is higher than other supplements
- Free from additives that could cause GI problems or reduce the effectiveness of the MCT oil
- 30-ounce container will last a while
What to consider:
- Can be messier to use when compared with MCT oils due to the higher fat content
- Can cause digestive discomfort in those with sensitive stomachs
Best MCT Oil for Weight Loss: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil
Bulletproof
Key features and specs:
- Serving size: One tablespoon
- Servings per container: 32
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbs: 0
- Source of MCT: Coconut oil
This 16-ounce bottle of MCT oil contains about a one-month supply and it is totally free from carbohydrates, unlike some of the other brands. The oil is sourced from 100 percent coconut oil and contains 14 grams of fat. Something that sets this MCT oil apart is that it is made with C8 (caprylic acid) triglycerides, making it even more ketogenic and allowing for additional energy.
This keto-friendly supplement is also free from gluten and GMOs. Although MCT oil is commonly added to coffee (for “bulletproof” coffee), you can also add this oil to smoothies and other food sources.
What we love:
- Contains C8 MCT oil which can provide better energy than other types
- Gluten and GMO-free
- Uses 100 percent coconut oil and offers over 30 servings per container
What to consider:
- Some customers experienced nausea after taking the supplement
- Can damage plastic products if spilled or refrigerated
Best MCT Oil for Energy: Onnit MCT Oil
Onnit
Key features and specs:
- Serving size: One tablespoon
- Servings per container: 31
- Fat: Seven grams
- Carbs: One gram
- Source of MCT: Coconut oil
The Onnit Emulsified MCT Oil is the perfect oil to add to your morning coffee. This MCT oil is different from the rest because it is designed specifically to go in your coffee–it even has added ingredients to give your coffee the perfect taste eliminating the need to add anything else.
Onnit MCT Oil contains MCT oil from coconut oil and almond milk latte flavor, stevia and monk fruit extract. This is a tasty coffee cream replacement if you’re on a ketogenic diet or if you just want your coffee to taste good while also being good for you.
What we love:
- Added ingredients make it flavorful and perfect for coffee
- Contains one gram of carbs which could give your body a quicker energy source than oils without carbs
- Affordable price point
What to consider:
- Might not taste very good in foods or drinks other than coffee
- Lower fat content than some of the other options
Best Affordable MCT Oil: NOW Sports Nutrition MCT Oil
NOW Sports
Key features and specs:
- Serving size: One Tablespoon
- Servings per container: 63
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbs: 0
- Source of MCT: Coconut/palm kernel oil
NOW Sports nutrition offers an affordable MCT oil option. This oil is packaged and tested in the USA to ensure quality and ethical production. It is made with a mix of 50% caprylic acid and 30% capric acid. This MCT oil is not made with added ingredients and is free from eggs, soy, gluten, corn, hexane and GMOs.
Unlike other options, this MCT oil is made with a mix of coconut oil and palm kernel oil. The affordable container comes with about 63 servings, offering an easy way to stock up for a while. Simply add this MCT oil to your coffee, smoothies or salad dressings for some extra “healthy fat” and energy source. If you’re looking for an affordable way to stock up on MCT oil, then this may be the best MCT oil for you.
What we love:
- Free from added ingredients that could reduce the effectiveness of the supplement
- Certified gluten, soy, dairy and egg free which makes it a good option for those with allergies
- Packaged and tested for purity in the United States which provides more production transparency
- Affordable option
What to consider:
- Contains palm oil, making it less sustainable than some other options
- Not organic
Best MCT Oil Powder: Perfect Keto MCT Oil C8 Powder
Perfect Keto
Key features and specs:
- Serving size: One scoop
- Servings per container: 30
- Fat: Seven grams
- Carbs: Three grams
- Source of MCT: Coconut oil
The Perfect Keto MCT oil powder is a mess-free MCT oil that offers a variety of flavors to make your bulletproof coffee a little more exciting. This oil powder is available in seven different flavors, including vanilla, strawberry, salted caramel, peanut butter, cinnamon toast, chocolate and matcha. You can also opt for the unflavored option if you’d rather do without the flavor.
Sourced from coconuts and free from harmful additives, this MCT oil powder is a clean and healthy option. The only added ingredients are stevia, natural flavor and gum acacia (a natural emulsifier sourced from tree sap). If you’re wanting a healthy kick of MCT oil with your morning coffee but you don’t want to give up on flavored coffee, then this MCT oil powder is a great option for you.
What we love:
- Available in seven different flavors which gives you diverse options for use in beverages or as a topping on food
- Three grams of carbs may help you feel energetic sooner than oils without added carbs
- Free from most major allergens like gluten, soy and dairy
- Manufactured and lab-tested in the United States
What to consider:
- Doesn’t always mix in well
- Higher price point
Best Organic MCT Oil: Natural Force Organic MCT Oil
Natural Force
Key features and specs:
- Serving size: One tablespoon
- Servings per container: 63
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbs: 0
- Source of MCT: Coconut oil
This organic MCT oil is sourced from non-GMO-certified coconuts. Natural Force organic MCT oil has a number of features that make it a highly sustainable choice (for you and the environment). The bottle is made from glass, which is typically considered a better choice than plastic and the label is biodegradable. On top of that, the oil itself is sustainably sourced from organic coconuts. One bottle contains about 63 servings, so you’ll be stocked up for at least two months when you buy this MCT oil.
Natural Force organic MCT oil offers a sustainable choice that is clean and natural. This MCT oil is not only organic but also lab-tested for quality and certified non-GMO, keto, paleo, vegan and kosher. We voted this product the best organic option, given its reasonable price point, high quality and sustainable packaging. This oil also offers 14 grams of fat per serving, making it a great source of healthy fat to help fuel you through the day.
What we love:
- Sustainably sourced oil from non-GMO certified coconuts
- Glass bottle with a biodegradable label
- USDA-certified organic ingredients
What to consider:
- Can be messy when used
- The glass bottle can be slippery and difficult to grip
Best MCT Oil Capsules: Pure MCT Oil CapsulesKey features:
Zeal Naturals
Key features and specs:
- Serving size: Three soft gels
- Servings per container: 120
- Fat: Three grams
- Carbs: 0
- Source of MCT: Coconut
Pure MCT Oil capsules are a convenient way to enjoy MCT oil as a supplement or in your daily coffee. These MCT oil capsules eliminate the messy nature of standard MCT oil and make it easy to make keto coffee when you’re out and about–simply drop a few tablets into your cup of coffee and mix it up. One container comes with 120 servings, which is significantly more than most other options, so you’ll get more bang for your buck if you choose this option.
One downside to Pure MCT oil capsules is that the fat content is slightly lower than most other options, so it may not be as effective as other options. Even given this difference, customers still found this MCT product effective, so the difference in fat content may not make a difference.
What we love:
- Capsules allow you to take the supplement without mixing it with anything
- Travel-friendly compared to liquid or powder oils that can spill and cause messes
- 120 servings per container
- Affordable way to stock up on MCT oil if you're on a budget
What to consider:
- Lower fat content than some of the other options
- Not calorie-free
What Is MCT Oil?
If you consider yourself a wellness junkie, you’re aware that there is always a new supplement on the market that everyone is claiming as “the next best thing” for your health. MCT oil is no exception. This coconut oil-derived supplement is commonly used amongst those who practice the keto diet as well as athletes and bodybuilders. Even though MCT oil is typically derived from coconut oil, it can also be derived from palm oil or a mix of the two.
MCT stands for medium chain triglycerides. This means that it contains medium-length fatty acids. The length of the fatty acids makes a difference in the way the oil is metabolized. Because MCT oils have a shorter length of fatty acids than their counterpart long chain triglycerides (LCTs), they are easier to digest.
Most people consume MCT oil as an additional fat source to help fuel the body when completing a ketogenic diet. MCT oil can easily be incorporated into your daily routine and other vitamins and supplements. Although MCT oil is generally considered safe, it can cause some uncomfortable side effects while your body gets used to it.
Many customer reviews point to digestive discomfort as the main downside to taking MCT oil. It can cause diarrhea when taken in high doses and may make you nauseous when you first begin taking it. For this reason, starting with a very small amount is recommended when getting used to its effects. Be especially cautious when starting your MCT oil routine if you’re already taking other supplements that encourage regular bowel movements, such as magnesium and probiotics.
MCT oil can be added to coffee, smoothies and other beverages to suppress appetite and curb cravings for those trying to lose weight. Although it isn’t really recommended to use MCT oil as a meal replacement, it may help to prevent you from reaching for a protein bar or snack first thing in the morning.
How We Chose the Best MCT Oils
We consider many factors when determining the best MCT oil. It is important to look at certain product features to determine which MCT oil products are most worth the money. Some ways that we chose the products on this list include servings per container, sourcing, fat per serving, quality certifications and customer reviews.
Servings per container
We always look at the servings per container when ranking MCT oil products. This helps determine how much MCT oil you will get for a certain price and how long it will last. Most supplements are most effective when taken daily, so it is important to consider how much of an investment it will be to take any given supplement daily.
Source
Most MCT oil is sourced from coconuts, but not all. Some MCT oils are also sourced from palm oil or a combination of palm and coconut oil. This isn’t necessarily bad, but palm oil is considered less sustainable than coconut oil, given that palm plantations cause deforestation of certain biodiverse parts of the world. MCT oil that contains palm oil may come at a lower price point than those that are purely sourced from coconut oil, but the environment may be negatively impacted by the production of these oils.
Fat per serving
The main reason why most people take palm oil is to get added fat into the diet. Individuals who complete the keto diet aim to send their bodies into ketosis. Ketosis occurs when the body uses fat as energy rather than sugar. When looking at different MCT oil products, most products vary in the amount of fat they contain per serving. Most people want to shoot for a higher fat content per serving since this may mean that the product is more effective as an energy source.
Quality certifications
As with all supplements, MCT oil is not regulated by the FDA. For this reason, consumers must rely on safety certifications and third-party testing to ensure that products are safe. When compiling this list, we looked for products that featured safety certifications, such as certified non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan. Even if a product is not made using certain ingredients (such as soy or gluten), it can sometimes be produced in facilities that produce items with those ingredients. This is why it is important to look for these labels, especially if you have an allergy.
Third-party lab testing is another important certification for MCT oil because this ensures that the product contains what it says it contains. If a product is labeled as being third-party lab tested, the manufacturer sends it to a lab to have its content tested and the results are available for consumers to see.
Customer reviews
Customer reviews can always help gauge whether a product is liked or disliked by the general public. We meticulously reviewed the available customer feedback for each product on this list to determine what buyers were saying. Most products had plenty of positive reviews, with some negative reviews as well. This helps us figure out what people don’t like about a certain product.
Added ingredients
Some MCT oil products have added ingredients, while others are pure MCT oil. Added ingredients can offer certain benefits and drawbacks. Some customers like to buy pure MCT oil since they see this as a healthy and natural option. If you’re doing an elimination-style diet (like Whole30), you’d probably want to choose a pure option to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your diet. However, added ingredients can offer the benefit of adding a good flavor to the MCT oil, helping it mix better with your beverage. If you’re a big fan of flavored coffee but want a healthy, keto-friendly coffee in the morning, you may want to try one of the MCT oil coffee products with added flavors and natural sweeteners like stevia.
C8 oils vs. C10 oils
As you're looking for the right MCT oil supplement for you, you may come across labels that discuss C8 or C10 oils. These are references to the major types of MCT oil and the number is how many carbon atoms the oil has. All that you really need to know about this is that studies suggest C8 oils are about six times more ketogenic than C10, which can help your body burn fat stores for energy.
There are two other types of MCT oil, C6 and C12, but these are not commonly used in dietary supplements because they are bitter and have been shown to cause GI problems.
How to Choose the Best MCT Oil for You
By now, it should be quite evident that not all MCT oil products are created equal. With so many different MCT oils out there, every buyer may find that their “ideal” MCT oil looks a little bit different. Some questions you can ask yourself to find the best MCT oil for you include:
How you plan to use it
Will you be adding your MCT oil to your coffee each morning or are you not a coffee drinker at all? If you plan to add it to your coffee, you may want to try one of the MCT oil powders made to go in coffee. These products offer the benefit of having coffee-friendly flavors, meaning it's the only thing you have to add to your coffee for a keto-friendly morning cup of joe.
If you’re not planning to use your MCT oil in your coffee, you may want to try a pure MCT oil product. That way, you don’t have to worry about added flavors interfering with the taste of whatever you do add the MCT oil to (such as a smoothie or food item).
Some people find that MCT oil capsules are a versatile and convenient option. If you’re constantly on the go and want a travel-friendly MCT oil product, capsules can work great since they’re easy to take with you.
How often you'll take it
Some people take MCT oil once daily, while others take it in the morning and at night. Given that your body may need some time to get used to it, we recommend starting with a lower dosage and paying attention to how your body responds to it before taking it more than once a day. If you’re already used to MCT oil and plan to take it every day or more than once a day, you should consider how much you are getting for a given price. Supplements can be an investment, so looking for a budget-friendly option is ideal for anyone who plans to take it often.
Consider any dietary restrictions you may have
Most MCT oils are packaged with safety certifications, such as gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free. However, not every product is. For this reason, looking for allergen-free certified products is incredibly important if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. Many people who take MCT oil are doing restrictive diets such as keto or Whole30. If this is you, then you should always check the ingredient label before buying an MCT oil product since some have added ingredients such as stevia or added flavors.
MCT Oil Benefits
MCT oil has been studied for its potential benefits. Some possible benefits of MCT oil include weight loss, brain health, improved athletic performance and increased energy levels.
Weight loss
Many people take MCT oil to help them stay full longer, which can help promote weight loss. One study compared MCT oil with coconut oil to see how well it helped to satiate the studied individuals. It found that MCT oil had significantly higher satiating properties. For this reason, it makes sense that MCT oil may help with weight loss since it can help you feel full, preventing you from derailing from your diet.
Brain health
You might notice that plenty of MCT oil products boast their brain-health benefits. Although the brain effects of MCT oil still need to be further researched, some studies have been done. This study used rats to look at the effects of MCT oil on anxiety-like behavior. The rats in the study who were given MCT oil showed less anxiety-like behavior than the control group. The study suggests that these effects are related to MCT oil being a highly effective energy source for the mitochondria. Further human research is needed to back up the exact effects of MCT oil on the human brain.
Athletic performance
Daily MCT oil supplementation is common among athletes and bodybuilders. Because MCT oil seems an effective fuel source for cells, it is thought to improve athletic performance. One 2018 study that looked at the effects of MCT oil on exercise endurance backs up this claim, stating:
“In conclusion, our study provided the first evidence that MCT, as a food supplement, preserves high temperature-induced impairment in exercise performance and muscle function. This could be mediated through the activation of muscle Akt and AMPK signaling pathways, inhibition of TGF-β signaling pathway and subsequent increase in mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism in the skeletal muscle. Our study reveals a novel role of MCT in exercise, providing evidence for treating muscle dysfunction and exercise impairment in patients by taking MCT as food supplement.”
Additionally, MCT oil, combined with other supplements, was found to improve muscle strength in frail elderly patients in this study from 2016.
Energy
Because of MCT oil’s composition, it is easily absorbed and transported through the body. This makes it a great energy source, especially for individuals who are on a ketogenic diet.
MCT Oil Side Effects
MCT oil is generally considered safe but can cause uncomfortable side effects. The most common side effects of MCT oil are:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Digestive discomfort.
It is common to have some discomfort initially starting MCT oil as a daily supplement since it may take your body some time to get used to it. For this reason, we recommend starting with a very small amount to see how your body adjusts to it. If you are experiencing severe side effects, you should stop using it immediately and consult your doctor.
Best Time to Take MCT Oil
The best time to take MCT oil depends on what types of benefits you are hoping for. MCT oil for weight loss is typically taken in the morning to act as an appetite suppressant or to improve energy levels before working out. MCT oil is commonly taken once in the morning and once in the evening. When taking MCT oil, you may want to stick to only taking it once daily while you get used to how your body tolerates it. Taking MCT oil before bed may help with sleep quality, but this benefit has not been widely researched.
MCT Oil in Coffee
MCT oil is commonly added to coffee to help with energy levels in the morning. The proven benefits of adding MCT oil to coffee are still limited, given that there hasn’t been much research done on this subject. One study did find that MCT oil and caffeine can help to encourage ketogenesis when ingested together.
MCT Oil FAQs
What is MCT oil?
MCT stands for medium chain triglycerides, a combination of amino acids and glycerol that can be extracted from common foods like coconut oil. MCT oil may play a role in enhancing exercise endurance and metabolism because it helps with energy production in your body's cells.
How much MCT oil can you have per day?
MCT oil dosage has been debated in the past. Research suggests that taking between 18 and 24 grams of MCT oil per day should keep otherwise healthy adults from experiencing negative side effects. That's about one to 1.5 tablespoons of oil, but make sure to follow recommendations from your doctor or a licensed dietitian.
Who should not take MCT oil?
If you already struggle with digestive issues, you may want to avoid using MCT oil because it can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Always talk with your doctor about the risk factors of taking a new supplement before incorporating it into your diet.
Does MCT oil burn belly fat?
MCT oil can help with weight loss, given that it causes thermogenesis in the body. This means that it causes an increase in heat generation in the body, which can increase fat burn.
Does MCT oil trigger ketosis?
MCT oil can be a wonderful addition to a ketogenic diet. MCT oil, when combined with caffeine, may help to encourage ketogenesis. It may also help to induce ketosis, given that it is easily broken down by the liver.
Does MCT Oil Affect the Brain?
MCT oil is also being studied for its effects on the brain. An animal study found that it could help with anxiety-like behavior in rats. It has also been used in patients with cognitive disorders such as autism and dementia.
This study looked at the effects of MCT oil on patients with Alzheimer's and found that the subjects who were given MCT oil remained stable or showed improvements in their cognition. MCT oil converts to ketones in the liver, which can serve as an energy source for the brain cells.
Does MCT Oil Affect Sleep?
MCT oil is commonly taken in the morning, but it may also be taken in the evening to help sleep. Some claims state that taking MCT oil at night can help to encourage a good night of rest, given its effect on blood sugar. However, studies on MCT oil and sleep are limited and further research is still needed.
Does MCT Oil Affect the Liver?
Because of its composition, MCT oil can quickly travel from the gut to the liver, be broken down and used as a fuel source. Longer-chain fatty acids require bile to be broken down by the liver, but MCTs do now, making them easier for the liver to break down and use as a readily available fuel source.
Final Thoughts
Adding a new supplement to your daily routine may offer your body the energy boost you’ve sought. MCT oil is commonly used by dieters and athletes to help with weight loss, mental clarity and more. MCT oil is still being studied for its benefits, but it is generally considered safe. Always look for high-quality options and work with your doctor to determine if MCT oil is safe for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
