If youโre curious about how & why to use MCT Oil, if you should at all, wondering about the difference between MCT powder or pills and oil, whether itโs different from the coconut oil in your kitchen, etcโฆ then youโre in the right place. ๐
This all started when I got sick. In a desperate moment I reached for a packet of MCT Oil to put in my coffee, just to get by. It happened to be a Premium C8/C10 blend.
I was shocked by the INSTANT results โ which had me very intriguedโฆ
Talking about the results I experienced sparked some interesting conversations around the web, including personal experiences from others and some GREAT questions, which sent me down a rabbit hole of fascinating research!
Hereโs what youโll find in todayโs post:
* My Story: Why I Tried It & What I Experienced
* What Is MCT Oil? Coconut Oil vs MCT Oil
* Health Benefits of MCT C8 & C10 Oil: How It Works
* Should You Use MCT Oil? (When & Why)
* How To Choose The Right MCT Supplement For YOU
* MCT Oil vs MCT Powder vs MCT Softgels (NOT All The Same)
* MCT Oil Comparison Charts: Best Quality, Lowest Price!
* Creative Ways To Use MCT Oil (Even If You Donโt Drink Coffee)
Iโll say upfront: I am NOT a fan of traditional BPC, or Bulletproof Coffee (butter, coconut oil & heavy cream). Itโs never been necessary in the 8+ years Iโve been eating a ketogenic low carb diet as far as weight loss or meeting fat macros. I lost all of my weight just eating naturally high fat foods and very low carb.
Eating high fat is the norm as your energy source when youโre in ketosis, but some fats have a lot more health benefits than others. ๐
The one time I did test drinking BPC as my morning coffee for a full week, I actually gained weight. ๐ It also got icky if I didnโt drink it fast enough โ and it made me feel weird (lightheaded or something). Plus it was a MESS and a hassle to make. ๐
Given that experience, adding oil to my coffee or using an MCT supplement never occurred to me as necessary OR appealing. Until nowโฆ
Should YOU use MCT Oil?
By the end of this post youโll know if itโs right for you, and if so: what type of MCT Supplement to choose (based on YOUR needs) so you donโt waste any money โ or any time, because Iโve done all the research & comparisons for you! โ๏ธ
Itโs not just for coffee, btw. There are so many other great ways to enjoy the benefits of MCT oil! Youโll find my delicious โMCT Candyโ ideas in this post tooโฆ
Why I Tried MCT Oil & My Results
I first tried MCT Oil in a coffee when I got sick back in March. I had NO appetite, the IDEA of food made me feel sick, everything I ate just made me feel worse โ plus I also had IBS and other miserable things going on.โฃ My digestive system was a WRECK.
Honestly, the thought of โdrinking oilโ worried me. I was scared to death it would just upset my stomach even more or make the IBS even worse. ๐ณ
But I was desperate for something (anything!) to just keep me going. I was feeling wimpy. I had that packet of MCT C8/C10 Oil on hand, so I took the risk.
The first thing I noticed is that it totally satisfied me, and held me over until lunch.
But more importantly: my aching gut (from spasms), indigestion, reflux, etc immediately settled down. It had an INSTANT soothing effect!โฃ
Those positive and instant results really intrigued meโฆ
I described it like a Pepto-Bismol commercial because I could actually FEEL it working, right away (while I was still drinking my coffee), like it was coating my digestive tract and alleviating the burning & spasms all the way down.
I had no idea why or how it worked, but it got me through a pretty rough spellโฆ so I decided to research itโฆ
Just some of the benefits of MCT C8/C10 Oil include:
* reduces gut / intestinal inflammation
* causes an almost immediate increase in ketone production
* aids in smoother digestion
* fights infection (powerful antibacterial)
* kills yeast, fungi & Candida that can cause miserable digestive issues
* helps balance gut flora and support immune health
* suppresses hunger
* may improve insulin sensitivity
* bypasses the liver and is burned as energy immediately
* improves cholesterol and antioxidant levels
* increases the bodyโs ability to burn fat and calories
That explains why it had an instant soothing effect.
I could literally FEEL a difference within minutes โ reflux settled, then stopped, gut relaxed โ it kept me out of gut wrenching misery for hours.
It was pretty impressive actually.
I learned that MCT C8 almost *instantly* turns into ketones when ingested โ so it DOES work fast, meaning itโs great for quick stable energy. Youโll also notice a โmental clarityโ effect within minutes after you drink itโฆโฃ
No wonder it worked so fast and so well! I thought for sure that was all in my head. ๐คฃ I mean, how could something so simple give me instant relief?!
I love the fact that it kept me satisfied for HOURS after having it in my first morning coffee too, so Iโve continued to use it in place of breakfast most days, which is the most INconvenient meal for me.โฃ ๐
The result? I feel GREAT and I started losing weight again after a long stall!
It was especially helpful when I couldnโt eat, but super convenient and beneficial for so many other reasons too. The more I learn, the more Iโm glad I love it so much!
Iโm excited to share everything I learned with you here in this post. ๐
This is the MCT C8/C10 oil I had on hand and have been using since then:
This is a Premium C8 & C10 Liquid MCT Oil, all natural, perfectly portioned & conveniently portable, and made by FBOMB: the same company that makes the Keto Nut Butter Packs I love so much. โค -My coupon code is LOWCARBTRAVELER for 20% off FBOMB products.
(There are more options below too, including a price & quality comparison, and which MCT Oil you should pick to use at home.)
I probably never would have tried it given I donโt normally do BPC or โfatty coffeeโ but I got seriously desperate when I felt so sick.
I was honestly just looking for something to โget by onโ because I was getting wimpy ๐ but I was surprised and impressed at how different I felt within the first few sips of my coffee with this MCT Oil in it!
Itโs literally similar to the immediate effects you would experience from of a shot of vodka, but a โmorning feel-good energy shotโ instead. ๐
What Is MCT Oil? Coconut Oil vs MCT Oil
Coconut Oil is great for low carb cooking and baking, it has multiple health benefits, and of course it has endless other fabulous uses including hair & skincare.
Itโs a great thing to keep in your keto pantry!
You want to get organic unrefined coconut oil. No bleach or chemicals are used to โrefineโ or treat the oil and it retains more of the natural compounds and nutrients. Itโs also made from fresh coconut, where refined oil is not.
Both refined and unrefined coconut oil have the same MCT profile: 76% lauric acid (C12), 1% caproic acid (C6), 12% caprylic acid (C8), and 10% capric acid (C10).
The MCT Profile is key, so letโs break this down into simple termsโฆ
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides.
Triglyceride is simply the technical term for fat.
MCT, or medium-chain triglycerides, are metabolized differently than the long-chain triglycerides (or the fat) found in most other foods.
Triglycerides (or fats) are either burned for energy, or stored as body fat.
Coconut oil is only 55% MCTs and has large amounts (76%) of lauric acid (MCT C12) which slows down the digestion and the results of the MCT C8 and C10 oil that naturally occur in coconuts.
MCT Oil is made by extracting those C8 and C10 oils individually, as both MCT C8 & C10 bypass the liver and go straight into your system where they immediately produce ketones and are burned as energy โ giving you a noticeable energy boost.
That also means your body doesnโt store MCT C8 & C10 Oil as fat, because it is burned immediately by the brain & body for energy.
This is KEY, especially for people that are concerned with calories. Itโs the difference between calories stored and calories burned. You want the latter. ๐
So the main difference between Coconut Oil and MCT Oil is that Coconut Oil contains a large amount of lauric acid, which DOES go through your liver first, and can be stored as body fat. It is not immediately used as or burned off as energy, and you will not notice an INSTANT energy boost with Coconut Oil like you will with MCT Oil.
^ That explanation is a bit deceiving though, or rather some MCT Oil is very deceptive I discovered, as some brands/types contain the MCT C12 or lauric acid โ which basically just makes it a dressed up overpriced version of regular coconut oil.
Iโll show you some examples of that in my product quality/value comparisons below so you can make an educated decision when choosing a brand or type to useโฆ
Health Benefits of MCT Oil (How It Works)
Since a pure MCT C8 or MCT C8/C10 Oil is immediately used for energy by your body, and causes your body to produce ketones almost immediately, it is GREAT for a variety of benefits & reasons:
* a QUICK energy boost
* noticeable mental clarity
* meal replacement / fasting
* fast relief from digestive issues
* improve metabolism & reduce stored body fat
* pre-workout energy source
* improved workout & athletic performance
* appetite reduction and weight loss
โMCTs provide an amazing source of energy for workouts, especially high intensity training. Supplementing your pre or post-workout meal with a tablespoon of MCT oil is guaranteed to improve both training intensity and recovery.โ
Coconut Oil and MCT Oil both also have a variety of known long-term health benefits when used daily, but the above list are things you can expect to experience almost instantly from a pure MCT C8 or MCT C8/C10 Oil.
โMCT is a clean fuel which can improve your mitochondrial function, reducing your risk for diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disease and epilepsy.โ
This is a great video to watch real quick to get a better understanding of the difference between Coconut Oil and MCT Oil, and why it matters. Plus the health & fat burning benefits of MCT C8 and C10 oils:
โYour body processes MCTs differently from the long-chain fats in your diet. Normally, a fat taken into your body must be mixed with bile released from your gallbladder and acted on by pancreatic enzymes to break it down in your digestive system.
MCTs donโt need bile or pancreatic enzymes. Once they reach your intestine, they diffuse through your intestinal membrane into your bloodstream and are transported directly to your liver, which naturally converts the oil into ketones.
Your liver then releases the ketones back into your bloodstream, where they are transported throughout your body. They can even pass the blood-brain barrier to supply your brain with energy.
MCTs also have a thermogenic effect, which has a positive effect on your metabolism.
For these reasons, MCTs are readily used by your body for energy rather than being stored as fat.
MCTs are also helpful for ridding your gut of harmful microorganisms like pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Like coconut oil, MCTs also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
MCT oil is often more easily digested by those struggling to digest other types of fat, such as those with malabsorption, leaky gut, Crohnโs disease or gallbladder impairment.โ โsource
Studies on MCT for Weight Loss
โOne three-month-long, double-blind and controlled study found that long-term consumption of MCTs helped otherwise healthy adults lose significantly more subcutaneous body fat than those who took LCTs.
All subjects consumed 60 grams of total fat per day. The difference was the type of fat (MCT versus LCT). The energy, protein and carbohydrate levels were otherwise similar.
A 2015 meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that, compared to LCTs, MCTs more effectively decreased body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, total body fat, total subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.โ โsource
Should You Use MCT Oil? (When & Why)
You donโt NEED to drink BPC (Bullet Proof Coffee) or use MCT Oil on a ketogenic low carb diet. If youโre just starting out, I recommend keeping it simple: just focus on eating 20 net carbs max per day and enjoying a variety of low carb foods.
While both Coconut Oil and a more pure MCT Oil have tons of benefits, you can easily achieve weight loss and better health without them. (I did!)
Never jump on a bandwagon without a reason. Thatโs my philosophy on everything in life, though: know your WHY.
Before you choose to add coconut oil or MCT oil/powder to your diet, ask yourself what you most want to accomplish?
Knowing your objective (WHY you want or feel you need to use these products/ingredients) is the key to choosing the right one for YOU.
Do your research and know the benefits of various MCTโs for your situation/needs โ fasting, meal replacement, metabolic issues, heart health concerns, energy boost, weight loss, leaky gut, chronโs, cognitive function, epilepsy, gut health, etc.
For me it was instant relief for digestive issues (IBS and indigestion) when I got sick. After I experienced immediate and prolonged satisfaction too, I started using it almost daily in my morning coffee as a meal replacement.
Since then Iโve experienced improved energy, less bloating, better digestion and improved mood โ and those are just short term benefits Iโve experienced so far!
Itโs also VERY convenient and inexpensive as a meal replacement at home OR on the go. I use two full tablespoons of a pure MCT C8/C10 Oil in my morning coffee which is 250 calories, yet it keeps me completely satisfied until well after my normal lunch hour.
note: youโre meant to start with one teaspoon and work your way up gradually to increase your tolerance level.
Another thing to consider:
Since MCTโs produce ketones, you can potentially increase the number of healthy carbs you eat and still maintain a state of nutritional ketosis. This is something youโd have to test of course, to find your โsweet spotโ with carbs/ketosis.
Does โMCT Coffeeโ or MCT Oil Break A Fast?
Interestingly, this is one of the top questions Iโve been asked in our discussions around the web lately.
The answer is: it depends on WHY youโre fasting.
For weight loss, MCT C8/C10 is great for fasting: providing quick stable energy with nothing to spike your blood glucose levels, keeping you satisfied without food, producing ketones & increasing metabolism, etc.
For medical fasting, follow your doctorโs instructions.
I love it for skipping breakfast (which is the most INconvenient meal of the day for me usually) or for having something on hand if I need or want to skip a meal, like when Iโm traveling โ or anytime really.
If I were doing extended fasts, I would personally just have MCT C8 or MCT C8/C10 Oil 2-3x a day. But everyone does fasting differently and for different reasons. ๐
How To Choose The Right MCT Supplement For YOU
Donโt just pick up any brand you see without analyzing it first. Make sure youโre getting the highest quality for the best value, based on YOUR specific needs and preferences.
Factors to consider include:
* Type/Form (liquid, softgels, powder)
* Quality (purity)
* Value (price)
* Results
* Source
* Packaging (portable/travel size, large bottles, pump-style top)
Quality is a must, but Iโm often willing to pay a little bit more for a product that comes from a company I know, like and trust โ than to save a few dollars supporting a company that has no real passion for the product theyโre creating, or thatโs just capitalizing on the โketo craze.โ
But thatโs just me โ we all have different priorities.
Another thing to consider is: if MCT products from two different brands are similar in purity AND value, which has other products I also like or buy? I usually save money restocking from a single website than ordering from multiple sites or stores.
Iโd be more likely to order MCT Oil from Company A if I also buy their bars or collagen powder, than to order from Company B if thatโs the only product they carry that I would use โ all else being equal between the products.
Check your labels closely!
Iโve noticed that some of them do not breakdown the amount or type of each MCT, or they have additional ingredients included.
You want pure MCT Oil only, and only MCT C8 or MCT C8 & C10.
Avoid cheaper versions containing MCT C6. Even a small amount in the product, like 1-2% of C6, can contribute to intestinal distress and also give the oil a bad taste.
There are quite a few brands that include MCT C12 which is lauric acid โ a cheaper and less effective MCT used to dilute their product to cut costs.
The addition of MCT 12 or lauric acid means you will NOT feel the fast effects that come from pure C8 and/or C10 MCTโs. It also means that product will not bypass your liver and be burned immediately for energy, so may be stored as body fat.
Any product labeled as โMCT Oilโ that includes MCT 12 / Lauric Acid is basically just plain coconut oil in a fancy overpriced bottle.
If it doesnโt specifically say what the MCT Breakdown is, or you canโt easily identify ALL the ingredientsโฆ PASS.
Coconut Oil is great of course and has a host of health benefits. It does contain both MCT 8 and MCT 10, but you canโt get enough of either of those potent fast-acting MCTโs from Coconut Oil alone because it is 76% lauric acid (MCT 12).
MCT powder vs MCT Softgels vs MCT Oil
MCT C8 or MCT C8/10 Oil comes in three forms: liquid, powder or softgels.
While the powder or softgels might be your preference, they do contain additives or carriers. Oil is the purest form of MCT, and in my experience so far the oil form delivers the fastest results โ a noticeable energy boost and appetite suppressant, literally within minutes.
This is where it gets tricky, and why I provided a detailed product/brand/type comparison for you below.
The Kiss My Keto MCT Softgels are a good, clean option for MCT C8/C10 Oil you can take without having to add oil or powder to a liquid (broth, coffee, tea, keto shakes, etc). Theyโre also convenient on the go. Howeverโฆ
Youโre meant to swallow 3 capsules to start and increase up to 6 capsules PER SERVING โ up to three times a day. Thatโs 18 softgels a day!
That means their 300 Count Bottle would last you a little over two weeks (16-17 days), if you were taking 18 softgels day. So the โ100 servings per containerโ is a little misleading.
You really have to analyze all of the MCT labels. They all switch between measurements: grams, milligrams, tbsps, etc โ and the serving size and macros are different on them all.
Also, taking 6 softgels as a single serving would provide you with 6,000mg of MCT C8/C10, or 6 grams. That means it is also only 6 grams of fat per serving. Easier viewed as one gram of MCT and one gram of fat per capsule.
In comparison, taking a 1 TBSP serving of KetoLogic MCT C8/C10 Oil of the same purity provides you with 14 grams of MCT and 14 grams of fat. So a single TBSP of this oil is more than double the dose of MCT from swallowing 6 large softgel capsules.
What about calories? Kiss My Keto Softgels = 25 calories for 3 capsules, KetoLogic C8/C10 Oil = 130 calories for 1 TBSP.
Softgels are not a substantial source of dietary fat.
MCT Softgels are a better option for people on a low calorie diet that want the energy/ketone/health benfits of MCT Oil. And that donโt mind to swallow A LOT of large capsules to get WAY less MCT.
They are not a substantial source of healthy fats for a ketogenic diet like liquid MCT Oil โ which can easily help you reach your fat macros, and introduce a pure fat into your system that helps you burn more body fat โ more quickly.
That means softgels are hardly contributing to your keto macros and they are NOT good for a meal replacement like the oil.
The bottom line is that softgels will cost you more, and deliver less MCT (and less results) per serving than an MCT oil.
Going back to my comparison between the softgel/oil options above comes out to 3 grams of MCT in a serving of softgels vs 14 grams of MCT in a serving of the oil.
Thereโs also the comparison of your personal preference between adding MCT to your coffee, tea or broth (or taking a liquid TBSP straight) versus swallowing 3-6 large capsules at a time.
If you donโt like the idea of โdrinking oilโ Iโll share some GREAT alternatives with you below โ including candy, fat bombs or a โnut butter biteโ you might prefer.
MCT Powder vs MCT Oil
There are many MCT Oil Powder options available now for people who donโt like oil. Just like liquid MCT Oil, the MCT Powders have no smell or taste, so they are ideal for adding to your drinks too (low carb smoothies, protein shakes, broth, coffee, tea, almond milk, etc).
Note: use an MCT powder where the ONLY other ingredient is Acacia Fiber.
Just like softgels vs liquid though, you want to do a fair comparison on the amount of MCT youโre getting from a serving of powder โ and the amount of fat if thatโs part of your goal (increasing healthy fats that promote fat-burning).
I made a nice โchocolate milkโ for example using unsweetened almond milk and 2 scoops of Perfect Keto Chocolate MCT Oil Powder. It didnโt mix as well as I would have liked, so youโd want to use a frother or hand mixer to blend it rather than just stir it in. Anywayโฆ
2 scoops (two 1 scoop servings) = 20 grams of MCT, 14 grams of fat and 140 calories. Thatโs according to the label, which doesnโt add up to me. 20 grams of MCT should equal 20 grams of fatโฆ right? ๐ค (Iโll have to figure that out!)
Interestingly I did not get the same results as I do when I put 2 TBSP of liquid FBOMB MCT C8/C10 Oil in my coffee. Where that gives me a noticeable energy boost and immediate appetite suppressant that lasts for HOURS, I felt hungry during and after drinking the โchocolate milkโ made with MCT Powder.
I also went straight to bed after I drank it and fell into a great sleep, so there was no noticeable energy boost.
The FBOMB packet I use is 2 TBSP (1 ounce, 29.6 ml) while a 1 Scoop Serving of the MCT Powder is 12.6 grams, meaning the 2 Scoop (double serving) of the powder is almost equal to (very close: 25.2) the 29.6 ml of oil.
HOWEVER, the FBOMB liquid oil has 30 grams of MCT and the double serving of that powder has 20 grams of MCT. The oil is 250 calories, and the equivalent amount of powder is 140 calories.
Could the difference in the amount of MCTโs and/or the number of calories makes THAT big of a difference in terms of noticeable energy & appetite suppressant results?
Iโm not sure, and I havenโt done enough personal testing to see if I can duplicate the same fabulous-feeling and appetite-suppressing results with the powder. (yet)
That makes me curious about the absorption rate between powder/softgel/oil too, but havenโt found any scientific studies or definitive results on that.
As you can see, thereโs a lot to consider between the three forms MCT C8 & C10 comes in โ and thereโs a lot to consider between the different brands as wellโฆ
Which MCT Oil Supplement Is Best? Comparisonsโฆ
Now that you know WHY you want a pure C8 or C8/C10 oil without any additional ingredients (and what to look for), you still have to wade through endless brands online or on the shelves, and read countless labels to make sure youโre not getting ingredients you donโt want.
Iโve done the work for you though! ๐
To make this the best and fairest product comparison possible, I sourced the list of brands/options from my community on both Instagram and Facebook so I could compare what I have tested/used personally with what other people are using.
I started with a LONG list of MCT Oil products/brands, recalculated their measurements to equal servings, then analyzed both the QUALITY and VALUE to determine the absolute best product for the lowest price or best value.
You can see my MCT Supplement Comparison Spreadsheet above where I broke all of this data down.
I researched 12+ more that Iโve since removed from that list because I just kept running into more โMCT Oilโ products with big claims, but that were diluted with A LOT of unnecessary ingredients โ so I finally had to stop. ๐
Many manufacturers donโt even openly disclose their ingredients or the MCT breakdown (what exactly is in it and how much of each), which is something you want to be cautious about. Several took me 4+ pages of digging through small print to mark them off based on poor quality / undesirable ingredients.
I separated the remaining list of options on the left in that spreadsheet by: portable/single serving, liquid, powder and softgels. The price per serving column reflects a discount using my LOWCARBTRAVELER coupon code.
MCT Oil Supplement Comparison & Product Breakdown
I first used (and loved!) the FBOMB packets with GREAT results. Being on the go a lot (aka @lowcarbtraveler) I need single-serve MCT options that will pass through airport security, and that I can take on road trips & keep in my bag.
Iโm not interested in softgels because I would have to take entirely too many (!!) capsules to equal the same amount of MCT in one coffee or shake.
These are the top three single-serve MCT options:
Of the three best options for a portable/compact single-serve MCT Oil Travel Packet, Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil is the highest quality and FBOMB Premium C8/C10 is the best price for a top quality MCT oil.
I also have a 20% off discount code for FBOMB products.
The main difference between these two single-serve oils is that Bulletproof packets are a 1 TBSP serving and FBOMB packets are a 2 TBSP serving. Bulletproof is also a C8 oil where FBOMB is a C8/C10 oil.
Both are clean/pure, top quality, will give you optimal/fast results and both are travel friendly single-serve packets:
* Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil
* FBOMB Premium C8/C10
coupon code: LOWCARBTRAVELER for 20% off
Larger bottles are a much better value for at home of courseโฆ
Bulletproof, Pefect Keto and Kiss My Keto all three offer 100% MCT C8 Oil (at those links) for a slightly higher price, but Iโve found the MCT C8/C10 blend to work exceptionally well โ for a lower price. Perfect Keto and Kiss My Keto are comparable in price, but Bulletproof C8 is quite a bit more as you can see on my spreadsheet.
Liquid MCT C8/C10 Oil โ 16 or 32oz Bottles
These are the best value for at-home use. The three highest quality bottles of MCT C8/C10 Oil are:
* KetoLogic 16oz Bottle
* Perfect Keto 32oz Bottle
* Kiss My Keto 32oz Bottle w/Pump
(coupon code LOWCARBTRAVELER works for all three sites)
Of the three, Kiss My Keto is the best value โ and it comes with a pump top. Itโs actually the only one that has a pump, so I ordered one myself. ๐
Perfect Keto is the highest quality at the lowest price โ except that right now Kiss Me Keto is on sale (marked down $6.00). My coupon code wonโt work with the sales prices, but it still comes out cheaper per serving at the moment.
If you prefer MCT Oil Powderโฆ
Some people prefer MCT Oil Powder over the oil for texture reasons. It does blend into liquids smoother and it is a more palatable option for people who canโt handle โoily coffeeโ (although I rather like the SMOOTH texture of my MCT oil-blended coffee, and how soft & shiny it makes my lips!).
Use caution when buying MCT Oil Powder because most of them are FULL of other ingredients (you donโt want), and because it has less MCTโs per serving for a much higher price than MCT Liquid Oil.
To give you one example to watch out for, the Quest MCT Oil Powder has the following ingredients. You can find this image on their Amazon page:
Quest also does NOT disclose WHICH medium chain triglycerides they use exactly, or in what amount โ which is sketchy.
Viva Naturals also has an โMCT Oil Powderโ and check out their ingredients below. Interesting to note is there are only 4 grams of MCTโs per serving, plus 4 carbs and a gram of sugar. What the heck?!
Compare that to the ingredients and quality of Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder, which is a MCT C8 70% / MCT C10 30% pure blend. Very high quality MCT Oil Powder:
(Iโm using their Collagen Powder which has the same quality MCTโs in it.)
My recommendation: Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder
coupon code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
The Kiss My Keto โKeto Creamerโ (unflavored) is also an MCT Oil Powder, but it does serve as a coffee creamer too so it has other ingredients.
That said itโs a quality product with good ingredients at a GREAT price โ and delivers almost the same amount of MCTโs per serving:
* Kiss My Keto MCT Oil Powder โKeto Creamerโ
coupon code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
I already use a coffee creamer I like, and I prefer my MCT Powder NOT to be a โcreamerโ so I can use for other purposes โ like in a steamy cup of bone broth as one example.
I hope that helps you better choose an MCT Oil Powder if thatโs your preference. Just be super cautious as there are A LOT of options and the ingredients or quality of ingredients isnโt always very obvious!
How do MCT Softgels stack up?
The top three MCT Softgels I found are from Bulletproof, Kiss My Keto and Perfect Keto. Bulletproof Softgels are a pure MCT C8 which is always a little more expensive, but itโs more than double the price of the other two brands of MCT C8/C10 softgels โ a blend Iโve been using with GREAT results.
Between Kiss My Keto and Perfect Keto, they are very similiar in quality and price. Perfect Keto is slightly better ratio quality (higher in C8) and only slightly cheaper by one cent per serving โ or one dollar per bottle.
* Perfect Keto MCT Softgels
coupon code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
* Kiss My Keto Softgels
coupon code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
Honestly I think theyโre both great options for an MCT softgel. I use other Perfect Keto products (their bars, nut butter & collagen for example) so Iโd be more likely to add that on to my order.
Thatโs IF softgels were something I would personally use, and theyโre not.
The MCT Softgels give you way too low an amount of MCT per serving, require taking entirely too many a day, and are not a cost effective option for MCT Oil benefits.
For example, if I use 2 TBSP of the Perfect Keto MCT C8/C10 Oil that comes out to 94 cents (.47 per serving x 2) and 28 grams of MCT. I would have to take TWENTY EIGHT softgels at .26 per serving (total cost: $2.34) to get the same 28 grams of MCT Oil.
Thatโs more than double the price, and no way Iโm swallowing that many pills a day. ๐
Soโฆ Which MCT Oil Supplement Should I Get?
I would love to try Bulletproof MCT Oil, especially the travel packets (for convenience), but youโre obviously going to pay a little more there for both the pure MCT C8 quality and for the brand/name.
The only powder I can personally recommend is the Perfect Keto MCT C8/C10 Powder. I would personally prefer unflavored. For coffee I can add my own creamer/sweetener, and unflavored is ideal for adding to broth or shakes โ or to use in recipes.
Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder
coupon code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
I like their unflavored Collagen Powder too, which has the same quality MCTโs in it. Plus their nut butter & bars are both great โ and even better together!
For a high quality liquid MCT Oil, I recommend (and am using myself) FBOMB C8/C10 Travel Packs for on-the-go, and Perfect Keto C8/C10 Oil or Kiss My Keto C8/C10 Oil to use at home.
* FBOMB Premium C8/C10
coupon code: LOWCARBTRAVELER for 20% off
* Kiss My Keto MCT C8/C10 Oil w/Pump
coupon code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
* Perfect Keto MCT C8/C10 Oil
coupon code: LOWCARBTRAVELER
I currently have the Kiss My Keto oil at home but the Perfect Keto oil is also the same quality/price โ and one Iโll probably order next myself when I restock bars, nut butter & collagen protein powder.
I might be interested in trying the Keto Creamer from Kiss My Keto but Iโm not going to buy a huge tub of it not knowing if Iโll like it or not. And I DO NOT LIKE their bars โ AT ALL โ blech. ๐ Their Keto Chocolate Toasted Hazelnut bars are seriously delicious, but $25 for 4 chocolate bars. So the MCT Oil is probably the only thing I would order from Kiss My Keto regularly โ and only if I decide I like the pump top style bottle best. Otherwise Iโll order the Perfect Keto MCT Oil for the same price/quality since Iโll be shopping there anyway.
This has been exhausting, interesting & surprising research!
When I first started compiling the list of MCT Oil options on my comparison spreadsheet, I thought for sure I already knew which one I would most recommend. I also had NO idea there was so much CRAP on the shelves and on Amazon being disguised as โMCT Oil.โ ๐ณ Trickery!!
I wanted to like KetoLogic best, because I love the people behind the company. I have some here and Iโve been using it. Itโs a great product, but just not comparable in price. Itโs slightly more than Bulletproof MCT C8 Oil even, which is high for a C8/C10 blend. Perfect Keto and Kiss My Keto also have a slightly higher level of MCT C8 in their oils, at much lower prices. They both also offer bigger bottles (32oz), where KetoLogic doesnโt (16oz only).
Iโm happy to find I still LOVE the FBOMB packets, both for quality AND value. ๐
Over the weeks Iโve been compiling and comparing this data and writing this post for you, Iโve been ordering and testing/trying a variety of these products โ and other things each company offers.
Iโm particularly impressed with Perfect Keto from my own tests and comparisons at home. Their collagen protein powder is better for example than others Iโve tried (better texture, smoother, and NO funky odor/taste like some). Their bars are sweeter than I normally like, but I canโt stop eating them, and I really like their nut butter (note: itโs NOT sweet). All of their products are SUPER CLEAN โ they use really good ingredients.
And of course I love everything FBOMB โ all portable, all super clean, all delicious: avocado oil, nut butters, house blend & olive oil, MCT oil, the Keto Krunch cheese snacks โ everything.
It had also been ages since Iโd looked at the Bulletproof site, so seeing they have bars now intrigued me. Theyโre 9 net carbs per bar though, and they have chicory root fiber in them (Kiss My Keto bars do as well) โ which is an ingredient that makes me MISERABLE. I literally feel completely lethargic within an hour of eating anything with chicory root fiber.
There are many other MCT Oil Options I left off the listโฆ
Some of the more popular MCT Oil brands that people are buying locally like Slimfast, Sports Research, Keto Science, ONNIT, etc are basically the same as coconut oil. They contain lauric acid which has to go to the liver first, unlike a premium MCT C8/C10 oil that bypasses the liver and is burned for energy immediately. They are not a pure form of MCT oil but rather a dressed up over-priced version of plain old coconut oil.
Linda asked me about Pruvit 143 MCT, so I looked into that one as well. It has WAY too many ingredients in it (eek!). Also, 15 one tbsp servings is $49. Thatโs off the charts ridiculous in comparison to brands of much higher quality!
Long story short: use one of the brands I recommended, or do your research and/or read the labels VERY carefully before choosing an MCT Oil if you want any REAL benefits from it.
I personally love MCT Oil in hot coffee โ or cold, I discovered this works just as well with cold brew or iced coffee! I only like it in a shaker bottle though, or in a travel mug, something with a leak-proof lid so I can give it a shake and keep it blended nice and smooth from start-to-finish. ๐
* These are FBOMB Premium MCT C8/C10 Oil Packs
You can use code LOWCARBTRAVELER for 20% off
I make my coffee like I normally do (with sugar free hazelnut powdered creamer), then add the oil last and put on the lid and shake it up. Thatโs it! A shaker bottle or travel mug letโs you give it a shake so it stays smooth & creamy to the end. ๐
I tried this same thing with an iced coffee from Starbucks. The oil blended just fine (surprise! I was surprised at least -lol), but was definitely best in a shaker bottle or travel mug โ just like hot coffee.
How To Use MCT Oil (Donโt Cook With It!)
If you LOVE the benefits of the liquid oil form but donโt like the idea of taking or drinking oil, Iโll give you creative ideas to make it easy & delicious to enjoy. ๐
Itโs recommended to start with a one teaspoon serving and gradually work up to 1-3 TBSP/day. Some people report getting diarrhea or stomach distress when starting off with a full TBSP.
I started with two full TBSP my very first time, and didnโt experience any digestive issues, so I guess weโre all different! Use caution to start though.
You can add the MCT Oil or Powder to any liquid: coffee, tea, water, smoothies, shakes, broth, etc. It has no flavor or smell, so it will mix with practically anything.
You could also mix it in with sugar free syrup, salad dressing or any low carb condiment youโre using. I imagine it would easily mix well with low carb yogurt and sugar free pudding.
If you donโt want the oil in a whole mug of something, or want to โtake itโ quicker, just mix it with 1/4 cup of coffee or chicken broth for a โquick shotโ.
Better yet, mix your MCT Oil with a TBSP of almond butter โ and eat that. ๐
You arenโt supposed to cook with it at higher temperatures, so use regular coconut oil for baking or cooking. Oops! I didnโt know that and used it in place of coconut oil in my keto muffins recipe recently. They tasted fine (fabulous actually), but Iโll stick to coconut oil for baking at 350+ in the future for sure.
Fat Bombs: The Most DELICIOUS Way To Enjoy MCT Oil!
The great thing about using MCT Oil instead of coconut oil for making keto candy (or โfat bombsโ) is that MCT Oil does NOT taste like coconut โ so it doesnโt make everything you create taste like coconut candy. ๐
You can melt down sugar free chocolate chips and mix in your MCT Oil to make chocolate bites that will be way more enjoyable than taking a TSP of the oil straight.
I like to mix oil and nut butter 50/50 and freeze it in silicone molds for delicious little health bites. You may like it better if you mix it 2:1 or even 3:1 โ so 1 TBSP of almond butter with 1 TSP of MCT Oil (3:1 ratio).
Of course you can get super creative with fat bombs or โketo freezer candyโ recipes too. Iโve been playing with some myself, and the MCT Oil does work very well for those:
That solves the โI donโt like oil in my coffeeโ problem!;)
Apologies for writing a book about MCT Oil. ๐คฃ I have been SO impressed from the results I experienced with it myself, but didnโt know why until I started researching it.
Then the discussions around the web brought up A LOT of questions โ and seriously questionable brands/options. ๐
Have you tried MCT Oil yet?
It took me months to get brave enough to try it (lol) and getting too sick to eat (ack!) to give it a whirl. Now Iโm using it daily in my first morning coffee and thinking: what in the world was I afraid of??
Itโs great, and the results are amazing! โค
Iโm curious to hear your experience with it too, and specifically which brand you use or which brands youโve tried.
If you want me to analzye your brand (or ANY brand), or have questions about the other products from these companies, just leave a comment.
Iโve been placing a crazy number of orders to try & test other things they each carry so I can give you feedback on more than just their MCT Oil โ and of course because I was curious for myself too! ๐ ๐
Thoughts or questions?
This has all been nothing short of fascinating for me personally, from the RESULTS to the research, and even the comparisons were seriously enlighteningโฆ
Buyer beware, hey? Geez!
I hope it was helpful for you as well. ๐
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
p.s. Weโre also having a GREAT discussion about Collagen on Facebook right now:




Excellent research on the MCT oil. When I started low-carb high-fat in March 2016 I started using MCT oil right away. After 6 months or so I began researching so that I could better understand the benefits, and could maximize them. I have found bulletproof MCT oil to be the one for me. I like that it only contains C8 as that is utilized by the body directly, immediately, and creates the most ketones in the body.
Thank you for clarifying that MCT oil is not appropriate for use in cooking. There is a lot of misinformation regarding that online. The last thing that we need in our bodies when weโre trying so hard to be healthy, is free radicals caused by MCT oil that has degraded prior to consumption.
Iโve really enjoyed your research regarding collagen peptides. Thank you for that.
Thank you, Mary โ Iโm glad you enjoyed it! That was news to me, how MCT breaks down when heated, but great to learn.
Iโm interested in trying the Bulletproof brand, but Perfect Keto and Kiss My Keto also both make a pure C8 oil at much lower prices.
I do like that they have 1 tbsp travel packets. I use the full 2 tbsp serving in FBOMB travel packets, but a smaller portion could be better for some people.
I experienced such GREAT results using the C8/C10 premium oils, including an immediate higher blood ketone level reading on my meter โ within a SINGLE HOUR even โ that I donโt think I want to pay more for Bulletproof.
It would be interesting to test them side by side though, so I may do that just to SEE if thereโs any real difference more than the brand name. ๐
Iโm LOVING the collagen so far. I can already tell a difference in my hair & nails within a couple of weeks. Are you using one? I think Bulletproof has that too, but Iโm using the Perfect Keto Unflavored โ which also has their quality MCT in it.
OMG!! This is soooo much information! Never would have known even half of this without you! Iโm trying FBOMB packs for sure for energy and hoping for a reduction in inflammation. Thanks so much! You rock!
Iโm so glad, Janene โ it was A LOT to research, verify, compare, etc โ but I was so intrigued with my results and that made me CURIOUS! ๐
Iโm still testing โ and really interested to see if I can get the same results from the MCT Oil Powder like I do with the liquid oil. That one surprised me, but maybe it was just an off dayโฆ
Iโve been waiting for this article like it was a summer blockbuster and it did not disappoint Lynn. Great job and thanks so much.
lol Trish โ that made me smile ๐ ๐ Thank you! This was a lot of fun to do, although I feel like I could sleep for a week now. ๐ haha *cheers*
Hi Lynn,
Iโve been using the FBOMB packets for years now even before the keto craze really started. I even have the FBOMB sticker on the back of my car for over 5 years now. I have recently found a new MCT powder for my coffee though that I absolutely love! Itโs by Bean Envy & I use both the vanilla & chocolate in my coffee in the am. It has the prebiotic acacia fiber & collagen in it. Check it out & let me know what you think.
Hi Jill โ is it this MCT Oil Powder + Collagen + Prebiotic Acacia Fiber by Bean Envy?
Everything about it looks GREAT. It has a good blend of the right MCTโs (C8 70%, C10 30%) โ itโs very close to the Perfect Keto Collagen Powder Iโm using right now. Good quality!
Itโs not a meal replacement like the MCT Oil of course, so it may suppress your appetite some, but I donโt find it does much if at all like the straight oil. But I also use the collagen powder separately. Good find!
Yes Lynn, thatโs the one. I use the chocolate or vanilla though. I havenโt tried the plain unflavored one. It taste so good in my coffeeโฆ. Iโm loving it! Itโs also a much bigger container than most as well so it lasts longer. Thanks for checking it out!
Lynn,
I forgot to ask you if you have an official recipe/link to these peanut butter cup fat bombs?
They do look great!!!!!
I donโt have the MCT Fat Bomb recipe written up โ yet. I just made them! But Iโll work on that once I tweak the recipe a little more.
I think most people would prefer a 3:1 ratio (tbsp to tsp of MCT oil) to make the chocolate or peanut butter bites โ or combinations. I made mine 1:1 (equal amounts) and want to test & compare the 3:1 so I can get the macros written up for each version. ๐
Hi Jill & Aaron ๐ I got that recipe up for the MCT Oil Candy! Did you see that one? If not, itโs here: https://www.travelinglowcarb.com/24800/mct-oil-candy-keto-fat-bombs/ Enjoy!
I use Dr. Axe Ancient Nutrition Collagen Protein Type I,II,III,V and X. I put a scoop of it in my tea everyday. It blends great.
I have been hooked on The F-Bombโs for a long time. I walk 5 miles every morning and when I get back I have a frozen F- Bomb. The reason I like to freeze them is because they taste good and I donโt have anything left the packet. I also use the MCT oil and Keto Krunch.
I have been a supporter of Perfect Keto for a very long time and use most all of the products that you covered. Their nut butter and bars are terrific. What a terrific job you did explaining MCTโs, Thank You!
I found the Dr. Axe Ancient Nutrition Collagen on Amazon โ it looks like a GREAT product! Iโm in the process of comparing quality/value on collagen powder options now too, so thank you for pointing this one out to me. ๐
FBOMB is an amazing company โ such great people, and super clean products. I actually like to warm up my nut butter packets with body heat first and eat them that way, but Iโll have to try them frozen!
Glad to hear you love the Perfect Keto bars & nut butter too! Iโm always curious what other people think, given we all have different tastes & preferences. ๐
I just ordered the Perfect Keto one, letโs hope it works great,
I had ordered the F Bomb one before and it seem to give me a little more energy
But I would forget to take it every day.
Hi Patsy!
Is it because the FBOMB were packets instead of a bottle? I have been keeping the oil & collagen both on the counter by my coffee pot. ๐ The FBOMB packets will be great to keep in your bag for on the go use, or to use when youโre traveling!
Mostly it was because I have to be at work so early, and Iโm not a morning person, and I would forget to put in my coffee before I rushed out the door in the morning.
On the days I remember i do believe it woke me up where I was more alert and no brain fog felt better in general. Iโm planning on ordering more from F Bomb but I thought I would try the Perfect Keto to see if it was as good. After I leave the house with my 30oz coffee I donโt drink anymore coffee the rest of the day.
Can you use your code every time you purchase from F Bomb or is it just one time 20% off?
Itโs the same quality MCT so you should experience the same results โ meal replacement/appetite suppressant, higher ketone levels, mental clarity & energy, etc.
Iโm not a morning person either lol, so I set out my shaker cup or travel mug with the oil by the coffee pot the night before usually.
The 20% off discount code is for first time orders, so the next time youโll have to use a different email address to use the LOWCARBTRAVELER code again at https://fbomb.sjv.io/kA3Xv โ then it will work. ๐
So excited because my order of legendary nut butters will be here today! I love the Fbombs and so does my son who has now been on LC for 3 months! He works hard physically at his job and these little packets are a perfect quick snack for him. It is so nice to have someone who finally โgets itโฆthis WOEโ. Spent the weekend around Nashville and we helped each other make good choices and of course the food was great! My husband said he wasnโt going anywhere else with us until we started โeating normalโ again..?? Whateverโฆ.
lol Mary โ THATโS funny! How great that your son is eating low carb now too. It does make it easier (or at least more FUN) to have someone to eat keto with and share great keto finds with.
I love Legendary Foods nut butters โ and especially love their new squeeze packs! Perfect for on the go, and I really love them combined WITH the fbomb nut butters: blueberry almond butter with macadamia & sea salt = amazing combo. ๐ Enjoy your keto mail today!!
Lynn,
Awesome article! Do you put creamer in your MCT Coffee? I see where you like the powdered Coffee matesugar free hazelnut creamer. I like that too. Do you use that with the MCT oil in your coffee?
I do yes, I make my coffee like I normally do first โ then add the oil and give it a shake. Thatโs it! ๐
The first time I tried MCT oil, I started getting ocular migraines. I traced it the MCT oil. A few days later I tried it again, same thing. Stopped taking it, they went away. Last week, I started taking a magnesium supplement and started getting the ocular migraines again. I looked at the ingredients and sure enough there was MCT in it. So just a warning with these supplements, if you notice any change in your body, it might be coming from what you are taking.
Hi Maribeth,
How interesting! Which brand of MCT Oil were you using?
Do you also get the same reaction with coconut and/or coconut oil?
This is on sale today for $5 off. Will you look at it and tell us all what you think of it? Thanks!
Pure C8 Organic MCT Oil โ Keto, Paleo, Brain & Heart Health โ Fast, Sustainable Focus & Energy โ Coffee, Shakes, Salads, Cooking โ Flavorless, Non-GMO, BPA Free Bottle, 32 Fluid Oz
by INTENTIALLY NAKED
Hi Cindy! Good find. ๐ That MCT Oil, this one: Intentionally Naked Pure C8 Organic MCT Oil is Pure C8 Oil (100%) and comes from organic coconut (not palm oil). It looks great from what I can tell, and thatโs a GOOD deal on that size bottle of Pure C8. ๐
Iโm wondering if there is a suggested limit of MCT oil to use during a day. Would there be any difference to using 2 TBS in my morning coffee versus 1 TBS in the morning coffee and another TBS in a second batch of coffee in the afternoon? I know you have suggested the people work their way up to 2 TBS and Iโm just starting my experiment with this. I tried 1 TBS in my coffee this morning and so far that is fine, not too oily. Iโm wondering if I put 2 TBS in I would not like the oily taste โ so doing 1 TBS twice per day might work better. Is there a specific benefit to C10 oil or does the combination of that with C8 just make it cheaper?
Great questions, Kris!
Youโre right, youโre meat to start with a teaspoon and work your way up. Iโve read you can take as much as 3-4 tbsp a day, but I stick with 2 tbsp in my first morning coffee and am having great results with that. I have tested more in a single day with no adverse effects, but am testing that more to see how it affects ketone levels and weight loss / energy โ if at all (compared to just 2 tbsps).
C10 OIl is a true medium chain triglyceride just like C8, but yes C8 alone is more expensive so the C8/C10 oil is both effective and more economical.
Taking two 1 TBSP servings a day should work out just fine, and that second tbsp in the afternoon is a great way to power through those later hours when we typically need a fresh boost of energy. ๐
Just wanted to say that I appreciate all of the research you did on MCT. I just ordered the oil from Kiss My Keto, and it was still on sale for $6 off AND your discount code LOWCARBTRAVELER worked on top of that ๐ $26.10 total.
Thank you, Robin โ and yay! That was a good deal. ๐ Enjoy!!
Do you put Butter with the oil and if so how much?
Hi Lucille ๐ No, I donโt put butter in my coffee. I just make my coffee like I normally do (I use a sugar free powdered hazelnut creamer by coffeemate) then I add the MCT Oil after I fix it.
Great round-up article!
Just to be clear, though, โtraditional bulletproof coffeeโ does not contain either coconut oil or cream. Hereโs the basic description from the Bulletproof website: โThe recipe is easy: just blend together coffee, Brain Octane oil (C8 MCT oil) and grass-fed butter or ghee.โ
๐