MCT oil has become a cornerstone of the keto diet. It’s also a good choice of healthy fats overall. But, how do you find the best MCT oil?
There are so many products to choose from and they can be very different from each other.
In this post, we have created for you a very detailed buyer's guide.
Not only are we comparing various MCT oils but we’re also examining MCT oil powders and supplements. After all, MTC oil itself isn’t ideal in all situations.
We’ll show you what the differences are and help you choose the best product for your needs. If you are ready to look at products simply click the link below.
In a Hurry? Skip Straight to the Comparison!
What is MCT Oil?
The term MCT stands for medium chain triglyceride. MCTs are a type of fatty acid and they have some unusual properties.
The most important aspect is how they are metabolized. The body transports them directly to the liver (1), which results in a much faster production of energy. This leads to various advantages over other types of fat, including:
- Faster digestion
- Immediate source of energy
- Increased ketone levels (2,3)
- The potential to promote weight loss
- May help improve cognition (4)
- Can reduce keto flu symptoms
MCT oil is also simply a healthy fat. It’s a good way to increase your fat intake, especially if you’re on a low-carb or keto diet.
The oil is normally produced from coconut oil (you’ll sometimes see it called fractionated coconut oil). Basically, MCT has a higher concentration of MCTs than coconut oil and a lower concentration of other components.
The Fats in MCT Oil
There are three types of MCTs that you’ll find in MCT oil.
- Caprylic acid (C8)
- Capric acid (C10)
- Lauric acid (C12)
The C8 to C12 designation is related to the number of carbon atoms in the MCT chain. A smaller value means a shorter chain – and faster processing in the body. As a result, lower values offer more health potential.
This means that the best MCT oils will have mostly C8 or C10 MCTs. They may even just rely on C8.
But, there’s a tradeoff. C8 is the most expensive type of MCT. So, the brands with higher concentrations of caprylic acid will typically be the most expensive.
It’s also not clear how strong the difference is between types. For example, C8 may be metabolized a little faster, but this may not lead to any significant health advantages.
MCT Oil vs Coconut Oil
MCT oil is often compared to coconut oil – and the two do have many similarities. But, there are also key differences.
- Coconut oil tends to contain more lauric acid and less of the other MCTs.
- This makes it less effective for energy and concentration. The Bulletproof Blog talks about some of the issues with lauric acid.
- May not be as effective at promoting ketosis.
- However, the lauric acid may offer some additional health benefits and could promote more sustained ketosis.
- Coconut oil tends to be solid at room temperature and has a coconut-like flavor
- It is often less expensive than MCT oil, as it is less processed.
The Best MCT Oil Products
These brands are all powerful MCT oils. They’re ranked based on their caprylic acid levels (C8). But, that is just one factor to consider. Other relevant aspects include the price, quality and brand.
Brain Octane Oil
Brain Octane Oil comes from the Bulletproof brand and uses only caprylic acid C8 MCTs. This is also the recommended MCT oil for Bulletproof coffee.
The marketing suggests that this is a particularly amazing type of MCT oil and it does have some advantages. But, it isn’t the only MCT oil that relies on caprylic acid.
PROS
- Reviews tend to be positive
- Can also be purchased in single-serving packets (1 tbsp each)
- Well-known brand
- Strong focus on quality
- Created through a triple distillation processed, designed to avoid chemicals and solvents
- Various bottle sizes (3 oz, 16 oz & 32 oz)
CONS
- Relatively expensive, due to the caprylic acid focus
- Bulletproof tends to focus on hype, which may not be appealing
- The lack of lauric acid means a narrower range of benefits
Perfect Keto Pure MCT Oil
Perfect Keto is a particularly powerful keto brand and they have multiple MCT oil products. These are mostly sold through the Perfect Keto site, so reviews on Amazon often don’t represent the products well.
This is another C8 MCT oil, like Brain Octane Oil.
PROS
- Just contains C8 MCTs, nothing else
- A reliable brand that specializes on the keto diet
- You can sometimes find specials or discounts through the Perfect Keto site
CONS
- Some complaints about pouring the oil from the bottle
- Relatively expensive (similar price to Brain Octane oil)
Nuton Brainfood Ketone Oil
This is another example of C8 only oil. The size is larger than other brands, although the difference is minor (33.8 oz vs 32 oz). The oil is also sourced from organic coconuts. Despite that, the product isn’t certified organic.
PROS
- Caprylic acid only
- Vegan, gluten-free, keto and paleo-friendly
- Spill-resistant top
- Visually appealing bottle
- Inexpensive for a C8-only oil
CONS
- A relatively obscure brand with fewer reviews
- No organic certification
Viva Naturals
This is a C8/C10 oil, with roughly 60% caprylic acid (C8) and 40% capric acid (C10). As such, it may not be as powerful as the C8 oils above. But, it is considerably cheaper. Viva Naturals is also a reliable brand, one that tends to get good reviews.
PROS
- Many positive reviews
- Sourced from coconuts
- An inexpensive choice
- Sustainably sourced
- Paleo and vegan-friendly
- Oil is third-party tested and certified
CONS
- Does contain C10 MCTs
- Not organic
Sports Research Organic MCT Oil
Sports Research actually has two different MCT oils (the other one is featured later in the list). This version is organic and has roughly 59% C8 caprylic acid and 41% C10 capric acid.
The organic nature of this product alone makes it worth mentioning. There aren’t very many organic MCT oils currently on the market. You don’t absolutely need organic to get health benefits, but many people do prefer organic whenever possible.
PROS
- Organic and sustainably sourced
- Gets good reviews
- Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free
- BPA-free bottle
CONS
- Is not as popular as some of the other products (including the non-organic Sports Research MCT oil)
- More expensive than many other C8/C10 oils
Left Coast Performance MCT Oil
This is an incredibly popular choice for MCT oil, getting close to 1,500 reviews on Amazon, most of which are positive. The product is good value too, offering 63 servings at close to half the price of Brain Octane Oil.
The MCT combination is roughly 56% caprylic acid (C8) and 44% capric acid (C10).
PROS
- Many positive reviews and a top choice by customers
- An inexpensive choice
- The company guarantees the purity of their oil. They also test the product regularly.
- Made by a small family-based company. The lower price comes from avoiding the middleman and selling directly to customers.
- Good ratio of C8 to C10
- Vegan, gluten-free, paleo and keto-friendly
CONS
- Less than 60% of the MCTs are C8
- Not organic
Keppi Keto
With this brand, you’re getting 55% caprylic acid (C8) and 45% capric acid (C10) – making it very similar to Left Coast Performance. The two brands are also roughly the same price and you’re getting 32 oz of MCT oil each time. The biggest difference is the number of reviews, as Left Coast Performance is almost three times as popular.
PROS
- Very few complaints, reviews tend to be overwhelmingly positive
- Gluten-free and vegan-friendly
- The brand focuses on ketosis
CONS
- Not organic
- The brand is relatively unknown and doesn’t have many products
Sports Research MCT Oil
Sports Research offers another very popular MCT oil. In this case, the MCT distribution is 42% C8 caprylic acid, 28% C10 capric acid and 30% C12 lauric acid.
As such, this is a good choice if you want some of the benefits of lauric acid too. However, the lauric acid may make this oil less effective for keto and energy benefits. Whether it is suitable will depend on your priorities.
PROS
- Extremely popular on Amazon (more than 3,000 reviews)
- Most reviews are positive
- Sustainably sourced
- A reliable brand if you’re specifically looking for lauric acid
CONS
- Similar price to oils without lauric acid
- A lower proportion of C8 MCTs than many other brands
Onnit MCT Oil
This brand appears to include lauric acid intentionally, offering 38% caprylic acid (C8), 31% capric acid (C10) and 30% lauric acid (C12). The MCT oil is also organic but isn’t certified as such.
While Onnit isn’t as popular as other brands on the list, it has been gaining popularity recently. Onnit also offers a flavored emulsified MCT oil that can be used as a creamer. The emulsified version gets mixed reviews but is an interesting alternative.
PROS
- Well-received product
- No added ingredients
- Sustainably sourced
- Dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan
CONS
- Not certified organic
- Less than 40% caprylic acid
MCT Oil Powder
MCT oil offers many advantages, but it isn’t always a good fit. For example, some people struggle to include it in their diet, especially if they’re traveling.
Keto coffee is one simple way to consume MCT oil regularly. Many people rely on this first thing in the morning. It can be a good way to boost energy and concentration. It’s also fairly satisfying, making it a perfect start to the day.
But, some people don’t like the texture of keto coffee, especially as it relies on butter and MCT oil. Others may find it impractical on the go.
Some people also experience side effects from MCT oil, including stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Thankfully, there are alternatives – including MCT oil powder. This powder has most of the same benefits as MCT oil, along with some interesting advantages.
As Perfect Keto explains, MCT oil powder is exactly what the name suggests.
MCT powder is just like MCT oil in terms of nutrition because it’s literally made from the oil, but it takes on a powder form. It’s made using a process called spray drying. Just as the name implies, the MCT oil is “sprayed” into a microscopic powder which acts as a carrier shell. This process converts the liquid form into a solid (powder) form.
Perfect Keto
MCT Oil vs Powder
This process means that MCT oil powder still gives the same keto and weight loss benefits. But, it is also more convenient, easier to digest and combines with other ingredients better.
The powder can still be used in keto coffee in the same way as MCT oil. The end result is creamier and less oily than MCT.
PROS
- More convenient than MCT oil
- More easily digested
- Combines with other ingredients better
- More effective in cooking
- Isn’t oily
CONS
- More processed than MCT oil
- Often contains additional ingredients
- Can be expensive
- Some brands don’t specify the MCT ratios
The Best MCT Powders
There are various MCT oil powders on the market, with more being developed over time. But, these few options stand out as being particularly good.
Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder
Perfect Keto has one of the most well-known examples of MCT oil powder. This is also an incredibly popular product and a common alternative to MCT oil.
The powder doesn’t use fillers or additives and simply contains MCT oil. The only ingredients are the MCT oil and acacia fiber (which is a necessary binder). The fatty acid ratio is 70% C8 and 30% C10.
While most reviews are positive, some people mention that this doesn’t blend well. That may be because the only ingredients are the binder and the MCT oil. Added ingredients can often include bendability.
PROS
- Gluten-free, dairy-free and developed for keto diets
- Regular and flavored versions (chocolate and vanilla)
- The container is BPA-free and the powder is tested for impurities and heavy metals
- Reviews are overwhelmingly positive
CONS
- Fairly expensive
- You only get 30 servings per container (just 10.6 oz)
- Is more processed than MCT oil and does use a binder
Viva Naturals MCT Oil Powder
The MCT powder from Viva Naturals is 50% caprylic acid (C8) and 50% capric acid (C10). The only ingredients are MCTs, maltodextrin and sodium caseinate. The latter two help with binding and ensure that the powder blends well.
The brand also uses organic coconuts. However, the powder itself isn’t certified organic.
PROS
- Few ingredients
- Considerably less expensive than the Perfect Keto version
- A popular product that tends to get positive reviews
- 16 ounces of powder, amounting to 50 servings
CONS
- Maltodextrin is controversial and may be bad for health. Dr. Axe talks more about the problems with this compound
- Less caprylic acid than is ideal
- No organic certification
Nutraholics MCT Oil Powder
This powder uses 50% caprylic acid (C8) and 45% capric acid (C10), making it fairly similar to the previous example. They don’t state what the other 5% is, although that may be lauric acid.
In this case, the binding agent is tapioca dextrin. There are no other ingredients aside from this and the MCT oil powder. It is another brand that uses organic coconuts but is not organic certified.
PROS
- Doesn’t use maltodextrin
- Gluten-free and paleo-friendly
- 16 ounces of powder, which totals to 50 servings
- Reviews are positive
CONS
- Less well-known brand
- More expensive than Viva Naturals for roughly the same thing
- Fewer reviews than other brands
MCT Oil Capsules
One final option is MCT supplements. The most common example is softgel capsules, which simply contain MCT oil. However, there are also other products, like MCT oil chews.
Some companies also mention that the softgel capsules can be dropped directly into coffee. This provides a convenient way to make Bulletproof or keto coffee, especially if you are traveling.
These still provide the same general MCT benefits. Even so, you need to choose carefully. There can be considerable variation between brands.
PROS
- Can be even more convenient than MCT oil powder
- No need to worry about including MCT in recipes or coffee
- Useful if you’re already taking multiple supplements
CONS
- May be more processed
- The MCT composition often won’t be provided
- Will often contain extra ingredients
The Best MCT Supplements
Once again, there are many different products to choose from. However, many of those are low quality. The entries below are reliable brands that you can consider.
Perfect Keto MCT Oil Capsules
This is another entry from the Perfect Keto brand. The capsules just contain MCT oil, with a ratio of 70% C8 to 30% C10. Three capsules will give you a 3,000 mg serving of the MCT oil.
The bottle contains 300 softgels (100 servings). That makes it a reasonably priced option.
PROS
- Capsules are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian
- No filler ingredients, just MCT oil and the capsule itself
- Many liquids contain fewer servings per bottle
- A fast and easy way to get your MCT oil
CONS
- Relatively few reviews compared to other types of products
- Taking three pills at a time may be unappealing
- Few details are given about where the MCT oil is sourced from or any manufacturing processes
- Not organic
Kiss My Keto MCT Softgels
This is a popular choice for MCT capsules. Once again, you’re getting 300 softgels in the bottle, each containing 1,000 mg of MCT oil. A serving is three capsules, giving a total of 3,000 mg per serving.
The ingredients are simply the MCT oil itself, along with the capsules. The MCT distribution is 55% C8 and 45% C10.
PROS
- Has more reviews than the Perfect Keto version
- Reviews tend to be positive
- MCT oil is sourced from coconuts
- Capsules can simply be added to coffee
CONS
- A less appealing MCT distribution
- The brand is not well-known
- The three capsule serving size may not suit everyone
- No organic certification (although organic coconuts are used)
Sports Research MCT Oil Capsules
This time, the bottle contains 120 capsules. The serving size is still three capsules, so you’re only getting 40 servings per bottle. But, this brand is much cheaper than the others, so the end result is similar.
The MCT ratio for this product is 60% caprylic acid and 40% capric acid. However, the labeling says the product ‘typically contains’ those amounts. This means there may be some variation.
PROS
- Third-party tested
- Reliable brand
- Sourced from coconuts only
- Sustainably sourced
- Kosher
CONS
- Relatively few reviews of this product
- Fewer capsules per bottle
Product Comparison
MCTs | Price | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
100% C8 | $$$ | MCT Oil | |
100% C8 | $$$ | MCT Oil | |
100% C8 | $$ | MCT Oil | |
60% C8, 40% C10 | $ | MCT Oil | |
59% C8, 41% C10 | $$ | MCT Oil | |
56% C8, 44% C10 | $ | MCT Oil | |
55% C8, 45% C10 | $ | MCT Oil | |
42% C8, 28% C10, 30% C12 | $ | MCT Oil | |
38% C8, 31% C10, 30% C12 | $ | MCT Oil | |
70% C8, 30% C10 | $$$ | MCT Oil Powder | |
50% C8, 50% C10 | $ | MCT Oil Powder | |
50% C8, 45% C10 | $$ | MCT Oil Powder | |
70% C8, 30% C10 | $$ | MCT Capsule | |
55% C8, 45% C10 | $$ | MCT Capsule | |
60% C8, 40% C10 | $ | MCT Capsule |
Our Top Choices
With so many different options, where do you start?
In part, the best answer is going to depend on what you want.
- If you’re planning to focus on keto coffee, then MCT oil should be just fine.
- But, if you have digestion issues or want a more convenient product, you might consider MCT oil powder.
- The supplements should be your last choice. They’re mostly just useful if you can’t use MCT oil any other way.
From all the brands featured in this article, the ones that stand out the most are:
- Brain Octane Oil. If you want C8-only oil, this Bulletproof product has the best reviews and is, by far, the most popular.
- Sports Research Organic MCT Oil. This is the only certified organic MCT oil and still has a good balance of C8 and C10 MCTs.
- Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder. While the product is expensive, Perfect Keto produces a high-quality powder with no concerning ingredients. There are even flavored versions.
- Perfect Keto MCT Oil Capsules. None of the supplements are particularly exciting but the Perfect Keto ones have the best C8 to C10 ratio and appear to be high-quality.
Do you agree with our selections? Or, do you have different favorites? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Outstanding article, I use the ones listed as your top choices from bulletproof and Perfect Keto and love them. They both are set up for home use and for travel which I do a lot of. Thanks for sharing such a large list. There is something there for everyone interested in Ketosis.
Thank you. Both Bulletproof and Perfect Keto are great brands with considerable history in this field. They’re more expensive but at least you know you’re getting something that you can trust.
Learned a lot from this well written post! Thank you for educating me on a product that is beneficial to life on this abused planet.
Thank you.