Best MCT Oil – 2021 Review Guide

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If you are thinking about taking MCT oil, you might agree with this statement:

With all of the brands on the market, it is difficult to know which are the best MCT oils available if one is looking for the highest quality at a reasonable price.

As I started researching MCT oils for personal reasons, I also felt confused by all of the MCT oils on the market. In the process of researching the best MCT oils, I documented these notes for myself and figured I would put them on the web to help others save time with their own research.

Best MCT Oils – 2021 Guide

Some of these MCT oils are a better value while others offer a laser focus on the purity of the underlying MCTs. That being said, these MCT oils are all quite good and, in most cases, you won’t have any major issues if you try any of them out.

1. Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil – Editor’s Choice

With a high-powered name behind it, Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil has been engineered to deliver a top MCT oil experience. Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil used to be more expensive but, on recent review, compares well in cost with other MCT oil brands out there, vaulting it up to the top of this list. Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil is only made with C8 MCTs with the thesis that C8s produce ketones more efficiently than other forms of MCTs. Additionally, the team behind Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil believes that C8 MCTs can help balance the presence of fungi such as Candida in the gut which gives it an added bonus. Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil was conceived by one of the early leaders in the MCT oil space and it has a popular celebrity following.

Producing Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil is a more labor-intensive process because coconuts, in their raw form, only contain small quantities of C8 MCTs. Classically blended into coffee with grass fed butter to make bulletproof coffee, Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil comes in a nice liquid form which only requires 1 teaspoon per day. Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil has a slightly nutty – almost smoky – flavor.

Users of Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil state that it is quite helpful with a keto diet and satisfies hunger by keeping you feeling full. Some have even noted that it reduces sugar cravings. Additionally, it is reported to help improve mental and physical energy through the rapid transformation of C8s into ketone bodies, leading to improved focus and mental clarity.

Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil, like most MCT oils, should be eased into slowly as it can cause bad diarrhea. As such, it is not recommended to be taken on an empty stomach. Unfortunately, the packaging and plastic bottle design of Bulletproof Brain Octane oil is not very good which often leads to spilling and dribbling while attempting to pour out this MCT oil.

2. Wild MCT Oil

Wild MCT oil is a high-quality MCT brand because it combines two quality sources of MCT oil – leading to a balanced supplement oil – in a quality product. Billed as a 100% pharmaceutical grade product, Wild MCT oil is a blend of approximately 55% caprylic acid (C8) and 35% capric acid (C10) fatty acids. Unlike Wild MCT oil is made from a combination of coconut and palm kernel oils farmed from sustainable sources in Asia. To date, we are still partial to MCT oils that offer both coconut and palm oil as we feel like there is not enough evidence to date as far as committing to one particular type of oil versus another.

Wild MCT oil is a nice, thick oil that is largely odorless and tasteless (although some may think it has a bit of a coconut taste). Liquid at room temperature, it can be ingested alone and generally mixes well with other foods and drinks. The serving size is 1 tablespoon and you will get about 60 servings from one bottle. Wild MCT oil is different than many other types of MCT oils because it is packaged in a dark amber glass (versus plastic) bottle. Although it is impossible to know for sure, we feel that glass bottles offer better preservation of MCT oils and prevent plastic from leaching into the product. With that in mind, Wild MCT oil offers a lot of positives.

People using Wild MCT oil report more mental clarity and focus. Additionally, like many MCT oils, it can provide an energy boost. One positive observation about Wild MCT oil is that most reports are that the energy boost is smooth as opposed to causing the jitters. Because of this, Wild MCT oil is a good option for people who want to kick off their days with a splash in their morning coffee or a blended shake. As with most MCT oils, it works well with a ketosis plan.

While we have not interacted with them directly, the company behind Wild MCT oil supposedly has excellent customer service. When taking a chance on a dietary supplement like a top MCT oil, it’s reassuring to hear that the company is available to stand by their product.

As will be discussed throughout this article, there are people who believe that MCT oils should be made from one source (e.g. palm or coconut) rather than multiple ones. Thus, some people do not like the fact that Wild MCT oil is made of a combination of palm and coconut sources as opposed to just one source. Additionally, although it does have a coconut base, it reportedly does not contain lauric acid, either. And, like most of the best MCT oils, Wild MCT oil should be started gradually as it can cause diarrhea if started too quickly.

3. MiCkey T Eight Pure Caprylic Acid Triglyceride 8-Carbon MCT Oil – Focused C8 Oil

For anyone who is a C8 (caprylic acid) purist, MiCkey T Eight is a high-quality 100% pure C8 MCT oil. Made in the USA, MiCkey T Eight Pure Caprylic Acid Triglyceride 8-Carbon MCT oil is a non-GMO MCT oil. Made from Halal-certified ingredients, MiCkey T Eight MCT oil is kosher and is made from a process that uses steam and centrifugal force to extract MCT oil from approximately 36 pounds of raw coconut per bottle. Made from a blend of coconut and palm oil, MiCkey T Eight MCT oil is reportedly under 100 calories per tablespoon. Packaged in a food-grade, BPA-free container, the recommend MiCkey T Eight MCT oil serving size is 3 tablespoons per day with food.

MiCkey T Eight Pure Caprylic Acid Triglyceride 8-Carbon MCT oil is odorless and colorless. Although it is quite light as far as MCT oils go, some might find it to be somewhat oily if taken on its own. And, in spite of that amount of coconut used in producing it, it has very little coconut flavor (depending on how sensitive your palate is, of course) MiCkey T Eight MCT oil does not require refrigeration and has a high smoke point which makes it useful for cooking. Also, MiCkey T Eight MCT oil blends well with things like coffee and shakes.

Some people feel that 100% C8 MCT oils are more ketogenic than MCT oils made with C10. For people with this perspective, MiCkey T Eight MCT oil is a good choice to get your C8 intake. There are anecdotal reports of C8 providing stronger effects than oils containing C10 but no definitive scientific research has been done to validate this idea. Regardless, it should not hurt to give it a try if one is so inclined, and one can do some personal testing using keto sticks. Other effects reported by users of MiCkey T Eight MCT oil include help with weight management, energy levels and improved focus.

As a pure C8 blend, MiCkey T Eight Pure Caprylic Acid Triglyceride 8-Carbon MCT oil does have some downsides. Most notably, many find that pure C8 blends can cause more stomach discomfort when compared to wider ranging MCT blends. Given that diarrhea is a frequent side effect of rapid MCT oil use, we would recommend taking it easy when first incorporating MiCkey T Eight MCT oil into your diet. Additionally, because MiCkey T Eight MCT oil takes so much more processing to produce one bottle, it is on the more expensive side of the best MCT oils.

4. Keto MCT Oil – Great Guarantee

Keto MCT Oil containing C8 Caprylic Acid is a close second to MiCkey T Eight Pure Caprylic Acid Triglyceride 8-Carbon MCT oil when it comes to a quality C8-focused MCT oil. In fact, Keto MCT Oil may end up moving up in the near future, largely because of its guarantee. Keto MCT Oil is quality option for people who want a C8-concentrated MCT oil and it is reportedly clocking in at 99% as far as C8 purity. Manufactured from sustainable sources using a solvent-free process, Keto MCT Oil is non-GMO, kosher and vegan. Like its MiCkey T Eight MCT C8 MCT oil counterpart, Keto MCT also contains both palm and coconut. Also, like many of the best MCT oils, Keto MCT Oil is largely odorless and tasteless. The recommended serving size is 1 tablespoon 2-3 times per day and the product comes in a BPA-free bottle.

Keto MCT Oil also draws C8 enthusiasts using it for keto diets. Most reports from users indicate that Keto MCT Premium C8 Caprylic Acid MCT oil helps with weight management, mostly through helping to suppress appetite and reducing food cravings. Others report that Keto MCT oil provides an energy boost and stable energy levels throughout the day without a big crash at the end. Similar to other quality MCT oils, Keto MCT C8 MCT oil may also improve mental focus for some people.

One of the best aspects of Keto MCT Oil is their customer service. The company stands behind their product and offers a 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee. This is one of the best guarantees one can find on the market as far as an MCT oil goes and is a big differentiator. And, while it should not usually be considered a differentiating feature for MCT oils, Keto MCT Oil does have a great squeeze cap dispensing system to help minimize the mess associated with using MCT oil on a regular basis.

5. Onnit MCT Oil – Best MCT Oil for Keto

Onnit MCT oil is a pure coconut-based MCT oil that is only made from sustainably-sourced coconuts. Made popular by celebrities such as Joe Rogan, Onnit MCT oil is made by a well-regarded company that offers other supplement products. Onnit is in the process of getting an official organic certification for its MCT oil and, as a result, has taken on the organic claim. For people pursuing ketogenic states, this Onnit product is an excellent MCT oil for keto diets.

A non-GMO product, Onnit MCT oil contains no artificial additives or fillers and no palm oil. Onnit MCT oil contains both C8 and C10 MCTs in addition to some lauric acid. An odorless oil, Onnit MCT oil can be added to coffee, smoothies and dressings without excessive taste changes. Onnit MCT oil may help improve energy levels, reduce brain fog, and help with weight loss by reducing cravings and suppressing the appetite.

Onnit MCT oil is on the oilier side and some people might not like that it might form a slick on the top of their coffees. Because of its composition, Onnit MCT oil does not mix well with cold water and may start chunking up. Although most people will not notice much of a taste, some people found it to taste like chalk or, at times, soap. The bottle that Onnit MCT oil is packaged in could also use an improved spout as the current design leads to dripping intermittently. Also, it is recommended that users ease into use of Onnit MCT oil as it can cause bad diarrhea.

6. Kiss My Keto MCT Oil Capsules – Best MCT Oil Capsules

Let’s face it. If you are a busy professional on the go, the daily grind of remembering to pour MCT oil into your coffee or drink and not making a mess can be a challenge. For anyone who wants a clean, high-quality way of getting an MCT boost on the go, Kiss My Keto MCT Oil Capsules are worth trying out.

Kiss My Keto MCT Oil Capsules are made just from organic coconuts sourced from the Philippines and manufactured in the USA. Like most other quality MCT oils, they are non-GMO, gluten free, kosher, and do not contain sugar. Roughly, these MCT oil capsules are made of 55% C8 and 45% C10 chains. There is no lauric acid.

The best part of Kiss My Keto MCT Oil Capsules are their portability, especially when compared to MCT oil-based products, combined with their ease of use. Even if you have a hard time taking capsules, you can still drop your Kiss My Keto MCT Oil capsule right into your beverage to get an MCT boost. To start, try taking one Kiss My Keto MCT Oil Capsule per day and consider working up from there.

The actual softgels of the Kiss My Keto MCT Oil Capsules product are quite large, making taking them harder for people with trouble swallowing pills. Fortunately, they can be mixed in with coffee which makes taking them easier. Kiss My Keto MCT Oil Capsules, like other MCT oil products, can also cause stomach discomfort at times, depending on the person. Even with these downsides, Kiss My Keto MCT Oil Capsules are worth a look if you need an option for while you are traveling.

7. Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder – Best MCT Oil Powder

As interest in the health benefits of MCT oils – particularly in its use in keto and Paleo diets – has increased, more efforts have been put into making the process of taking an MCT oil product more convenient. After all, it is not always easy to have a quality MCT oil available to pour in a mess-free way, especially when not at home.

Like MCT oil capsules, Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder is another way to get MCT oil in your diet without the inconvenience and mess of taking an oil-based MCT. Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder is made from coconuts and contains no corn starch, sugar or artificial fillers although it does use Acacia fiber as a binder with some additional prebiotic effects. Made in a cGMP facility, Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder comes in a BPA-free PET container and is suitable for vegans. Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder is optimized to have 70% C8 and 30% C10 chains.

When added to your smoothie or coffee, Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder will provide a smooth, creamy boost. Most people use one to two scoops will usually give you the boost that you need.

While convenient, Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder can present some issues with mixing well into liquids. Specifically, some will find that it clumps more expensive which is worth the tradeoff if it brings added convenience to your keto diet.

8. Anjou MCT Oil – Good Value

Anjou MCT Oil is a US-manufactured MCT oil that primarily contains C8 and C10 (80% or more). One can find trace C6 and C12 in the oil as well. With a reported shelf life of 2 years, Anjou MCT oil is made from organic, natural coconuts and does not contain palm oil. Free of artificial flavors, additives or preservatives, Anjou MCT oil might help users with their memory as well as enhance brain function. Additionally, some people use this MCT oil to help with weight management.

Overall, Anjou MCT Oil is a good value for someone looking for a pure coconut-based MCT oil. Although we have not interacted with them directly, we hear that the customer service from the company making this MCT oil is quite good and stands behind their product.

While Anjou MCT oil does come in a BPA-free jar, the container is made of plastic for anyone who is concerned about using MCT oil from a plastic bottle. Additionally, the bottle spout could use an upgrade as the oil does spill frequently when being poured. And, even though the bottle is brown which helps reduce denaturation from sunlight exposure, it is still recommended to store the bottle in a dark, dry place.

9. Zenwise Natural Coconut MCT Oil

Zenwise Natural Coconut MCT Oil is a C8/C10 MCT oil blend derived from coconuts sourced from the Phillipines. Despite its coconut base, it reportedly does not contain C12 and is liquid at room temperature. Zenwise Natural Coconut MCT Oil is free of wheat, dairy and peanuts and is suitable for vegans and people on both Paleo and gluten-free diets. Like many of the top MCT oils, Zenwise Natural Coconut MCT Oil mixed well with things like shakes, coffee and tea. It has a nice, mellow flavor and some might even describe it as flavorless.

Zenwise Natural Coconut MCT Oil is notable for helping to improve focus and enhance cognitive capabilities. It produces a nice, long-lasting burst of energy without a subsequent crash. Zenwise Natural Coconut MCT Oil might help with weight loss control, often by helping people feel full. This is particularly helpful, for example, if you light to exercise in the morning on an empty stomach.

Some find that Zenwise Natural Coconut MCT Oil also seems to help improve mood and may reduce overall inflammation in the body. It is a useful MCT oil for people who are pursuing a ketogenic diet as it is available at a reasonable price.

Zenwise Natural Coconut MCT Oil is not good for cooking as it has a low smoke point. Although it comes in a solid bottle, the bottle is plastic which may turn off some people who are concerned with leaching. Additionally, people with sensitive stomachs may want to consider another MCT oil as stomach discomfort was often reported by users working up to their maintenance dose of this brand.

10. Keppi Keto MCT Oil

Keppi Keto MCT Oil is made by a small company that seems committed to producing a good product. In fact, the company has historically offered a 30-day, money-back guarantee which helps reduce the risk of trying out this MCT oil. Also, this MCT oil has a 2-year expiration.

Made through a heating and distillation process, Keppi Keto MCT Oil is a non-GMO product that is vegan, gluten-free and fits with a Paleo diet. It does not contain C12. Odorless and largely flavorless, Keppi Keto MCT Oil can be added to smoothies, coffee and salads. The recommended intake is 1 teaspoon 1-3 times per day with the typical recommendation of scaling into usage over time. The smaller recommended dosage makes this a good value MCT oil when you factor in the amount you get in each bottle.

Keppi Keto MCT Oil can help with weight loss and provide a clean energy boost. Many people note that it also helps improve mental clarity.

In addition to the downside of coming in a plastic container, some people found Keppi Keto MCT Oil to be on the oilier side as far as taste goes. Additionally, this MCT oil might form a small film on top of coffee as a result of not mixing completely. Like most of the best MCT oils, it is a good idea to scale into usage given the possible diarrhea.

11. Viva Naturals USDA Organic MCT Oil

Recently rebranded from the name Viva Labs, Viva Naturals offers a new version of its popular MCT oil. Previously using palm oil, the updated Viva Naturals MCT oil is a purely coconut-based made from sustainably harvested fruit. Non-GMO and free of fillers, flavors and additives, Viva Naturals MCT oil prides itself on quality (including third-party testing) and is manufactured in the USA.

Free of fillers, flavors and additives, Viva Naturals MCT oil is a good choice for people pursuing low carb diets. It is clean tasting and does not have a heavy oily feeling in the mouth which makes it great for mixing with things like salad dressings and coffee. Odorless and largely tasteless, Viva Naturals MCT oil has been found to help people with weight management, energy levels, and stamina. Like most good quality MCT oils, Viva Naturals also can help improve mental focus and clarity.

Viva Naturals MCT oil, like other MCT brands, may cause nausea, bloating and diarrhea. For whatever reason, some people find that Viva Naturals MCT oil has a slightly stronger smell than other brands which might impact people with sensitive noses.

12. NOW MCT 100% Oil – Athlete’s Choice

NOW MCT 100% Oil is a non-GMO MCT oil that features a mix of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) MCTs. A vegetarian product, NOW MCT 100% Oil is cGMP-assured and suitable for kosher use. Odorless, NOW MCT 100% Oil has a very light coconut flavor and a slight oily feel in the mouth. The recommended serving size is 3 tablespoons per day but, like most MCT oils, it is recommended that you scale into usage.

NOW MCT 100% Oil comes in a dark glass bottle which is a positive given that many other options come in plastic and/or clear bottles. Although it is more breakable, glass bottling of MCT oils is an important consideration for anyone who is concerned about plastic leaching.

NOW MCT 100% Oil is popular with a number of people who are training for sports as it does help improve stamina and overall training. This MCT oil also may help with weight loss by suppressing appetite. Along with the MCT oil energy boost, people also report that it improves mental clarity and removes fogginess.

Some people use NOW MCT 100% Oil in less traditional ways. Because it has a high smoke point, NOW MCT 100% Oil can be used for cooking. Others have found this MCT oil useful as a moisturizer. And, while it can be used in your typical coffee blends, try mixing it into chocolate for some added healthy flavor.

NOW MCT 100% Oil does have some downsides. It does not mix very well with cold liquids such as water or dressings because the oil separates out. Additionally, the bottle design could also use an upgrade as the cap is somewhat flimsy. Some people also noted that their skin felt oilier after using this MCT oil and it tasted excessively oily in their mouths. Also, people with sensitive throats might have a sensation of scratchiness when taking NOW MCT oil.

What is MCT oil?

MCTs are an abbreviation for a saturated fatty acid known as medium-chain triglycerides. Sometimes, MCTs are known as MCFAs, or medium-chain fatty acids. MCTs are so named because their chemical structure have between 6 and 12 carbon atoms. Short chain fatty acids have less than 6 carbons while long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) have more. LCTs are molecules sometimes called fats that contain anywhere from 13 to 21 carbon atoms.

There are four types of fatty acids that may or may not be considered part of an MCT oil:
– Caproic acid, or hexaonic acid, is an MCT that contains 6 carbon atoms (C6:0)
– Carpylic acid, or octanoic acid, is an MCT that contains 8 carbon atoms (C8:0)
– Capric acid, or dacanoic acid, is an MCT that contains 10 carbon atoms (C10:0)
– Lauric acid, or dodecanoic acid, is an MCT that contains 12 carbon atoms (C12:0)

Many people believe that MCTs are efficiently burned by the body for energy. It takes less work from the body to break them down and they can be delivered to cells for energy in the form of ATP. In other words, the lower the number of carbons in an MCT, the faster the body can process it into energy. The proposed reason for this is that LCTs require processing by the liver before they can be efficiently utilized by cells and tissues in the body. In contrast, MCTs, being shorter in length, can be utilized by the brain and body for energy without intermediate hepatic processing. This is of particular important in people with poorly functioning livers or who have had their gallbladders removed as MCT oils are not thought to require bile in order to be broken down and converted into energy.

MCT Oil and Keto / Ketosis Diets

Ketogenic diets have become popular in recent years and MCT oils are a useful part of that lifestyle choice. When choosing a ketogenic diet, one is required to restrict proteins and carbohydrates while increasing one’s intake of fats. By eating greater than 50% of calories from foods that are full of good fats (e.g. coconut, avocado, MCT oils and nuts), many people experience enhanced metabolism and performance as the resulting impact is that the body is forced to use the fats as the main fuel source. MCTs, when metabolized, produce compounds known as ketones which, along with ATP, are an important source of energy for the brain.

In the setting of ketogenic diets, MCT oils have become increasingly popular as they have been touted to enhance the application of this type of diet and contribute to weight management strategies. These benefits have been embraced and promoted in places such as the paleo community. Studies have suggested that a ketogenic diet can reduce the effects of aging by decreasing the metabolic stress in the body and stabilizing levels of insulin and thyroid hormones.

High Quality MCT Oil Features

What makes a high-quality MCT oil? In evaluating the qualities found in the best MCT oils, there are a few considerations. First of all, the manufacturing process plays an important role in the underlying quality of the MCT oil. While it is usually not possible to get an inside look into a company’s processes and the purity of its MCT oil, one can look at third-party validation that the company uses a quality process. For example, companies can get certified for Current Good Manufacturing Processes (cGMP) which shows extra effort by the company.

Additionally, quality MCT oils will typically come with customer service and a guarantee of some sort. After all, why wouldn’t a company stand by its product if it knows it produces a good MCT oil? One would guess that there are not a lot of people in the world who would use a good quality MCT oil and then ask for a refund after it is all used up. Therefore, one has to consider that the guarantee says quite a bit about what a company thinks of its product.

MCTs are found in palm oil, butter, cheese, and other dairy products. Many people believe that coconuts are a good source of MCTs as over 60% of fatty acids in coconuts are MCTs. However, others feel that C8 and C10 are the most important forms of MCTs and, because they only constitute approximately 15% of coconut-based MCT oils, these types of MCT oils should not be considered a true MCT source.

Because shorter chains are easier to digest, some people feel that MCT oils might be helpful to the good bacteria in our guts. Energy-producing, easily metabolized, oils like MCT oil might give the microorganisms and bacteria in our digestive systems a little break from all the hard work they do, allowing to focus on restorative activities. In consideration of this possibility, many people take a top probiotic supplement in addition to MCT oils to get the added boost of accelerating the health of the ecosystem in their gut.

MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil

Should coconut oil be considered an MCT oil? From the perspective of this article, the answer is no. There is no question that MCT oils and pure coconut oils have a lot in common. After all, many MCT oils are made from coconut and both types of oil share a high smoke point, making them useful as substrates for cooking

In spite of those similarities, there are subtle – but important – difference. The top coconut oils and MCT oils are different in that coconut oil brands inherently consider lauric acid, the long C12 chain types, a key part of their composition. In contrast, many MCT oil brands actually see lauric acid as something of an additive when the MCT oil is from a coconut base while others might even classify lauric acid as a contaminant. The reason for this is that some MCT oil purists think the C12 is too large of a fatty acid to be metabolized for ketosis. Some call into fact that MCT oils without C12 are liquid at room temperature while most coconut oils are solid at the same temperature. From the research available, these benefits do seem to hold up and, until better evidence comes about, it seems as if MCT oils do have some metabolic advantages when compared to most coconut-branded oils in a head-to-head comparison in the setting of keto-based diets.

What would be the purpose of trying to package a lauric acid product as an MCT oil? One major reason is cost. While high-grade coconut oil is expensive, lower grade versions are more economical to produce when compared to the best MCT oils. Given the subtle, yet important, differences one might experience, particularly when pursuing a keto diet, it might be easy to not detect a difference between an MCT oil with another oil that contains longer-chain fatty acids.

Side Effects of MCT Oils

Do the best MCT oils have side effects? Like most things, MCT oils should be used in moderation. If utilized in big doses quickly, it can cause digestive issues like diarrhea.

MCT Oils – Summary Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed this review of MCT oils, the pros and cons of different brands, and how to frame using MCT oils as part of a ketogenic diet or your life in general.