For those who have tried the keto diet, you have probably heard about the benefits of consuming MCT oils. This product has been marketed profoundly since the ketogenic diet has gained popularity over the past years. Many have been using it for weight loss, better cognitive functions, and even for a boost of energy.
While all of these claims may be true, we want to make sure that you’ve got the right information before purchasing this item, so we came up with a buying guide, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, to help you out. We’ve also put together the best MCT oils which are readily available online. Scroll down to know more!
Quick List - Top MCT Oils
Herbs of the Earth
Potent MCT in Capsule Form for People Always on the Go
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides, which is a type of fat found mostly in coconut and palm oils. It is the middle ground between short-chain fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids and is made up of 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Know more about the benefits of consuming it below.
MCT oils are created through a process called fractionation, which involves extracting the MCTs from coconut and palm oil. These compounds are easily absorbed by the liver because they have smaller-sized molecules.
This means that they can quickly replenish your energy compared to other fats. Since they can be easily broken down by the body, there’s a high possibility that they wouldn’t be stored as fat. Given these benefits, they’re often used in ketogenic diets.
Also, there are different types of MCTs, depending on the number of carbon atoms. C6 is Caproic acid, C8 is Caprylic acid, C10 is Capric acid, while C12 is called Lauric acid. Generally, MCTs can aid in weight loss, improve heart health, enhance endurance, and boost one's energy.
Despite these claims, you have to be cautious in consuming them because they are still a fat source after all. Taking too much MCT oil could lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping. Do note that they are also high in saturated fats and are calorie-dense, so a consultation with your licensed physician or dietitian is recommended before consuming the product.
Here are some key points to consider:
MCT products are usually a mix of two kinds of MCTs or just one specific type, depending on the manufacturer. Find out what each one is used for by scrolling down below.
C6 or Caproic acid is the shortest chain, so it will be absorbed by the body the fastest. It converts very quickly into ketones, which are chemicals produced in the liver when your body does not have enough insulin to be used as energy.
However, it’s very difficult to consume because it can cause serious gastrointestinal discomfort. It’s also typically removed while manufacturing MCT oil because it can have a foul smell or taste.
C8 is also known as Caprylic acid. If you are looking for an MCT for your keto diet, then this is your best choice since it triggers the highest ketone production. Thus, it will help you get into ketosis in the fastest and most efficient way.
C8 also has anti-inflammatory properties for your gut. Plus, it does not have a foul taste or smell compared to other MCTs. This is why it is the most commonly used MCT in MCT oils.
C10 or Capric acid is beneficial for those who have yeast infections because of its anti-fungal properties. It still turns quickly into ketones in the liver, but not as fast as C8. This is not really used for ketogenic effects but more for its anti-microbial purposes. Hence, it’s usually mixed in with C8 in MCT products.
Lauric acid is found in the MCTs from coconut oil. C12 is known to act as a long-chain triglyceride despite it being an MCT, which means it takes a long time to digest. Thus, it’s usually removed from MCT oil. It is the slowest to metabolize among the MCTs, but it can strengthen your immunity when consumed.
It is known to aid in digestion by increasing movements in the stomach. It can lower cholesterol in the blood and liver as well. Moreover, Lauric acid is known to exhibit antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, and antifungal properties.
MCT oil comes in different types, namely, oil, powder, and capsules. We’ll walk you through the benefits of each one below.
The benefits of consuming MCT oil are mostly researched since MCT powders and capsules are still new in the market. A benefit of taking this type of MCT is that it does not have fillers because it will be hard to mix them in. It is recommended for those who are doing a strict keto diet since it has a higher concentration of MCTs compared to other kinds.
However, still, choose the brand carefully because cheap MCT oils may have low-quality MCTs and impurities. Also, make sure to consume them in moderation since there are some that have experienced digestive problems when using them due to their potency.
For those who are having trouble digesting MCT oil, MCT powder can be a great alternative. You can easily mix it into your smoothies, coffee, and baked goods, so it’s more fun to incorporate into your drinks and meals.
However, you have to be selective in choosing MCT powders because low-quality ones may contain starches or fillers. There is also not enough research yet about the effects of MCT powder in our bodies because it’s still relatively new.
For those who are always on the go, you can opt for MCT oil in capsule form. One advantage of this type is that it wouldn’t spill inside your bag. Plus, you don’t need to take a lot of time when mixing it into your meals. It also delivers the same benefits as drinking MCT in oil or powder form and is easier on the gut.
When selecting any type of product, reading the ingredient list can help you choose more consciously.
You have to look for MCT products that are made from 100% coconuts and not from palm oil or a blend of both. Oftentimes, MCT products are a mix of C8 and C10 since they are the fastest to metabolize.
Ensure that they don’t contain emulsifiers, preservatives, thickeners, food dyes, or anti-caking agents. Depending on the product that you will choose, your MCT oil should only contain medium-chain triglycerides, a carrier that could be acacia fiber or tapioca starch, as well as natural ingredients that could add flavor if it’s in powder form.
MCT oils, specifically C8, contain natural chemicals such as emulsifying, penetrating, and surfactant compounds that could dissolve soft plastics. Thus, make sure that the product you are eyeing is packed in a high-quality plastic or glass container that does not interfere with the properties found in MCT.
Additionally, the MCT oil should be fully sealed to avoid contamination or oxidation of the product. It should also be packed with bubble wrap and cartons to prevent damages during shipment. To know this, check the reviews to see how the product was delivered to the customers.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Laurin 100% Coco MCT Oil | ![]() | A Powerful Anti-bacterial and Anti-microbial MCT Oil | |
2 | Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder|Matcha | ![]() | A Flavorful Mix to Add to Your Drinks and Desserts | |
3 | Sozo Ketofy MCT Oil | ![]() | Pure and Efficient C8 MCT Oil for Keto Diets | |
4 | Herbs of the Earth MCT Oil + Caprylic Acid Capsules | ![]() | Potent MCT in Capsule Form for People Always on the Go | |
5 | Coconut King Premium Organic MCT Oil | ![]() | Affordable MCT Oil for Those on a Budget | |
6 | Pep'd MCT Oil Powder | ![]() | A Diet-Friendly Replacement to Your Usual Creamer | |
7 | EnjoyHealth Pure C8 Coconut MCT Oil | ![]() | Perfect for Quick and Sustained Energy Boosts | |
8 | Little Retail PH MCT Oil Powder |Keto Creamer | ![]() | High-Fat Powder to Fuel Your Day | |
9 | CocoWonder MCT Coconut Oil Soft Gelatin Capsule | ![]() | Tested in Europe As the Cleanest MCT Oil in the Market | |
10 | Sports Research Premium MCT Oil | ![]() | Certified Keto, Paleo, and Vegan-Friendly |
Laurin has extracted the healthiest parts of coconut oil, specifically C8, C10, and the powerful anti-bacterial and anti-microbial C12, to make this product. They have removed the long-chain triglycerides to ensure that this MCT oil provides the best immunity protection for you.
Laurin CocoMCT is FDA-approved and certified organic. It is made from a patented formula that makes it stand out among the rest. Plus, the company sources non-GMO coconuts sustainably in the Philippines. What's more is that this item is flavor-free and odor-free, making it easy to incorporate into different recipes.
Most people prefer mixing it in their food or drinks, while some swab it into their nostrils for protection against viruses. A lot of users swear by this product for its immune-boosting and brain-boosting properties. It's also great at burning fat and keeping your cholesterol levels in check, perfect for those who are following the keto diet.
This pure MCT oil in powder form comes in a matcha flavor which you can mix in your shakes, lattes, and even baked goods. This one dissolves easily and is more friendly on the gut. It is perfect for those who want to try MCT for the first time to avoid digestive problems.
Perfect Keto's MCT Oil Matcha Powder is made from real coconuts without any added carbs or sugar. Plus, it contains acacia fiber, a prebiotic, which the brand assures will not kick you out of ketosis when digested. It also contains stevia, which is a low-calorie sugar substitute.
You can take this any time of the day for that boost of energy since you can add it to your snacks to curb your hunger to or desserts to satisfy your sweet cravings. To ensure your safety, this product is lab-tested for heavy metals and other impurities. It is said to be best for keto, paleo, sugar-free, and low-carb diets.
This product contains 100% premium Caprylic acid or C8 that is extracted from real coconuts. C8 is the most efficient type of MCT as it provides the quickest energy to the user, best for those who need an extra boost to start their day. It also has anti-microbial properties to keep you healthy inside and out. Moreover, it is non-GMO and gluten-free.
This all-natural, vegan, and keto-friendly MCT oil helps improve gut health, burns fat, and increases energy. A lot of reviewers have said that this is the best MCT oil for them as it's really effective in curbing their appetite and provides them with energy all day long.
The brand has successfully packed potent MCTs into these convenient soft gel capsules. This one is mess-free as it is in capsule form, so you can choose to dissolve the soft gels in your drinks or just take them on their own. If you are always on the go, then this form of MCT oil is for you.
Consuming this can suppress your appetite, so it can help you stick to your diet if you're on one. It also has added benefits of Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant for the body. However, this contains 3,000mg of C8 and C10 per serving, so make sure to consult with a registered dietician or licensed physician before purchasing this product.
On the other hand, these capsules contain no carbs, calories, additives, fillers, or GMOs, which ensures that you're getting the maximum benefits of the MCT oils. Also, it has undergone third-party purity testing and has been sourced from GMP-certified facilities or Good Manufacturing Practices in the USA to secure its quality.
Coconut King takes pride in being the only certified organic MCT oil in the Philippines as of this writing. This means that there were no additives or artificial ingredients used during processing. They made use of only physical processes to produce a 100% natural, highly concentrated source of MCTs.
This product is packed in a glass bottle, which does not interfere with the properties of MCTs. It does not have any odor or additional flavors, which makes it easy to consume and mix into your food and beverages. This is great to try for those who are not sure yet whether to incorporate MCT oil into their regimen since it's quite affordable.
Looking for a diet-friendly creamer for your beverages? Then try this MCT Oil Powder from Pep'd! This is a delicious and healthy add-on for your coffee, tea, or chocolate drinks to replace your traditional creamer. You can also choose among 250g, 500g, and 1kg packs, whether you want to try it out first or stock some on your pantry.
The brand states that this product is keto-friendly, gluten-free, and cholesterol-free, so you can use it without any worries. It is also high in dietary fiber and can boost your heart health. One scoop contains 3 grams of plant-based fiber that can help suppress your appetite, which in turn, will help you stick to your diet.
For those who need energy before a workout, important business meeting, or test, this locally-made MCT oil can give you that much-needed boost. This is made from 100% natural coconuts and is also vegan, GMO-free, and gluten-free. It can be used by those who are following the keto, paleo, and low-carb diets.
With this MCT oil, you get the benefits of consuming a product with a higher C8 concentration, which is a great way to increase your energy. Reviewers of this item love how versatile it is because it has a neutral odor and taste. They also mentioned that they could easily combine it with their drinks and food.
This MCT Oil powder contains a high amount of fat that is sourced from coconuts. This is great for those who are looking for a ketone boost in their diet. If you want to control your snacking habits, adding this to your meals and drinks can make you feel full for a longer time.
You can mix this in your bulletproof coffee in the morning or into your other snacks and drinks to get its energy and brain-boosting properties. Little Retail PH offers this product in 100g and 250g resealable pouches as well as 500g and 1kg plastic packs.
CocoWonder's MCT oil capsules were tested in Europe and passed the 3-MCPD test as well as the mineral oil-free test; thus, they're considered the cleanest, purest, healthiest, and safest MCT oil in the market. These soft gels were created through a natural distillation process without the use of artificial ingredients, making them 100% organic.
These soft gel capsules are high in C8 and C10, cholesterol-free and non-GMO, and USFDA and Philippine FDA registered. You can easily carry the bottle around when you're out and about, or even pour the contents into your drink or food. One bottle can last for a maximum of 2.5 years in a clean and dry environment at room temperature.
Sports Research believes that using pure ingredients for their MCT oil can help their customers sustain their diets. They made sure that this product is made only from organic coconut, without the use of any chemicals. They've also ensured their clients that this item does not contain any palm oils.
Their premium MCT oil is non-GMO project verified and is certified by third-party organizations to be keto, paleo, and vegan-friendly. This makes it versatile for different kinds of diets. You can easily add this to your meals and beverages since it is odorless and tasteless.
Learning about different ingredients that could help improve our health does not end here. We have gathered other links to broaden your knowledge even more. Check them out below!
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Laurin|100% Coco MCT Oil
No. 2: Perfect Keto|MCT Oil Powder|Matcha
No. 3: Sozo|Ketofy MCT Oil
No. 4: Herbs of the Earth|MCT Oil + Caprylic Acid Capsules
No. 5: Coconut King|Premium Organic MCT Oil
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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