MCT oil has become quite popular among people focused on dieting or sports. It's commonly added to coffee and is available from brands like Viva Naturals and Nature's Way. But you might be wondering: what exactly does MCT oil do? What does it taste like? And with so many options out there, how do you choose?
To help you out, we've rounded up 12 popular MCT oil products, considering the latest offerings and best-sellers from various brands. We've carefully examined them based on two key factors and present our recommended MCT oils in a ranking format.
The best MCT oil, as defined by mybest, is a product that doesn't compromise the flavor of the food it is paired with and can be used with anything. We’ll offer you insights into the essential criteria for selecting MCT oil based on our thorough investigation, so please use it as a reference when purchasing.
Olivia is a licensed Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Dietitian Nutritionist, and Health Coach. She has over 6+ years of experience in the health & wellness space and is passionate about supporting women and families struggling with chronic disease. Using the functional medicine framework, Olivia starts upstream by identifying the root cause of the problem rather than applying the conventional quick-fix, band-aid approach.
Haruna Tabe is a registered dietitian with five years of experience working in the content creation team for a recipe media outlet. There, her primary responsibilities included recipe supervision and quality control. She joined mybest in 2023, bringing her valuable experience to guide users in health foods, foods, and kitchenware. With a motto of "thinking from the users' perspective," she is dedicated to enriching users' lives through their diet, working daily to contribute to their well-being.
We set the standard for lack of aftertaste in coffee as a product "rated as easy to drink by a panel of six male and female testers." We tested each product using the following method.
We set the standard for an easy-to-consume product as "something that you can use by simply adding it as-is and that dissolves into any type of drink or dish." We tested each product using the following method.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
MCT oil is derived exclusively from medium-chain fatty acids, naturally occurring in plants like coconuts and oil palms.
These fatty acids are notably easier for the body to digest and absorb, and they're quickly converted into energy, unlike the long-chain fatty acids found in butter and vegetable oil. Plus, they're less likely to be stored as fat. That's why using them as a nutritional boost before workouts or as part of a diet plan is recommended.
You can enjoy MCT oil anytime, but it's best to have 5-15g with each meal. It's digested and absorbed within about 15 minutes, so taking it three times a day can help increase feelings of fullness.
The difference between MCT oil and coconut oil lies in their raw materials and their concentration of medium-chain fatty acids. MCT oil, derived from coconuts and palm kernels, specifically extracts these fatty acids, resulting in a higher concentration compared to coconut oil which is the whole oil extracted from coconuts.
Medium-chain fatty acids play a key role in generating ketones, which serve as an alternative energy source for the body. By promoting fat burning over glucose, sourced from carbohydrates, they aid in weight loss. MCT oil's appeal lies in its quick digestion and absorption, allowing it to generate ketones even in the presence of some carbohydrates.
On the other hand, coconut oil also contains a healthy source of vitamin E, making it a favorable choice for those seeking skin benefits. Expect improved skin health due to enhanced blood flow facilitated by vitamin E.
MCT oil has a lower smoke point than other vegetable oils, which can be dangerous as it produces smoke and foam when heated. Therefore, it's not recommended for frying or sautéing but is better suited for adding to dishes or beverages afterward.
With its neutral flavor and aroma, MCT oil is unlikely to overpower the taste of other ingredients, making it versatile for various dishes like enhancing a stir-fry or soup.
Despite its versatility, some may find MCT oil too oily or sticky. We tested it in coffee to address this and identified products that offer easier consumption.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best MCT Oils.
mybest recommends three MCT oils brands: Bulletproof, Viva Naturals, and Sports Research. Let's delve into what sets these products apart from the rest.
MCT oil is fundamentally flavorless and odorless, but there are variations in texture, ranging from sticky to smooth. In our investigation, the Bulletproof, Viva Naturals, and Sports Research products stood out for their smooth texture and subtle oily feel, making them easy to consume.
On the other hand, some brands felt excessively oily and didn't blend well with coffee, resulting in separation. Many testers found them challenging to incorporate into daily routines and had comments like, "The oiliness is noticeable the moment it hits my mouth, making it hard to continue drinking it" and "The sticky texture stays in my mouth."
MCT oil is available in both liquid and powder forms, but generally, the liquid variety is recommended.
With powder MCT oil, you need to mix and dissolve it each time you use it, and some products may not fully dissolve regardless of how much you stir, resulting in lumps of powder in your mouth. Conversely, the liquid variety can be easily consumed as is.
Bulletproof, Viva Naturals, and Sports Research use containers designed to shield against light exposure, preserving the quality of their MCT oil more effectively.
Although MCT oil is less susceptible to oxidation compared to other vegetable oils, light exposure can still cause degradation. Therefore, the preservation capabilities of a container are crucial to consider.
MCT oil mainly consists of medium-chain fatty acids: caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12), though proportions may vary depending on production methods.
Caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) are highly digestible and absorbed quickly, allowing products with 100% of these acids to be rapidly converted into energy. For those focusing on diet support and overall health, products containing only caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) are recommended.
Furthermore, medium-chain fatty acids with fewer carbon atoms are more easily converted into energy. Therefore, individuals seeking pre-workout nutritional support would benefit from products with higher caprylic acid content.
If you're interested, our rankings provide details on the amount of caprylic acid and capric acid in each product, as well as that of caprylic acid alone, so feel free to check them out.
If you are looking for an organic product, check for the label that certifies it as organic.
The "USDA Organic" certification in the U.S. is a label reserved for products made from ingredients comprising 95-100% organically grown materials. It's ideal for those seeking items that are free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taste Noticeability (Coffee) | Preparation Variety | Content Volume | Ingredients | Form | Container | Mention of Caprylic Acid Content | Caprylic Acid Content | Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% | Organic Certification | ||||||
1 | Bulletproof MCT Oil Made with C10 and C8 MCT Oil | ![]() | 4.52 | mybest's Top Choice: Odorless and Non-Oily! Ideal for Dieters | 4.42 | 5.00 | 32 oz. | Coconut | Liquid | Plastic | 100% | ||||
1 | Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil | ![]() | 4.52 | No Greasiness or Odd Flavor! | 4.42 | 5.00 | 32 oz. | Coconut | Liquid | Plastic | 60% | USDA Organic Certification | |||
1 | Sports Research Organic MCT OIL | ![]() | 4.52 | Slight Scent of Coconut, No Oily Texture; Easy to Use | 4.42 | 5.00 | 32 oz. | Coconut | Liquid | Plastic | 42% | USDA Organic Certification | |||
4 | Natural Force Organic MCT Oil | ![]() | 4.45 | Flavorless and Odorless, but Separates in Coffee; Noticeably Oily | 4.34 | 5.00 | 16 oz. | Coconut | Liquid | Glass bottle | 46% | USDA Organic Certification | |||
5 | Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil | ![]() | 4.38 | Currently unavailable | Flavorless, but Left an Oily Residue | 4.25 | 5.00 | 14 oz. | Coconut | Liquid | Plastic | 100% | |||
6 | Verdana Coconut MCT Oil | ![]() | 4.31 | While Flavorless, a Sticky Texture Was Noticed on the Tongue | 4.17 | 5.00 | 128 oz. | Coconut | Liquid | Plastic | 60% | ||||
7 | Bubs Naturals MCT Oil | Halo Creamer | ![]() | 4.30 | Non-Greasy, Easy to Drink, but Powder Form Requires Effort to Prepare | 4.59 | 3.50 | 10.6 oz. | Coconut,Tapioca starch | Powder | Plastic | 70% | ||||
8 | GreenIVe MCT Oil | ![]() | 4.24 | Flavorless and Odorless, but Strong Oily Texture Is a Drawback | 4.09 | 5.00 | 16 oz. | Coconut, palm | Liquid | Plastic | 54% | ||||
9 | Kiss My Keto MCT Oil C8 | ![]() | 4.09 | Strong Oiliness Overpowered the Aroma of the Coffee | 3.92 | 5.00 | 32 oz. | Coconut | Liquid | Plastic | 100% | ||||
10 | Nature's Way 100% Potency Organic MCT Oil | ![]() | 4.02 | Sticky Texture and Unique Oily Scent Makes It Difficult to Drink | 3.84 | 5.00 | 16 oz. | Coconut | Liquid | Plastic | 55% | USDA Organic Certification |
Form | Liquid |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 100% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Bulletproof's MCT Oil Made with C10 and C8 MCT Oil is a 100% coconut-derived product in a convenient liquid form. It consists solely of caprylic acid (C8) and is packaged in a dark bottle to preserve its quality.
Although the texture is slightly syrupy when used in coffee, there was no perceivable oily texture or change in the flavor of the coffee. Testers reported that "the aroma and flavor remain consistent with regular coffee, and it's enjoyable to drink."
This MCT oil lacks greasiness, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines. It's tasteless and odorless, with the highest concentration of caprylic acid (C8) for optimal absorption. Ideal for those seeking weight loss support.
Content Volume | 32 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut |
Container | Plastic |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Liquid |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 60% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Viva Naturals' Organic MCT Oil is certified USDA Organic. Derived solely from coconuts, it boasts a 60% content of caprylic acid (C8).
Upon testing its drinkability, when added to coffee, although it subtly altered the consistency of the coffee, testers noted the absence of stickiness or a discernible oily flavor, making it an easy addition to their coffee. One tester remarked, "It imparts a slight watery feel but maintains a smooth texture without any oily residue."
Since this product is in liquid form, it offers convenience. It's a recommended choice for those looking to lose weight or for integrating MCT oil into daily regimens.
Content Volume | 32 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut |
Container | Plastic |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Liquid |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 42% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Sports Research's Organic MCT Oil is a liquid MCT oil derived solely from coconuts, containing caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12).
While it has a subtle scent of coconut, it lacks greasiness or distinct flavor, ensuring an easy incorporation into coffee. Testers noted, "It's not greasy and doesn't leave a sticky residue in your mouth."
Although it includes lauric acid (C12), which is absorbed slightly slower, its ease of consumption makes it a viable option to consider.
Content Volume | 32 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut |
Container | Plastic |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Liquid |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 46% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Natural Force's Organic MCT Oil is certified USDA Organic, in liquid form and is sourced entirely from coconuts, with a 46% caprylic acid (C8) content.
When incorporated into coffee, it received lower ratings due to the oil separating and resulting in a greasy texture. Despite being flavorless and odorless, testers found it had a sticky consistency. One tester noted, "There was a thin layer of oil on top of my coffee, and it had a greasy texture, making it hard to drink."
Content Volume | 16 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut |
Container | Glass bottle |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Liquid |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 100% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Bulletproof's Brain Octane Oil is a liquid MCT oil sourced exclusively from coconuts, boasting a composition of 100% caprylic acid (C8), known for its high rate of absorption.
When we tested its drinkability when added to coffee, it exhibited a noticeable oily, sticky texture, and appeared to separate from the coffee. Despite being flavorless and odorless, our testers expressed discomfort with the lingering greasiness on their tongues. One tester remarked, "I was bothered by its oily aftertaste," indicating that it wasn't the most pleasant to drink.
Content Volume | 14 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut |
Container | Plastic |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Liquid |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 60% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Verdana's Coconut MCT Oil is a liquid MCT oil sourced entirely from coconuts, comprising only of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10).
When incorporated into coffee, it minimally affected the flavor, but its perceived greasiness led to a lower ratng. Testers reported, "The oil floated to the top, and when we drank it, there was a sticky feeling on our tongues that bothered us," indicating that it wasn't the easiest to drink.
Content Volume | 128 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut |
Container | Plastic |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Powder |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 70% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Bubs Naturals' Halo Creamer is an MCT oil made solely of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10), derived from coconuts and tapioca flour.
After testing its drinkability when added to coffee, it received high praise for having no oily texture at all. Feedback from our testers includes comments such as, "It's easy to drink and delicious, without any unique scent or flavor."
However, since it's in powder form, there's the inconvenience of dissolving it, which makes it challenging to blend seamlessly into your drink. It might be an option if you're looking for something that won't have oil floating even when added to liquids.
Content Volume | 10.6 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut,Tapioca starch |
Container | Plastic |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Liquid |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 54% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
GreenIVe's MCT Oil is a liquid MCT oil derived from coconuts and palm kernels, containing caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12).
Adding this product to coffee compromises its drinkability due to its persistent oily texture, as testers noted, "Although the flavor remains unchanged, we didn't like its pronounced oiliness."
Content Volume | 16 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut, palm |
Container | Plastic |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Liquid |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 100% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Kiss My Keto's MCT Oil C8 is entirely derived from coconuts, consisting of 100% caprylic acid (C8), renowned for its high absorption rate among medium-chain fatty acids.
When incorporated into coffee, we rated it lower due to its excessively greasy mouthfeel and noticeable smell of oil. Testers remarked, "The strong scent of oil dominates the coffee's aroma, making it challenging to drink."
Content Volume | 32 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut |
Container | Plastic |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Liquid |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 55% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Nature's Way's 100% Potency Organic MCT Oil is an MCT oil that is certified USDA Organic. It is derived only from coconuts and contains 55% caprylic acid (C8).
When it is added to coffee, it results in a thick, oily texture and scent that can be off-putting. Feedback from our testers included comments such as, "The oil floats on top of the coffee and separates, and the greasy residue lingers even after drinking," indicating that it may be difficult to drink.
Content Volume | 16 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut |
Container | Plastic |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Liquid |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 57.5% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Keto Science's Ketogenic MCT Oil Dietary Supplement is a 100% coconut-derived MCT oil, containing 57.5% caprylic acid (C8), known for its high absorbability.
When testing its compatibility with coffee, its distinctive oily taste resulted in a lower rating. Our testers reported a greasiness on the tongue, with comments like "I can't taste the coffee; it feels like I'm drinking oil" and "It's difficult to drink." Therefore, it's hard for us to recommend this product.
Content Volume | 15 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut |
Container | Plastic |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
Form | Powder |
---|---|
Caprylic Acid Content | 70% |
Total Content of Caprylic and Capric Acid 100% |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Micro Ingredients' Organic MCT Oil Powder is a certified USDA Organic, powdered MCT oil derived solely from coconuts, with 70% caprylic acid (C8).
Testers found that it wasn't very oily but had a dominant flavor of coconut, altering the flavor of the coffee. One remarked, "It has a unique flavor, and gives me the impression that the taste of coconut is stronger than that of the coffee." The fact that it comes in powdered form and takes effort to prepare is also a drawback.
Content Volume | 16 oz. |
---|---|
Ingredients | Coconut |
Container | Bag |
Mention of Caprylic Acid Content |
At mybest, we define the best MCT oil as a product that does not compromise the flavor of the ingredients it's paired with and is easy to use with everything.
In order to find the best product, we collected 12 top-selling MCT oils from popular manufacturers, as well as from Amazon, Walmart, Target, and others. Next, we thoroughly tested them for the following two points:
Taste Noticeability (Coffee)
Preparation Variety
Products we tested
We set the standard for lack of aftertaste in coffee as a product "rated as easy to drink by a panel of six male and female testers." We tested each product using the following method.
Our testers drank coffee with each MCT oil added to it, evaluated their drinkability, and then scored them based on how highly they could recommend each one.
Testers: Six men and women who have never consumed MCT oil before
Ingredients: 2g of instant coffee, 140mL of hot water, 1 teaspoon of MCT oil
Does the MCT oil change the scent of the coffee?
Does the MCT oil change the flavor of the coffee?
Does the MCT oil change the texture of the coffee?
We set the standard for an easy-to-consume product as "something that you can use by simply adding it as-is and that dissolves into any type of drink or dish." We tested each product using the following method.
Our testers evaluated each product according to the following points, and then assigned a score based on how highly they could recommend each product.
Does it easily dissolve in liquid?
If it is in powder form, does it dissolve completely?
No. 1: Bulletproof|MCT Oil Made with C10 and C8 MCT Oil
No. 1: Viva Naturals|Organic MCT Oil
No. 1: Sports Research|Organic MCT OIL
No. 4: Natural Force|Organic MCT Oil
No. 5: Bulletproof|Brain Octane Oil
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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