Interested in buying an MCT product? Whether you're looking to hit weight loss goals, enhance energy and athletic performance, boost brainpower or some other benefit, MCT oil is worth considering.
Purchasing an MCT supplement can be challenging, however. It can be hard figuring out which MCT oil is best. There are many products on the market, and not all are high quality.
In this guide, we reveal the top organic MCT oil supplement on the market today. We also go in-depth on medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in general: how they work, their benefits and the many forms of supplements that deliver them. Let's get to it!
Key Takeaways
- Top MCT Oil to Buy: Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil is the best MCT oil supplement. This organic MCT oil delivers Caprylic Acid (C8) and Capric Acid (C10) from Non-GMO coconuts.
- MCT Benefits: Provide quick, efficient energy for the brain and body; promote weight management; support brain health and cognitive function; nourish the microbiome.
- Quality Considerations: Look for MCT oils with C8 and C10 only for easier digestion and better health support. Avoid MCT oils made from palm kernel oil and GMO sources.
This guide emphasizes the importance of choosing a high-quality, clean and organic MCT oil supplement for maximum health and performance benefits, with Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil being recommended as the top choice for 2024.
Best Organic MCT Oil to buy in 2024: Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil
Our top rated MCT oil -- Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil -- supplies medium-chain fatty acids Caprylic Acid (C8) and Capric Acid (C10) sourced from 100% Organic, Non-GMO Coconuts.
C8+C10 provide fast-acting fuel that powers the brain while optimizing metabolic function for training performance, fat burning and weight management.
Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil delivers the greatest medium-chain triglyceride performance benefits:
- Fast-acting fuel for cognitive and metabolic performance*
- Boosts energy during high-intensity and fasted training*
- Enhances fat burning across all weight programs*
- Excellent choice for supporting all ketogenic lifestyles*
Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil is the cleanest MCT oil brand:
- More effective and easier to digest than coconut oil
- Clean, purified, triple-filtered: Highest quality on market
- Precision-calibrated to 60% C8 and 40% C10
- Made from 100% organic, non-GMO coconuts
Pricing & Shipping
- 1 Bottle (one month supply): $39 ($1.26/serving)
- 2 bottles (two-month supply): $78 ($1.26/serving)
- Best deal: 3 bottles + 1 free, with free shipping: $117 ($0.94/serving)
- All covered by 30-day money back guarantee
Buy Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil
Today's top MCT oil supplement is clean, high-octane performance fuel.
Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplements remain red-hot this year, and it's easy to see why. The benefits of a high-quality MCT oil supplement include:
- Performance vitality: MCT oil's clean, jitter-free energy support enhances athletic and cognitive performance
- Mitochondria enhancement: Boosting and protecting cells' powerhouses helps energy and health
- Brain health and cognition: MCTs have unique nootropic benefits for brain energy and cognitive function
- Keto and fasting support: MCT's are popular for a ketogenic diet, often used to initiate ketosis and boost energy on a calorie deficit
- Weight loss: Appetite control and calorie-burning appear to be enhanced with MCT oil
Here's the challenge: Some brands of MCT oil supplements on the market today are low-quality. As a result, MCT oil is sometimes linked with digestive side effects that make it hard to take every day.(1)
This is important, as the greatest benefits of MCT oil use always come after consistent, daily use.
When choosing the best MCT supplement, you need the right MCTs in a clean oil that's easy on the stomach. This helps you get the consistent daily MCT oil intake associated with the greatest benefits.
What to look for in a top MCT Oil
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs, also called medium chain fatty acids) are beneficial fats. There are four MCTs, which are differentiated by their number of carbon atoms.
MCTs are 6, 8, 10 or 12 carbon atoms in length. Long-chain triglycerides that are more common in our diets (such as olive oil) are, by comparison, 12 to 18 carbon atoms long.
The four medium-chain triglycerides are:(2)
- C6 - Caproic Acid
- C8 - Caprylic Acid
- C10 - Capric Acid
- C12 - Lauric Acid
MCT supplements are most commonly sourced from coconuts, which naturally contain all four MCTs. But there's a big problem with straight-up coconut oil as an MCT source: Digestive side effects.
You may have already heard of coconut oil causing indigestion, diarrhea and other gastric discomfort. This is attributed to the C6 and C12 MCTs, which are more difficult for the body to process.
Red Flag: In addition to plain coconut oil concerns (which apply to organic coconut oil, too), some MCT oil supplements are presented in ratios that heavily favor the cheaper, less effective and most stomach-churning C6+C12 MCTs.
For easiest digestion and best health-supportive activity, look for Caprylic Acid C8 + Capric Acid C10 MCT oil.
Of the four MCTs, C8+C10 are the two most associated with evidence-backed benefits demonstrated in clinical studies and research reviews. C8+C10 (caprylic acid and capric acid) and the ketones that they raise combine to help several aspects of performance and all-round health.
MCT Oil vs Coconut Oil: What's the Difference?
When weighing the benefits of MCT oil against coconut oil, several key factors tip the scale in favor of MCT oil for specific health and performance benefits.
Here's a breakdown of why taking MCT oil may be better than coconut oil:
MCT Composition and Health Benefits: Pure coconut oil contains all four types of MCTs, but it's heavily weighted towards Lauric Acid (C12), making up about 50% of its MCT content. C12 is considered less efficient compared to Caprylic (C8) and Capric (C10) acids, which are present in much lower amounts (approximately 13%). This ratio is crucial because C8 and C10 are recognized for their superior health benefits.
Quality and Stability: MCT oils generally offer a higher quality and longer shelf life than both raw and genetically modified coconut oils, which can degrade and turn rancid more quickly.
Digestibility: MCT oils are designed to be more digestible and gentle on the gastrointestinal system compared to coconut oil, which is associated with various digestive issues such as cramps, gas, and diarrhea due to its higher Lauric Acid content.
The Role of Fatty Acid Chains: Beyond medium-chain triglycerides, organic coconut oil also contains long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in other fats like palm and olive oil. While LCTs serve as a decent energy source, they don't offer the same performance-enhancing benefits as MCTs. To match the MCT benefits from coconut oil, one would have to have high amounts that may cause digestive concerns. Fractionated coconut oil removes the long-chain fatty acids.
Application: While coconut and palm oils are useful for cooking, skincare, and haircare, their composition makes them less ideal for cognitive enhancement and performance goals.
Our top-rated MCT oil, with its focused and distilled concentration of the most beneficial MCTs (C8 and C10), stands out for its ability to support energy levels, aid in weight management, enhance ketogenic diets, and improve overall performance more effectively than the highest quality organic coconut oil.
Note: Palm kernel oil, also called palm oil, is another source of MCT used in supplements. However, palm kernel oil appears to be losing popularity due to its negative impact on the environment.
MCT Oil Benefits
Energy
MCTs bypass digestion. Instead they are directly transported directly from the stomach to the liver. Here, they are converted into ketone bodies, or ketones.(3)
Many MCT health and performance benefits are attributed to MCTs' ability to raise ketone production.
- Glucose is the body's main fuel for generating cell energy.
- Ketones are the body's alternative fuel source for energy.
Of the four MCTs, C8 + C10 are regarded as fast-acting fuel for powering the brain and body. Since C8+C10 MCTs bypass digestion, they are absorbed quickly and converted efficiently into ketone bodies.
The best MCT oils supply C8+C10 as a fast fuel alternative to glucose that sparks cell energy.
MCT oil ketone energy support may be particularly useful for people who have high energy demands, and situations where the usual glucose fuel may be limited, including:
- Athletes to boost power for high-intensity training and fasted training
- Anyone on a calorie deficit, in ketosis or low on glucose
- People looking for a mental energy boost that works fast and does not use caffeine or stimulatory pathways
- Dieters seeking natural vitality to counter the brain fog and fatigue that sometimes accompanies weight loss
Beyond fueling cells' mitochondria powerhouses to optimize energy production, MCTs may help with healthy mitochondrial function.
Researchers suggest MCTs may enhance athletic performance by stimulating production of fresh new mitochondria (called biogenesis) and optimizing mitochondria metabolism.(4)
MCTs' mitochondria-supportive bioactivities may help to promote peak energy at a cellular level, potentially helping to revitalize body, mind and overall health.
Keto Diet Support
Ketogenic diets work by restricting glucose so the body switches over to ketones as its main source of energy.
On a keto diet, when glucose gets low enough, the body liberates ketones from stored fat as a backup battery.
The best MCT oil for keto will supply C8+C10 because they are strongly ketogenic MCTs.(5)
This means that C8+C10 increase levels of ketones more efficiently than C6+C12. They also have other advantages over C6+C12, such as the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
If you are dealing with keto fog, low energy or loss of motivation on your ketogenic diet, incorporate MCT oil to help restore the vitality you need to succeed.
MCT Oil with C8+C10 may also help you enter a ketosis faster.
Typically, once you start a ketogenic diet, it can take a few days to get into ketosis. Then, the pounds start melting off.
The days leading up to ketosis can be brain foggy and low-energy, making it hard to be your best. MCT oil may help:
Researchers suggest MCT oil may accelerate entry into ketosis and reduce unpleasant side effects associated with ketosis.(6)
Ketogenic dieting can be hard. But with C8+C10 MCT oil, it can be a lot more easier -- and a lot more successful. Not only can the best MCT oil help you get into ketosis faster, it can reduce brain fog and boost energy levels while you're in ketosis.
MCT oil also supplies additional nutritional benefits that can help you shed more pounds while on a ketogenic (or any other) diet. More on that in our next section.
Weight Loss and Fat Burning
MCTs are healthy fats, but they are different from the fats you may be used to.
Unlike dietary long-chain fats, MCTs are absorbed so quickly and metabolized so efficiently that they are harder to store as body fat.
And, C8+C10 MCTs are fats that help you burn fat, with research backed benefits for:
- Appetite control: Help you to eat less on any diet.(7)
- Thermogenesis: MCTs trigger a rise in body heat that helps you burn more calories.(8)
- May speed up the rate at which weight is lost.(9)
No matter what diet you may be following to lose weight, C8+C10 MCTs can help you to shed more pounds faster and more comfortably. This makes a high quality MCT oil one of the best supplements you can use for weight loss.
Did you know? C8+C10 MCT Oil is also a great supplement choice for intermittent fasting support. As with ketosis and weight loss, MCT oil can maintain mind-body vitality and reinforce appetite control during intermittent fasting.
Brain Health and Cognitive Function
Medium-chain triglycerides' role in fueling brain cells can help boost mental energy and brain power without the use of stimulants. But MCTs can do a lot more for the brain, too.
In fact, the most abundant evidence for MCT brain health centers on medium-chain triglycerides' ability to optimize brain cells' mitochondria.
By helping these brain cell powerhouses to produce energy more efficiently, MCTs -- especially C8+C10 MCT oil -- help to enhance brain energy.
C8+C10 MCT oil optimizes brain cells' powerhouse mitochondria.(10)
Healthy brain mitochondrial function is associated with peak cognitive performance and long-range brain health.(11) Beyond brain energy, MCT oil also appears to function as a direct brainpower-boosting nootropic.
C8+C10 may be especially effective as a nootropic stack because they are so good at raising ketones.
Ketones, in turn, have been shown in human clinical research to to improve vigilance and enhance cognitive performance.(12)
Training, Athletics, Strength and Endurance
C8+C10 MCT oil is the best medium-chain triglyceride supplement for athletes.
MCT oil may be taken as pre-workout performance fuel. In this use, MCT oil supplies the sustained energy benefits discussed above.
But MCT oil appears to have additional athletic performance-enhancing benefits beyond energy.
Researchers have suggested taking MCT supplements for 2 weeks helps athletes to:
- Extend their reps and muscle strength by blunting fatigue-inducing lactic acid;
- Increase stamina in athletes performing high-intensity exercise
- Improve endurance capacity
- Make exercise feel easier; athletes report reduction in feelings of exertion during training
Researchers reported MCT helped to enhance athletic performance in moderate-intensity exercise and boosted endurance in high-intensity exercise.(13)
Exploring the Variety of MCT Oil Supplements
As MCT oil continues to rise in popularity, the market has expanded to offer a diverse array of MCT supplements for various preferences and lifestyles.
Below are some of the distinct types of MCT oil available. Keep these options in mind as you choose the best MCT oil supplement for you:
MCT Oil Powder
These supplements come in a powder form, providing a flexible and convenient way to incorporate medium-chain triglycerides into your diet. Top-quality MCT oil powders prioritize a clean label, steering clear of artificial flavors and preservatives. MCT oil powder is adaptable, too, easily mixed with other nutritional powders, making it a favorite in the realm of sports nutrition.
MCT Oil Capsules
For sheer convenience, MCT oil capsules take the lead. They're portable and hassle-free, requiring no mixing or blending. The best MCT oil capsules are designed to be odorless, tasteless, and easy to swallow, catering to those who prioritize simplicity in their supplementation. Some MCT products may also use soft gels delivery.
Unflavored MCT Oil
In its pure form, liquid MCT oil has a light, silky texture, making it a subtle addition to meals and drinks. Pure MCT oil is especially favored by individuals on ketogenic diets, serving both as a cooking oil and a dietary supplement to aid in weight management without altering the flavor of food.
Flavored MCT Oil
For those looking for a taste sensation, flavored MCT oils are available in various options, from vanilla-infused coffee creamers to garlic-flavored cooking oils. These products bring an extra layer of enjoyment to the MCT oil experience, enhancing both taste and nutrition.
The hallmark of the best MCT oils, regardless of their form, is purity. They provide MCTs as they naturally occur in organic coconuts, without unnecessary additives.
Some high quality MCT oil products go even further by isolating specific MCTs, such as C8 (caprylic acid) and C10 (capric acid), from C12 (lauric acid). C8 MCT oil, for example, provides more targeted metabolic benefits; while C8+C10 supplies the best blend of benefits.
MCT Oil Dosage: How much MCT oil per day?
The optimal serving size of MCT oils is 12.2 g total medium-chain triglycerides per 1 tablespoon, with 7.1 g as C8 (Caprylic Acid) and 5.1 g as C10 (Capric Acid). Take 1-2 tablespoons of MCT daily for maximum benefits.
If you have a sensitive stomach, start with a teaspoon of organic MCT oil and gradually work your way up to optimal 2 tablespoons per day dosage.
However, it is more important that you use MCT oil consistently to support healthy energy levels, cognitive function and fat metabolism than it is to stick to a certain dose per day. One tablespoon of MCT oil per day for several months is much more effective than two tablespoons per day for a few weeks!
How to Take MCT Oil: Coffee, Foods, Drinks
Keto coffee and keto tea preparations have gained popularity among ketogenic dieters because they supply fats (including medium-chain triglycerides) that help to control appetite, promote energy and maintain mental clarity.
Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil is a great organic MCT oil to add to your morning coffee.
Its C8+C10 are just the most effective and easiest-on-the-stomach -- sourced from organic, non-GMO coconuts and 3X distilled for purity.
Ultraclean Performance Lab® organic MCT oil is taste and smell neutral. This means it does not alter the flavor of coffee like many low quality MCT oil brands. It does add a silky texture that can replace conventional creamers and powders.
How to Make Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil Coffee
Have you heard of bulletproof coffee? Try this upgrade. Add 1 tablespoon of Performance Lab® organic MCT oil and two tablespoons of grass-fed butter to two cups of coffee or tea. Mix using a spoon, blender or milk frother into a satisfying beverage for a quick energy boost.
Note: While the Bulletproof MCT Oil brand may be associated with this "bulletproof coffee," other MCT oils can be used, too.
Clean, flavor-neutral Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil isn't just for morning coffee. It goes great with everything. Also consider adding MCT oil to shakes, smoothies, salad dressings and drizzled over any other foods as a functional health-supportive saturated fat.
Good MCT Oil must be clean, organic and easy on the stomach
MCT supplements can help you in many different ways. But if they trigger indigestion and gastric distress, you're less likely to continue taking it to realize their true benefits.
Most MCT oils on the market have at least one of these drawbacks:
- Made from genetically modified (GMO) coconuts
- Sourced from cheap, eco-destructive palm oil
- Made from unrefined coconut oil that's hard on the stomach
- Hydrogenated (containing unhealthy trans fats)
- Associated with a range of distressing gastric side effects
- Mostly C6+C12, the two harshest, least effective MCTs
- Prone to going rancid
MCT oils can't help you if they trigger gastric distress, taste bad, or simply don't fit with your clean lifestyle.
When shopping for the best MCT oil, it is important to look for clean quality.
Now let's move on to the one ultimate organic MCT oil performance fuel that meets all of the most important quality criteria and delivers the best possible benefits.
#1 Top Rated MCT Oil: Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil
Supplying purified C8+C10 MCTs (medium-chain fatty acids) from 100% organic non-GMO coconuts, Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil is your healthy fat performance fuel.
MCT Energy Oil provides an immediate performance uplift for both mind and body, presented in a flexible, flavor-neutral oil. It acts as a powerful, clean fuel to enhance mental clarity and efficiency.
This premium product delivers refined C8+C10 medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) sourced from entirely organic, non-GMO coconuts.
This oil is super clean. No synthetic additives. So it's easy on the stomach, and easy to take every day.
Pricing & Shipping
- 1 Bottle (one month supply): $39 ($1.26/serving)
- 2 bottles (two month supply): $78 ($1.26/serving)
- Best deal: 3 bottles + 1 free, with free shipping: $117 ($0.94/serving)
- All covered by 30-day money back guarantee
Buy Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil
MCT Oil Brain Stack: MCT Energy Oil + Performance Lab® Mind
Our top rated MCT oil is fast fuel for brainpower. Performance Lab® Mind supplies citicoline, shown to boost brain energy by 13.6%. Mind's additional support for brain health and cognitive recovery are an ideal complement to MCT's nootropic effects.
Stimulation Stack: MCT Energy Oil + Performance Lab® Caffeine 2
For caffeinated vitality, amp-up MCT with Performance Lab® Stim. With 50 mg caffeine plus L-Theanine, B-Vitamins and L-Tyrosine, Performance Lab® Stim enables precise dosing for peak performance plus calm, clean stimulation support.
Buy Performance Lab® Caffeine 2
2X Cell Energy Stack: MCT Energy Oil + Performance Lab® Energy
Performance Lab® Energy is a stim-free energy formula designed to boost cells' mitochondria powerhouses. MCT raises ketone bodies that fuel mitochondria. Performance Lab® Energy + MCT is a 2X stack for supporting cell energy without the use of stimulants.
Conclusion
Medium chain fatty acids make MCT oil one of the most versatile performance supplements you can take. Its research-backed benefits for athletics, cognition, fat loss and many other aspects of overall health.
Unfortunately, many MCT oil supplements on the market are low quality. They may be made from genetically modified coconuts, hydrogenated into unhealthy trans fats, chemically processed with hexanes, and can even go rancid. If you're struggling to figure out which MCT oil is best, we've got an easy answer for you.
Performance Lab® MCT stands out as your ultimate organic MCT oil upgrade: Beneficial C8+C10 MCTs only, sourced from non-GMO coconuts, extracted with hexane-free technology and 3X distilled for purity.
Performance Lab® MCT Energy Oil is the cleanest, healthiest, most effective MCT oil supplement on the market this year. But it's not available at Amazon, Walgreens, CVS, Target or Walmart. You can only buy it in one place: Right here.
