[FAQ] Coconut Oil vs MCT Oil... What's The Difference?

As you have probably seen from some of our recipes and our favorite Go-To food items, Virgin Coconut Oil and MCT oil make the cut. But how are they different and is one better to use?

First, let's examine the health properties of the two because they both provide similar benefits. 

Both coconut oil and MCT oil help our bodies burn fat, provide stable, long-lasting energy, and can even kill harmful microbes in our guts (coconut oil). Additionally, these two oils can improve cognitive health and may even help prevent Alzheimer's. Both are forms of saturated fats, so when you look on the nutrition label of either of these oils you will see a high saturated fat content, but just know that not all saturated fats are considered equal. You can read more about saturated fats here.

The main difference between the two is that MCT is more of a concentrated/purified version of coconut oil. 

MCT oil is made from coconut oil (or palm oil) as the medium-chain triglycerides (or MCTs) are extracted to form its own oil. Coconut oil is 55% MCTs and contains all 4 medium-chain fatty acids, including large quantities of lauric acid, (the least efficient MCT). 

In MCT oil, only the two most efficient MCTs are used for energy: caprylic and capric acid. For cooking purposes, coconut oil can be used when stir-frying, or to add into shakes for their taste and texture (will make shakes creamier). 

However, if you are looking for the full fat-burning/metabolic-boosting benefits of MCTs and/or do not like the taste of coconut oil, MCT oil is the way to go.