How many calories are in MCT oil?

One tablespoon (14g) is 117 calories and a teaspoon is 37. Per 100g MCT oil is 833 calories, slightly under olive oil's 884 and coconut oil's 890, because medium-chain triglycerides carry about 8.3 calories per gram against 9 for longer-chain fats.

Is MCT oil keto-friendly?

It is as pure a keto fat as exists: 100g of fat, 0g carbs and 0g protein per 100g. A tablespoon adds 117 calories to a coffee and nothing at all to the day's carb count.

MCT oil vs coconut oil: what is the difference?

Coconut oil is roughly half to two thirds medium-chain fats, with lauric acid making up most of that. This oil is entirely C8 and C10. The calories are almost identical, 117 per tablespoon for MCT oil against 121 for coconut oil.

How much MCT oil should I use per day?

Start with a teaspoon, 37 calories, and build up. A tablespoon at 117 calories is the common daily amount. Past two tablespoons, 234 calories, is where cramping and urgency usually begin, which is why the ramp matters.

Does MCT oil have fewer calories than other oils?

Slightly, and not enough to plan around. 833 calories per 100g against 884 for olive oil is a 6% gap, which per tablespoon is 117 versus 119. Anyone logging food will never see the difference.

Is MCT oil saturated fat?

Entirely. USDA lists 100g of saturated fat per 100g for this product, because caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids are both saturated. They are metabolized differently from long-chain saturated fat, but they are not unsaturated.

Can you cook with MCT oil?

Not really. Its smoke point is around 320°F, far below avocado or refined olive oil, so it belongs in coffee, smoothies and dressings. Heat it in a pan and you get an acrid taste for the same 117 calories a tablespoon.

Does MCT oil break a fast?

By calories, yes: a tablespoon is 117. By blood sugar, no, since there are 0g of carbs and 0g of protein. Which answer applies depends on whether you are fasting for insulin or for the calorie deficit.

MCT oil or butter in coffee?

A tablespoon of MCT oil is 117 calories and a tablespoon of butter is 102, so butter is marginally lighter. Butter also brings a trace of dairy protein and sodium, 11mg per 100g, where MCT oil is nothing but fat.