MCT Oil vs MCT Powder – Which Is Better?

In this article, we will look at the main differences between MCT Oil vs MCT Powder. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) are a very beneficial supplement to take if you are on the Keto diet. MCT is available in both oil or powder form. A common question often asked is which form is better. The truth is that there is no correct answer to this. It is really down to which one you prefer.

To help you decide, let’s have a look at each type:

MCT oil as the name suggests comes in liquid form as it is an oil. This makes it ideal for mixing into your coffee or other drinks. It can also be drizzled on your foods such as salads. You can also just swallow it neat if you prefer.

MCT powder comes in the form of a powder so it is ideal for sprinkling into your foods such as soups or curries. It can also be dissolved into drinks like your coffee. The fact that it is in powder form makes it no less potent than it is in oil form.

So what factors should you take into consideration when choosing one?

MCT Oil vs MCT Powder – Absorption

Many people who are living the Keto lifestyle, also combine it with intermittent fasting and exercise schedules. They usually, therefore, schedule their meals for after their workouts. In this case, MCT oil may be the better option because the fats will be absorbed into the bloodstream and liver more quickly.

MCT powder takes longer to be absorbed so therefore if you are looking for a quick energy boost, MCT oil is your best choice.

MCT Oil vs MCT Powder – Convenience

MCT oil comes up on top for convenience because you can easily carry around a small bottle and swallow the oil easily if you need to or just mix it into your coffee. Also, because it is absorbed by your body faster you will benefit from its effects faster.

MCT Oil vs MCT Powder – Mixability

So far it may seem that MCT oil is the best choice. However, it does have an issue when mixing it with drinks like your bulletproof coffee. It does not mix well with other liquids because like any oil it floats to the top.

This can lead to you consuming your drink in layers instead of mixed together which may take away somewhat from the enjoyment. In this case, you may prefer to go for the MCT powder option.

MCT Oil vs MCT Powder – Expiration

If you are buying a small about of MCT oil or powder at a time, then this may not be an issue for you. However, MCT oil will usually last a lot longer than MCT powder. So, if you are buying in larger quantities you should probably go for MCT oil. If you prefer to buy MCT powder, then buy smaller quantities and keep an eye on the expiry date.

MCT Oil vs MCT Powder – Ease of use

Although it’s easy to use for cooking MCT oil as mentioned already does not mix well with other liquids. Also, as it’s an oil, it has that oily greasy texture which makes it more hassle to clean up if it spills. From this point of view, MCT powder is easier to deal with.

MCT Oil vs MCT Powder – Digestion

Some people do not respond very well to consuming MCT oil. It has been known to cause stomach problems or diarrhea for some. If this is the case for you, then the obvious solution would be to go for MCT powder instead.

It should also be noted that if you are starting out with MCT oil for the first time, you should start slowly with half a teaspoon to one teaspoon a day. You can then increase this gradually until you are taking one or two tablespoons a day.

If you introduce your body to MCT oil gradually this way you can probably avoid the issues mentioned.

In conclusion, whichever one you choose you will gain the same benefits so if you are not sure which one to try you could try both and then decide which one you prefer. This is a better option than staying undecided and trying neither.