How Often Should I Put MCT Oil in My Coffee?

November 24, 2025 •

5 min read

According to research, substituting long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can lead to slight reductions in body composition and weight. Adding MCT oil in your coffee has become a popular morning ritual for many health enthusiasts aiming for sustained energy and focus.

Quick Summary

This guide provides expert recommendations on the appropriate frequency and dosage for adding MCT oil to coffee, detailing how to safely start and increase intake. It covers the benefits and potential risks, proper mixing techniques, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine for optimal results.

Key Points

Start Slow: Begin with 1 teaspoon of MCT oil per day and gradually increase the dose over a week or two to allow your digestive system to adapt.
Moderate Daily Intake: A daily intake of 1 to 2 tablespoons in your coffee is standard for most users, while a higher tolerance is required for more.
Blend for Emulsification: For a creamy texture and better absorption, use a blender or milk frother to thoroughly mix the MCT oil into your coffee.
Time It Wisely: Add MCT oil to your morning coffee for a sustained energy and mental clarity boost. Avoid taking it too late to prevent disrupting your sleep.
Consider Your Calories: Be mindful that each tablespoon of MCT oil adds calories and saturated fat, which should be factored into your daily diet plan.
Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to digestive reactions. If you experience discomfort like bloating or diarrhea, reduce your dosage and increase more slowly.

Finding the Right Frequency and Dosage for MCT Oil

Incorporating MCT oil into your daily routine, particularly in coffee, requires a thoughtful approach to frequency and dosage. The key is to start with small amounts and listen to your body's response, especially to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. While daily consumption is common and generally considered safe for most people, the amount and frequency depend largely on your tolerance and health goals.

The 'Start Low, Go Slow' Approach

For beginners, the most important rule is to begin with a small dose. Starting with a large amount can cause digestive issues such as stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.

Initial Dose: Start with just 1 teaspoon of MCT oil in your coffee once per day for the first few days to a week.
Gradual Increase: If your body tolerates this well, you can slowly increase your dose to 1 to 2 tablespoons daily over a period of one to two weeks.
Maximum Intake: Many sources suggest limiting daily intake to 4 to 7 tablespoons, but this higher amount is typically for seasoned users and should be spread throughout the day. A safer and more common maximum for coffee is 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup.

Optimal Timing for Your MCT Coffee

Most people prefer adding MCT oil to their morning coffee to start the day with an energy and mental clarity boost. The sustained energy from MCTs can help power you through the morning without the crash often associated with high-sugar foods. However, some opt for an afternoon pick-me-up to combat a midday energy slump. Avoid taking it too late in the evening, as the energy boost can interfere with sleep.

Blending for Optimal Results

Simply stirring MCT oil into coffee is not enough, as oil and water do not mix. For a creamy, satisfying texture and better absorption, emulsification is necessary.

Use a blender: Combine your brewed coffee, MCT oil, and any other additions (like butter or a sugar-free creamer) in a high-speed blender. Blend for 20–30 seconds until the mixture is frothy and well-combined, resembling a latte.
Use a frother: A handheld milk frother can also effectively mix the ingredients, though it may take a little longer to achieve the desired consistency.

Understanding the Potential Drawbacks

While many enjoy the benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks, especially when considering daily use. Moderation is key to avoiding negative side effects.

High Calorie Density Each tablespoon of MCT oil contains approximately 120 calories. This can add up quickly and lead to weight gain if not accounted for in your overall daily caloric intake. For those using it to manage weight, mindful tracking is essential.

Digestive Upset As mentioned, starting with too high a dose can cause significant digestive distress. Symptoms like cramps, bloating, and diarrhea are common, so the slow increase in dosage is vital for your body to acclimate.

Impact on Cholesterol and Liver Health MCTs are a type of saturated fat, and consuming large amounts, particularly long-term, may affect cholesterol levels. Some studies indicate a potential rise in both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol, though research is ongoing. The liver also processes MCTs, and excessive intake has been linked to potential fat buildup in the liver, particularly in animal studies with high doses. Always consult a healthcare provider with concerns, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

Comparison: MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil in Coffee


Feature	MCT Oil (C8 and C10)	Coconut Oil (Mixed MCTs)
MCT Concentration	Contains a higher concentration of C8 (caprylic acid) and C10 (capric acid).	Contains a lower concentration of pure MCTs (around 50-60%), with C12 (lauric acid) being most abundant.
Absorption Speed	Converts into ketones and energy very rapidly.	Slower absorption due to the higher percentage of C12 fatty acids, which act more like LCTs.
Energy Boost	Provides a quicker, more efficient energy boost and ketone production.	Offers a less concentrated, more gradual energy lift compared to pure MCT oil.
Ketogenic Effect	More effective at raising ketone levels, making it ideal for keto diets.	Less effective for quick ketosis due to its composition.
Flavor	Generally flavorless, making it easy to add to coffee.	Can have a coconut flavor, which may not be desirable in all drinks.
Cost	Typically more expensive due to the extraction and concentration process.	More affordable and widely available.

Conclusion

For most individuals, adding MCT oil to coffee daily is a safe and effective way to enjoy sustained energy and improved focus. The consensus among experts is to start with a modest serving of 1 teaspoon and gradually increase to 1 to 2 tablespoons per day. Proper blending is recommended for the best texture and absorption. By managing dosage and monitoring your body's response, you can make MCT coffee a beneficial part of your routine. Those with pre-existing health conditions or concerns about saturated fat intake should consult a healthcare professional before regular use.

References

Perfect Keto. "MCT Oil for Weight Loss: How Much Should You Take?" June 02, 2025. Liberty Beans Coffee Company. "Boost Your Brew: The Ultimate Guide to MCT Oil in Coffee." Bubs Naturals. "How Much MCT Oil to Add to Coffee: Your Ultimate Guide to Boosting Wellness." July 11, 2025. WebMD. "MCT Oil: Health Benefits and Common Uses." July 04, 2024. Longevity.Technology. "What Happens When You Mix MCT Oil in Your Coffee?" January 09, 2024. Bulletproof. "Unlock the Benefits of MCT Oil in Coffee: Recipes and Tips." November 11, 2024. Liberty Beans Coffee Company. "Boost Your Brew: The Ultimate Guide to MCT Oil in Coffee." WebMD. "MCT Oil: Health Benefits and Common Uses." July 04, 2024. Healthline. "7 Science-Based Benefits of MCT Oil." June 02, 2025. Thrive Nutrition. "Caffeine + MCT Oil for Weight Loss: How it Works and What You Need to Know." Ketone-IQ®. "MCT Oil in Coffee: Here's How to Do It | H.V.M.N. Blog." November 12, 2019. Raw C. "Supercharge your morning coffee with Raw C MCT Oil." May 01, 2025. Bubs Naturals. "Can I Put MCT Oil in Coffee? Exploring the Benefits and How..." July 11, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for most people, consuming MCT oil in coffee every day is safe and can provide a steady source of energy and focus. The key is to start with a small amount and gradually increase your intake as your body adjusts, listening to your body to avoid digestive discomfort.

As a beginner, you should start with 1 teaspoon of MCT oil per day for the first few days to a week. This allows your body to build a tolerance and minimizes the risk of digestive issues like cramps or diarrhea.

Most experts recommend a daily intake of 1 to 2 tablespoons per day once you've acclimated to it. Higher doses, up to 4 to 7 tablespoons for experienced users, should be spread throughout the day to prevent digestive issues and potential liver strain.

Most people prefer to add MCT oil to their morning coffee to capitalize on the sustained energy and mental clarity boost it provides for the day. However, it can also be used in the afternoon to fight a midday slump, but it should be avoided in the evening as it can disrupt sleep.

Yes, it is highly recommended to blend or froth MCT oil into your coffee. This process, called emulsification, creates a creamy, latte-like texture and prevents the oil from separating and floating on top, which can lead to a less pleasant drinking experience and potential digestive issues.

MCT oil can support weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and increasing fat burning, especially for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets. However, it is high in calories, so it must be used as part of an overall balanced diet and not simply added on top of your existing calorie intake.

Yes, technically MCT oil coffee does break a fast because it contains calories. However, it does not significantly spike insulin levels, which allows the body to stay in a fat-burning state. Many intermittent fasters include it to curb hunger and provide energy during their fasting window.