Is there MCT oil in butter? Decoding the Dairy Fat Difference

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

Butter does contain small, naturally occurring amounts of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). However, the concentration is significantly lower than that found in dedicated MCT oil supplements, which are typically derived from coconut or palm kernel oil for their concentrated benefits.

Quick Summary

Butter contains trace amounts of naturally occurring medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), but it is not a concentrated source. The primary MCT in butter is lauric acid (C12), which is metabolized slower than the C8 and C10 types found in MCT oil.

Key Points

Trace MCT Content: Butter naturally contains a small amount of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), primarily lauric acid (C12), but not the concentrated quantities found in MCT oil supplements.
Source of Concentrated MCTs: MCT oil is a manufactured product, typically derived through fractionation of coconut or palm kernel oil to isolate the highly efficient caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids.
Metabolic Difference: The MCTs in butter are metabolized more slowly due to the presence of other fats, whereas MCT oil is processed rapidly, providing a quick energy boost and supporting ketone production.
Nutritional Complement: Butter and MCT oil are not interchangeable. Butter provides vitamins and longer-chain fats, while MCT oil offers a targeted, rapid energy source for specific dietary goals.
Effective Supplementation: For individuals seeking the therapeutic effects of MCTs, such as for the ketogenic diet, relying on butter alone is insufficient; a dedicated MCT oil supplement is required.

Understanding Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

Medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs, are a type of fat molecule defined by their unique chemical structure. Unlike the more common long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in many dietary fats, MCTs are composed of fatty acids with shorter carbon tails (6 to 12 carbon atoms). This shorter length means they are absorbed and metabolized differently by the body. Instead of being stored as fat, they are quickly transported to the liver, where they can be converted into ketones—a readily available source of energy for the body and brain. This unique metabolic pathway is why MCT oil is a popular supplement, especially for those following a ketogenic diet.

The Fatty Acid Composition of Butter

Butter is primarily composed of fat, with a complex profile of over 400 different fatty acids. The majority of these fats are long-chain saturated fats. While butter is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, its MCT content is minimal. The medium-chain fatty acids present in butter include caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12), but they represent only a small fraction of its total fat content. The most notable MCT in butter is often considered to be lauric acid, although its longer chain length means it is digested and absorbed more slowly than C8 and C10.

How Concentrated MCT Oil is Made

Commercial MCT oil is not just naturally extracted; it is a highly processed and concentrated product. It is created through a process called fractionation, which isolates specific medium-chain fatty acids, typically caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids, from sources like coconut or palm kernel oil. These particular MCTs are chosen because of their rapid and efficient conversion into ketones, providing the most potent and direct benefits associated with MCT supplementation. This is why adding pure MCT oil to coffee provides a different metabolic effect than simply adding a pat of butter.

The Difference Between MCT Oil and the MCTs in Butter

To put the difference into perspective, dedicated MCT oil supplements contain a high concentration of the most metabolically efficient medium-chain fatty acids (C8 and C10). Conversely, butter contains only a trace amount of various MCTs, including the slower-metabolized lauric acid (C12). This difference is crucial for anyone using MCTs for specific health goals like rapid ketosis or enhanced cognitive function. While butter offers a host of other nutritional benefits from its full-fat profile, it cannot serve as a functional replacement for concentrated MCT oil.

Comparison Table: Butter vs. MCT Oil


Feature	Butter	MCT Oil (Concentrate)
MCT Concentration	Very low (trace amounts)	Very high (concentrated)
Primary MCTs	Various, including Lauric Acid (C12)	Primarily Caprylic Acid (C8) and Capric Acid (C10)
Source	Dairy fat from milk	Fractionated coconut or palm kernel oil
Digestion Speed	Slower (due to LCT content)	Very fast
Ketone Production	Minimal	High
Primary Benefit	Flavor, fat-soluble vitamins, general fat intake	Quick energy, enhanced ketosis, cognitive support
Saturated Fat Content	High	High (but all MCTs)

Incorporating Both into a Healthy Diet

Instead of viewing butter and MCT oil as competing, they can be complementary parts of a balanced, high-fat diet, such as the ketogenic diet. The popular "Bulletproof coffee" is a prime example, combining coffee with both grass-fed butter and MCT oil. The MCT oil provides a quick burst of energy and ketone production, while the butter adds a rich flavor and a longer-digesting fat that promotes sustained satiety. For those not following a specific diet, incorporating grass-fed butter offers fat-soluble vitamins and healthy fats, while MCT oil can be used sparingly as a supplement to boost energy or support mental clarity.

Conclusion

While butter does naturally contain some medium-chain triglycerides, it is far from being a concentrated source of these fats. The high-potency MCT oil supplements available on the market are specifically engineered to deliver the benefits of rapidly metabolized C8 and C10 fatty acids, which are only present in trace amounts within butter. Therefore, to experience the full metabolic effects of MCTs, a dedicated supplement is necessary. Butter, with its rich flavor and other nutritional components, remains a valuable food, but it should not be mistaken for a potent source of MCTs. By understanding this key difference, consumers can make more informed dietary choices to meet their specific health goals.

Learn more about the differences between MCT oil and coconut oil from Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, butter is not a good source of MCT oil. While it contains trace amounts of naturally occurring MCTs, the concentration is very low compared to concentrated MCT oil supplements.

You can add butter to coffee for flavor and fat, but it will not provide the same rapid energy and ketogenic benefits as concentrated MCT oil. The two have different metabolic effects.

The primary medium-chain fatty acid found in butter is lauric acid (C12). However, its digestion is slower than the C8 and C10 MCTs typically used in supplements.

Concentrated MCT oil is primarily sourced from coconut oil and palm kernel oil. Specific MCTs like caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids are isolated through a process called fractionation.

While generally considered safe for most people, some studies suggest that adding both butter and MCT oil to coffee can be high in saturated fat and calories. It is wise to consult a dietitian, especially if you have high cholesterol or a history of heart disease.

Grass-fed butter does contain MCTs, but only in very small amounts (around 0.7 g per tablespoon). This is still an insignificant amount compared to concentrated MCT oil.

MCTs in MCT oil are rapidly absorbed and converted into ketones for quick energy, while the longer-chain fats that make up most of butter are digested more slowly and primarily used for sustained energy or stored as fat.