Understanding What Drink Contains Ketones: A Guide to Exogenous Ketone Beverages

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

Over 5% of US adults have tried a ketogenic diet, often seeking ways to achieve or maintain ketosis efficiently. For those wondering what drink contains ketones, the answer lies in specialized exogenous ketone supplements, which offer a quick way to elevate ketone levels in the blood.

Quick Summary

Exogenous ketone supplements, available as ketone salts or esters, are the beverages that contain ketones. They can provide a quick source of energy, support mental clarity, and help with appetite control, offering a tool for those following a low-carb lifestyle or seeking enhanced athletic performance.

Key Points

Exogenous Ketones: Drinks containing ketones are typically exogenous ketone supplements, which come in two primary forms: salts and esters.
Ketone Salts: These are powders mixed with liquid, offering a milder ketone boost and containing minerals like sodium and magnesium.
Ketone Esters: These are more potent liquid supplements that provide a higher, faster rise in blood ketone levels but often have an unpleasant taste.
Keto-Friendly Alternatives: Many other drinks, such as water, unsweetened tea, coffee, and bone broth, do not contain ketones but are suitable for a ketogenic lifestyle.
Benefits vs. Drawbacks: Ketone drinks can help with energy, focus, and appetite suppression, but they can cause digestive upset, are often expensive, and have a distinct taste.
Not a Replacement: These supplements should complement, not replace, the benefits of a proper ketogenic diet and healthy hydration practices.

Understanding Ketones: Endogenous vs. Exogenous

Ketone bodies are chemical compounds produced by the liver when the body breaks down fat for energy. This process, called ketogenesis, occurs when glucose from carbohydrates is not readily available, such as during fasting, prolonged exercise, or when following a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet. The three primary ketone bodies are acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and acetone. Under normal dietary conditions, BHB is the most prevalent ketone in the blood.

There are two main sources of ketones: endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous ketones are those produced naturally by your liver when you restrict carbohydrates. Exogenous ketones, on the other hand, are external ketone supplements that you ingest to raise your blood ketone levels quickly. The question 'What drink contains ketones?' refers specifically to these exogenous ketone drinks, which are designed to deliver ketone bodies directly into your system without the need for dietary restrictions.

What Drink Contains Ketones? The Types of Exogenous Ketone Beverages

The market for exogenous ketone supplements has grown significantly, and these products come in a few distinct forms. When looking for a drink that contains ketones, you will primarily encounter two types: ketone salts and ketone esters. It is crucial to distinguish between these, as they differ in composition, potency, and cost.

Ketone Salts

Ketone salts are the most common and widely available form of exogenous ketone supplements. They consist of ketone bodies, typically BHB, bound to mineral salts like sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium. These supplements are often sold as powders that you mix with water or another liquid.

Composition: BHB bonded with minerals.
Benefits: Generally more palatable than esters, less expensive, and provide essential electrolytes which can help mitigate symptoms of the 'keto flu'.
Considerations: Can contribute a significant amount of sodium to your daily intake, and the mineral load can cause gastrointestinal distress in some individuals.

Ketone Esters

Ketone esters are a more potent form of exogenous ketone supplement, typically sold as a liquid. They consist of BHB linked to another compound via an ester bond. Ketone esters are known for raising blood ketone levels higher and faster than salts, and they have been the subject of extensive research, especially in athletic performance.

Composition: BHB bonded with an ester.
Benefits: Produce a more robust elevation of blood ketones. Used by elite athletes for performance enhancement and improved recovery.
Considerations: Have a very strong, unpleasant taste often described as bitter or chemical. They are significantly more expensive than ketone salts.

A Comparison of Ketone Salts and Ketone Esters


Feature	Ketone Salts	Ketone Esters
Composition	BHB bonded to mineral salts (Na, K, Ca, Mg).	BHB bonded to an ester compound.
Form	Powder mixed with liquid.	Liquid, often sold in shots.
Taste	Generally more palatable, though still may have a slightly bitter aftertaste.	Strong, unpleasant bitter or chemical taste.
Cost	More affordable per serving.	Significantly more expensive per serving.
Potency	Provides a milder increase in blood ketone levels.	Provides a higher and more rapid increase in blood ketone levels.
Side Effects	Potential for GI distress and high mineral intake.	Possible nausea and dizziness.
Availability	Widely available as a dietary supplement.	Less common and mainly used in research or by serious athletes.

Beyond Supplements: Other Keto-Friendly Drink Options

In addition to exogenous ketone supplements, many other beverages are suitable for a ketogenic lifestyle. These drinks don't contain ketones but are low in carbohydrates and can help you stay in ketosis. Choosing these options can be a flavorful and refreshing way to stay hydrated without spiking blood sugar.

Water: The most important drink for hydration, especially on a keto diet which has a diuretic effect. Enhance it with lemon or lime juice for flavor.
Unsweetened Tea and Coffee: Plain coffee and tea are virtually carb-free. Avoid added sugar and opt for keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract. A 'bulletproof coffee' incorporates MCT oil or butter for added fat and ketone-boosting potential.
Bone Broth: Rich in minerals and nutrients, bone broth is a savory, low-carb beverage that helps replenish electrolytes, which is particularly beneficial during the keto-adaptation phase.
Unsweetened Plant-Based Milks: Almond, coconut, and cashew milk are great low-carb alternatives to dairy milk, which contains milk sugar (lactose). Always check the label to ensure no sugar has been added.
Diet Sodas and Sparkling Water: Sugar-free sparkling water brands like LaCroix or Perrier are zero-carb options. While diet sodas are also low-carb, some experts recommend limiting them due to potential craving impacts from artificial sweeteners.

The Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of Ketone Drinks

Potential Benefits

Supporters of exogenous ketone drinks highlight several potential advantages:

Reduced Keto Flu Symptoms: Many people experience symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and brain fog when transitioning to keto. Exogenous ketones can provide a rapid fuel source, potentially easing this period of adjustment.
Appetite Suppression: Studies have shown that consuming ketone drinks can suppress appetite by lowering levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. This can help with weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
Enhanced Mental Clarity: Ketones provide an efficient fuel for the brain, which can lead to improved cognitive function and clearer focus, especially during periods of low carbohydrate intake.
Improved Athletic Performance: Endurance athletes may use ketone drinks to provide an additional fuel source, which can help spare muscle glycogen stores and potentially improve performance and recovery.

Potential Drawbacks

Despite the benefits, there are also downsides to consider:

Digestive Issues: Some individuals experience gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort, particularly with ketone salts and at higher doses.
Unpleasant Taste: Ketone esters, in particular, are known for their strong, off-putting taste. Even some ketone salts have an aftertaste.
Cost: Ketone drinks, especially the more potent ketone esters, can be expensive. Maintaining consistent use requires a significant financial investment.
Not a Magic Bullet: Taking a ketone drink does not replace the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet. It should be seen as a tool to support a low-carb lifestyle, not a replacement for it.
Calorie Content: Ketones themselves contain calories (around 4 kcal per gram), which must be accounted for if weight loss is the primary goal.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

So, what drink contains ketones? Exogenous ketone supplements, available as either ketone salts or ketone esters, are the drinks that directly provide your body with ketones. While these can be a useful tool for some individuals—particularly those following a keto diet, endurance athletes, or those seeking a mental boost—it is important to understand their specific applications and limitations. Ketone drinks are not a substitute for a balanced diet but rather a supplement to be used strategically. For most people, consuming a range of other keto-friendly beverages, like water, unsweetened tea, or bone broth, is sufficient for staying hydrated and maintaining ketosis. Before incorporating a new supplement into your regimen, it is always wise to consult a healthcare provider or a nutritionist, as they can offer personalized advice based on your health goals and needs.

For more information on exogenous ketones and their effects, you can visit a reliable source such as the Examine.com article on exogenous ketones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ketone drinks are generally considered safe for most healthy adults in moderate doses, but long-term safety is not fully established. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Ketone drinks may indirectly support weight loss by suppressing appetite, but they are not a guaranteed weight loss solution. Their effectiveness is maximized when paired with a healthy diet and exercise, as the supplements themselves contain calories.

Ketone salts are ketones bound to minerals and are typically powders mixed with liquid, while ketone esters are ketones bonded with an ester and are usually in liquid form. Esters are more potent and raise blood ketones higher, but salts are generally more palatable and affordable.

Yes, you can take ketone drinks without following a strict keto diet. However, the effects may be more noticeable when you are on a low-carb diet or fasting, and they will not induce fat adaptation.

The 'keto flu' refers to a group of flu-like symptoms experienced when transitioning to a ketogenic diet, caused by the body adjusting to using fat for fuel. A ketone drink can provide a quick source of alternative fuel (ketones), potentially reducing or easing these symptoms.

Common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea and diarrhea, particularly with ketone salts. Some users also report an unpleasant taste.

The most effective way to increase endogenous ketone production is through a ketogenic diet or fasting. Ketone drinks offer an external, rapid source of ketones, but they do not replace the metabolic benefits gained from dietary ketosis.