What is MCT in Your Coffee and Why Are People Adding It?

December 13, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2009 study, the consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs) can lead to greater energy expenditure than long-chain triglycerides, a key reason many add MCT oil to their coffee. This practice has surged in popularity, particularly within the keto and wellness communities, as a way to upgrade the morning brew into a functional, energy-sustaining drink.

Quick Summary

This article explains that MCT in coffee refers to MCT oil, a type of healthy fat that is quickly metabolized for energy. It covers the benefits like increased focus, improved satiety, and support for ketosis. The guide also details how to properly incorporate it into your routine, potential side effects, and distinguishes pure MCT oil from standard coconut oil.

Key Points

Fast Energy: MCTs are rapidly converted into ketones by the liver, providing a quick source of energy that your body and brain can use immediately.
Sustained Focus: The combination of MCTs and caffeine offers a stable energy supply, avoiding the typical jitters and subsequent crash associated with coffee alone.
Appetite Control: MCT oil helps increase feelings of satiety, which can lead to reduced food cravings and aid in overall weight management.
Not Regular Coconut Oil: Pure MCT oil is a concentrated extract of the most ketogenic fats (C8 and C10), making it far more efficient for energy than standard coconut oil, which contains slower-digesting fats.
Start Slowly: To prevent digestive upset like diarrhea or stomach pain, begin with a small amount (1 teaspoon) and gradually increase your dosage over time.
Blend for Creaminess: For the best texture and to prevent separation, always blend your MCT oil into hot coffee with a high-speed or immersion blender.
Potential for High Cholesterol: In some cases, high doses of MCT oil can increase LDL cholesterol, so regular users should monitor their levels.

What Exactly Are Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)?

To understand what is MCT in your coffee, you must first know what medium-chain triglycerides are. MCTs are a specific type of saturated fatty acid. Unlike the more common long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in most fats and oils, MCTs have a shorter carbon chain length, typically 6–12 carbon atoms. This shorter structure is the key to their unique benefits, as it allows the body to process them differently.

Because of their medium length, MCTs do not require bile salts for digestion and are absorbed directly from the gut to the liver. Here, they are quickly converted into powerful energy particles called ketones, which can be used immediately by the body and brain for fuel. This rapid conversion is why MCTs are so prized for their fast-acting energy properties.

MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil: A Critical Distinction

Many people confuse MCT oil with coconut oil, but they are not the same, though MCT oil is often derived from coconut oil. While coconut oil is a natural source of MCTs, it is a blend of different fatty acids. In fact, roughly half of its fat content is lauric acid (C12), which behaves more like a long-chain fat and is not metabolized as quickly. Pure MCT oil, in contrast, is highly concentrated with the most ketogenic and rapidly absorbed MCTs, specifically caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). This makes pure MCT oil significantly more efficient for boosting energy and ketone production compared to regular coconut oil.

The Benefits of Adding MCT to Your Coffee

Combining MCT oil with coffee creates a synergistic effect that enhances the benefits of both ingredients. Many people report a noticeable improvement in their day after adopting this ritual, often referred to as 'keto coffee' or 'bulletproof coffee' when combined with grass-fed butter.

Provides a sustained energy boost: The fat from MCT oil helps slow the absorption of caffeine, providing a more stable and prolonged source of energy without the typical jitters or crash associated with coffee alone.
Enhances mental clarity and focus: The ketones produced from MCTs can cross the blood-brain barrier, providing the brain with an efficient alternative fuel source to glucose. This often translates to improved cognitive function, mental sharpness, and productivity.
Aids in weight management: MCTs can increase feelings of fullness (satiety) and have a thermogenic effect, meaning they can boost your body's fat-burning capability. Studies show that MCT oil consumption can result in greater fat loss compared to other oils like olive oil.
Supports a ketogenic diet: For those following a keto or low-carb diet, MCT oil is a crucial tool. It provides a readily available source of ketones, helping the body enter and stay in the fat-burning metabolic state of ketosis.

How to Properly Incorporate MCT into Your Coffee

To get the best results and avoid potential digestive upset, follow these steps when adding MCT oil to your brew:

Start with a small dose: If you're new to MCT oil, begin with just one teaspoon per cup and gradually increase to one tablespoon over time as your body adjusts. Jumping in with too much too soon can cause stomach distress.
Blend for best results: MCT oil is hydrophobic and will separate if just stirred into coffee. Use a high-speed blender or an immersion blender for 20-30 seconds to create a smooth, creamy, latte-like texture.
Consider adding other ingredients: For an even richer drink, blend in a tablespoon of grass-fed butter or ghee. For those avoiding dairy, almond milk or coconut milk can be a good option.
Try it in a smoothie: If blending with hot coffee is not your preference, MCT oil powder can be mixed into smoothies, shakes, or yogurt for the same benefits.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While generally safe for most people, moderation is key. Potential side effects are usually linked to taking too much too quickly and can include:

Digestive issues: Nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, and bloating can occur, especially when starting with a high dose.
High cholesterol: In some individuals, a diet high in saturated fats from MCT oil can increase LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels. It's wise to monitor your cholesterol if you consume MCT oil regularly.
Calorie-dense: MCT oil contains calories, so it's important to factor this into your daily intake. For those on a weight-loss plan, replacing a meal with this coffee can be counterproductive due to a lack of other nutrients.
Fat accumulation in the liver: In very rare cases, extremely high doses over a long period could lead to fat buildup in the liver. Stick to recommended dosages to avoid this risk.

MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil Comparison


Feature	MCT Oil	Coconut Oil
MCT Concentration	100% Medium-Chain Triglycerides (primarily C8 and C10).	Approx. 54% MCTs, but with a high proportion of less-efficient Lauric Acid (C12).
Metabolism Speed	Very rapid, converted quickly into ketones for immediate energy.	Slower; C12 requires bile and is processed more like a long-chain fat.
Best For	Keto diets, fast energy boosts, mental clarity, appetite suppression.	High-heat cooking, flavor, and skin/hair moisturization.
Taste/Odor	Flavorless and odorless, making it versatile for adding to drinks.	Distinct coconut flavor and aroma.
Smoke Point	Lower smoke point, unsuitable for high-heat cooking.	Higher smoke point, good for baking and frying.
Price	Generally more expensive due to the extraction and refinement process.	Less expensive and widely available.

Conclusion

At its core, what is MCT in your coffee refers to pure MCT oil, a highly-concentrated fat extracted typically from coconuts. This ingredient can turn a regular cup of joe into a functional beverage, providing rapid and sustained energy, improved mental clarity, and valuable support for weight management and ketogenic diets. By understanding the distinction between pure MCT oil and regular coconut oil, and by incorporating it correctly (preferably by blending), you can leverage its unique metabolic properties. While it can offer significant benefits, it's essential to start with a small amount and monitor your body's reaction to avoid digestive discomfort. For many, a balanced approach that includes a nutritious diet alongside their MCT-infused coffee proves to be the most effective way to reap the rewards of this popular wellness trend.

Ancient and Brave - Why You Should Try Bulleting Your Coffee With MCT Oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Adding MCT oil to coffee transforms it into a functional beverage that provides a quick and sustained energy boost, enhanced mental clarity, and increased satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer.

No, MCT oil is not the same as coconut oil. While MCT oil is often derived from coconuts, it is a refined and concentrated version containing only the most easily metabolized medium-chain triglycerides (C8 and C10). Coconut oil is a mix of various fats, including some slower-digesting ones.

MCT oil can support weight loss by boosting metabolism and increasing feelings of fullness, which can lead to reduced calorie intake. However, it is not a magic bullet and should be part of a balanced diet and regular exercise routine.

Yes, it is highly recommended to blend MCT oil into coffee, as it does not naturally mix well with water. Blending creates a smooth, creamy, emulsified texture, preventing the oil from floating on top.

Common side effects, especially if you start with too high a dose, include digestive issues like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and bloating. Some individuals may also experience an increase in LDL ('bad') cholesterol.

If you are a beginner, start with just one teaspoon per cup and gradually increase the amount to one tablespoon as your body becomes accustomed to it. This helps minimize the risk of digestive discomfort.

Yes, MCT oil can be added to cold beverages like cold brew or iced coffee. For a smooth texture, use a blender or frother to emulsify the oil into the liquid.