MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil: What’s the Real Difference?
Coconut oil has been praised for years as a health superstar—and for good reason. It’s packed with lauric acid, which is classified as a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: not all MCTs act the same in your body. In fact, coconut oil doesn’t deliver the kind of fast-acting energy that true MCT oil does.
If you’re relying on coconut oil or even a cheap “MCT-labeled” oil to boost your energy or brainpower, it’s time for a reality check. Most of what you’re getting is lauric acid—not the potent shorter-chain MCTs (C8 and C10) that really move the needle.
If you’ve ever used a true MCT oil like Brain Octane Oil in your coffee, you already know how big the difference feels: sharper focus, cleaner energy, and even better fat burning. Let’s break it down clearly.
What Is MCT Oil, Really?
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides—a type of fat mainly sourced from coconut oil (sometimes from palm oil). MCT oil is colorless, odorless, and liquid at room temperature, which makes it easy to add to coffee, smoothies, or meals for a quick energy boost.
The magic of MCT oil lies in how your body uses it: it converts quickly into ketones, your body’s cleanest-burning fuel, without needing much digestion.
MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil: A Closer Look
Coconut oil has become a go-to in the health world, but the hype can be misleading. Yes, coconut oil is technically “62% MCTs,” but most of that is lauric acid—not the fast-acting types your brain and body crave.
Here’s the honest truth:
Coconut oil is healthy.
Coconut oil is affordable and abundant.
But coconut oil does NOT give you a strong dose of true biological MCTs unless you eat massive amounts.
If you want the benefits that real MCTs offer—like quick energy, sharper focus, and increased ketone production—you’ll need an extracted and purified MCT oil that focuses on C8 and C10.
How MCTs Work (And Why Some Are Better Than Others)
There are four types of MCTs in coconut oil:
MCT Type Scientific Name Key Details
C6 Caproic Acid Converts to ketones quickly but can taste bad and cause stomach upset.
C8 Caprylic Acid Fastest and cleanest energy source; found in Brain Octane Oil.
C10 Capric Acid Converts to energy slightly slower than C8 but still very effective.
C12 Lauric Acid Acts more like a regular fat; not a true “fast fuel” MCT.
C6, C8, and C10 rapidly bypass your digestive system, hit your liver, and turn into energy quickly. That’s what you want.
C12 (lauric acid), on the other hand, takes the long road: it gets digested like a typical fat and doesn’t give you that quick energy boost. While it still has benefits (especially for immune health), it’s not what you’re looking for if energy, brain function, and fat burning are your goals.
Quick Breakdown of Each MCT:
Caproic Acid (C6): Converts fast but tastes bad. Low levels in coconut oil.
Caprylic Acid (C8): The gold standard for brain and energy fuel. Turns into ATP (your body’s energy currency) faster than sugar.
Capric Acid (C10): Also good for energy but slightly slower than C8.
Lauric Acid (C12): Mostly acts like a long-chain fat. Great for the immune system, but slow energy conversion.
The Coconut Oil Marketing Trap
The coconut oil industry often pushes the idea that coconut oil is loaded with MCTs. And while technically true, it’s misleading if you’re chasing fast, clean energy.
Lauric acid (C12) makes up over 50% of coconut oil.
C8 and C10, the true power players, only make up about 15% combined.
You’d need to eat 4 tablespoons of coconut oil to get the same amount of C8 you’d find in 1 tablespoon of pure Brain Octane Oil.
That’s a big difference—both in cost, digestion, and how you feel after.
Final Thought: When to Use Each One
Want quick brain fuel, energy, and appetite control? Go for a high-quality MCT oil (especially one heavy in C8 and C10).
Want general health benefits, some good fats, and immune support? Regular coconut oil is fantastic for that.
If you want lauric acid, save your money—just eat coconut oil. But if you’re after the real brain-boosting, fat-burning magic, true MCT oil is where the power is.