Best Time to Take MCT Oil: Morning, Pre‑Workout or Anytime?

1. In the Morning for Focus and Fat Loss

When you take MCT oil, your liver rapidly converts it into ketones, little bundles of energy that your cells can use for fuel.

There are a lot of benefits to using ketones for fuel. Two of them are:

• MENTAL CLARITY. Your brain is especially good at using ketones - so much so that ketones can reverse symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. No studies on healthy humans yet, but enough people report a mental boost from MCT oil that it’s worth trying for yourself.
• FAT LOSS. When people added MCT oil to their food instead of olive oil, they burned about 300 more calories per day and gradually lost body fat. Ketones also suppress hunger, which helps people burn off even more fat without feeling deprived.

Try adding MCT oil to your morning coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with caffeine for an extra mental boost, and it helps you kick off your day in fat-burning mode. You can add MCT oil alone (it’s flavorless and odorless), add a tablespoon of Creamy MCT Oil, or you can go the extra mile and try our Dairy Free Keto Bullet Coffee with MCT Oil and Collagen Peptides.

Shop Now!

2. Pre-Workout for Quick Energy with No Crash

Because MCTs convert to ketones within minutes, your muscle cells can grab those ketones and use them for fuel to help you push through a tough workout. MCT oil isn’t a stimulant, so it won’t keep you up as caffeine will, and it doesn’t mess with your hormones or cause a crash the way sugar does.

Take a shot of MCT oil before you hit the gym. On days when you’re tired, it’ll perk you up. On days when you’re feeling good, it’ll help you push your limits.

What Else to Consider When Taking MCT Oil

There’s no bad time to take MCT oil. It’s always good to have some in the kitchen for sleepy mornings or days when an afternoon slump hits.

We, of course, recommend our 100% pure coconut MCT oil. It’s ethically and sustainably sourced from coconut farms in Sri Lanka and the Philippines. We also have an emulsified version we call Creamy MCT Oil that comes in two delicious flavors, vanilla and caramel (you can read a quick explanation of normal vs. emulsified MCTs here).

If you get your MCT oil elsewhere, we have one tip: check the label for palm oil. Some companies derive their MCTs from palm. It’s cheaper, but the palm industry is one of the most ecologically destructive industries on the planet. It’s rapidly destroying rainforests and threatening the global orangutan population. So please, consider only using 100% coconut-derived MCT oil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the best time to take MCT oil for energy and focus?
Taking MCT oil in the morning — for example, in coffee or a low-carb breakfast — provides a quick source of ketone-based energy and may improve mental clarity and sustained focus.

Is it good to take MCT oil before a workout?
Yes — consuming MCT oil about 20–30 minutes before exercise can supply fast energy and may support endurance or fat-burning efforts.

Can I take MCT oil later in the day or at night?
You can, but it’s often not ideal if you’re sensitive to stimulatory effects — late doses may interfere with sleep or feel less useful.

How often can I take MCT oil per day?
Beginners should start small (e.g., 1 teaspoon), then gradually increase as tolerated. Many find 1–2 tablespoons per day sufficient; high doses may cause digestive discomfort.

Will MCT oil break my fast or affect intermittent fasting?
Yes, because MCT oil provides calories and fat, consuming it breaks a traditional fast. Use it during eating windows or meals rather than fasting windows.

We’d love to hear when you take your MCTs. Let us know in the comments below.