What is the difference between your palm kernel and coconut sourced MCT oils?
While both palm kernel MCT oil and coconut MCT oil are rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), they originate from different raw materials and differ significantly in their fatty acid composition and certain properties.
Simply put, the biggest difference lies in their source and the proportions of various MCTs (especially C8 and C10).
Let's break down their differences in detail:
1. Source
Coconut MCT Oil: As the name suggests, it is extracted from coconut meat (dried coconut). First, coconut oil is obtained, and then fractionation technology is used to separate the natural MCTs from other components (such as long-chain fatty acids) to obtain a higher concentration of MCT oil.
Palm Kernel MCT Oil: It is extracted from the kernel of the oil palm (i.e., palm kernel). Similarly, palm kernel oil is obtained first, and then MCTs are purified through fractionation.
2. Fatty Acid Composition (This is the core difference)
MCTs are mainly composed of four types, ordered by carbon chain length:
C6 (Hexanoic acid): Shortest chain, fastest absorption, but prone to causing gastrointestinal discomfort and has an unpleasant taste. The content of these fatty acids is usually very low in both oils.
C8 (Caprylic Acid): The "gold standard." Absorbed very quickly, it is rapidly converted into ketone bodies in the liver, providing energy for the brain and body. It has the most significant effect on increasing ketone body levels.
C10 (Capric Acid): Also excellent, providing a longer-lasting energy source and stronger antibacterial properties, but its conversion to ketone bodies is slightly slower than C8.
C12 (Lauric Acid): The longest chain, its properties are closer to long-chain fatty acids. Absorption and metabolism are slower than C8 and C10, but it has very strong antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Now let's look at the typical compositional differences between the two oils:
Coconut MCT Oil:
Contains a high proportion of C12 (lauric acid), usually up to 50% or more.
The proportions of C8 and C10 are relatively low.
Because it is simply a fractionated coconut oil, its fatty acid ratio is closer to the MCT fraction in natural coconut oil.
Palm Kernel MCT Oil:
The proportions of C8 (caprylic acid) and C10 (capric acid) are usually higher. The proportion of C12 (lauric acid) is relatively low.
Many brands, in pursuit of optimal results, further purify the oil to obtain pure C8 oil or a C8+C10 blend, and these products are mostly made from palm kernel oil.
3. Comparison of Characteristics and Effects
Characteristic | Coconut MCT oil | Palm kernel MCT oil (especially those with a high C8/C10 ratio) |
Ketone body formation rate | Slower | Faster and more efficient |
Energy supply | Stable and long-lasting flavor | Rapidly bursts into flavor |
Gastrointestinal tolerance | Relatively good (due to higher C12 content, less irritating) | May be slightly less potent (especially high-purity C8, requiring starting with small doses) |
Flavor/Odor | Usually has a faint coconut flavor | More neutral, almost tasteless |
Cooking smoke point | Both are similar, typically around 160°C, not suitable for high-temperature frying or stir-frying. | Similar to both, typically around 160°C, not suitable for high-temperature frying or stir-frying. |
4. Environmental Impact and Sustainability
This is an important consideration:
Palm kernel oil production is closely linked to deforestation, habitat destruction (especially threatening wildlife such as orangutans), and unsustainable farming practices.
Coconut oil is generally considered more environmentally friendly because coconut trees are often part of agroforestry systems, helping to protect soil and biodiversity.
Therefore, if you are environmentally conscious, choosing palm kernel MCT oil that clearly labels itself as "sustainably sourced," "organic," or "RSPO certified," or even coconut MCT oil, would be a more responsible choice.
Summary and How to Choose
Choose coconut MCT oil if:
You prefer "natural" products and want to retain some of the antibacterial benefits of lauric acid.
You have a sensitive stomach and want to start with a gentle MCT.
You highly value environmental protection and sustainability.
Choose palm kernel MCT oil (especially high C8/C10) if:
Your primary goal is rapid ketosis, seeking optimal mental focus and energy boosts (e.g., for ketogenic diets, bulletproof coffee, intermittent fasting, or athletes).
You want a product with an absolutely neutral taste that doesn't affect the original flavor of beverages and food.
You can find and trust brands with sustainability certifications.
Finally, please note: Many products on the market do not clearly label themselves as "coconut MCT" or "palm kernel MCT," but are simply referred to as MCT oil. A simple way to determine this is to check the ingredient list:
If the C8 and C10 content is particularly high (e.g., C8 accounts for more than 60%), it is likely extracted from palm kernels.
If the ingredient list shows a large proportion of C12 (lauric acid), it is very likely from coconuts.