MCT oil is the new-kid-on-the-block these days, and has been getting a lot of attention in the food industry – we even put it in our soups! You might have even noticed your friends or coworkers cooking with coconut oil or adding MCT oil to their morning cup of joe. 

You’re probably wondering why so many people are absolutely raving about this… fat?

“What is MCT oil?” is a question that we see frequently, so today we’re exploring what it is, how it’s made, and how you can incorporate Medium-Chain Triglycerides into your daily routine – especially if you’re on the Keto or Paleo diet!

What are Medium-Chain Triglycerides?

Olive oil comes from olives, and avocado oil comes from avocados, but is there an MCT tree? Nope! Instead, MCT is used to describe the structure of the oil’s molecules: Medium-Chain Triglycerides. 

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a special type of fatty acid found in several different foods, including coconuts, palms, and dairy.

These medium-chain fatty acids possess certain molecular characteristics, which allow them to behave a little differently than other fats do. What does that mean exactly? Here’s a short breakdown of an otherwise fascinatingly complex topic: 

Triglyceride is the technical term for fat. Fats are categorized by how many carbons they have attached to them. These carbons are lined-up like beads on a string, or links in a chain:

• Short-chain triglycerides have less than 6 carbons attached to each fatty acid 
• Medium-chain triglycerides contain between 6-12, which is what gives these fats their unique characteristics 
• Long-chain triglycerides contain between 13-21 carbon atoms, and are in most of the foods we eat 

Fatty acids are digested by removing carbon atoms, so the fewer carbon atoms a fat has, the faster it can be digested. This is what allows MCTs to bypass traditional digestion and metabolize faster- becoming a source of energy, without being stored as fat. Most of the research-backed benefits of MCTs are a result of this rapid digestibility.

According to the Mayo Clinic, this allows these fats to also be used for ketone production- one of the reasons why this fat is so popular on the Keto program.

How is MCT Oil Made?

MCT oil is a concentrated, liquid fat produced by the separation of fatty acids from coconut oil or palm oil. At Power Provisions, we use MCT oil sourced from coconuts, which tend to grow more sustainably, and are an excellent source of dietary MCTs.

​The process of extracting MCT oil involves controlling the temperature of the oil, and isolating the medium-chain triglycerides from the coconut through a process called fractionation. A partial-crystallization of some compounds is created, and the remaining liquid is separated from the solids through filtration or centrifuge. 

Despite the fact that it’s manufactured in a lab, MCT oil contains entirely natural fats

Because of the fact that it is odorless, colorless and tasteless, MCT oil can be consumed on it’s own, or it can be added to a wide variety of products, without altering their flavor!

“I read about the benefits of collagen, bone broth and MCT oil, as well as a lower-carb higher-protein diet. After I experienced their positive effects, I was hooked. All of this inspired a huge shift in the way I was eating and the supplements I was taking. I loved the delicious recipes I was creating but realized they took a lot of time. I lead a pretty busy life and it became hard to keep eating in a way that nourished me while I was on the go. That was the inspiration for Power Provisions.” 

-Rita Vinnicombe, Power Provisions founder

Taking MCT Oil

There are two main ways to increase your intake of MCTs: through foods supplemented with MCT oil, or by taking plain MCT oil by itself. And even though MCT oil has no taste, it’s still not the most exciting way of getting a daily dose of this fat. 

If you don’t want to mess with taking plain MCT oil, you should try adding our Bone Broth Soup to your routine. Our soup collection combines collagen-rich bone broth with MCT oil, served in a convenient ready-to-go cup to fit your busy lifestyle. 

Below are some quick, delicious recipes using our MCT oil bone broth soups:

MCT Oil + Bone Broth Soup Recipes

Broccoli Cheddar Bone Broth Soup: This hearty bone broth soup mixed with fresh broccoli, carrots and garlic is just the meal you need when the days start getting shorter and colder. It’s fast, delicious and flavorful – just be careful if you share with others, you may not be getting your spoon back.

Chicken Poblano Soup: If you’re a fan of poblano peppers, this is going to be your new go-to weeknight dinner. 

Keto Bread Bowl: Bread bowls are arguably one of the most fun ways to enjoy a hearty soup – and you don’t have to skip them on your keto diet! Make this easy bread bowl and pour in your chicken vegetable bone broth to complete your masterpiece. 

Creamy Tomato Shrimp Soup: What could possibly be better than a bowl of comforting creamy tomato soup filled to the brim with sautéed veggies and shrimp? We’ll wait.  

Keto Tuscan Soup: Bring the taste of Italy right to your kitchen table, and in under 20 minutes no less!

Our soup cups take almost no time to prepare and are amazing on their own, or added to a recipe – especially when you’re on-the-go and need a fast meal! With MCT oil, collagen and bone broth, these little soups pack a big punch. 

That’s why Power Provisions exists – we’re here to Power Your AnytimeTM.

Have you tried any of our bone broth soups? Which one was your favorite? If you have tried any of these recipes out for yourself, make sure to tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok!

If you’re interested in keto recipes, we love these 10 keto soup recipes. Or, these keto recipes for soup. If you made one of the recipes in this article, share a picture on Instagram and be sure to tag us.