MCT Oil
MCT oil is a triglyceride made mainly of caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids. Producers split coconut or palm kernel oil into fatty acids, fractionate out the C8 and C10 portion, and re-esterify it with glycerol to form a clear, nearly odorless oil. Grades are defined by their C8:C10 ratio, and the oil can be spray-dried onto a carrier to make a powder.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
The standard grade, typically around 60:40 or 70:30 caprylic to capric; used in softgels, tinctures, drops and as a carrier for fat-soluble actives.
Grades that are mostly caprylic triglyceride (tricaprylin), specified by minimum C8 percentage.
MCT oil spray-dried or encapsulated with a carrier such as acacia gum, maltodextrin or a protein; specified by oil load and carrier, used in drink mixes and powders.
MCT made only from coconut-derived fatty acids, for brands that exclude palm; palm-based grades may carry RSPO supply-chain certification.
MCT made to compendial monographs for use as an excipient or capsule fill.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
MCT oil is saturated, so it oxidizes more slowly than most vegetable oils, but it is still stored in closed containers at ambient temperature away from heat and light. MCT powders pick up moisture and should be kept sealed in a dry area. Shelf life and retest dates come from the supplier's spec; oils commonly carry longer shelf lives than powders.
C8:C10 ratio can vary within a grade's range, so record the actual fatty acid profile from each COA if your label states C8 content. For powders, oil load and carrier vary by product, so a supplier change usually needs a label and formula review. Rotate by expiry (FEFO) and note RSPO or coconut-only status on the lot when customers ask for it.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
FDA responded that it had no questions to GRN 1049, a GRAS notice for medium-chain triacylglycerols, for a specific use as a fat source in exempt infant formula; other uses rely on their own GRAS basis.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Caprylic acid (octanoic acid, C8), one of the fatty acids MCT oil is built from, is listed in 21 CFR 184.1025 among direct food substances affirmed as GRAS.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Columbus, OH
Sells it as CAPTEX®
Columbus, Ohio maker of specialty lipids, including liquid and powdered lipids for food and the CAPTEX line of medium-chain triglycerides. It also supplies pharmaceutical excipients.
Distributor · Blue Bell, PA
Pennsylvania distributor of oleochemicals and personal care ingredients, including castor products, fatty alcohols, esters, glycerin and natural oils and butters.
Manufacturer · Saskatoon, Canada
Canadian supplier of plant and marine oils, coconut and MCT oils, seeds and proteins in bulk and finished formats for food, supplement and pet nutrition brands.
Manufacturer · Big Bend, WI
Wisconsin manufacturer and wholesale supplier of bulk oils and oil powders, including MCT oil and MCT oil powder. It also offers capsules, softgels and private label.
Manufacturer · Hamburg, Germany
Sells it as WITARIX®
German oleochemical producer that makes MCT oils and MCT powders at two plants in Germany. Its nutrition range is sold under the WITARIX name, with palm-based and coconut-based options.
Manufacturer
Sells it as NEOBEE®
Chemical and lipid manufacturer whose NEOBEE line covers caprylic/capric MCT oils for food, supplement and pharmaceutical use. Product pages list kosher and halal certificates.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include c8/C10 blend oil, high-C8 oil, mCT powder, coconut-only or palm-free grades and pharmaceutical (USP-NF / Ph. Eur.) grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect fatty acid composition, acid value and peroxide value, saponification and hydroxyl values, process contaminants, heavy metals, moisture and microbiology (powders) and color and appearance, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
MCT oil is saturated, so it oxidizes more slowly than most vegetable oils, but it is still stored in closed containers at ambient temperature away from heat and light. MCT powders pick up moisture and should be kept sealed in a dry area. Shelf life and retest dates come from the supplier's spec; oils commonly carry longer shelf lives than powders.
FDA responded that it had no questions to GRN 1049, a GRAS notice for medium-chain triacylglycerols, for a specific use as a fat source in exempt infant formula; other uses rely on their own GRAS basis. Caprylic acid (octanoic acid, C8), one of the fatty acids MCT oil is built from, is listed in 21 CFR 184.1025 among direct food substances affirmed as GRAS.
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