Super Coffee has become an increasingly popular drink that promises to provide energy, focus, and other benefits. One key ingredient in Super Coffee is MCT oil. But does Super Coffee actually contain MCT oil?
What is Super Coffee?
Super Coffee is a brand of instant coffee mix that contains additional ingredients beyond just coffee. It was created in 2015 by entrepreneurs Jordan DeCicco and Jim DeCicco.
Some of the key ingredients in Super Coffee include:
- Coffee – The base is high-quality Arabica coffee.
- MCT oil – This type of oil is thought to provide energy and other benefits.
- Grass-fed butter – Also provides fatty acids.
- Coconut oil
- Fatty acid esters
The makers of Super Coffee say this combination of ingredients provides a boost of energy, mental clarity, and focus that goes beyond what you would get from regular coffee.
What is MCT oil?
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides. MCT oil is a type of fatty acid that has several unique properties:
- It contains fatty acids of a medium length, called medium-chain fatty acids.
- These medium-chain fatty acids are absorbed differently than other fats.
- MCT oil is very rapidly absorbed and used for energy by the body.
- This provides an energizing effect.
- The most common medium-chain fatty acids in MCT oil are caprylic acid and capric acid.
Compared to other fats, MCT oil is thought to:
- Increase energy expenditure and fat burning.
- Lead to better weight management.
- Improve cognitive function.
- Help control blood sugar levels.
- Have antimicrobial properties.
- Improve gut health.
- Increase exercise performance.
So in summary, MCT oil provides a very efficient and rapidly used source of energy. Adding MCT oil to coffee is thought to provide brain-boosting benefits.
Does Super Coffee contain MCT oil?
After reviewing the ingredients list and nutrition information for Super Coffee, it is clear that it does contain MCT oil.
MCT oil is listed as one of the main ingredients on the Super Coffee website. It also appears in the ingredients list on the nutrition label of Super Coffee products.
The makers of Super Coffee also specifically promote MCT oil as one of the key ingredients that sets their coffee apart and provides extra benefits.
On their website, they state:
“Our proprietary blend of ingredients includes MCT oil, grass-fed butter, and coconut oil, which are known to enhance cognitive function.”
and
“MCT oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, which research indicates may support cognition.”
So in summary:
- MCT oil is clearly listed as an ingredient in Super Coffee products.
- The Super Coffee website and promotions highlight MCT oil as a key ingredient.
- The company states that MCT oil provides cognitive benefits, which is one of the major claimed benefits of Super Coffee.
Based on this evidence, Super Coffee does indeed contain MCT oil, unlike regular instant coffee. The MCT oil is intended to provide an extra cognitive and energy boost.
How much MCT oil is in Super Coffee?
The exact amount of MCT oil in Super Coffee can vary across their product line:
| Super Coffee Variant | MCT Oil Amount |
|---|---|
| Super Coffee Original | 1,000 mg per serving |
| Super Coffee Mocha | 1,000 mg per serving |
| Super Coffee French Vanilla | 1,000 mg per serving |
| Super Coffee Salted Caramel | 1,000 mg per serving |
As you can see from the table, a single serving of Super Coffee contains 1,000 mg of MCT oil according to the nutrition labels.
This amounts to about 1 gram or 1 mL of actual oil.
The standard recommended dosage of supplemental MCT oil is around 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL).
So Super Coffee provides a smaller but still reasonable dosage of MCT oil per serving. It’s enough to get some of the proposed MCT oil benefits while avoiding potential digestive side effects from too large a dose.
What are the proposed benefits of MCT oil in coffee?
There are several key benefits that MCT oil may provide when added to coffee:
Increased energy
The MCT fatty acids in MCT oil can act as quick sources of energy. Your body can absorb MCTs rapidly and convert them to usable energy.
This may provide an energy boost alongside the natural caffeine in coffee. MCT oil may prolong the energizing effects of coffee.
Some small studies have found that MCT oil increases metabolic rate, calorie expenditure, and fat burning compared to regular fats. This can further enhance energy levels.
Improved cognitive function
Research indicates MCT oil may support better brain function. The MCTs are able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Your brain can use MCTs directly as fuel. This provides readily available energy for brain cells and may improve mental clarity, focus, and concentration.
The combination of MCT oil and caffeine in coffee may provide synergistic cognitive benefits.
Better gut health
MCT oil may have antimicrobial and gut health benefits. MCTs have been shown to help maintain gut barrier integrity.
MCT oil may also have a prebiotic effect by supporting growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Overall, MCT oil may help create a healthier gut microbiome.
Appetite control and weight loss
Some studies have found that MCT oil intake can increase feelings of fullness and lead to reduced calorie intake. In this way, MCT oil may help control appetite.
The energy-boosting properties of MCT oil also make it easier to maintain an active lifestyle. This can further contribute to weight management benefits.
Potential side effects of MCT oil in coffee
MCT oil is generally very safe. Using small amounts in coffee is unlikely to cause major issues.
However, there are a few potential side effects to keep in mind:
- Stomach discomfort – Too much MCT oil at once may lead to nausea, cramps, or diarrhea. Start with a low dose.
- Throat irritation – The oil can cause throat irritation or a “gagging” sensation for some. Make sure the MCT coffee is mixed thoroughly.
- Drug interactions – MCTs may interact with certain medications, so check with your doctor.
- Allergic reaction – It’s possible to have an allergy to coconut and related products high in MCTs.
These side effects can generally be avoided by starting with a modest dose of MCT oil in coffee, such as 1 tsp or less per cup.
How to add MCT oil to coffee
There are a couple easy methods to add supplemental MCT oil into your morning coffee:
Add MCT oil or Super Coffee creamer
This involves directly blending a liquid MCT oil into hot coffee. Start with just 0.5-1 tsp (2.5-5 mL) of MCT oil per cup of coffee.
Stir the oil in thoroughly so it emulsifies and doesn’t just sit on top of the coffee. MCT coffee creamers like Super Coffee also simplify this.
Blend MCT powder into coffee grounds
Another option is to use MCT powder. Add a half tsp or more of powdered MCT oil supplement into your coffee grounds before brewing.
The MCT powder will dissolve as the coffee brews. This method provides a more even distribution.
Use MCT oil in bulletproof coffee
Bulletproof coffee is a popular beverage made by blending coffee with MCT oil and grass-fed butter. You can also add collagen or other ingredients.
This type of smooth, creamy coffee provides a big dose of MCT oil as well as healthy fats.
Other FAQs
Does Super Coffee have ketones?
No, Super Coffee does not contain any supplemental ketones like beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) or ketone esters.
It only contains ingredients that may help boost ketone production from your body, like MCT oil and coconut oil.
Is Super Coffee Keto friendly?
Super Coffee can fit into a ketogenic diet plan. MCT oil and butter are very low carb, so Super Coffee won’t interfere with ketosis.
The caffeine may also provide an extra energy and appetite suppression boost on keto.
Is Super Coffee gluten free?
Yes, Super Coffee is certified gluten-free. The coffee contains no gluten ingredients.
It’s produced in a facility that does not process any wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing ingredients.
Does Super Coffee break a fast?
Technically yes, Super Coffee likely does break a fast, depending on your definition. It contains calories from fat that will trigger metabolic processes.
However, the high MCT oil content means Super Coffee still provides some unique fasting benefits. MCTs don’t spike insulin and may enhance ketone production.
Conclusion
In summary, Super Coffee does contain a significant amount of MCT oil per serving.
This provides medium-chain triglycerides to enhance energy, cognitive function, exercise performance, and other benefits.
MCT oil is a useful addition alongside Super Coffee’s natural caffeine content. The combo can optimize both physical and mental energy and performance.
When used in moderation, MCT oil is generally very safe and well-tolerated. Adding a small amount to your morning coffee can provide health advantages.
As with any supplement, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before starting to use MCT oil regularly.
But for most people, MCT oil can be an beneficial addition to coffee, living up to some of its purported benefits.