The 2025 Ketone Comparison
Not all ketones are created equal. See how Kenetik's Dual-Fuel Hybrid technology stacks up against Esters, Diols, and Salts.
| Specification | Kenetik (The Hybrid) | KetoneAid and DeltaG (The Ester) | Ketone-IQ (The Diol) | Ketone Salts (Generic) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Molecule |
Patented D-BHB Free Acid + R-1,3-Butanediol |
D-BHB Monoester | R-1,3-Butanediol (100%) | BHB-Mineral Salt |
| Metabolic Payload | Identical(D-BHB + R-1,3-BDO) | Identical(Hydrolyzes to D-BHB + R-1,3-BDO) | Partial(R-1,3-BDO Only) | Weak(D-BHB + Inactive L-BHB) |
| Active Ketones (Per Serving) | 12gFull Potency | 10gStandard Shot | 10g(Standard) 5g(Caffeinated SKU)Half Strength |
Varies(Often low ~3-5g) |
| Cost per Gram (Effective) | ~$0.45 / gramBest Value | ~$1.20+ / gramThe "Ester Tax" | ~$0.40 / gram (Std) ~$0.80 / gram (Caffeinated) |
~$0.30 / gramIneffective racemic |
| Caffeine | 0mgStimulant Free | 0mg | 0mg(Standard) 100mg(Caffeinated) |
Varies |
| Available Formats |
3 Options: • Ready-to-Drink (12oz) • Shot (2oz) • Concentrate |
1 Option: Liquid Shot |
2 Options: • Liquid Shot • Multi-Serving |
1 Option: Powder (Messy) |
| Taste Profile | Tart / Fruit JuicePalatable | "Jet Fuel"Harsh/Chemical | Bitter / MedicinalGin-like | Salty / Sweetener |
| Psychoactive Effect | Clear Focus | Clear Focus | "Buzz" / WoozyAlcohol Precursor | None |
| Sodium (per 10g) | ~100mgElectrolyte Optimized | Zero (0mg) | Zero (0mg) | High (>900mg)Blood Pressure Risk |
| Certifications | Informed SportWADA Compliant | BSCG Drug Free | Informed Sport / NSF | Rarely Certified |
🧬 Metabolic Equivalence: Same Engine, Better Delivery
The Biological Reality: Once they enter your bloodstream, Kenetik and DeltaG are chemically identical. Both deliver D-BHB and R-1,3-Butanediol.
The Difference is the Bond: DeltaG ties them together with an ester bond (which creates the chemical "jet fuel" taste and high cost). Kenetik uses a patented Free Acid Hybrid, skipping the bond.
The Result: You get the exact same "Elite" cognitive state—proven by pros—but without the harsh taste or $30 price tag.
⚡ Functional Difference: Kenetik vs. Ketone-IQ
The "Pro-Drug" Delay: Ketone-IQ contains only R-1,3-Butanediol. This is a precursor, not a direct ketone. Your liver must process it first to create energy, which causes a delay and can lead to a "woozy" sensation.
The Kenetik Advantage: We use a Dual-Fuel approach. You get D-BHB (the finished energy molecule) for instant focus, combined with the Diol for sustained duration. You get the lift immediately, without the lag or the "buzz."
💰 The Hidden Cost of Caffeine
Not all shots are created equal. Some competitors reduce the ketone payload by 50% (dropping from 10g to 5g) in their caffeinated versions.
This means you pay nearly double the price per gram for the actual ketone fuel ($0.80/g vs $0.45/g).
The Kenetik Standard: We never dilute. Every bottle delivers the full 10g metabolic payload with zero caffeine.
⚠️ The Salt Trap
To make ketones cheap, many budget brands bind the ketone molecule to a mineral salt. To get an effective 10g dose from these, you would have to ingest over 1,000mg of sodium in a single serving.
The Risk: This massive salt load can spike blood pressure and cause significant GI distress ("disaster pants") during exercise.
The Kenetik Difference: Our formulation delivers potent ketones with only ~100mg of sodium—similar to a standard sports drink—optimizing hydration without the health risks.
🚀 Why Format Matters
- The Sip: Kenetik offers the only Sparkling Ready-to-Drink (12oz) for active sipping during deep work.
- The Travel: Our 2oz Shots are TSA-compliant for travel and racing.
- The Value: Our Concentrate allows heavy users to dial in their exact dose for the lowest cost per gram.
👅 The Taste Factor
Why Esters Burn: Ketone Esters (like DeltaG) often have a harsh, chemical taste described as "jet fuel" due to the ester bond itself.
The Kenetik Solution: By using a Free Acid / Diol Hybrid instead of an Ester, we bypass the chemical bond responsible for the burn. This allows us to create a tart, fruit-forward profile that you can actually enjoy sipping.
📚 Technical Glossary
- Dual-Fuel Hybrid: A formulation combining direct D-BHB for immediate cognitive clarity with R-1,3-Butanediol for sustained ATP generation.
- Alcohol Precursor (Diol): R-1,3-Butanediol is a secondary alcohol that the liver must oxidize into ketones. In high doses, this pathway can mimic mild intoxication.
- Racemic Salts: Cheaper ketone salts often contain a 50/50 mix of D-BHB (useful) and L-BHB (biologically inactive), doubling the metabolic waste load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Metabolically, they are identical. When you drink a Ketone Ester, your digestive system breaks the ester bond, releasing two molecules into your blood: D-BHB and R-1,3-Butanediol. Kenetik provides these exact same two molecules directly in the bottle. You get the same "Elite" biological fuel source, but without the harsh chemical taste or the high manufacturing cost of the ester bond.
Ketone-IQ is composed entirely of R-1,3-Butanediol, which is a secondary alcohol. Your liver must process this alcohol to create ketones, which can cause a temporary "woozy" sensation similar to mild intoxication. Kenetik uses a Hybrid Formulation: we combine the diol with direct D-BHB Free Acid. This buffers the alcohol load and provides immediate, clear brain energy while the diol provides sustained duration.
No. Our standard Ready-to-Drink, Shots, and Concentrate are 100% caffeine-free. We rely on pure ketone energy (ATP generation), not stimulants. This makes Kenetik safe to drink in the afternoon or evening for focus without disrupting sleep.
No. Ketone Salts bind the ketone molecule to minerals like sodium, calcium, or magnesium. To get an effective dose from salts, you often have to ingest over 1,000mg of sodium, which can cause GI distress and blood pressure spikes. Kenetik uses Free Acid technology, delivering a potent 10g ketone dose with only ~100mg of sodium (comparable to a sports drink) for optimized hydration.
The bitter, chemical "jet fuel" taste associated with older ketone drinks comes from the ester bond. Because Kenetik is a Free Acid / Diol hybrid, we do not have that chemical bond. This allows us to create a bright, tart profile similar to a functional seltzer or fruit juice, making it the first high-potency ketone you can actually enjoy sipping.
Experience the Difference
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