Ketone Salts vs Ketone Esters

Ketone salts and ketone esters are the two main forms of exogenous ketones available today. Both can raise blood ketone levels, but they differ in composition, absorption speed, taste, and price.

What are ketone salts?

Ketone salts combine beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) with minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium. They are typically found in flavored powders like Youtric Keto.

• Moderate absorption speed
• Milder taste
• More affordable than esters

What are ketone esters?

Ketone esters are a pure ketone molecule bonded to an alcohol. They are rapidly absorbed and can raise ketone levels more significantly than salts, but often have a strong, unpleasant taste.

• Fastest absorption
• Strong, bitter taste
• Higher cost

Performance and use cases

Both salts and esters can support short-term energy, mental clarity, and reduced carb cravings. Esters may be preferred for research and elite performance; salts are more common for everyday supplementation.

Which should you choose?

For most consumers, ketone salts offer a balance of taste, cost, and benefits. Esters are more specialized and often used by competitive athletes or in research settings.

See how this applies to the product in our Youtric Keto review and learn fundamentals in the How They Work article.