If you‘re considering starting a ketogenic diet, or are already a dedicated keto follower looking for some extra support, Real Ketones is a brand you should know about. This keto-focused supplement company offers a range of drinks, snacks, and other products all designed to help your body achieve and maintain a state of ketosis – the fat-burning metabolic mode at the core of keto dieting.
But with so many keto supplements and products out there these days, you may be wondering if Real Ketones is legit and if their products actually work. In this comprehensive review, I‘ll give you my dietitian‘s perspective on Real Ketones and take an in-depth look at some of their most popular offerings.
By the end, you‘ll have a clearer picture of whether Real Ketones products are worth your hard-earned money or if your keto journey is better spent elsewhere. Let‘s jump in!
What is Real Ketones?
First, a little background on the brand. Real Ketones was founded by Rob Rogers and Gary Millet, two health and nutrition experts who wanted to create convenient, keto-friendly products to make the diet easier to follow.
The company‘s mission is to provide supplements and snacks that support a ketogenic lifestyle and help the body achieve ketosis. When you drastically restrict carbs and eat mostly fat and some protein, your body starts burning fat for fuel instead of glucose. This metabolic state produces ketones, which serve as an alternative energy source.
All Real Ketones products are made in the USA and formulated to be very low in carbs and sugar-free. They contain ingredients intended to promote ketosis, like medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ketones. The product lineup includes:
- Keto Energy Shots
- Keto Lean for Life drink mixes
- Keto Chips
- Prime D+ BHB capsules
- Keto Greens powders
- D-BHB ketone powder
- Keto Test Strips
Now that you have the lay of the land, let‘s take a closer look at some of the brand‘s bestsellers and what they have to offer the keto crowd.
Real Ketones Product Reviews
Keto Test Strips
Real Ketones Keto Test Strips are designed to help you see if your body has transitioned into ketosis by measuring the presence of ketones in your urine. Each pack contains 100 test strips for up to 3 months of daily testing.
To use them, you simply pass the strip through your urine stream for a few seconds, then wait 30-60 seconds for it to change color. Match the strip to the color chart included and you‘ll get a reading of the ketones in your system. Darker colors indicate higher ketone levels.
While ketone test strips like these may give you a rough idea of whether you‘re in ketosis, it‘s important to note that urine strips are not the most accurate measurement method. Ketones can also be present in urine due to dehydration or after intense exercise. For the most precise results, a blood ketone meter is your best bet.
However, if you‘re new to keto and looking for an affordable, convenient way to check your ketone status, Real Ketones‘ test strips may be helpful – just take the results with a grain of salt. A 100-pack costs $11.
Keto Energy Shots
Need an energy boost but want to avoid sugary energy drinks? That‘s where Real Ketones‘ Keto Energy Shots come in. These 2-ounce shots contain 120mg of caffeine per serving, about what you‘d get in a cup of coffee.
But in addition to caffeine, they also have 4 grams of the company‘s proprietary D-BHB blend of ketones. Real Ketones claims this form of BHB is more efficiently absorbed and assimilated in the body compared to other exogenous ketone supplements on the market. However, research comparing different types of ketones is limited.
The shots are sugar-free, calorie-free, and available in two fruity flavors – Cherry Limeade and Strawberry Lemonade. You can get a 12-pack for $48 or a 6-pack for $31.
While the energy-boosting potential of ketones is still up for scientific debate, there‘s no denying that caffeine can provide a temporary jolt. So if you enjoy the taste and don‘t mind the splurge, Keto Energy Shots may be a fun way to energize your keto lifestyle. Just be sure to factor in any other caffeine you consume daily to avoid overloading your system.
Keto Lean for Life Prime
Real Ketones‘ Keto Lean for Life Prime is a powdered drink mix that claims to "prime your body for a lean and healthy lifestyle." Each serving contains the following key ingredients:
- 4g D-BHB ketone blend for ketosis support
- 100mg caffeine from organic coffee beans for energy
- Vitamins D3, K2, B6 and B12 for general health
- Minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium to replenish electrolytes
To use, you mix one stick pack with 12-16oz cold water. Keto Lean comes in three flavors – Orange Mango, Lemon Twist, and Grape. A box of 30 servings (a one-month supply) costs $115, or you can subscribe and save 10%.
Real Ketones references two small studies on their website that found supplementing with D-BHB improved weight loss and reduced feelings of anxiety and stress in the short-term compared to a placebo. However, large, long-term studies on exogenous ketones are still lacking, so it‘s hard to say if they‘re a necessary addition to a keto diet.
Nutritionally, Keto Lean provides some essential vitamins and minerals that can be hard to get enough of on keto, especially electrolytes. The 100mg caffeine per serving may also give you an energy lift, but is a smaller dose than the shots. Overall, this is a decent keto-friendly drink mix, but a bit pricey compared to some competitors.
Keto Chips
One of the hardest parts of sticking to a keto diet is giving up crunchy, salty snacks like chips. Real Ketones Keto Chips aim to satisfy those cravings without kicking you out of ketosis.
These chips are made from keto ingredients like almond flour, chia seeds, MCT oil, and whey protein isolate. A 1oz bag contains:
- 140 calories
- 7g fat
- 12g protein
- 9g total carbs
- 5g fiber
- 4g net carbs
- 0g sugar
They come in two bold flavors – Spicy Nacho Cheese and Sweet BBQ. For a keto snack, the protein content is impressive and the net carbs are reasonable if it fits your daily macro goals.
Reviewers praise the taste and crunch factor of Keto Chips compared to other options on the market. Of course, they are still a processed snack, so enjoy in moderation alongside nutritious keto whole foods. An 8-pack costs $25, which is definitely on the spendy side.
What Do Customers Think of Real Ketones?
Real Ketones products get mixed reviews online. On their website, most products have 4-5 star ratings, with customers saying they taste great, provide a noticeable energy boost, and help them stick to their keto macros. But it‘s worth noting that negative reviews seem to be absent, so take these glowing recommendations with a grain of salt.
On Amazon, the company‘s supplements and snacks have more of a range of opinions. Some reviewers swear by the D-BHB ketone powder and Keto Lean drinks for appetite control and focus. Others find them overpriced and overhyped, or can‘t get past the stevia aftertaste. A few also had shipping and customer service complaints.
Keto bloggers and influencers who have tried Real Ketones tend to appreciate their convenient, on-the-go formats for travel and busy lifestyles. Most find the taste of the powders and drinks pleasant, but note that the high amounts of caffeine and ketones may not be for everyone.
Several reviews point out that you don‘t NEED specialty supplements like Real Ketones to find success on a keto diet – hitting your carb, protein and fat targets is most important. But if you‘re looking for grab-and-go options and don‘t mind paying a premium, many feel Real Ketones is one of the better keto brands out there.
Pros and Cons of Real Ketones
So, is trying Real Ketones a slam dunk or a gamble for keto dieters? Let‘s sum up the potential benefits and drawbacks:
Pros
– Wide variety of keto supplements, drinks, and snacks to suit different goals
– Most products are low to no carb, sugar-free, and moderate to high protein
– Convenient, individually-packaged items for on-the-go keto support
– D-BHB ketones and MCT oil to potentially aid ketosis (though more research is needed)
– Contains energizing caffeine and essential micronutrients often lacking in keto
– Favorable taste and texture compared to some other keto products
– Subscriber discounts and 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
– Expensive per serving compared to standard snacks/supplements
– No magic pills – still have to put effort into keto diet and lifestyle
– Exogenous ketones aren‘t proven to be better than whole food options
– High caffeine content may cause jitters/anxiety for some
– Urine test strips not the most accurate measure of ketosis
– Stevia and monk fruit sweeteners can have a bitter aftertaste
– Some negative reviews on product quality and customer service
Tips for Success on the Keto Diet
Whether you decide to invest in Real Ketones or not, there are a few basic principles that can help you thrive on a keto diet:
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Track your macros. Keto involves very specific ratios of fat, protein and carbs. Use an app or online calculator to determine your daily targets and log your intake to stay on track.
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Focus on whole foods. The best way to meet your keto macros is by eating mostly unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods like meat, fish, eggs, low-carb veggies, nuts, seeds and healthy fats. Supplements can help fill gaps, but they aren‘t necessary.
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Stay hydrated and get enough electrolytes. Keto is a diuretic diet, meaning you flush out more fluids and essential minerals. Aim to drink at least 64oz of water per day and use lite salt or electrolyte drinks to replenish sodium, potassium and magnesium.
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Listen to your body. The "keto flu" is a common side effect in the first few weeks as your body transitions to fat-burning mode. Symptoms like headaches, fatigue and brain fog should subside as you adjust – but if they worsen or you have other concerns, don‘t hesitate to see your doctor.
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Have keto snacks on hand. It‘s normal to battle carb cravings, hunger, and temptation, especially in the beginning. Keeping keto-friendly options like jerky, nuts, cheese, veggie sticks, and yes, even keto chips or bars, accessible can help you stay the course.
Real Ketones Review: Final Thoughts
Real Ketones has an impressive selection of specialty supplements, drinks, and snacks for keto dieters. While they aren‘t cheap, most customers seem to enjoy the taste and find them convenient for maintaining a keto lifestyle on the go.
That said, it‘s important to remember that no supplement can replace a well-rounded keto diet and active lifestyle. And the jury is still out on whether ketone salts and esters like Real Ketones‘ D-BHB actually improve outcomes.
My take? If you have the budget and want some keto-friendly grab-and-go items, Real Ketones is worth a try. The Keto Chips and Prime powder sticks seem to be favorites. But don‘t feel like you NEED their products to find keto success.
Focus on nailing your keto macros from whole food sources first – then consider supplements like Real Ketones for an extra boost if needed. And of course, always consult your doctor before starting keto or any new diet.
Hopefully this Real Ketones review has given you helpful information to decide if their products are right for your personal keto journey. Have you tried Real Ketones? Let me know your experience in the comments!
