FAQ for KetoneAid & Hard Ketones
KetoneAid FAQs
Hard Ketones FAQs
KetoneAid FAQs
Hard Ketones FAQs
Yes.In the EU we ship from the EU our KE4, Ketone Shot and SnakeWater concentrate. Inventory levels are listed on the page of the product. We may have limited Hard Ketones in the EU.Outside the EU, we ship everywhere, every product we have. Including Hard Ketones but it is very expensive.Mexico, Russia, and Israel are currently the only countries that we can not ship anything to.
No it is not. Unlike the weaker Ketone Salts, the Ketone Ester can be used by non-Keto people.
Two main differences. First, most Ketone Salts are “racemic” which means it is only 50% bioavailable (only half of it can be used by the body as fuel). Secondly, the Salts have a MASSIVE salt load, often buried under the lesser known salts like potassium, magnesium and calcium. Often exceeding 2-4 grams. Which is fine while entering a keto diet for a week, but after which, good luck getting your rings off.
Yes! Not to help one go to sleep, but to increase deep sleep. See our Instagram page for dozens of Oura ring data showing results.
No we do not recommend trying to use Ketone Ester when first entering into a Ketogenic Diet. Too many variables and too likely you will get the Keto Flu and blame the drink. Instead, do it through the traditional 80% fat route. It can be used as part of a program led by a nutritionist.
Sure. We don’t scream about “110% Satisfaction Guaranteed” like some bogus supplements, because we didn’t want to look like them. It is pretty simple, if you don’t like it, let us know. Sure we would love a chance to help you tweak the protocol, but regardless, yes we will refund your small bottle order. Refund limited to $100.
Sorry, we wish. But the ester and MCT C8 Oil compete with each other and the oil may block the ester, and oftentimes the mix leads to horrible GI, not seen with the ester alone.
Yes. We have hundreds of customers on our Facebook Group, join and see how others use it, and share protocols. They share what worked and what did NOT work!
OMAD Fasting
Multi Day Fasting
Hard Ketones FAQs
Sort of! It costs nearly the same to ship 2 cans as 12, so we just set our minimum order to a 12-pack. That way, you can try 2 or 3, and if it’s not for you, just text in your order #, and we'll ask 3 questions, then refund all 12 and send a return label. It’s actually cheaper than a trial pack! (Note: Doesn't work with Kratom or SSRIs use.)
We don't know exactly WHY Kratom, SSRI, SNRI use blocks the Ketohol. When we get returns we ask a few questions and 90% of the time these 3 ingredients came up. Something about Gaba receptors being blown out. Kratom is a heroin alternative. Very addictive and strong (quit now if you can!!). We don't know if you need to be off Kratom for 1 week, 1 month or 1 yr. No idea. And we don't suggest even trying it to see what will happen, because it seems to always block it.
All breathalyzers and urine tests will test for ethanol alcohol, or the byproduct acetaldehyde. So it will not show up. But you can still get a DUI (like you would for THC) so don't drive if impaired. As for blood tests, once a higher end blood test gave a false positive. It is best to show your employer/parole officer what you wish to take. More on quality and clinical trials.
Additional FAQ
Basics & Mechanism
KME is a specific compound where D-BHB is ester‑bound to the precursor, 1,3‑butanediol. It is the original ketone ester developed by Dr. Richard Veech and Todd King at the NIH in conjunction with $10+ Million in US military grants. KME is by far the most studied and effective exogenous ketone, used in 90+% of clinical studies (75+).
With KME, many users see BHB rise within 10–20 minutes, often peaking ~30–60 minutes post‑dose. Salts, MCTs, and diols typically produce slower and/or smaller increases.
No. Exogenous ketones can elevate BHB independent of dietary carbohydrate intake. That said, response and perceived benefits can vary with diet, timing, and dose. Best results are seen when taking ketones on an empty stomach.
Safety & Side Effects
KME has been studied in controlled settings at a range of doses and is commonly used among professional sports. Uncommon transient effects include GI upset and taste aversion. Individuals with medical conditions (especially involving kidneys, liver, pancreatitis, or insulin‑dependent diabetes) should consult a clinician before use.
Other less studied ketone drinks can have other side effects. For example, larger amounts of R 1,3 Butandeiol by itself can result in inebriation (we do not recommended for sport or when operating a vehicle). Ketone salt drinks can result in GI issues from too much salt in the GI tract.
KME itself doesn’t inherently dehydrate you, but any drink that changes fuel utilization can subtly affect fluid/electrolyte balance. Hydrate normally and consider sodium/potassium intake, especially for endurance efforts.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you’re on medication. For alcohol: Hard Ketones products contain Ketohol™ (R‑1,3‑butanediol) and are non‑alcoholic but can be inebriating— do not drive or participate in high-risk sports after use. We do not recommend drinking any alcohol with or without ketones but many find Hard Ketones helps curb alcohol consumption. Some "pregame" with Hard Ketones to mitigate some of alcohol's fallout. Most drink Hard Ketones instead of alcohol as a far healthier alternative.
We do not recommend exogenous ketones for pregnant/nursing individuals or children unless specifically directed by a qualified clinician.
Benefits (Performance, Focus, Appetite, Recovery)
In certain conditions (especially long, steady aerobic work with adequate glycogen), KME may improve fuel flexibility and perceived exertion. Responses vary by athlete, dose, diet, and event type.
Some users like KME for mental clarity between efforts or to stabilize energy during long training days. There is some evidence KME can help build up mitochondria energy stores which can be later expressed in strength/power/sprints, but it’s not a substitute for carbohydrates in glycolytic bursts.
Brain scans have shown increased Delta and Gamma activity (calm and alert) after ingesting KME. Many users report a clear, calm focus with KME. Mechanisms may involve stable BHB supply and reduced swings from caffeine or carbohydrates. Individual response varies.
KME often blunts appetite for 2–4 hours. This can support time‑restricted eating or fasting windows without stimulants. KME has been shown to decrease the production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, reducing appetite.
Athletes use KME post‑session for recovery and next‑day readiness. This is KME's primary use among Tour de France riders with cyclist studies showing 15% more next day watts/ 15% faster when recovered with KME. Hydration, protein, sleep, and overall nutrition is still important.
Practical Usage & Dosing
Typical: 5–10mL Ke4 (a small sip or 1-2 capfuls) or 1/2 -1 bottle if taking KetoneAid Ketone Shot. We recommend the finding your individual minimum effective dose. More is not necessarily better. A 100 lb female should start with 5ml, a 150 lb male take twice that.
Sleep: 2–5mL Ke4 (1/2- 1 capful) or 1/4 - 1/2 bottle if taking KetoneAid Ketone Shot to enhance sleep. Take too much and you may experience the opposite and find yourself up and cleaning your closet at 3am.
Pro: Some pro athletes take 25-50 mL of Ke4 (up to 25g KME) for long aerobic sessions or max exertion recovery. Always start low, go slow, and track your response (BHB meter, RPE, HRV, subjective focus). Limit to 30g KME per day.
Focus: 15–30 minutes before deep work; effects of caffeine will be multiplied (not in a good way).
Endurance: 20–30 minutes pre‑session; top‑up mid‑long ride/run if needed.
Fasting/appetite: When hunger hits during a planned fast.
Take on empty stomach for max benefit. Glucose from food may compete as the dominant fuel source and can negate the benefits of KME.
Yes, but use caution when combine KME use with caffeine. KME can multiply the effects of caffeine (not in a good way).
Comparison: KME vs Salts vs MCTs vs Diols
Because they aren’t. Many ketone companies cite KME data as if it were for their 'fake' ketone products, but it is simply not true. The form determines how high and how fast BHB rises, delivery —and which effects and side effects you may experience.
KME (aka Veech Ketone Monoester of simply Ketone Ester)- The King of Ketones
- Pros: By far, the most effective ketone. Fastest, largest, most predictable BHB rise; minimal mineral load; most human data. The ketone of choice for 90+% of clinical trials and used by 80% of Tour de France teams.
- Cons: Strong taste; some reports of GI sensitivity
Ketone Salts
- Pros: Easier flavoring; lower cost per serving.
- Cons: Heavy mineral load (Na/K/Ca/Mg) limits dose; smaller BHB rise; potential GI issues at higher servings.
MCTs
- Pros: Versatile; culinary use; mild BHB rise; caloric fuel.
- Cons: GI tolerance varies; slower/smaller BHB compared to KME.
R-1,3-butanediol (aka 'Diol', R13, BDO)
- Pros: Simpler flavoring; can raise BHB over time. Can be inebriating if that's your goal.
- Cons: Inebriating at higher doses; typically slower/smaller BHB vs KME; taste varies; safety considerations for driving/sport. Not for IQ.
Science & Evidence
Yes—particularly for KME, including work on pharmacokinetics, endurance scenarios, cognitive domains, and metabolism. Many popular claims about “ketone drinks” cite KME data even when discussing non‑KME products. Read the methods section: if it wasn’t KME, the results may not apply.
KME (minimal 2-5g servings): ~0.5 - 1.0 mM depending on dose/body size/timing.
KME (pro 10-30g): 1 - 3+ mM depending on dose/body size/timing.
Salts/MCTs/diols: Under 1 mM for recommended doses. Lower peaks and slower ramps.
Use a finger‑stick BHB meter. For training blocks, log RPE, heart rate, power/pace, sleep, HRV, and subjective focus.
Testing, Tracking & Interactions (Oura, CGM, HRV)
Some users notice changes in HRV, resting heart rate, or sleep onset when dosing late. Track your own baselines and move dosing earlier if sleep is affected.
KME itself does not contain sugar. Some users see a small, transient glucose change via fuel‑switching; CGM responses vary widely.
Ingredients, Labeling & Compliance
All KetoneAid products contain Veech Ketone Monoester - The Original Ketone Ester. Ke4 concentrate is 50% KME plus water and trace flavor/acidifier/sweetener as labeled. Always check the current ingredient list on your bottle.
R‑1,3‑butanediol (Ketohol) with carbonated water, natural flavors, acids, and other labeled ingredients. Non‑alcoholic but intended to deliver a relaxing buzz—use responsibly.
Yes—any major allergens are disclosed per regulation. Always check the label.
Subscriptions, Shipping & Returns
Subscribe and save 10%. Choose your product and frequency at checkout. You can manage skips, address changes, and cancellations from your account portal. Reminder emails go out before each renewal.
Most orders ship within 1–2 business days. Transit times vary by carrier and destination. Bulk/case weights can affect rate tiers.
If you’re not satisfied, contact support within 30 days of delivery. For safety, opened concentrates may not be returnable; we’ll work with you case‑by‑case.
Brand‑Specific Questions
KetoneAid: Products deliver the most reputable and proven effective KME, and at the best value.
Hard Ketones: Real Buzz. No Booze.™ Patented Ketohol® (R-1,3-butanediol) is the first and only drug-free alcohol alternative providing The Healthiest Buzz.™
Yes! It's the easiest way to quit or reduce alcohol consumption. Many customers use Hard Ketones to quit or reduce alcohol consumption. Simply by switching to Hard Ketones for a few weeks to a couple months, many find they are able to quit drinking all together, including Hard Ketones.
We collaborate with coaches, athletes, and researchers. If you’re a practitioner or lab, contact us for details.