Are medium-chain triglycerides vegan?

Medium-chain triglycerides are fats composed of glycerol bound to fatty acids with chains of six to twelve carbon atoms. They are manufactured by extracting medium-chain fatty acids from source fats and re-esterifying them with glycerol. On food labels, medium-chain triglycerides commonly appear in coffee creamers, protein powders, meal replacement drinks, baked goods, snack bars, dietary supplements, and infant formulas.

This ingredient is classified as possibly vegan because it can be derived from either plant or animal origins, and labels generally do not specify which was used. Plant-based medium-chain triglycerides are processed from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. Animal-based versions are processed from dairy milk fats obtained from cows, goats, or sheep. Because the finished fats are chemically identical regardless of the starting material, checking for a certified vegan logo on the package or contacting the manufacturer directly is necessary to verify that the ingredient comes from plant sources.