D-Beta Hydroxybutyrate Ester Beverage  ·  

KetoneAid KE4 Ketone Ester Drink

30g of D-Beta Hydroxybutyrate / D 1,3 Butanediol Monoester per 60mL bottle. A flavoured beverage delivering pure ketone ester, the single-isomer (D-form) configuration of the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate.

Each batch is 3rd Party Tested for WADA-banned substances. Certificate available upon request.

Also available: KE1 Single-Serve bottles (5g ester per bottle — lower-concentration ester + salt blend) and Ketone Shots (the newer format replacing KE1 — smoother taste, no ketone free acid or ketone salts, ester-only formulation).

What It Is

KE4 is a flavoured beverage containing pure D-Beta Hydroxybutyrate ester (D-BHB / D 1,3 Butanediol Monoester) as the active ingredient. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body — one of three ketone bodies the human body produces naturally when carbohydrate intake is restricted (during fasting or a ketogenic diet).

The D-isomer is the single configuration of BHB that the human body produces naturally. Ketone ester products contain only the D-isomer.

Each 60mL bottle contains 30g of ketone ester.

Ketone Esters vs Ketone Salts

Exogenous ketone products come in two main forms — esters and salts — with distinct chemistry:

Property Ketone Esters (KE4) Ketone Salts
Isomer composition D-isomer only Typically racemic (D and L mixture)
Mineral content No bound minerals Bound to sodium, potassium, magnesium and/or calcium — typically 2–4g of minerals per serve
Chemical form Ester (BHB bound to butanediol) Salt (BHB bound to a mineral)

The two product formats are distinct ingredient categories and not directly interchangeable in terms of serving size or use case.

Blood Ketone Response Comparison

Blood ketone (BHB) concentration response over time, comparing KE4 ketone ester to MCT C8 oil. Measurements taken via blood ketone meter (millimolar / mmol/L).

Blood ketone elevation comparison chart: KE4 ester vs MCT C8 oil

Ketone esters and MCT oils work via different biochemical pathways. MCT oils require liver metabolism to produce ketones (an indirect pathway), while ketone esters are absorbed and hydrolysed to release D-BHB directly into circulation (a direct pathway). The chart illustrates blood BHB response over time for the two pathways.

Full Ingredients

Per 60mL bottle:

  • D-Beta Hydroxybutyrate / D 1,3 Butanediol Monoester — 30g (the ketone ester active ingredient)
  • Water
  • Allulose — non-GMO, zero-glycaemic sweetener
  • Taurine — 0.5g
  • Organic Stevia — sweetener
  • Natural Flavours
  • Potassium Sorbate — preservative (for freshness)

Refer to the product label for the complete ingredient list and any updates from the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Format Liquid beverage
Pack Size Box of 12 × 60mL bottles
Volume per Bottle 60mL
Ketone Ester per Bottle 30g D-BHB / D 1,3 Butanediol Monoester
Sweeteners Allulose, Organic Stevia (no added sugar)
Quality Testing Each batch 3rd-party tested for WADA-banned substances (certificate available on request)
Sweetener Note Allulose is a low-calorie rare sugar; Stevia is a plant-derived non-nutritive sweetener
Storage Store in a cool place. Refrigerate after opening (if not consumed immediately).

Directions for Use

Each bottle is technically one serve, but most users take smaller amounts:

  • Typical daily amount: 10mL (one-sixth of a bottle)
  • For new or sensitive users: Start with 5mL
  • Full bottle: 60mL — typically reserved for athletic use cases

Mixing: One capful is 5mL. Pour into a small glass or measuring tube and dilute approximately 1:1 with water. The ester has a distinctive taste that some find unpleasant in undiluted form.

Important: Build up gradually. Larger amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly in new users.

Video Library

KetoneAid co-founder Frank Llosa has produced a series of explainer videos covering KE4. Topics and views are those of the manufacturer.

Do I need to be on a ketogenic diet to use KE4?

No. KetoneAid covers their reasoning in this short video.

Ketone Salts vs Ketone Esters — what's the difference?

A breakdown of the chemistry and composition differences between the two product categories.

KetoneAid co-founder on KE4 and recovery

Manufacturer's discussion of how customers use KE4 in their recovery routines.

Can KE4 be mixed with MCT oil?

The manufacturer notes that mixing ester with MCT C8 oil is not recommended — the two compete biochemically and the combination may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort not seen with either alone.

Can KE4 be mixed with caffeine or coffee?

Yes, but the manufacturer covers some considerations.

Does the ester taste as bad as people say?

The manufacturer's take on the distinctive flavour profile.

KE4 and intermittent or extended fasting use cases

KetoneAid discusses how some customers incorporate KE4 into one-meal-a-day eating patterns.

KE4 during multi-day fasting

Manufacturer's discussion of multi-day fasting protocols.

Should I use KE4 when first entering a ketogenic diet?

KetoneAid recommends against this approach — their reasoning is in the video.

What if I didn't notice anything from the product?

If my body already makes ketones during keto, why drink them?

Community

KetoneAid maintains a customer community on Facebook where users share usage protocols and discuss their experiences. Visit the KetoneAid Facebook Group to join the conversation.

Good to Know

What is a ketone body?

Ketone bodies are three small molecules — beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate, and acetone — produced naturally by the liver when carbohydrate intake is restricted (during fasting or a ketogenic diet). BHB is the most abundant of the three.

What's the difference between KE4 and the smaller KE1 / Ketone Shots?

KE4 is the higher-concentration format: 30g of ester per 60mL bottle. KE1 (now being replaced by the new Ketone Shots) contains 5g of ester per bottle. The Ketone Shots format is the newer single-serve option from KetoneAid with smoother taste and ester-only formulation (no ketone salts or free acid).

Is allulose safe?

Allulose is a naturally occurring rare sugar that has been approved as a food ingredient by regulatory authorities in multiple jurisdictions. It provides sweetness without significant calorie or glycaemic load. As with any new food ingredient, individuals with specific sensitivities should consult a healthcare practitioner.

Why does the manufacturer note WADA testing?

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) maintains a list of substances prohibited in sport. The 3rd-party WADA-banned substance testing of each batch is intended to provide reassurance to competing athletes that the product does not contain prohibited substances. The certificate is available on request.

Important Information — Formulated Supplementary Sports Food

Formulated Supplementary Sports Food: This product is not a sole source of nutrition and should be consumed in conjunction with a nutritious diet and appropriate physical training or exercise program. Not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women: should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision.

Build up dosage gradually. Larger amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. If taking prescription medication, breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have any medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Keep out of reach of children. Discontinue immediately if adverse effects occur.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.