When starting a keto diet, measuring your ketone levels is important to know when you’re in ketosis. The best way to do this is by using a ketone meter. Measuring your ketone levels with a ketone meter is crucial when starting a Keto Diet to know when you’re in ketosis.
Those on a ketogenic diet must monitor their blood ketone levels to track how their eating habits impact ketones.
Note: If you want to cut to the chase and spare yourself the lengthy read just get the Keto Mojo it’s the best ketone meter with the best support for its customers.
My Keto Kitchen has been here a long time and we recommend very few products, those that we do we use ourselves.
A high-fat, low-carb diet aims to get into a state called ketosis. Ketosis is when the body burns fat as fuel rather than glucose as its energy source.
The Best Ketone Meter
Recommended ketone meters.
- Keto Mojo blood ketone meter – We own this one we own, and it is the one we use all of the time. We recommend this as the best.
- Ketonix breath ketone meter – We recommend it to people who don’t want to prick their fingers. It’s the next best thing and is super easy to use.
- Ketone test strips – we recommend this for people on a budget, but they are not as accurate as a blood keto meter.
Blood Ketone Meter or Breath Monitor: Which is Best To Test For Ketosis?
Several types of ketone meters are available that monitor ketosis and test blood ketone levels. They measure ketone levels in different ways.
The difference is that some are more accurate, and some are more convenient than others.
Below we discuss several types of ketone meters to monitor ketosis that are currently available. Some monitor glucose as well as test blood ketone levels, and others measure the breath ketone by-product “acetone.”
Recently, the famous Keto Mojo Ketone Meter brand has developed easy-to-apply Bluetooth connectivity (now integrated within the unit) and a free app.
Types of Ketone Meters
Three main types of keto meters are available; they all monitor ketone levels in different ways via blood, breath, or urine.
We list each product below from the most accurate; the others may be more convenient.
(depending on what you consider convenient. We believe accuracy is most important).
- Blood Ketone Test Meters: Measure ketone levels in the blood.
- Breath Ketone Meters: Measure the ketone by-product acetone on the breath.
- Ketone Testing Strips: Measure acetoacetate in the urine.
Ketone testing strips are not as accurate as a blood ketone meter but are handy for starting out or if you don’t want to prick your finger.
Keto Mojo Blood Test Ketone Meter
In our opinion, the best keto monitor on the market for measuring ketone levels and the only one we now use is the Keto Mojo GK+ Blood Glucose and Ketone Meter.
The Keto Mojo is a blood ketone test kit and a blood glucose measuring device.
The makers claim that the Keto Mojo is the most accurate meter on the market (we agree ).
Keto Mojo is perfect for people on a ketogenic diet to measure their ketone levels fast and accurately.
This ketone monitor also measures blood glucose levels and blood oxygen levels. (invaluable metrics)
The Keto Mojo “Promo” Kit has everything you need to start. Plus, you get discounted future ketone strip purchases:
- Keto Mojo GK+ Blood Glucose and Ketone Meter
- 10 Glucose test strips, 10 Ketone test strips
- Lancing device and 20 lancets
- Glucose and Ketone control solutions (NOTE: control ranges are printed on the meter kit box. Keep the box for reference.)
- High-quality zippered clamshell accessory case
- 2 AAA batteries
Why We Recommend the Keto Mojo GK+
The Keto Mojo blood ketone meter works similarly to other keto meters (The Keto Mojo is also an FDA-approved blood ketone test kit).
It measures blood ketone levels (or glucose) by pricking your finger with the painless lancing device with the Keto Mojo blood ketone meter kit.
You then allow the ketone test strip to absorb your drop of blood. Then, the test strip was put into the Mojo keto meter for an accurate ketone level reading.
The Keto Mojo blood ketone meter is the best value for money, considering the technology, price, and accuracy.
The Best Prices and places to Buy the Keto Mojo Ketone Meter are on their website here.
The Best Breath Ketone Meter (Breathalyzer)
A breath ketone meter monitors ketosis by measuring the acetone levels on the breath. Breath ketone meters (breath ketone analyzers) aren’t as accurate as blood ketone meters.
But breath ketone meters are the next best thing if you’re not always keen on pricking your finger.
We’ve checked a few out, and many are not up to scratch, so we’re not going to bother with those, but we can recommend one that is a pioneer in the market called the Ketonix.
Ketonix Breath Ketone Meter
The Ketonix breath ketone meter lacks accuracy compared to the Keto Mojo, but it makes up for convenience.
As we said earlier, the Ketonix ketone breath meter works by measuring acetone on the breath rather than having to prick your finger. So weigh up what’s best for you, accuracy or convenience? We prefer a blood ketone meter but don’t mind pricking our fingers.
You don’t have to prick your finger with the Ketonix breath ketone meter. It doesn’t use any blood glucose test or blood ketone test strips.
The Ketonix breath ketone meter works by analysing acetone on your breath that your body produces. Acetone is produced when you’re in a state of ketosis.
Rather than measuring blood ketone levels, the Ketonix breathalyzer measures acetone ( a by-product of ketosis ) on the breath.
The Ketonix breathalyzer is ideal for those who find pricking their finger for blood ketone meters inconvenient.
Ketonix takes a different approach to measuring ketones than a blood glucose meter, and is more convenient.
Ketonix Breath Ketone Meter Benefits
- With the Ketonix, you can test yourself unlimited times, hourly, if you like.
- Ketonix breathalyzer is ideal for seeing how various foods affect ketosis. Test your breath after you’ve eaten or measure the effect exercise has on ketone levels.
- The Ketonix is affordable when considering the price of test strips for blood monitors.
- The Ketonix has no test strips and requires no further outlay.
- Ketonix also has software that keeps a log and calibrates the device to the optimal settings for your goals.
If you’re monitoring ketone levels for conditions like athletic performance, weight loss, or diabetes.
The Ketonix adjusts its settings to test whether you’re in the ideal range for that condition.
The Ketonix Breath Ketone Analyzer is a one-off payment.
Ketone Testing Strips
The oldest method of testing for ketosis is using ketone test strips, thin strips that you either dip in your urine or pass through the stream. Test strips are not nearly as accurate as Blood Ketone Meters.
What Are Ketone Test Strips?
Ketone test strips are thin strips that you dip in your urine or pass through the stream to measure ketone levels.
Ketone test strips can be deceptive; many people find themselves striving to get a purple indication when they might already be in ketosis.
You could have high ketone levels and still get no indication with a test strip.
Why Are Ketostix Inaccurate For Monitoring Ketosis?
Ketostix is inaccurate because urine contains many elements that can differ daily and at times.
Ketone levels vary with Ketostix for reasons including how hydrated you are, the food you’ve eaten, and the activity undertaken.
Some people think Ketostix are ok for getting an indication of ketosis now and then. I wouldn’t rely on them.
People monitoring their ketone levels “often” are best off buying The Keto Mojo Blood Ketone Meter.
Using a blood or breath ketone meter, you’ll get more accurate readings and peace of mind than Ketostix.
Before we conclude, I’d like to answer a common question.
What is a good blood ketone level?
When you test blood ketones for ketosis, the optimum range of ketone levels is between 1.5 and 3 mmol/L in the blood. However, nutritional ketosis begins at 0.5 mol/L.
If you note on the chart above the effects of exercise and fasting on blood ketones and ketosis, the chart above also highlights why keeping tabs on your blood ketone levels with a ketone monitor is so important.
Concluding:
To stay on point with your keto diet, it’s wise to test your blood ketone levels constantly.
One of the recommended ketone meters mentioned above will keep you honest and on track. They’re the best ketone meters for 2024; some also measure blood glucose.
Ketone Meters are great for monitoring ketosis and keeping your ketone levels on point. Everyone serious about their keto diet should have one.
