Keto Testing: Best Devices For Tracking Ketosis

If you're following a ketogenic diet, a ketone meter is an essential tool to help you stay in nutritional ketosis. There are a few different types of ketone meters: blood ketone meters, breath ketone meters, and urine testing strips. Blood ketone meters are the gold standard for ketone testing as they are the most accurate and reliable form of testing. Breath ketone meters detect acetone, the third and least abundant ketone body, and urine testing strips measure acetoacetate levels.

When choosing a blood ketone meter, it's important to consider factors such as accuracy, convenience, and user-friendly features. Some popular blood ketone meters on the market include the Keto-Mojo GK+, Kiss My Keto Blood Meter Kit, and the Precision Xtra Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System. These meters offer features such as Bluetooth integration, lifetime warranties, and the ability to measure both blood glucose and ketone levels.

Breath ketone meters and urine testing strips are also convenient options for those who prefer a non-invasive way of testing for ketosis. However, it's worth noting that blood ketone meters are considered the most accurate form of testing.

Blood ketone meters

There are several blood ketone meters available on the market that can help you track your ketone levels. Here are some options:

Keto-Mojo GK+ Blood Glucose & Ketone Meter

The Keto-Mojo GK+ is a popular blood glucose and ketone meter that provides accurate results. It has Bluetooth integration, allowing you to track your measurements on your smartphone through their phone app, although data sync needs to be done manually. The device has a backlit display and a strip port light, making it easy to use in low light. The Keto-Mojo GK+ comes with a lifetime warranty and is priced at $44.99.

Kiss My Keto Ketone Blood Meter Kit

The Kiss My Keto blood meter kit is a simple and straightforward device that does not require calibration and offers results in 10 seconds. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is very affordable compared to other brands. However, it cannot read blood glucose levels and does not have an app for data sync. The Kiss My Keto kit is priced at $44.99.

FORA 6 Connect Ultimate Glucose and Ketone Meter Kit

The FORA 6 Connect is a multi-parameter device that measures blood glucose, blood ketone, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total cholesterol, and uric acid. It is FDA-approved and provides fast and accurate readings in 5-10 seconds. The device has a comfortable design and features a strip ejection design that minimises the possibility of cross-infection. It can store up to 1,000 recent test results and has a Bluetooth connection, allowing you to sync and track data on your smartphone. The FORA 6 Connect kit is priced higher than the previous two options but offers more features.

Ortorex Accugence Blood Ketone Tester Kit

The Ortorex Accugence is a straightforward and easy-to-use blood ketone tester. It offers fast measurements in 5-15 seconds and has an automatic identification feature for test paper type. This device can read glucose (GOD), glucose (GDH-FAD), uric acid, and blood ketones. The readings are provided in either mg/dL or mmol/L. However, it does not have the capability to sync measurements to a smartphone, and extra ketone test strips need to be purchased separately. The Ortorex Accugence kit is a good option if you are looking for a reliable and no-frills blood ketone meter.

Nova Max Plus Glucose and Ketone Testing Meter

The Nova Max Plus is a reliable and user-friendly meter that measures both blood glucose and blood ketone levels. It does not require calibration and is free of maltose errors, ensuring accurate and consistent readings. It only requires a small 0.3 microliter blood sample, making it less painful for users. The device is FDA-approved and is made by Nova Biomedical, the largest privately-owned diagnostics company in the US. However, it does not have a smartphone app for data sync, and the warranty period is shorter than some competitors. The Nova Max Plus kit is usually priced at $19.99.

KetoBM Blood Ketone Meter Kit

The KetoBM blood ketone meter kit is designed specifically for people on the keto diet. It provides accurate and lightning-fast results in just a few seconds, displayed on a large digital screen. The device is user-friendly and does not require calibration or a control solution. It includes a lancing device, 10 lancets, and 10 ketone test strips. The KetoBM kit is usually priced at $39.97, but you can find it on sale for $27.97.

Breath ketone meters

Biosense Fat Burn Tracker & Mobile App

This is a medical-grade device that measures breath acetone levels. It has a long battery life of 2-4 days and comes with a mobile app that has features such as a fasting timer, ketone trends, and fat burn scores. It is FDA-registered and integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit. However, it is more expensive than urine ketone test strips.

KETONIX Breath Ketone Analyzer

This is a compact, pen-like device that is perfect for travelling. It is a one-time investment and does not require replacement sensors. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, but it does not have a screen, so you have to rely on the app.

Ketone Breath Meter, Professional Digital Ketone Breath Analyzer Testing Ketosis with 10 Mouthpieces

This meter provides results in just 3 seconds. It has a highly sensitive acetone sensor that is protected with self-diagnostics for sustainable and long-term use. The device automatically detects whether a self-diagnostic test is required. It comes with 10 mouthpieces and 2 AAA batteries are not included.

V2 KETOSCAN Mini Breath Ketone Meter

This meter has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

[HSA/FSA eligible]KETOSCAN SMART Breath Ketone Meter

This meter has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Ketosis Breath Analyzer, Digital LCD Keto Meter Breathalyzer with 10pcs Mouthpieces-Black

This meter has an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Urine testing strips

You can purchase urine strip kits over-the-counter at your local pharmacy and supermarket, as well as online. They're relatively inexpensive and can contain from 50 to several hundred strips.

The strips typically expire within three to six months of opening, so keep in mind how often you intend to use them. If you want to check your urine ketones day-to-day, stick with a specific time, like in the morning or several hours after your last meal of the day, for the best comparison.

• Wash your hands, then take a urine sample in a small container.
• Immerse the absorbent end of the strip into the sample for a few seconds, then remove.
• Wait for the amount of time outlined on the package for the strip to change colour.
• Compare the strip with the colour chart on the packaging.
• Dispose of the urine and strip in an appropriate manner before washing your hands.

The darker the colour, the higher your ketone levels. However, urine strips are not suitable for long-term use. If you want a more accurate reading, blood keto strips are a better option.

Accuracy

When it comes to accuracy, the Precision Xtra Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System stands out as a reliable and accurate device. In one test, it delivered slightly more accurate results than other meters, although the difference was slight. The Precision Xtra has also been on the market for a long time and is made by a well-known company, which adds to its reputation for accuracy.

The Keto-Mojo GK+ Blood Glucose & Ketone Meter is another highly accurate meter. In addition to blood ketone levels, it can also measure glucose levels, providing a more complete picture of your metabolic health. The Keto-Mojo app automatically calculates the Glucose Ketone Index (GKI), a key marker of metabolic health. This feature further enhances the accuracy of the device by giving you a better understanding of your body's ketone and glucose levels.

Other blood ketone meters that are considered accurate include the FORA 6 Connect Blood Ketone Testing Meter Kit, the Ortorex Accugence Blood Ketone Tester Kit, the Nova Max Plus Glucose and Ketone Meter, and the KetoSens Blood Ketone Monitoring Starter Kit. These meters provide fast and accurate readings and are often FDA-approved, ensuring a high level of accuracy.

While breath ketone meters are generally not as accurate as blood ketone meters, the Biosense Fat Burn Tracker & Mobile App has been found to be the most reliable breath ketone meter in one study. It measures breath acetone levels and provides a non-invasive way to check for ketosis.

Cost

The cost of a keto tester is an important factor to consider when deciding to purchase one. The price of the meter itself is just one aspect; the ongoing cost of replacement test strips is also significant. For example, the Precision Xtra meter can be purchased for $27.50, but a pack of 10 ketone test strips costs $14.99, or nearly $1.50 per strip. In contrast, the Keto-Mojo GK+ meter is $44.99, and its replacement strips are $0.80 each. The Kiss My Keto meter is $39.99, and its strips are about $1 each. The Keto-Doc meter is $39.95 for the device and 10 strips, with replacements costing about $1 each. The KetoBM meter is $29.95 for the device and 10 strips, with replacements at about $1 per strip. The KetoCoach meter is $49.95 for the meter and 10 strips, but 50 strips can be purchased for $39.95, or $0.80 per strip. The KetoTrak meter is $33.99 for the device and 10 strips, with replacements at only $0.60 each. The KetoSens meter is $36.99 for the meter and 10 strips, and replacements are $0.86 each. The Nova Max Plus meter is $39.98 for the device and 10 strips, but ketone replacement strips cost about $2 per strip.

It is also worth noting that some meters, such as the Keto-Mojo GK+, offer different purchasing options. For example, a basic starter kit that includes 10 glucose and 10 ketone test strips, a lancing device, 20 lancets, glucose and ketone control solutions, and a travel case, costs $44.99. A promo bundle, which includes 70 glucose and 70 ketone test strips, a keto guide eBook, and a travel case, costs $90.99.

In addition to the cost of the meter and test strips, some meters may require the purchase of additional items, such as alcohol swabs or a separate coding chip. It is important to consider the ongoing costs of using a keto tester, not just the initial purchase price, when deciding which one to buy.

Frequently asked questions