Best Ketone Meters to Monitor Ketosis + Blood Glucose [2019]

Table of contents

Sticking to the Keto diet takes a lot of commitment. It’s a major lifestyle change—or at least it was for me. I knew, like with any diet, not to expect instant results, but I needed something to confirm what I was doing was working, and more importantly, that I was doing it “right,” so to speak.

So, I decided I would research the best blood ketone testing kits available. I quickly found, though, that there were lots of conflicting reviews for this products which didn’t give me much guidance on which to buy.

Given this, I decided to craft this overview of the five best ketone meters to test and monitor ketosis and blood glucose levels.

FORA6 Connect Meter Kit

Foracare, the company that makes these kits, is globally renowned for its devices that help address chronic illnesses. This firm has a good reputation when it comes to healthcare products, and their FORA6 doesn’t disappoint.

Pros

Mobile app– Leveraging their prominence in the medical tech market and the spread of smartphones, Foracare includes a superb mobile app with this kit. The app allows you to keep track of all your measurements and progress.
Large memory– Following in the steps of other market-leading products, this kit comes with a large memory capacity that can store data for up to 1,000 tests. This superb memory capacity allows you to analyze more data.
Explanation videos– On the website for this product, you will find a couple of videos that show you how to use the product. These helpful and engaging videos save you the time of reading through boring manuals that can be confusing.

Cons

No carrying case– While the product is suited for traveling, it does not come with a carrying case for on-the-go use. While you can certainly buy a suitable case separately, this is an additional cost.

Keto Mojo Ketone Testing Kit

My personal belief is that no one can make a better keto testing kit than someone who has kickstarted a revelation in the field. This device is a true testament to the journey that Dorian and Gemma took with the keto diet. Made specifically for longevity and easy reading, this might just be the kit that you have been looking for. I use it as a back-up tester and continue to be impressed with its features. It suits all my needs.

Pros

Large memory –With a memory capacity that allows you to store up to 1,000 test results, this kit takes away the stress and paranoia of your kit’s memory filling up. You don’t often have to erase your previous readings.
Lifetime warranty –As mentioned, this device is built with longevity in mind. The kit comes with a lifetime warranty at purchase.
Number conversions –This kit gives accurate numbers that can easily be converted to either UK or USA readings, as suites your preferences.
Easy to source accessories –If you have this kit, you can easily find replacement ketone and glucose strips at an affordable price.

Cons

No glucose strips at purchase –This kit does not include Keto Mojo glucose strips. You have to buy them separately.
Frequent breakdowns –Using this product, I had a few nasty instances where the kit would just stop working and then randomly start working again later.

BrunoPharma Blood Ketone and Glucose Monitoring System

This ketone monitoring device is another option with a particular focus on storage and mobile use convenience. It has significant memory capacity, and I especially like its record-keeping features. It was by far the easiest to track results over time with.

Pros

Mobile app –This kit comes with a mobile app that can be used to keep track of your logs, which comes in handy for most people. It makes it ultra-easy to keep accurate records and monitor progress.
Accessories –Batteries are included as well as a logbook to keep hardcopy records if you wish, and a user guide to get you started.
Quick output and large memory –My favorite aspect of this kit is how convenient it is. It delivers quick results and stores up to 1,000 readings.

Cons

Advanced user guide –The user guide is not user-friendly for someone that might be starting on ketone monitoring for the first time. Additionally, the company’s website does not offer much on how you should use the product.
Sync fails –The app, although convenient when functional, doesn’t always sync properly, forcing you to use the logbook instead. This isn’t a huge issue if you prefer to keep hardcopy logs.

Care Touch Ketone Testing Kit

Having been in the market of health care technological devices since 2005, Care Touch is a reputable tech company. They are well known to produce ketone testing kits that are efficient and reliable. On this particular ketone kit, they have incorporated some particularly useful components, such as auto eject and large memory capacity.

Pros

Accessories –The package includes lancets, a testing meter, carry case, lancet device, and ketone strips—everything you need to get started.
Auto strip ejection –This kit has an automatic strip ejection feature that makes removing used strips a breeze.
Large memory capacity –You can store data for up to 1,000 readings.

Cons

Separate glucose meter –The biggest downside of this ketone meter is that it is only a ketone meter. It doesn’t read blood sugar levels, so if you need that data, you’ll have to purchase a second device.

Precision Xtra Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System

The parent company that makes these kits, Abbot, is a reputable, familiar brand considered a leader in the healthcare market. Their ketone monitoring system is designed to provide optimal usability in a convenient bundle.

Pros

Hygienic testing –Compared to many other products in this category, this particular ketone testing kit comes with a hygienic testing system. It includes alcohol wipes to disinfect the testing kit each time it is used.
Averages for different intervals –This model makes spotting changes easier with a feature that allows you to monitor averages for different intervals. You can choose from a 7, 14, and 30-day interval to track your progress.
Flexibility in sizes –Precision Xtra understands that different people have different needs when it comes to ketone monitoring. As a result, they offer this kit in a variety of sizes to suit your needs.

Cons

Smaller Memory –Compared to the other products we’ve looked at so far, this kit has a much smaller memory— only up to 450 tests. That’s still quite a few, but worth noting.

Ketone Meter Buying Guide

Now that we’ve had a look at five of the best ketone meters to test and monitor ketosis, let’s review some of the important factors to consider when shopping for a test kit.

What to Look for in a Ketone Testing Kit

Memory

The memory capacity of ketone testing kits will vary with the manufacturer; however, the higher the memory capacity, the better. Many of the modern testing kits will have anything from 450 tests onwards. If you can get one that stores data for up to 1,000 tests, all the better.

Of course, the importance of this aspect really depends on your own capacity requirements and whether the kit comes with an app. Ketone testing kits that include an app with auto-sync eliminate the need for large memory capacity as they store and track an infinite number of readings.

Suitability to travel

If you intend to use your test kit on the go, such as at work, suitability to travel is an important factor. Ketone kits that are well suited for traveling are small, durable, boast good battery life, and include a carrying case.

Even if you only intend to use your tracker at home, a case is still a good idea to keep everything dust-free and in one spot, though any small bag or box will work for this as well.

Accessories

Be sure to pay close attention to what is included in the kit you purchase. Some kits come as a bundle with everything you’ll need, while others require you buy things like test strips separately. On that note, also remember to check the price of replacement test strips.

Ketone test strips aren’t reusable, so every time you test, you’ll need a new strip. If you test multiple times a day, this can add up very quickly. This point makes the price per test strip one of the most important factors to consider when buying a ketone testing kit. Will it accept generic strips, or does it require a specific brand? In either case, what will your ongoing costs look like?

Display screen and numbers

The size of the display screen, though not that significant, needs to be considered as well. A display that is small or unclear can be a hassle in the long run, especially if you struggle with reading small screens. On top of visibility, the read-outs should be easy to understand at a glance and convert to your desired measurement system.

Mobile app integration and logbook

Modern ketone testing kits are slowly shifting from the use of logbooks to creating a separate mobile app that works with the kit and allows you to keep tabs on the logs electronically. This capability is advantageous in that it takes the stress of recording away from you, particularly in the case of auto-sync apps that load your data from the tester and record it for you.

However, it’s important to note that many of these apps are still in their infancy and may be glitchy. Keeping a hard copy is always a good idea.

Dual Use

Some ketone testing kits double-up as blood sugar (glucose) meters. If you have glucose intolerance or diabetes, this dual-use eliminates the need to have more than one test kit. Even if you don’t have blood sugar issues, glucose readings can help you eliminate items in your diet that may be pushing you out of ketosis.

Many Keto dieters find that certain foods that shouldn’t be an issue, such as artificial sweeteners, give them a blood sugar rise anyway. Using a glucose meter, you can keep a food diary and troubleshoot your meal plan.

Price

Finally, while for many of us price is a lesser factor than quality, the fact remains we all have a budget of some sort. Your average ketone tester can run anywhere from $30 to $120. On the lower end you generally only get the tester itself with no accessories, whereas on the higher end you’re typically dealing with bundle options. Make a list of everything you need (i.e., Test strips, case, and so on) and add up the cost of those items to get a total cost for each option.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ketosis?

Aside from the data that you can get from your ketone testing kit on how you are faring in terms of ketosis, the following are also useful signs and symptoms that can indicate whether you are in ketosis or not.

Understanding the symptoms of ketosis may help you identify when to test, and so save you test strips. For instance, if you suspect you may have been kicked out of ketosis based on your symptoms, you could test to confirm.

Clear mind

While in a state of ketosis, your mind will be clear and free from any “fuzzy” thinking or “brain fog.” If you start feeling a bit foggy and unfocused, it’s possible that you’re no longer in ketosis.

Though, keep in mind, in the early stages of ketosis, you also may experience brain fog as you adjust to a low-sugar diet. This, along with sluggishness, headache, and more, is commonly referred to as the keto flu. Electrolyte intake can be beneficial to prevent this.

Feeling energetic for long periods

Once you reach ketosis, you may find that you have more energy and feel energetic longer without that after-carb crash so many of us dread. When your body is using fat for fuel, it has all the energy it needs on hand and in steady supply.

Feeling full for long periods

Typically, the body should feel hunger pangs after some time. This feeling will generally lead you to want to snack on something. In ketosis, however, you are likely to go for long periods without feeling hungry. The Keto diet lends well the intermittent fasting as a result. Fasting is a great way to super-charge your weight loss efforts.

Acetone taste and smell

Probably the most noticeable symptom of ketosis is bad breath. If your mouth tastes funny or your breath smells fruity, or like alcohol, there’s a strong chance you’re in ketosis.

Frequent urination

In its earliest stages, ketosis leads to massive water weight loss. That’s why so many dieters see quick results—such as losing 10 pounds in a single week. Glycogen, the body’s storage compartment for glucose, requires water, so as you process glycogen, you’ll lose water weight and urinate more.

This symptom tends to go away after you’ve been in ketosis awhile, but if it returns, it may be a sign you are or were out of ketosis.

Blood vs. Urine Ketone Testing

For a long time, most people would test their urine to find out more about their state of ketosis. Modern kits, however, are incorporating blood testing as part of the kits. Compared to urine testing, blood testing appeals to more people because of the ease of doing so. With blood testing, you only need a drop of blood, and you are done. No need to move from one room to another or any other type of inconvenience.

Additionally, urine testing kits are picking up excess ketones—what the body didn’t use. Blood testing is a more accurate judge of total ketones in your system and less prone to false negatives.

Final Thoughts

Being in a state of ketosis is an effective way to balance blood sugar levels and improve your overall health. In this state, the body uses fat for energy leading to weight loss in most cases. However, before reaching this state, it is essential that you continuously monitor your progress using a useful ketone testing kit to ensure your efforts are paying off.

We’ve looked at some of the top products in this category. One particular product, the FORA6 ketone testing kit, stands out from the crowd, and it’s the one I ultimately decided to use myself. This kit has a large memory that allows you to keep track of up to 1,000 test records. Additionally, it is integrated with a mobile app for easy use.

The Foracare website also offers helpful and engaging videos that guide you on how to use the product correctly. If it included a travel case, this would be a flawless option. Luckily, that issue is easily solved.

While the FORA6 was right for me, it may not be right for you. Any of the ketone testing kits covered here would make an excellent addition to your keto arsenal.