Ketogenic compositions include a non-racemic mixture of beta-hydroxybutyrate salts and acid(s) enriched with the R-enantiomer. The compositions are enriched with the R-enantiomer to elevate ketone bodies and increase the rate at which ketosis is achieved yet contains an amount of the S-enantiomer to provide alternative benefits. Beta-hydroxybutyric acid is more rapidly absorbed and utilized by the body than salts or esters, enhances taste, and reduces the need to include citric acid or other edible acids. Beta-hydroxybutyrate salts are more slowly absorbed and utilized by the body and can provide one or more electrolytes. Compositions for increasing ketone body level in a subject may contain a dietetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a non-racemic mixture of R-beta-hydroxybutyrate and S-beta-hydroxybutyrate, wherein the non-racemic mixture of R-beta-hydroxybutyrate and S-beta-hydroxybutyrate contains from about 50.5% to 99.5% by enantiomeric equivalents of R-beta-hydroxybutyrate and from about 49.5% to about 0.5% by enantiomeric equivalents of S-beta-hydroxybutyrate.
