Carnivore/Zero Carb Food Lists
Carnivore Approved Food Lists
Meats
- Red meat, such as beef, lamb, or pork; or wild game, like bison, elk, or venison. Choose fatty cuts of meat whenever you can. Add additional fats like butter, eggs, or cheese to meals with leaner cuts of meat for better nutrition and satiety.
- Poultry, such as chicken, duck, or goose. Try to stick to the darker, fattier parts of the bird. As above, add in additional fats when necessary.
- Seafood, such as sardines, salmon, tuna, cod, lake trout, halibut, or shellfish. Choose wild, if you can afford/find it.
- Eggs of all kinds.
- Organ meats, like liver, heart, or kidney.
Full Fat Dairy
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Cheese
- Plain yogurt
- Kefir
- Cottage cheese
Fats
- Bacon Grease
- Butter
- Lard
- Tallow
- Chicken fat
- Duck Fat
- Suet
Herbs & Spices (relaxed carnivore)
*Important – Read the label on any spice blends before purchasing/using to be sure they don’t contain added sugars
- Powdered ginger, turmeric, and cumin
- Fresh or dried basil, rosemary, oregano, dill, cilantro, thyme, parsley, and other herbs
- Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, ancho chili, and other spices
Condiments (relaxed carnivore)
- Plain or spicy mustards without added sugar, sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners
- Hot sauce
- Small amounts of other zero carb/sugar free condiments
Other Carnivore Approved Foods and Drinks
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Pepperoni
- Sausages without added sugars
- Caviar/fish eggs
- Pancetta
- Bacon
- Deli meats without added sugars
- Pork rinds
- Cheese wisps
- Liverwurst
- Bratwurst
- Hot dogs
- Coffee
- Tea
- Club soda
- Seltzer
- Occasional hard liquor or glass of wine
Non-Carnivore Foods (Foods to Avoid on the Carnivore Diet)
Read food labels to avoid all added sugars and sweeteners. Avoid all foods that do not come from an animal. None of the following are permitted on a zero carb/carnivore diet:
- Vegetable oils of any kind, including avocado or coconut
- Plant foods, such as grains, vegetables, and fruits
- All sugars and artificial sweeteners
- Mixed drinks
- Sugar-sweetened beverages
Beginners Guide to the Carnivore Diet: Table of Contents