The carnivore diet, a highly restrictive elimination diet focusing solely on animal products, has gained popularity for its potential benefits like reducing inflammation and boosting energy. However, sticking to it can be challenging, especially when cravings hit. This article provides a comprehensive list of carnivore diet snack ideas to help you stay on track and satisfied. When you eliminate an entire food group from your diet (in this case, plants), you need to be extra careful about the nutrient density of the foods you do eat. Not to mention, going hours without eating can make it difficult to stick to your carnivore diet long-term. This is why finding carnivore diet snacks you actually enjoy eating is crucial for your success. Otherwise, you're more likely to cut corners and give in to temptations when they come up. With the right carnivore diet snack list, you won't worry about this ever again - because you'll actually look forward to the pre-approved snacks in your pantry!
What Makes a Good Carnivore Diet Snack?
Not all snacks are created equal, especially on a diet as restrictive as the carnivore diet. The best snacks should align with the diet's principles and offer nutritional value.
- 100% Animal-Based: The snack must be derived from animal sources, such as meat, fish, eggs, or dairy (if tolerated).
- Nutrient-Dense: It should provide essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Minimal Processing: Opt for minimally processed options without added sugars, artificial ingredients, nitrates, nitrites, MSG, or soy.
- High-Quality Sourcing: Whenever possible, choose products from pasture-raised, grass-fed animals to ensure optimal nutrition and ethical sourcing.
- Satisfying and Delicious: The snack should be enjoyable to eat, helping you stick to the diet long-term.
Top Carnivore Diet Snack Ideas
Here's a detailed list of carnivore-friendly snacks to satisfy your cravings and keep you fueled throughout the day:
1. Carnivore Snax
Carnivore Snax stand out as a premier choice. These chips contain a heap of protein and contain zero carbohydrates. They're also free of any artificial ingredients, MSG, gluten, and soy. In fact, there are only 2 ingredients in these: meat and salt. These carnivore chips are the perfect snack for anyone on the carnivore diet - and they're also our top pick! While they start off with a crisp crunch, they melt in your mouth almost like a meat pastry. In fact, they're so good that you'll forget you're even on a diet! With quite a few tantalizing flavors to choose from, there's something for everyone. You'll never get bored - keep a few of your favorites in rotation! Because these snacks are crafted from meat raised through regenerative farming practices, you can feel good about choosing them. The #1 choice on our carnivore diet snack list addresses this issue once and for all. These pastry-like meat snacks are delicious and diverse. You'll never get bored with Carnivore Sanx - and you can feel good about adhering to your diet all at the same time.
2. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is another popular and convenient option. There are tons of different beef jerky brands on the market, so finding one you like should be a breeze. It is a convenient, protein snack that you can take pretty much anywhere. However, you should pay attention to the source and ingredients. It is rarely sourced here in the US, and when it is, transparency behind where and how the product is produced is lacking. Avoid jerky that contains unnatural flavorings, added sugars, or preservatives. Jerky also lacks that crispy & airy "like a meat chip" crunch that our snacks provide.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Sugar on Keto
3. Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is a fantastic and affordable snack. Tuna is one of the most filling and tasty carnivore diet snacks to have around the house. As one of the top carnivore diet snack ideas, tuna is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. Just make sure to get canned tuna that's packed in water - not oil. Tuna is great with a bit of salt and pepper right out of the can.
4. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a classic and easy carnivore snack. They're an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make. Just boil a pot of water, add your eggs, and let them cook for about 10 minutes. Eggs are excellent snacks on carnivore diet meal plans! Hard-boiled eggs make perfect grab-and-go options, while scrambled eggs with a bit of salt and pepper create a quick, filling snack.
5. Sausage Bites
Sausage bites are perfect for sausage lovers who want a quick and easy snack. These bite-sized snacks are full of protein and healthy fats, while also being low in carbs. Just mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, form into small balls, and cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
6. Cheese
Cheese can be a great option, especially for those who tolerate dairy well. The carnivore diet lets you eat hard, aged cheeses like swiss, parmesan, feta, and other low-lactose dairy products including cottage cheese, kefir, and ghee. It's an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, while also being low in carbs. Plus, there are so many different types of cheese out there that you're sure to find one you love. Taking things a step further, you can introduce other types of aged dairy into your diet - snacks like cottage cheese are an incredible source of slow-release protein that will keep you full for hours. Just remember to avoid overly processed and finished cheeses. With all that said, you must check the labels for any added sugars or artificial ingredients. Cheese is notoriously over-processed in this day and age.
7. Deli Meats
Deli meats offer a convenient and varied snack option. Deli meat, is an easy and convenient option to put those rumbles to rest. From ham to turkey to roast beef, there's sure to be a deli meat out there that you love. Chicken, turkey, and beef are all good options. The only issue with deli meats is that they're heavily processed and filled with unnatural preservatives. Look for natural, grass-fed options and avoid any products that contain unnatural flavorings or added sugars. The same rules of quality apply here, though.
Read also: Troubleshooting Carnivore Diet Diarrhea
8. Pork Rinds
Pork rinds (fried pork skins) are one of the best "grab-and-go" options among our list of carnivore diet snacks. Pork rinds can be healthy snacks on carnivore diet meal plans when you choose high-quality options that aren't cooked in vegetable oils. For the healthiest option, you can make your own rinds using this delicious homemade pork rinds recipe. For satisfying crunchy snacks on carnivore diet meal plans, pork rinds are the top choice, offering that crispy texture carnivore dieters crave. These carnivore diet snack ideas give you the satisfying crunch without compromising your eating principles. However, they are high in sodium and lower in beneficial vitamins compared to other animal products.
9. Grass-Fed Meat Sticks
We may be a little biased, but we think grass-fed meat sticks are one of the best carnivore snacks on the go. Not all beef sticks are created equal, though, and it's best to avoid any beef stick that packs their meat with preservatives, MSG, and other additives. When creating our snacks for carnivore diet eaters, we don't stop at 0 grams of sugar. Or any other nasty additives and ingredients.
10. Bone Broth
It's made from beef, chicken, or fish bones, and these bones are rich in vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It's possible to make bone broth at home but it is a bit time-consuming.
11. Biltong
Biltong is a South African take on dried meat and happens to be one of our top carnivore snack ideas. Instead of using dehydrators or smoke like jerky, biltong is air-dried. And while jerky is made from lean cuts, biltong is made from both fatty and lean cuts. Biltong is usually beef and is pure meat, so it is a great resource for iron, zinc, vitamin B, and selenium.
12. Cured Meats
Cured meats are high in protein and fat and offer a good range of minerals.
Read also: Aspartame and Ketosis
13. Salmon Crisps
Salmon crisps are one of the newer snacks for carnivore diet eaters taking the world by storm.
14. Beef Liver
Beef liver is one of our favorite snacks on carnivore diet meal plans because of how nutrient filled it is. Because livers act as our body's nutrient filters, they have an extremely high nutrient profile. The nutritional profile for liver is exceptional.
15. Sardines
Sardines are definitely an acquired taste, but they are a great option among our list of carnivore diet snack ideas.
16. Steak Bites
Steak bites are exactly what they sound like, but that doesn't mean they should be overlooked! Buy some steak in bulk, cook an extra one or two when making dinner one night, cut it into cubes, and ta-da!
Carnivore Tuna Salad Wrap Recipe
Carnivore enthusiasts, rejoice! These Tuna Salad Wraps are a perfect example of how easy and satisfying this way of eating can be. Packed with protein and wrapped in homemade egg-white wraps, theyâre a flavorful and filling option thatâs ideal for lunch or dinner. This dish combines convenience and flavor in a way thatâs hard to beat. Itâs not only quick to prepare but also packed with nourishing ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 2 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 4 egg whites
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna and softened cream cheese. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Greek yogurt and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the tuna mixture. Stir until fully mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites and optional xanthan gum until smooth.
- Pour 1/4 of the egg white mixture into the skillet. Cook until the bottom is golden brown.
- Flip the egg white wrap and cook the other side until browned and fully set. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Repeat the process to make a total of three wraps.
- Spread a third of the tuna salad mixture down the center of each egg white wrap.
- Roll up the wraps and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Wraps:
- If you have a good non-stick pan, you might not need xanthan gum, as it doesnât affect the taste. Xanthan gum acts as a thickener and helps the egg whites hold together better during cooking, making them easier to flip.
- The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be tailored to suit your taste.