Lifestyle • Nov 04, 2024
Savor the Flavor: 9 Great Carnivore Diet Snacks
9 of the Best Carnivore Diet Snacks
The carnivore diet is a restrictive diet that solely allows the consumption of animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and select dairy products. It completely excludes all other types of food, including legumes, vegetables, and fruits, steering the focus to an ancestral-based diet featuring purely meat and fish.
It revolves around the idea that high-carb diets are the culprit of many chronic diseases plaguing people today. For some, it can be an excellent tool in weight loss, reducing inflammation, and improving mental health, hence its popularity.
However, with the restrictions on what you can consume, finding snacks that are both carnivore-friendly, easy to eat, and easy for on-the-go consumption can be tricky. Here are nine of the best snacks for the carnivore diet to add to your meal plan.
1.Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is arguably one of the best and most convenient carnivore diet snacks out there. It’s made from dried and seasoned strips of beef, packing lots of protein into strips perfect for on-the-go snacking.
If you go with beef jerky, be sure to check the ingredients list. Some options contain hidden sugars and additives that can sabotage your diet, so take a minute or two to browse the ingredients list for those items.
If you can’t find a product you like, look for local grass-fed jerky or make your own at home by drying thin slices of beef seasoned with salt (or whatever carnivore-friendly seasoning blend you like).
2.Pork Rinds
Pork rinds are the perfect snack for when you’re craving something savory and crunchy. They’re made of fried or baked pig skin and are packed with protein and fat. They don’t contain any carbs, so they’re a great addition to the carnivore diet.
Eat them plain, with your favorite dip, or as a crunchy topping for your go-to meat-based dishes. As with jerky, though, remember to check the ingredients list to ensure they’re free from artificial flavors and veggie oils.
3.Cheese Crisps
Cheese is a bit of a controversy in the carnivore diet, but since it’s animal-based, many people are okay with integrating a few cheesy delights into their diets. Hard cheese like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda are the most common. So, if you’re craving something deliciously cheesy, try cheese crisps.
Cheese crisps scratch the crunchy and savory craving itch, much like pork rinds. They’re made from baked or fried cheese, creating a crispy, crunchy, and cheesy snack packed with fat and protein.
Make them at home with your favorite cheeses by slicing thin strips of cheese and baking them in the oven until they’re golden and crispy. They’re absolutely delicious and make for the perfect afternoon snack, but as with any snack, remember to consume in moderation.
4.Hard-Boiled Eggs
If you need a break from crispy snacks, try adding hard-boiled eggs to the mix. Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering lots of protein, healthy fats, and various essential vitamins and minerals. While cooking up an egg each time you need a snack isn’t particularly efficient, having boiled eggs on hand is.
Boil a few eggs as part of your meal prep each week and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat them, grab one out, season it with your favorite seasonings, and enjoy!
5.Beef Liver Crisps
Organ meats, like beef liver, are often referred to as “nature’s multivitamin.” They’re packed with various essential nutrients, including vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and zinc. So, if you don’t mind the taste, beef liver can be a great snack for your carnivore diet.
Liking beef liver in various dishes is somewhat of an acquired taste, especially since it has a noticeable flavor. If you’re not too keen on adding it to your dishes, try making crisps out of it.
Dehydrate or bake thin strips of beef liver until crispy for an easy snack on the go. If you’d like, you can even add your favorite seasonings for a more enjoyable eating experience.
6.Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is a delicious and wholesome snack for your carnivore diet. It’s full of protein and healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function and reduce inflammation.
You can enjoy salmon in various ways, such as on its own or paired with other carnivore-approved foods, like cream cheese or eggs. Ideally, opt for wild-caught smoked salmon, as it has a higher nutrient content and lower levels of contaminants compared to farmed salmon.
7.Pepperoni or Salami Slices
Pepperoni and salami slices, packed with spices and protein, are another yummy option to add to the mix. They’re readily available and easy to find in stores, offering a quick boost of protein and fat throughout the day.
Of course, like most snacks on this list, don’t forget to check the ingredient list. Lots of options have sugars, fillers, and additives like nitrates, so remember to review the ingredient list to ensure you’re getting clean, high-quality meats.
8.Deviled Eggs
If hard-boiled eggs aren’t your thing, try deviled eggs. These eggs are made by mixing hard-boiled egg yolks with animal-based fats, such as bacon fat, for a creamy, rich, and satisfying snack. Throw in your go-to carnivore-friendly seasonings for an even more enjoyable experience.
You can even toss in a few other ingredients, such as crumbled bacon, smoked salmon, or ground beef, for added protein and variety. Store the prepared eggs in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
9Canned Sardines
Like salmon, canned sardines have tons of protein and healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain essential minerals and vitamins like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, making them a wholesome and beneficial snack.
Bring cans on the go for an easy snack and eat them alone or paired with other carnivore staples like eggs or cheese for a more filling snack. When choosing canned sardines, remember to review the ingredients, avoiding options packed in cans with sauces or seasonings that could contain sugars or artificial ingredients.
Stay Satisfied and On Track With Carnivore Diet Snacks
Finding snacks on the carnivore diet to keep you satisfied can be tricky, but there are plenty of options. Whether you go for beef jerky, pork rinds, cheese crisps, hard-boiled eggs, or something else, these snacks can be great options for convenient-on-the-go snacking. These options are packed with protein and other beneficial vitamins, minerals, and fats, making them excellent choices for the carnivore diet.
If you’re ready to take your health and wellness journey to the next level, consider integrating exercise into your plan to complement your carnivore diet. Exercise can help accelerate your progress, helping you work toward your fitness goals. Our certified personal trainers are here to help you craft the perfect exercise program to accentuate the hard work you’re putting in with your carnivore diet. Contact our team at Svetness today to start with a free consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Easy Snacks on the Carnivore Diet?
Hard-boiled eggs, beef jerky, cheese crisps, pork rinds, and pepperoni slices are quick and easy snacks for the carnivore diet. They’re easy to make and take on-the-go, making them perfect for busy people.
Can You Have Sweets on the Carnivore Diet?
Sweets are generally prohibited on the carnivore diet. This diet focuses on consuming animal products only, and most sweetened items are made with a host of preservatives, sugars, and additives.
What Kind of Cheese is OK on the Carnivore Diet?
Cheese is a bit of a hot topic in the carnivore diet community. Some folks agree it can be included, others don’t. However, since it’s an animal product, many people are okay with it. Most consume options like cottage cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, and various hard cheeses, like gouda, cheddar, and parmesan.