Are you looking to mix it up with the carnivore diet, or perhaps you’re in need of some quick and easy zero carb snacks? These carnivore snack ideas will not only add a little more variety to your carnivore diet, they’ll satiate and satisfy. And also mystify your friends if they aren’t already thinking you’re crazy for only eating animal products.
First, here are some tips when it comes to snacking on the carnivore diet.
10 Tips for Mindful Snacking on the Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet, focusing solely on animal products like meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and eggs, poses unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to snacking.
While it may seem restrictive, it opens the door to mindful eating practices that can significantly enhance your health and well-being. Here’s how you can master the art of snacking on a carnivore diet.
- Prepare in Advance: Plan and prepare your snacks at the start of each week. This helps avoid impulsive, unhealthy choices.
- Smart Shopping: Create and stick to a shopping list to ensure you have all necessary snack ingredients.
- Portion Control: Use portion-controlled containers and tools like food scales or measuring cups to manage snack sizes.
- Calorie Awareness: Track your macros and caloric intake using a food diary or tracking app.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try different meats, cheeses, and pair them with unique dips or sauces for variety.
- Listen to Your Body: Eat snacks based on hunger cues, not out of habit. Adjust frequency and type based on your body’s signals.
- Monitor Energy Levels: Pay attention to how snacks affect your energy and make adjustments as needed.
- Focus on Main Meals: Prioritize nutrition from main meals over snacks for long-term health benefits.
- Habit Change: Gradually break habitual snacking. Be patient and kind to yourself during this transition.
- Versatile Snacking: Remember, carnivore diet snacks can also serve as appetizers or holiday treats, adding versatility to your diet plan.
5 Carnivore Diet Tools To Invest In
- High-Quality Chef’s Knife: This is crucial for efficiently cutting and preparing meats. A sharp, well-balanced chef’s knife can handle everything from slicing steaks to dicing chicken.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure that your meats are cooked to the perfect temperature for both safety and taste, a reliable meat thermometer is a must-have.
- Food Scale: Accurate portion control is important in a diet focused on meat and animal products. A food scale helps in measuring portions, which is essential for tracking your intake and maintaining balanced nutrition.
- Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is versatile and ideal for cooking various meats. It provides even heating and can go from stovetop to oven, making it perfect for searing steaks, frying bacon, or roasting chicken.
- Vacuum Sealer: For those who buy meat in bulk or prep snacks in advance, a vacuum sealer is a great investment. It preserves the freshness of your meats and prepared snacks, reduces waste, and makes storage more efficient.
Store-Bought Carnivore Snacks
When browsing for snacks at the store, especially for those following a primarily meat-based diet, it’s important to be a label detective. Always check the ingredients for things like artificial additives, soy products, preservatives, or sneaky carbs that aren’t carnivore-friendly.
The best picks are those with all-natural ingredients, free from vegetable oils, plant foods, and artificial flavors.
Meat Snacks
- Beef Jerky (High-Quality, No Added Sugars): A classic carnivore snack. Opt for versions without added sugars or artificial ingredients, focusing on natural flavors and high-quality beef. It’s a quick bite that’s packed with protein and essential nutrients.
- Pemmican: This time-honored food staple, originally crafted by Native Americans, combines dried meat with rendered fat to create a snack that’s not only nutrient-dense but also impressively long-lasting.
- Grass-Fed Beef Liver Jerky: Look for jerky made from grass-fed beef liver. It’s a great way to incorporate organ meats into your diet in a convenient, portable form.
- Venison Jerky: Look for wild game jerky, like venison, for a lean and flavorful snack. It’s a great choice for diversifying your meat intake.
- Beef Biltong: A form of dried, cured meat, biltong is a flavorful and chewy snack, similar to jerky but often softer and thicker.
- Bone Broth: A convenient and nourishing snack for the carnivore diet, these pre-made broths made from quality animal bones are rich in essential minerals and collagen, perfect for sipping between meals.
- Beef Sticks (Grass-Fed): Portable and tasty, grass-fed beef sticks are a great way to get high-quality animal protein on the go. They often come in different flavors and are free from soy additives and artificial ingredients.
- Turkey Meat Sticks: For a poultry option, turkey meat sticks are a lean and tasty snack. Ensure they’re made with natural ingredients.
- High-Quality Pork Rinds: Opt for pork rinds made from high-quality pork. They are a great choice for a snack that’s both crunchy and satisfying, with no carbs.
- Cured Meat Snack Packs: These convenient packs often include a variety of cured meats, making them a great quick snack option.
- Deli Meat: Thinly sliced and ready-to-eat, deli meats are a staple snack for carnivores, offering a quick and protein-rich bite that’s versatile and delicious, either on their own or paired with other animal-based ingredients.
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Fish & Seafood Snacks
- Canned Sardines or Mackerel: These are a great option for a quick bite, packed with omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients. Look for brands that use olive oil or natural ingredients.
- Canned Octopus: This is a flavorful and exotic seafood snack. It’s convenient and packed with protein.
- Canned Cod Liver: Rich in omega-3s and vitamin D, cod liver can be enjoyed straight from the can for a nutrient-dense snack.
- Smoked Salmon Jerky: A delicious and different flavor for those who love fish. It’s a great carnivore diet snack idea that offers a break from traditional meat snacks.
- Dried Squid or Cuttlefish: Common in Asian markets, these are chewy, savory, and make for a great high-protein snack.
- Dried Fish Snacks: Similar to jerky, but made with fish. These are a great snack for those looking to include more seafood in their diet.
- Pre-Packaged Smoked Fish: Smoked salmon or trout packs are an easy, flavorful snack. They’re a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Shrimp Cocktail (Sauceless): Look for precooked shrimp for a quick and easy seafood snack. Enjoy them plain or with a carnivore-friendly dip.
Egg & Dairy Snacks
- Hard-Boiled Eggs (Omega-3 Rich): Simple yet nutritious, hard-boiled eggs are a great snack. They provide essential fatty acids and are easy to prepare in advance. They’re a staple in both carnivore and keto diets.
- Hard Cheeses (Aged Varieties): Aged hard cheeses are a great snack for those who include dairy in their carnivore diet. They provide essential nutrients and are a great option for a quick bite. Look for natural, high-quality dairy products without added sugars.
- Cheese Sticks (Raw, Grass-Fed): Cheese sticks made from raw, grass-fed dairy are a great choice for a carnivore snack. They are convenient, portable, and a good source of calcium and protein.
- Pre-Sliced Hard Cheese Assortment: Convenient and diverse, these cheese assortments offer a variety of flavors and textures for snacking.
- Raw Milk Cheeses: These cheeses offer a range of flavors and are less processed. They can be a healthy addition to your carnivore diet.
- Ghee: Pure clarified butter, ghee is a great snack on its own for a fat boost. It’s also a versatile base for making carnivore diet “fat bombs.”
- Kefir (Unsweetened): For those who include dairy, unsweetened kefir is a probiotic-rich snack that can aid digestion and add variety to your snack options.
- Single-Serve Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: Opt for unsweetened, full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy and protein-rich snack. Check for brands with the least amount of additives.
- Cultured Sour Cream: Full-fat, cultured sour cream can be a delicious, tangy snack or a base for dips.
Homemade Carnivore Snacks
- Pork Skins (Air-Fried): For a crunchy snack, try air-fried pork skins. They contain healthy fats and zero carbs, making them a great option for a quick carnivore diet snack. Use an air fryer for a better version without the need for vegetable oil.
- Deli Meat Roll-Ups (With Cream Cheese): Roll up your favorite deli meats with cream cheese for a great carnivore diet snack. It’s a great combination of protein and fat, essential for a meat-heavy diet.
- Snack Melt: Layer slices of cheese between two thin meat slices, like chicken or turkey. Quickly pan fry for a gooey, melty snack.
- Charcuterie Board: Assemble a board with various meats like salami, prosciutto, and paté. Add in some hard and soft cheeses for a delightful snack spread.
- Beef Liver Crisps: Thinly slice beef liver and bake them into crisps. They are a great source of Vitamin B and a unique snack idea that’s rich in nutrients. This is one of the best carnivore diet snacks for those looking to include more organ meats.
- Pork Belly Bites: Cut pork belly into bite-sized pieces and cook them in animal fat or olive oil for a succulent snack. Pork belly is rich in healthy fats and makes for a hearty, satisfying quick snack.
- Homemade Carnivore Smoothie: Blend together 5 soft-boiled eggs, 4 ounces of half and half or heavy cream, with a hint of vanilla extract and a dash of salt for a rich and creamy snack. Optionally, add grass-fed beef collagen powder, beef gelatin, or bone broth powder.
- Cheesecake Fluff: Blend cream cheese, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, powdered Monk fruit Sweetener, and a touch of vanilla extract. This results in a luscious, creamy fluff that mimics the taste of cheesecake.
- Carnivore Aurelius’ Meat Chips: Inspired by the influencer Carnivore Aurelius, make your own meat chips in the oven or dehydrator. Use thinly sliced meats for a crunchy, chip-like snack that aligns perfectly with a strict carnivore or ketogenic diet.
- Cheese Chips: Bake small piles of shredded cheese until they crisp up. These chips are a crunchy, savory snack perfect for those cheese cravings.
- Leftover Steak Bites: Repurpose leftover steak by cutting it into small bites. Season lightly with salt and enjoy cold or reheated. A great way to reduce waste and have a quick bite ready.
- Homemade Bone Broth: Make your own bone broth using leftover bones from meals. It’s rich in nutrients and a great addition to your carnivore diet food list. Sip it between meals for a nourishing treat.
- Organ Meat Patties: Mix ground organ meats with spices and form into patties. Cook them up for a nutrient-dense snack that’s a great source of protein and essential nutrients.
- Pepperoni Chips: Bake thin slices of pepperoni until they’re crispy. It’s a quick snack that’s perfect for when you crave something crunchy and savory.
- Homemade Fish Bones Crackers (hone senbei) : Roast leftover fish bones in the oven until crispy. It’s a unique snack that’s surprisingly tasty and rich in minerals.
- Air-Fried Chicken Skins: Crispy and delicious, chicken skins can be air-fried for a no-carb treat that mimics the texture of potato chips.
- Beef Heart Kabobs: Marinate beef heart cubes, skewer, and grill them. This provides a nutrient-rich, hearty snack that’s a great source of CoQ10.
- Liver Pate: Blend cooked liver with butter and herbs to create a rich pate. Spread it on meat slices for a luxurious snack.
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus (for those who include occasional vegetables): Wrap asparagus spears in bacon and bake until crispy. It’s a fancy snack for those who occasionally include vegetables in their carnivore diet.
- Egg Yolk Drops: Separate egg yolks and gently boil them to a soft consistency. They are a rich, pure source of fat and vitamins.
- Duck Breast Prosciutto: Cure duck breast with salt, then air-dry it to make homemade prosciutto. This is a gourmet snack that’s surprisingly easy to make.
- Salmon Roe Scoops: Enjoy salmon roe as is, or on small pieces of cucumber (if you include some plant foods). It’s rich in omega-3s and a unique delicacy on the carnivore diet.
- Crispy Marrow Bones: Roast marrow bones until the marrow is bubbly. Scoop and enjoy it as a rich and nutritious snack.
- Liver and Onion Bites: Sauté liver with onions (for those who include occasional vegetables) in butter for a nutrient-dense mini meal or snack.
- Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Sticks: Wrap cheese sticks with bacon and bake until crispy. They’re a delicious combo of creamy and crunchy textures.
- Crispy Chicken Feet: For the adventurous, chicken feet can be boiled and then fried until crispy. They’re a collagen-rich snack, common in many cuisines.
- Homemade Fish Jerky: Make your own fish jerky by dehydrating thin slices of fish. Season with salt for a simple, high-protein snack.
- Egg Yolk Butter: Gently cook egg yolks and blend them with butter to create a rich, creamy spread. It’s great on top of steak or eaten by the spoonful.
- Fried Pork Brain: For those who enjoy experimenting, pork brain can be breaded and fried for a unique, nutrient-packed snack.
- Beef Tongue Tacos (Carnivore Style): Cook beef tongue until tender, slice it, and serve in cheese taco shells for a fun twist on traditional tacos.
- Stuffed Chicken Wings: Debone chicken wings and stuff them with ground meat and spices. A delightful snack that’s both tasty and impressive.
- Carnivore “Sushi” Rolls: Use thinly sliced beef as the “nori”, fill with cream cheese and a slice of raw fish, then roll up for a carnivore version of sushi.
- Bone Marrow Spread: Roast bones with marrow and scoop out the marrow. Spread it on meat slices for a rich, buttery snack.
- Lamb Riblets: Slow-roasted or grilled lamb riblets are a fatty, satisfying snack. They’re rich in flavor and make a great handheld treat.
- Duck Fat Fries: Make fries out of chicken or turkey skin, fried in duck fat for a crispy, indulgent snack.
- Tripe Chips: Thinly sliced tripe, seasoned and baked or air-fried until crispy, can be a novel snack for those looking to explore different organ meats.
- Bison Meatballs: Season ground bison meat and form into small meatballs. They offer a leaner alternative to beef and are packed with flavor.
- Frog Legs: Pan-fried or grilled frog legs are a delicacy that can be a surprisingly tasty snack, often compared to the flavor of chicken.
- Goat Cheese Balls: For those who include dairy, small balls of goat cheese, possibly rolled in herbs, can be a tangy, creamy snack option.
- Crispy Chicken Hearts: Marinate chicken hearts in a simple blend of salt and spices, then skewer and grill or broil them until crispy. These little bites are not only flavorful but also rich in nutrients like iron and B vitamins.
- Smoked Trout Pâté: Blend smoked trout with a bit of cream cheese and herbs for a smooth, rich pâté. It’s a great way to enjoy seafood, offering a change from traditional meat snacks, and can be spread on slices of cucumber (if minimal vegetables are included in the diet) or eaten straight.
- Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Wrap scallops in bacon and bake or grill until the bacon is crispy. This snack combines the sweetness of scallops with the savory crunch of bacon, providing a luxurious treat that’s high in protein and healthy fats.
PIN FOR LATER!
Marci
The cooked egg yolks mixed with butter looks interesting for increasing fat on the Carnivore diet. How exactly do you cook the egg yolks and butter? Microwave? On the stove? Can you give a step by step?
Sally
The cheesecake fluff recipe above uses Monk Fruit sweetener… is that allowed on carnivore? If so – I’m confident I can do it! 🙂
Olivia Wyles
There are different levels of the carnivore diet. If you’re doing super strict, the monk fruit sweetener is not allowed. Honey is the sweetener of choice for the carnivore diet since it’s an animal product. However, if you’re trying to also stay in ketosis or keep low carb, then a touch of monk fruit to add sweetness is okay.
Nancy
A lot of carnivores also don’t eat honey as it’s not considered an animal product because it’s basically pollen that has been vomited up by bees not really like an egg made by the body of a chicken. There are really a lot of different levels of carnivore
Olivia Wyles
Yes, as I do more research about the carnivore diet (which is really in its infancy – established officially in 2018), I find that some carnivores don’t eat honey as it’s made by bees, not from bees (much like humans make bread). But again, there are many different levels. Some choose strict for at least 30 days to eliminate inflammation, others are more relaxed eating mostly animal based products.