30 High Protein Zero Carb Foods: Brands and Preparation Tips

Are you looking for high protein zero carb foods, or perhaps just need to add a little variety to your carnivore or keto diet? Whether you’re fully committed to a high protein diet or just looking to reduce carbs and boost protein, this food list will give you tons of ideas to keep you satiated and satisfied. Whether you’re on a high protein, carnivore, or low-carb diet, there is something here for everyone!

First, here are some practical tips for those interested in a high-protein, zero carb diet.

10 Tips When Choosing High Protein Zero Carb Foods

A high protein, low carb diet is a lifestyle or way of eating that focuses exclusively on protein-rich foods while eliminating carbohydrates completely. This diet primarily includes meat, fish, poultry, and certain dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and eggs.

It’s popular among those looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve blood sugar management. By consuming only protein and fat, this diet aims to induce a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel in the absence of carbohydrates. Here’s how you can master the art of eating high-protein zero carb foods.

1. Understand Your Foods – Start by familiarizing yourself with which foods are truly zero-carb and high in protein. Make a list to reference when shopping or dining out. Be a label detective always on the lookout for hidden carbs in the form of sugar – know your names for hidden sugars!
2. Keep It Varied – To avoid dietary boredom and ensure a range of nutrients, rotate between different types of meats, seafood, and dairy. Try to include organ meats and a variety of fish. Here are some great carnivore snack ideas that double as high protein zero carb foods you can snack on.
3. Learn Proper Portion Sizes – Understanding portion sizes is crucial to manage protein intake and ensure you’re not consuming too much, which can be counterproductive. Use the palm of your hand as a guide. For meat, poultry, or fish, aim for a portion about the size and thickness of your palm.
4. Master Food Prep – Learn cooking techniques that best preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of high-protein foods, such as grilling, baking, slow cooking, and also freezing!
5. Plan Your Meals – Prepare weekly meal plans to make sure you’re sticking to your dietary goals without last-minute stress about what to eat. Use printable sheets as a guide.
6. Stay Hydrated – High-protein diets can be dehydrating. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support kidney function and overall hydration.
7. Monitor Your Health – Keep an eye on how your body responds to a zero-carb, high-protein diet. Watch for signs of fatigue, digestive changes, or other health indicators.
8. Consider Supplements – Consult with a healthcare provider about whether you need supplements to balance the lack of certain nutrients that are hard to get on a zero-carb diet, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
9. Eat Enough Fats – Since zero-carb diets eliminate carbs, ensure you include sufficient healthy fats to provide energy and support overall health.
10. Seek Support – Join online forums, social media groups, or local community groups where you can connect with others following similar dietary patterns. Sharing experiences and tips can provide motivation and new ideas.

Buy High Protein Low Carb Food Chart for easy visual reference!

Best Brands to Consider for High Protein Zero Carb Foods

When you’re following a high-protein, zero-carb diet, it’s important to choose products that align with these strict nutritional guidelines. The brands listed below have been carefully selected for their commitment to quality and transparency, offering a range of products that perfectly complement a zero-carb, high-protein regimen.

From sustainably sourced meats to organic dairy products, each brand focuses on providing the best ingredients without any unnecessary additives, ensuring you can maintain your diet with confidence and ease.

1. US Wellness Meats – Known for their high-quality grass-fed and pasture-raised meats, offering everything from beef to organ meats.
2. ButcherBox – Delivers high-quality, grass-fed beef, organic chicken, and heritage breed pork directly to your door.
3. Wild Planet – Specializes in sustainably caught seafood, including tuna, salmon, and sardines, all rich in protein and free from carbs.
4. Epic Provisions – Offers a range of meat-based snacks such as jerky, meat bars, and bone broth, focusing on regenerative agriculture.
5. Vital Choice – A trusted source for wild seafood and organics, offering a wide selection of fish and shellfish.
6. Applegate Farms – Produces high-quality natural and organic hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats without fillers or added carbs.
7. Bell & Evans – Known for their high-quality chicken products, from breasts to thighs, all raised without antibiotics.
8. Pederson’s Natural Farms – Offers a variety of bacon, sausages, and other pork products free from sugars and artificial ingredients.
9. Teton Waters Ranch – Specializes in 100% grass-fed beef products like sausages and ground beef, which are minimally processed.
10. D’Artagnan – Provides a wide range of specialty meats including game birds and exotic meats, all sustainably sourced.
11. Kettle & Fire – Known for their bone broths and soups, which are high in protein and free from any artificial additives.
12. Fage – This brand offers full-fat Greek yogurt, which is high in protein and has no added sugars, making it almost zero-carb.
13. Organic Valley – Offers a variety of organic dairy products, including cheese and heavy cream, which are high in protein and low in carbs.
14. Niman Ranch – Renowned for its commitment to sustainable agriculture and animal welfare, Niman Ranch offers a wide range of meats including beef, pork, and lamb that are all-natural and raised without antibiotics or hormones
15. SeaPak – Specializes in frozen seafood products that are convenient and contain zero carbs, focusing on quality and sustainability.
16. Chomps – Known for their grass-fed and finished beef and venison sticks, Chomps offers a convenient, clean snack option that is free from sugar, gluten, and artificial ingredients. Their meat sticks are high in protein, fitting well into a zero-carb diet.
17. Vital Farms – Specializes in pasture-raised eggs and butter, which are natural sources of high-quality protein and fats with minimal carbs. Vital Farms focuses on ethical farming practices and the welfare of their hens, making their products a great choice for health-conscious consumers.
18. Tillamook – A well-respected dairy brand that produces cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products. Their high-quality cheese varieties, like cheddar, are naturally low in carbs and high in protein. Tillamook is committed to sustainability and crafting delicious dairy products.
19. Now Foods – Offers a range of health foods and supplements, including protein powders and cooking oils that can be integrated into a zero-carb diet. Their products are often geared towards health and wellness, focusing on natural ingredients.
20. Crown Prince – Specializes in providing a variety of seafood options, including canned fish such as tuna, sardines, and oysters, which are naturally high in protein and contain zero carbs.

High Protein Zero Carb Foods List

Meat

• Beef – Opt for grass-fed varieties when possible for better flavor and more nutrients. Steak can be grilled, roasted, or pan-seared. Ground beef can be browned and mixed with melted butter.
• Pork – Choose cuts like pork chops and loin for a lean protein source. They can be grilled or roasted. Pork rinds, also known as chicharrones, are fried or roasted pieces of pig skin. They are light, crispy, and often seasoned with salt or other flavors. Pork rinds are virtually carb-free and high in protein and fat, but look out hidden sugars in store-bought brands.
• Lamb – Rich in flavor, lamb can be prepared as chops or roasts. Marinating it can enhance its taste.
• Veal – A tender and delicate meat sourced from young calves, prized for its mild flavor and tenderness. It can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed for a delicious and elegant meal.
• Pemmican – A traditional Native American food made from dried meat (usually beef or bison), rendered fat, and berries (omit for zero carb). It’s a high-energy food with a long shelf life, perfect for outdoor activities or as a convenient snack.

Organ Meats

• Tongue – a flavorful and tender cut of meat from the tongue of an animal, such as beef or lamb. It can be boiled, braised, or grilled until tender and sliced thinly.
• Heart – Beef or chicken heart can be grilled or sautéed and offers a rich, meaty flavor.
• Kidney – Best braised or made into stews, it has a distinctive taste that can be an acquired preference.

Game Meats

• Venison – Lean and rich in flavor, great for steaks or ground meat.
• Bison – Similar to beef but leaner, excellent in burgers or as steaks.
• Pheasant – Known for its rich taste, pheasant can be roasted or used in fine dining recipes.
• Quail – Small game birds that are tender and flavorful, ideal for quick roasting or grilling.
• Caribou – Also known as reindeer meat, is lean and rich in flavor, similar to venison. It can be prepared in various ways, such as roasting, grilling, or stewing, to create hearty and nutritious meals.
• Elk – Lean and tender, with a slightly sweet flavor. It’s often compared to beef but with a more delicate taste. Elk steaks, burgers, and roasts are popular choices for cooking, offering a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional meats.

Exotic Meats

• Frog Legs – Popular in French and Southern US cuisine, they can be sautéed or fried, offering a texture similar to chicken.
• Ostrich – Similar to beef, ostrich steaks are best cooked medium-rare and are very lean.
• Alligator – Often described as a cross between chicken and fish, it can be grilled or fried.
• Camel – Lean and rich in protein, with a slightly gamey flavor. It’s commonly eaten in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Camel meat can be grilled, roasted, or stewed to create hearty and flavorful dishes.
• Emu – lean and low in fat, with a mild flavor similar to beef. It’s high in protein and rich in iron and other nutrients. Emu steaks, burgers, and sausages are popular choices for cookin.

Poultry

• Chicken Breast – Skinless and boneless chicken breast is lean and versatile. It can be grilled, air-fried, baked, or sautéed.
• Turkey – Lean ground turkey or turkey breast can be used in place of chicken in most recipes.
• Duck – Typically richer in fat, duck breast can be pan-seared for a crispy skin.
• Goose – Rich and flavorful, with a slightly gamey taste. Roast goose is a classic preparation, seasoned with herbs and spices for a festive and hearty dish.

Fish and Seafood

• Tuna – Fresh or canned in water, tuna is a convenient high-protein option. Fresh tuna steaks are great seared or grilled.
• Salmon – Known for its omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can be baked, grilled, or smoked.
• Shrimp – Quick to cook, shrimp can be grilled, sautéed, or added to salads.

Dairy

• Manchego Cheese – One of two truly zero carb cheeses, this Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk is known for its firm texture and nutty flavor. Serve Manchego cheese in slices as part of a cheese platter or grate over salads.
• Goat Cheese – One of two truly zero carb cheeses, it’s creamy and tangy cheese made from goat’s milk, offering a unique flavor profile and texture. Enjoy crumbled over salads or melted into omelets.

Broths

• Bone Broth – Nutrient-rich broth made by simmering bones in water for hours, extracting collagen, minerals, and amino acids. Simmer bones with water and vinegar for 24-48 hours. Strain and season. Alternatively, buy pre-made varieties without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
• Seafood Broth – Flavorful base made by simmering fish or shellfish scraps with vegetables and herbs. Combine scraps with aromatics, cover with water, and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and season. Be mindful of added sugars and artificial flavors in store-bought options.

High Protein Almost No Carb Foods List

This is a list of high protein foods that have to be mentioned. Even though they aren’t truly zero carb, they have almost no carbs and should be just fine to incorporate into a high-protein low-carb diet.

Processed Meats

• Bacon – A savory and crispy meat derived from pork belly, loved for its rich flavor and versatility. It can be fried, baked, or grilled until golden and delicious. Look for brands that offer no added sugars.
• Pepperoni – Typically made from pork and beef. Can be enjoyed sliced as a snack or as crisps by microwaving for 60 seconds.
• Sausages – seasoned ground meat encased in a casing, available in a variety of flavors and styles. They can be grilled, pan-fried, or roasted for a quick and satisfying meal. Choose varieties that list no fillers or sugars.
• Deli Meats – Thinly sliced cured meats such as ham, turkey, and roast beef, perfect for charcuterie boards or salads. Opt for natural, minimally processed options.

Seafood

• Mussels – Steam with herbs and a splash of white wine
• Squid – Can be grilled or sautéed quickly; it’s also popular as calamari.
• Oysters – Best served raw on the half shell or briefly grilled.
• Lobster – Boiled or steamed, lobster is a treat and can be served simply with some melted butter.

Dairy

• Parmesan – Hard and flavorful, excellent grated over dishes or eaten in small chunks.
• Cheddar – Versatile in use, from slices to melted, cheddar is a staple in many kitchens.
• Swiss – Known for its mild flavor and characteristic holes, Swiss cheese is great melted.
• Greek Yogurt – Opt for full-fat, plain varieties to avoid carbs from sugars. It’s great with a sprinkle of nuts or used in smoothies.
• Cottage Cheese – Full-fat versions are lower in carbs. It’s good on its own or topped with a few nuts.

Eggs

• Chicken Eggs – Boiled, scrambled, or made into omelets, eggs are incredibly versatile.
• Duck Eggs – Larger and richer than chicken eggs, these are great for a richer version of any egg dish.

Specialty Snacks

• Biltong – Dried, cured meat that originated in South Africa. It is typically made from beef or game meats like ostrich or venison. The meat is seasoned with a mixture of salt, pepper, coriander, and other spices before being air-dried.
• Beef Jerky – A convenient and portable snack option. Look for varieties without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
• Cheese Crisps – Made from baked cheese, cheese crisps are crunchy, savory snacks that are naturally low in carbs and high in protein and fat. Great as a standalone snack or as a substitute for salad croutons.

Supplements

• Whey Protein Isolate – A highly purified form of whey protein that contains little to no carbohydrates or lactose. It’s typically very low in carbs, with most brands containing less than 1 gram of net carbs per serving.
• Casein Protein – Similar to whey protein isolate, casein protein is low in carbs and provides a slow-release protein source that can help with muscle recovery and growth. It’s often used as a nighttime protein supplement.
• Egg White Protein – Made from dried egg whites and is naturally low in carbs while being high in protein. It’s a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
• Collagen Peptides – Derived from animal collagen and are virtually carb-free. They provide a unique source of protein that supports skin, joint, and bone health.

If you enjoyed these high protein meal tips, check out these!

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• 51 High Protein Meal Prep Ideas You’ll Keep Making
• 50 High Protein Snack Ideas to Keep You Satisfied and Energized
• 30 High Protein Zero Carb Foods: Brands and Preparation Tips

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