Best Carnivore Diet Snacks

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When it comes to the Carnivore Diet, finding snacks that fit within the guidelines can be a challenge.

Traditional snack options like chips and crackers are off the table. However, that doesn’t mean you have to go hungry between meals. In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various snacks to identify the best options for the Carnivore Diet.

The key thing to keep in mind when selecting snacks for the Carnivore Diet is that they should be high in protein and low in carbs. This will help keep you feeling full and satisfied while also keeping your body in a state of ketosis.

After trying out a range of different options, we’ve identified a few top picks for the best snacks for the Carnivore Diet. We have also included a few home made snack ideas, for those looking to save money.

Best Carnivore Snacks: 2023

Check out our top picks below:

Carnivore Crisps beef brisket

Carnivore Crisps beef brisket

If you’re looking for a crispy and lean snack for your carnivore or keto diet, Carnivore Crisps beef brisket is the perfect choice.

Pros

  • Made with 100% grass-fed and grass-finished pastured-raised beef
  • Contains only real meat and Redmond Real Salt with no additives
  • Provides 20g of protein per bag and is rich in iron and other nutrients

Cons

  • A bit expensive compared to other snacks
  • The flavor might be too salty for some people
  • The package size is a bit small

The slices of meat are thin and crispy, providing a satisfying crunch that’s similar to potato chips. The beef is sourced from grass-fed cows raised by family farmers in the USA, ensuring that you’re getting the cleanest carnivore diet and keto diet snack out in the market.

We also appreciated that the snack is made with only two ingredients: real meat and Redmond Real Salt.

This makes it the perfect snack replacement for those following the carnivore diet. The snack is air-dried and not fried, ensuring that no seed oil is used during the cooking process.

Baken-Ets Pork Skins

Baken-Ets Pork Skins

If you’re a pork rind fan, you should definitely consider getting the Baken-Ets Pork Skins. They come in a variety pack of 24 bags with two flavors – Traditional and Hot N’ Spicy (12 bags each). These crispy and crunchy bites are a perfect snack for on-the-go or to share with friends and family.

Pros

  • Delicious taste and flavor.
  • Convenient snack size bags.
  • Two flavors to choose from.

Cons

  • High sodium content.
  • Expire quickly.
  • Hot N’ Spicy flavor may be too spicy for some.

Carnivore Crisps Beef Ribeye

Carnivore Crisps Beef Ribeye

Just like the beef brisket above, we can’t get enough of these carnivore crisps and also think the Carnivore Crisps Beef Ribeye is a great option.

Pros

  • Made with grass-fed beef that’s free of antibiotics and hormones
  • Contains only two ingredients – meat and Redmond Real Salt
  • High in protein and nutrition, with 22g of protein per bag.

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other snacks
  • May have a slight aftertaste
  • Only comes in small bags.

If you’re looking for a snack that’s both delicious and compliant with the carnivore diet, Carnivore Crisps Beef Ribeye is a solid choice.

Kettle & Fire Bone Broth

Kettle & Fire Bone Broth Chicken Turmeric Ginger

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious snack for your carnivore diet, Kettle & Fire Bone Broth Chicken Turmeric Ginger is definitely worth trying.

Pros

  • The bone broth is made with real beef or chicken bones
  • It’s packed with collagen, proteins, and amino acids, which are essential for healthy skin, gut, and joints.

Cons

  • Price
  • The packaging is a bit inconvenient to open.

The Kettle & Fire bone broth is slow-cooked for 20+ hours to extract the maximum amount of collagen, proteins, and amino acids. It’s also free from dairy, GMOs, gluten, hormones, antibiotics, and additives.

We found the bone broth to be a great snack that’s different for our carnivore diet. It’s perfect for those who are looking for a lighter lunch or dinner that’s rich in nutrients and easy to digest.

We also love that it comes in four different flavors, including Chicken, Mushroom Chicken, Turmeric Ginger, and Chipotle Beef.

Brooklyn Biltong

Brooklyn Biltong

Brooklyn Biltong is a great and versatile option when you need a quick snack. It’s perfect for those on the go or for after a workout, or on a hiking adventure or road trip.
Sometimes we chop it up and put on an egg, or in our bone broth for something different.

Pros

  • With 240g of protein per bag and 0g carbs, Brooklyn Biltong is a healthy, natural snack that’s perfect for the carnivore diet.
  • Made with grass-fed beef, and always sugar-free, nitrate-free, and gluten-free.

Cons

  • The flavor and texture isn’t for everyone.

Beef Jerky

Boma Snacks Biltong Beef Jerky Charcuterie Slab

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack that’s perfect for the carnivore diet, we highly recommend Boma Snacks Biltong Beef Jerky Charcuterie Slab.

Pros

  • Grass-fed, grass-finished beef with no hormones or antibiotics
  • Higher protein concentration than traditional beef jerky
  • No artificial ingredients and suitable for various diets, including keto, paleo, gluten-free, and Whole30.

Cons

  • Price
  • The flavor and texture may not be for everyone.

We love that Boma Snacks’ beef is held to the highest standard both nutritionally and in terms of treatment of livestock.

Also their air-drying process also results in a higher protein concentration than traditional beef jerky, so it’s a win win, all round.

Tuna

StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water

If you’re looking for a quick and easy snack packed with protein, that isn’t beef, StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water is a great option.

Not only does it help us break up the monotony of the carnivore diet, but Tuna has been a great go-to snack for us for years now. It’s a fail safe.

Pros

  • The 2.6 oz pouches are convenient and easy to carry for on-the-go snacking.
  • It’s not another beef snack 🙂
  • The flavor fresh pouch preserves the freshness 

Cons

  • Price
  • The 2.6 oz pouches may not be enough for some.

The mild flavor is versatile and can be used in a variety of meals and snacks, from salads to sandwiches. The pouches are convenient and easy to carry, making them a great option for on-the-go snacking.

Carnivore Diet Homemade Snack Ideas

Recipes for Snacks on the Carnivore Diet

When it comes to snacks on the carnivore diet, homemade options are often the best choice. Not only do they allow us to control the ingredients and ensure that they are compliant with the diet, but they can also be delicious and satisfying. Here are a few ideas below:

Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs are a versatile and nutrient-dense snack that can be enjoyed on the carnivore diet. They are a good source of protein and healthy fats, as well as vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, choline, and selenium, and are so easy to make.
They can be eaten plain or seasoned with salt, pepper, and will keep up to a week in the fridge.

For those who don’t know how to make hard boiled eggs, you simply need to:

Instructions:

  1. Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  3. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week, covered.

Pork Rinds

Pork Rinds

Pork rinds are an ideal addition to the carnivore diet due to their high protein content and zero-carb nature, making them a guilt-free, crunchy delight.

With this simple homemade recipe, you can enjoy the goodness of pork rinds without any additives or preservatives commonly found in store-bought options.

Ingredients:

  • Pork skin (with fat attached) from a pork belly or pork shoulder
  • Salt (coarse sea salt or kosher salt works best)
  • Optional seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or your favorite spice mix (to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Prepare the Pork Skin:
    • Rinse the pork skin under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels.
    • Using a sharp knife, cut the pork skin into small, bite-sized pieces or strips. Make sure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
  3. Boil the Pork Skin:
    • In a large pot, add enough water to cover the pork skin and bring it to a boil.
    • Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. This will help to season the pork skin from the inside out.
    • Carefully add the pork skin pieces to the boiling water and let them cook for about 30 minutes.
  4. Drain and Dry:
    • After boiling, remove the pork skin from the pot and drain them well in a colander.
    • Place the drained pork skin pieces on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
  5. Seasoning:
    • Place the dried pork skin pieces in a large bowl.
    • If desired, sprinkle your preferred seasonings over the pork skin and toss them gently to ensure even coating. Be creative and adjust the seasonings to your taste.
  6. Bake:
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
    • Lay the seasoned pork skin pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
  7. Slow-Baking:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pork skin for 2 to 2.5 hours until they are completely dry and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
  8. Cool and Enjoy:
    • Once the pork rinds are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
    • Serve the crispy pork rinds as a delightful snack or use them as a crunchy topping for salads or soups.

Note: Homemade pork rinds are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.

Homemade Beef Jerky

Beef Jerky is not only delicious, but when you make it at home it’s a great way to save some money. While the recipe below is not strictly carnivore, we make an allowance, as it’s so delicious.

Be warned though, this isn’t a recipe for those short on time, and kids love it! So you might need to make extra!

Beef Jerky

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) lean beef (such as sirloin, flank steak, or eye of round), thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey or a low-carb sweetener of your choice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Beef:
    • Trim any visible fat from the beef slices. For the best results, choose lean cuts of meat.
    • Place the beef in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until it becomes partially frozen. This makes it easier to slice thinly.
  2. Slice the Beef:
    • Once the beef is partially frozen, take it out of the freezer and slice it into thin strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Try to slice against the grain to ensure a tender texture.
  3. Prepare the Marinade:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce (or tamari), Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sweetener), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well to create the marinade.
  4. Marinate the Beef:
    • Place the sliced beef strips into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
    • Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure all pieces are coated evenly.
    • Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to infuse into the beef.
  5. Dehydrate the Beef:
    • Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (around 170°F or 75°C). Alternatively, you can use a food dehydrator if you have one.
    • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
    • Take the marinated beef strips out of the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade.
    • Arrange the beef strips on the baking sheet or wire rack in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
  6. Oven Drying:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, leaving the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
    • Dry the beef for about 4-6 hours, or until it becomes fully dehydrated and firm but still pliable. The drying time may vary based on the thickness of the beef slices and the oven’s temperature.
  7. Check for Doneness:
    • To ensure the beef jerky is fully dehydrated, cut a piece in half. It should be dry throughout with no moisture inside.
  8. Cool and Store:
    • Once the beef jerky is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
    • Store the cooled jerky in an airtight container or resealable bags at room temperature. Properly dried beef jerky can be stored for up to 1-2 months, though it’s best to consume it within a few weeks for the freshest taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any sweet snacks that are allowed on the Carnivore Diet?

On the Carnivore Diet, sweet snacks are generally not allowed. However, there are some options available for those who have a sweet tooth. Some good sweet snack options include berries, dark chocolate, and sugar-free jello.

What are some common meals on the Carnivore Diet?

Common meals on the Carnivore Diet include steak, ground beef, chicken, pork chops, and fish. It’s important to note that on the Carnivore Diet, meat is the only ingredient of each meal.

What are some benefits of following the Carnivore Diet?

Following the Carnivore Diet has been associated with several benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, and increased energy levels. Additionally, the high protein content of the diet can help to build and maintain muscle mass.

Can you eat popcorn or peanut butter on the Carnivore Diet?

No, popcorn and peanut butter are not allowed on the Carnivore Diet. The diet is focused on consuming primarily animal-based foods, and grains and legumes are not allowed.