The Best Carnivore Diet Snacks for Satisfying Your Cravings
Takeaway:
- Carnivore diet snacks are a great way to stay satisfied and nourished between meals while following a meat-based diet.
- The best carnivore diet snacks are nutrient-dense, minimally processed, and free from artificial ingredients, added sugars, and vegetable oils.
- From beef jerky and pork rinds to hard-boiled eggs and bone broth, there are plenty of delicious and convenient carnivore diet snack ideas to choose from.
- To further guide your snack choices, consider exploring our carnivore diet food list, which serves as a comprehensive guide to approved snacks that are low carb, contain no plants, and consist of all meat or dairy.
If you’re following the carnivore diet, you know that snacking can be a bit of a challenge. With all plant foods off-limits, many conventional snack options like potato chips, crackers, and fruits are no longer on the table. However, that doesn’t mean you have to go hungry between meals or suffer through bland, unsatisfying snacks.
In fact, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious carnivore diet snacks that can help keep you feeling satisfied and energized throughout the day. The key is to choose nutrient-dense, minimally processed options that are free from artificial ingredients, added sugars, and unhealthy fats like vegetable oils.
In this ultimate guide to carnivore diet snacks, I’ll share some of my favorite options for satisfying your cravings and fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. From beef jerky and pork rinds to hard-boiled eggs and bone broth, these carnivore diet snack ideas are sure to become staples in your snacking routine.
Why Snacking is Important on the Carnivore Diet
Before we dive into the best carnivore diet snacks, let’s take a moment to discuss why snacking is important on this unique way of eating. While some people may find that they naturally gravitate towards eating fewer, larger meals on the carnivore diet, others may find that they need to eat more frequently to maintain their energy levels and avoid feeling overly hungry.
Snacking can be a great way to bridge the gap between meals and ensure that you’re getting enough calories and nutrients to support your body’s needs. It can also help prevent overeating at meals and keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.
However, it’s important to choose your snacks wisely on the carnivore diet. Many conventional snack foods are high in carbohydrates, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, which can undermine the potential benefits of the diet. Instead, focus on choosing nutrient-dense, minimally processed options that are high in protein and healthy fats.
The Best Carnivore Diet Snacks to Keep on Hand
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best carnivore diet snacks to keep on hand for when hunger strikes. These options are all nutrient-dense, minimally processed, and free from artificial ingredients and unhealthy additives.
1. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a classic carnivore diet snack that’s high in protein, portable, and easy to store. Look for brands that are made from high-quality, grass-fed beef and free from added sugars, soy products, and artificial preservatives. Some great options include:
- Epic Provisions Beef Jerky
- Nick’s Sticks Beef Jerky
- Chomps Beef Jerky
2. Pork Rinds
Pork rinds are another popular carnivore diet snack that can satisfy your craving for a crispy crunch. Look for brands that are made from high-quality pork and fried in healthy fats like olive oil or coconut oil. Some great options include:
- Epic Provisions Pork Rinds
- 4505 Meats Pork Rinds
- Utz Pork Rinds
3. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a simple and nutritious carnivore diet snack that’s easy to make ahead of time and take on the go. They’re high in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like choline and vitamin D. To make hard-boiled eggs, simply:
- Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, remove the pot from heat and let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the hot water and rinse the eggs with cold water until cool enough to handle.
- Peel and enjoy as a quick snack or pack in a container for later.
4. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a nourishing and versatile carnivore diet snack that’s rich in amino acids, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients. You can sip it on its own as a warm and comforting beverage, or use it as a base for soups and stews. To make bone broth, simply:
- Place bones (preferably from grass-fed animals) in a slow cooker or large pot.
- Cover with water and add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract the nutrients from the bones.
- Simmer on low heat for 12-48 hours, skimming any foam that rises to the top.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve and store in the fridge or freezer for later use.
5. Deli Meat Roll-Ups
Deli meat roll-ups are a quick and easy carnivore diet snack that’s high in protein and low in carbs. Simply take a slice of your favorite deli meat (such as roast beef, turkey, or ham) and roll it up with a slice of cheese or a dollop of cream cheese. Some great options include:
- Applegate Naturals Deli Meats
- Boar’s Head Deli Meats
- Organic Valley Cream Cheese
6. Beef Liver Crisps
Beef liver crisps are a nutrient-dense and flavorful carnivore diet snack that’s high in essential nutrients like vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins. To make beef liver crisps, simply:
- Slice beef liver into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy.
- Let cool and enjoy as a crunchy, savory snack.
Additionally, ground beef can be used to make other types of carnivore diet snacks, such as sausage bites, offering a versatile option for those looking to diversify their snack choices.
7. Pepperoni Chips
Pepperoni chips are a tasty and convenient carnivore diet snack that’s high in protein and fat. Simply place slices of pepperoni on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy. Let cool and enjoy as a satisfying alternative to potato chips.
8. Canned Tuna or Salmon
Canned tuna or salmon is a quick and easy carnivore diet snack that’s high in protein and healthy fats like omega-3s. Look for brands that are packed in water or olive oil and free from soy additives and other artificial ingredients. Some great options include:
- Wild Planet Canned Tuna or Salmon
- Safe Catch Canned Tuna
- Crown Prince Canned Tuna or Salmon
Tips for Choosing the Best Carnivore Diet Snacks
When choosing carnivore diet snacks, there are a few key factors to keep in mind to ensure that you’re getting the most nutritional bang for your buck. Here are some tips to help you select the best options:
- Prioritize Nutrient Density: Look for snacks that are high in essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Organ meats, fatty fish, and eggs are all great options.
- Choose Minimally Processed Options: Opt for snacks that are minimally processed and free from artificial ingredients, added sugars, and unhealthy additives. Look for options that are made from whole, high-quality animal products.
- Read Labels Carefully: When buying packaged carnivore diet snacks, be sure to read labels carefully to ensure that they’re free from non-carnivore ingredients like plant oils, especially vegetable oil, soy products, and added sugars, emphasizing the diet’s exclusion of all vegetable products.
- Experiment with Different Options: Don’t be afraid to try new and different carnivore diet snacks to keep things interesting and satisfying. From beef jerky and pork rinds to bone broth and liver crisps, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how different snacks make you feel, and adjust your choices accordingly. Some people may find that they feel best with higher-fat snacks, while others may prefer leaner options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I eat dairy products like cheese and yogurt on the carnivore diet?
While some people choose to include high-fat, low-lactose dairy products like hard cheeses and butter on the carnivore diet, others may find that they are sensitive to these foods and prefer to avoid them altogether. If you do choose to include dairy in your carnivore diet, be sure to select high-quality, minimally processed options and listen to your body’s responses.
2. Are there any carnivore-friendly snack bars or protein bars?
While most conventional snack bars and protein bars are off-limits on the carnivore diet due to their plant-based ingredients, there are a few carnivore-friendly options available. Look for bars that are made solely from animal products like beef, eggs, and tallow, such as the Carnivore Bar or Carnivore Crisps.
3. Can I make my own carnivore diet snacks at home?
Absolutely! Crafting your own carnivore snack at home is a great way to ensure that you have complete control over the ingredients and preparation methods, providing quick and easy zero carb snacks that add variety and satisfy. Some easy DIY snack ideas include beef jerky, pork rinds, hard-boiled eggs, and bone broth.
4. How often should I be snacking on the carnivore diet?
The frequency of snacking on the carnivore diet will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some people may find that they only need to snack once or twice a day, while others may prefer to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. The key is to listen to your body’s hunger cues and aim to consume enough calories and nutrients to support your daily activities and health goals.
5. Are there any carnivore diet snacks that are suitable for travel or on-the-go?
Yes, there are plenty of portable and convenient carnivore diet snacks that are perfect for travel or on-the-go. Some great options include beef jerky, pork rinds, hard-boiled eggs, and canned fish. You can also pack your own snacks like deli meat roll-ups or pepperoni chips in airtight containers for easy transport.
The Bottom Line
Carnivore diet snacks are a delicious and nutritious way to stay satisfied and energized between meals while following a meat-based diet. By choosing nutrient-dense, minimally processed options that are free from artificial ingredients and unhealthy additives, you can support your health goals and keep your taste buds happy.
From beef jerky and pork rinds to hard-boiled eggs and bone broth, there are plenty of tasty and convenient carnivore diet snack ideas to choose from. The key is to experiment with different options, listen to your body’s needs and preferences, and focus on consuming enough calories and nutrients to fuel your daily activities.
So, whether you’re a seasoned carnivore or just starting out on this unique way of eating, don’t be afraid to get creative with your snacking routine. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying carnivore diet snacks that keep you feeling your best all day long.