Introduction
The carnivore diet is trending for its simplicity and focus on meat-based foods. Whether you’re embracing this lifestyle for health benefits or weight loss, staying committed requires planning—especially when it comes to snacks. Discovering the right top 20 carnivore diet snacks can significantly enhance your journey.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top 20 carnivore diet snacks that will keep you satisfied and help you stay on track. Each idea is simple to prepare and perfect for anyone eager to enjoy the carnivore way of eating.
Top 20 Carnivore Diet Snacks
1. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is the ultimate carnivore snack. It’s portable, packed with protein, and has a satisfying chew. When choosing jerky, select options without added sugars or artificial preservatives to keep it as carnivore-friendly as possible.
Why It’s Great:
– High in protein
– Easy to carry
– No need for refrigeration
Homemade Tip: If you want complete control over ingredients, try making your jerky at home by dehydrating thin strips of beef seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Eggs are a carnivore staple. Hard-boiled eggs are quick to prepare and perfect for snacking on the go. Packed with essential vitamins and healthy fats, they provide a satisfying and nutrient-dense snack.
Why It’s Great:
– High in healthy fats and protein
– Rich in essential nutrients
– Convenient for meal prep
Pro Tip: Sprinkle with sea salt or enjoy with a side of crispy bacon for extra flavor.
3. Pork Rinds
For a crunchy snack that satisfies your need for something crispy, pork rinds (or chicharrones) are the way to go. These fried pork skins are zero-carb, making them a perfect choice for the carnivore diet.
Why It’s Great:
– Crunchy texture
– Zero carbs
– High in fat
Flavor Options: You can find pork rinds in different flavors, but stick to plain or seasoned with minimal additives.
4. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a nutrient powerhouse, full of collagen, minerals, and amino acids. Sipping on warm bone broth can help curb hunger between meals while also nourishing your body.
Why It’s Great:
– Rich in nutrients and collagen
– Helps with digestion and joint health
– Easy to make at home or buy pre-made
DIY Recipe: Simmer beef bones with water, apple cider vinegar, and salt for 12-24 hours to extract the maximum nutrients.
5. Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein in a flavorful, ready-to-eat form. It’s perfect for carnivores looking to include more seafood in their diet.
Why It’s Great:
– High in omega-3s
– Tasty and versatile
– Ready to eat
Serving Idea: Enjoy it alone or with a dollop of cream cheese for added richness.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
While technically, asparagus is not a carnivore, many carnivores allow small amounts of low-carb vegetables. Bacon-wrapped asparagus combines the delicious taste of crispy bacon with the slight crunch of asparagus for a snack that’s hard to resist.
Why It’s Great:
– Savory and salty
– Perfect balance of texture
– Low in carbs
Cooking Tip: Bake at 400°F until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender, around 20 minutes.
7. Crispy Chicken Skins
If you enjoy the crispy skin on a roasted chicken, why not turn it into a snack? Chicken skins can be baked or fried until crispy for a high-fat, savory treat.
Why It’s Great:
– Crunchy and flavorful
– High in fat
– Great as a snack or topping for meals
How to Make: Remove the skin from chicken thighs, season with salt, and bake at 400°F until crispy.
8. Liver Pate
Organ meats are incredibly nutrient-dense, and liver pâté is a delicious way to include them in your diet. Made from blended liver, butter, and seasonings, pâté is smooth, creamy, and perfect for spreading.
Why It’s Great:
– Packed with vitamins like A, B12, and iron
– Rich in healthy fats
– Easy to spread on meats or eat alone
Serving Suggestion: Spread on slices of beef or pork, or enjoy with a sprinkle of salt.
9. Sardines in Olive Oil
Sardines are a fantastic source of omega-3s, calcium, and protein. They’re easy to find in cans and make an excellent carnivore snack in a hurry.
Why It’s Great:
– High in omega-3s and protein
– Rich in calcium (especially if you eat the bones)
– Ready to eat
Pro Tip: Look for sardines packed in olive oil for extra healthy fats.
10. Beef Tallow Fries
If you’re missing fries on your carnivore diet, beef tallow fries are a fantastic alternative. Made from thin slices of beef or pork and fried in beef fat, they’re crispy, fatty, and entirely carnivore-approved.
Why It’s Great:
– Crunchy and satisfying
– Made with pure animal fat
– A great alternative to traditional fries
Cooking Tip: Fry in beef fat for the best results, and season with sea salt.
11. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a creamy, flavorful twist on hard-boiled eggs and make a delicious carnivore snack. You can keep the filling simple with mayonnaise and mustard or get creative with additional seasonings.
Why It’s Great:
– Creamy and satisfying
– Easy to make in batches
– Perfect for parties or meal prep
Flavor Additions: Mix in bacon bits or smoked salmon for extra flavor.
12. Carnivore Pizza Bites
Are you craving pizza while on the carnivore diet? Carnivore pizza bites are a fun snack made with cheese and meat. Simply top small rounds of ground beef with cheese and pepperoni, then bake.
Why It’s Great:
– Satisfies pizza cravings
– High in protein and fat
– Customizable with different meats
How to Make: Bake beef patties and top with mozzarella and pepperoni for mini pizza bites.
13. Pepperoni Slices
Pepperoni slices are a simple and convenient carnivore snack. They’re ready to eat, portable, and packed with flavor. Just make sure to choose high-quality pepperoni without additives.
Why It’s Great:
– Ready to eat
– Rich in protein
– Flavorful and satisfying
Tip: Pair with cheese or eat them on their own for a quick snack.
14. Biltong
Biltong is similar to beef jerky but air-dried and often softer. It’s a popular snack in South Africa and has gained popularity worldwide for its flavor and texture.
Why It’s Great:
– Packed with protein
– Less chewy than jerky
– No refrigeration needed
Pro Tip: Choose sugar-free varieties to adhere to carnivore guidelines.
15. Cheese Crisps
Cheese crisps are a low-carb, crunchy snack perfect for anyone on a carnivore diet. Bake slices of cheese until crispy for a delicious, savory snack.
Why It’s Great:
– Crunchy and cheesy
– High in fat and low in carbs
– Customizable with different types of cheese
Best Cheese to Use: Parmesan and cheddar work exceptionally well for crisping.
16. Meatballs
Meatballs are a versatile carnivore snack that you can enjoy, hot or cold. Make them with ground beef, pork, or lamb, and keep seasonings simple with salt and pepper.
Why It’s Great:
– High in protein and fat
– Easy to prepare in large batches
– Versatile and filling
Tip: Add some cheese or bacon for extra flavor and fat content.
17. Salami Chips
Salami chips are thin slices of salami baked until crispy. They’re salty and crunchy and a great alternative to traditional chips.
Why It’s Great:
– Crunchy and flavorful
– Easy to make
– Great as a snack or topping for salads
How to Make: Bake thin salami slices at 350°F until crispy, around 10-12 minutes.
18. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers are a light yet satisfying snack packed with protein and flavor. Season shrimp with salt and grill until cooked through.
Why It’s Great:
– High in protein and low in fat
– Quick to cook
– Delicious and satisfying
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with melted butter for dipping.
19. Turkey Roll-Ups
For a quick snack, roll slices of turkey around cheese or bacon. These roll-ups are simple and protein-packed, making them a tremendous carnivore-friendly option.
Why It’s Great:
– High in protein
– Customizable with different fillings
– Great for on-the-go
Tip: Add some avocado or egg salad inside the roll-ups for added flavor.
20. Roast Beef Slices
Roast beef slices are perfect for a quick snack. They’re flavorful, easy to find at delis, and packed with protein.
Why It’s Great:
– Simple and convenient
– High in protein
– Perfect for a quick bite
Pro Tip: Pair with horseradish or mustard for extra flavor.
Conclusion
The carnivore diet doesn’t have to be limiting, especially regarding snacks. These 20 carnivore-friendly snack ideas are delicious, easy to prepare, and help you stay on track with your diet. Whether you’re craving something crunchy, savory, or satisfying, there’s a snack on this list for every occasion.
Incorporating these snacks into your carnivore meal plan will help you stick to your goals while enjoying the simplicity and taste of a meat-based diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any snacks on the carnivore diet?
Yes, snacks on the carnivore diet mainly consist of animal-based foods like beef jerky, pork rinds, and hard-boiled eggs.
What cheese snacks can you eat on the carnivore diet?
You can enjoy cheese crisps, cheddar cheese slices, or any aged, hard cheeses in moderation.
Is popcorn ok on a carnivore diet?
No, popcorn is not allowed on the carnivore diet as it is a plant-based food.
What chips can you eat on the carnivore diet?
You can enjoy pork rinds as a crunchy alternative to traditional chips.
What snacks can you buy for the carnivore diet?
Look for options like beef jerky, biltong, pork rinds, and canned sardines.
What carnivore snacks does Joe Rogan recommend?
Joe Rogan often mentions beef jerky, pork rinds, and various meat sticks as his go-to carnivore snacks.
What are some easy carnivore diet snacks?
Easy snacks include deli meats, cheese cubes, boiled eggs, and salami.
Are there any recipes for carnivore diet snacks?
You can make cheese chips by baking shredded cheese until crispy or seasoning pork rinds with spices.
Are there sweet snacks on the carnivore diet?
While sweet snacks are limited, some may enjoy beef liver treats or flavored gelatin made from animal products.
What are the best carnivore diet snacks?
The best snacks are nutrient-dense options like beef jerky, pork rinds, and hard cheeses for their convenience and taste.