THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
Whether you need a bit of post-workout nutrition or you just want to fuel your body with protein first thing in the morning, protein shakes have been a staple for decades. They’re not just for bodybuilders, contrary to popular belief. Anyone who wants convenient nutrition gets the appeal.
Unfortunately, though, protein powder isn’t all it's cracked up to be. It’s super processed and could cause more harm than good in sensitive stomachs. It’s not the most satisfying choice, either. That’s why we’ve put together this list of protein powder alternatives for you.
The simple fact of the matter is that whole foods will always be a smarter choice than protein powder. This is why our meat chips are the best alternative to protein powder.
Carnivore Snax is made with just two ingredients, meat and salt. That’s it. These high-protein, low-calorie snacks align with just about any nutritional regimen and they taste amazing. They start out light and crispy before melting in your mouth, giving way to tantalizing flavors.
So if you’re wondering what to replace protein powder with, look no further. Your search ends here at Carnivore Snax. Join over 100,000 happy customers and counting today!
“This is the best snack you could possibly ask for. If I had one option for a snack at any time of the day, it would be Carnivore Snax. You guys are really onto something here. I know myself and many others are addicted to these snacks. I can't imagine living without them at this point. Each bag tastes better and better. Thank you!” - Erek
“I was skeptical to purchase these snax, because they are a little pricey; however I'm glad I did. The quality is exceptional, I don't have to worry about chemicals & other artificials & they taste amazing. They've made it so much easier for me to meet my protein goals as a busy single mom with very little time to prepare 3 healthy, protein-rich meals. They're great on the go & my kids love them.” - Lauren
“I love these snacks and believe me when I tell you it is not jerky. Once you open up that bag for the first time and you have a bite of the ribeye or the New York strip, you’re gonna be amazed and you’re going to wish you have ordered more. I ordered one bag at first I ate the entire bag in 30 minutes. I then ordered four more bags.” - Luis
What is Protein Powder, Exactly?
Protein powder is just a super concentrated form of protein derived from animal or plant sources. Most people know the classics - whey and casein (from dairy), soy, pea, egg white, and even rice or hemp protein.
Each of these varieties involves processing the protein source into an ultra-fine powder, usually through filtration, heat, or chemical methods. The powder is then dried and flavored for consumption, often by adding other ingredients.
The appeal is obvious: convenience, high protein per serving, and easy integration into busy lifestyles. A single scoop promises gains, recovery, and a quick fix post-gym.
But what looks great on a label doesn’t always feel great in your gut or align with your health goals, especially if you’re trying to follow the carnivore diet rules. There’s a reason more and more people are looking for an alternative to protein powder. Actually, a few reasons…
Why You Might Want an Alternative to Whey Protein Powder
Athletes have long relied on protein powder for a quick nutritional boost post-workout or between meals. Unfortunately, there’s more to choosing snacks than just looking at the macronutrient content. There’s a more sinister side to protein most people don’t know about.
Overprocessing and Ingredient Concerns
Even “clean label” protein powders are the product of heavy processing. Think back to that process we just explained above for how protein powder is made - that’s a lot of steps!
The final product is far removed from what Mother Nature intended, as the protein source is stripped of natural fats, fiber, or micronutrients. You’re literally just consuming pure protein. Well, technically, that’s not true. There are so many extras that come on the label.
Artificial flavors, gums, thickeners, emulsifiers, and sweeteners - these are all added to make the protein shake taste better or blend more smoothly. But your body may not recognize or want them.
The irony here is that people are drawn to protein powder in the name of health, but end up consuming a hyper-processed, artificially flavored product that doesn’t align with whole-food principles.
Digestive Issues and Lactose Intolerance
If your gut and lactose don’t get along, you’ll definitely need to find an alternative to whey protein. Even when whey isolate claims to be "low-lactose," it’s rarely zero. It doesn’t take much to cause some digestive upset.
People who don’t identify as lactose intolerant sometimes find themselves uncomfortably full or bloated after a shake, too. But plant-based proteins aren’t immune either. Pea, soy, or rice protein blends can be tough to digest due to lectins, phytic acid, and fiber content.
Taste, Texture, and Satiety
At the end of the day food is fuel. Let’s face it, though. How many times have you caught yourself choking down a protein shake just to meet your daily protein target? It’s not exactly the most enjoyable way to feed your body.
You might tolerate the taste, mask it in a smoothie, or just force it down with your nose plugged. But that chalky texture or lingering aftertaste becomes something to dread.
Despite delivering 20+ grams of protein, most powders aren’t satisfying, either. What’s the deal? Isn’t protein supposed to be the most satiating macronutrient? Yet, it can’t make a difference on its own without fat, fiber, and texture. All of these things help signal fullness.
Something Easier for On-the-Go
Protein shakes can be convenient if you just throw a scoop into a shaker cup and fill it up with water when you’re ready for it. But is that really how you like to prepare your protein shakes?
Most people prefer to froth with milk and additional ingredients, which isn’t practical when you’re on the go or on a time crunch. Plus, there’s the hassle of cleaning bottles and trying not to make a mess with all the ingredients.
Protein shakes aren’t super convenient when you’re traveling, either. You need something you can easily throw in a bag and trust to stay shelf-stable until you’re ready to enjoy. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options if you’re ready to find the best protein powder alternatives.
What’s the Best Alternative to Protein Powder?
You want protein. You want it fast. But you don’t want the bloat, chalky shakes, or questionable ingredients that come with most powders. Say no more!
We’ve put together a list of the best protein powder alternatives you have at your disposal, starting with the ultimate alternative to whey protein powder.
Carnivore Snax Meat Chips
Carnivore Snax meat chips are hands-down the best whole-food alternative to protein powder. They’re made with just two ingredients: regeneratively raised meat source from the most elite, ethical farms in the US and Redmond Real Salt. That’s it. No preservatives, additives, or junk.
In other words, you can indulge in Mother Nature’s finest with peace of mind knowing you’re fueling your body with real nutrition, without compromising on your morals either.
Each bite is rich in bioavailable protein and natural fats, which means your body actually uses the nutrients, too. They’re slow-cooked and air-dried to maintain the integrity of the meat.
Expect a satisfying crisp with the nutrient density of steak. We’ve had customers refer to them as meat pastries because they start out with an airy crunch but quickly melt in the mouth. The flavors are so tantalizing as the umami from the meat and the salt collide.
They're portable, shelf-stable, and require zero prep. Unlike a shake, these meat chips keep you full, fuel your workouts, and taste like actual food. There are plenty of varieties to keep things fresh in your rotation, too:
These are the best high-fat low-carb snacks with a potent protein punch (up to 15g per serving), whether you’re following a carnivore meal plan or just want a better alternative to whey protein powder. You’ll wonder why you ever reached for anything else once you try them!
Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are one of the simplest, most complete protein sources available - albeit a little boring compared to Carnivore Snax! But, they’re a staple for a reason. They offer high-quality protein along with healthy fats, B vitamins, and essential minerals like selenium and choline.
Boiled eggs are also super portable and easy to prep in bulk. One large egg packs around 6 grams of protein, making it a great snack on its own or part of a post-workout meal.
The only downside? They’re not shelf-stable, and the sulfur smell can be a bit much in enclosed spaces. But eggs are tough to beat for a real-food option that hits the macros without needing a blender.
Cottage Cheese
You may be wondering, can you eat cheese on carnivore diet? This is a pretty contentious topic, as some people say yes - it’s derived from animals, after all! Others say the carnivore diet should be strictly meat and meat byproducts.
At any rate, cottage cheese is definitely the best alternative to protein powder if you’re going with dairy. It’s loved by lifters and lean-eaters because it’s packed with casein protein, a slower-digesting protein variety that can feed your muscles better than whey protein does.
A half-cup serving contains about 14 grams of protein and minimal carbs, depending on the variety. It’s also rich in calcium and B12. This is a nutritional powerhouse if you’re looking for protein powder alternatives.
But, some people have trouble getting past the texture. Certain varieties sneak in sugar or additives, too - so you’ll need to make sure you stick with plain, full-fat cottage cheese to keep it clean.
Greek Yogurt
Here’s another question we see circulating the community: can you have yogurt on carnivore diet? Again, it depends on what philosophy you follow! Technically, it’s animal-based, but similar to the great cheese debate, only you can determine if it fits your goals or not.
One of the main benefits of this alternative to protein powder is it brings both protein and probiotics to the table. One serving of plain, full-fat Greek yogurt typically provides 15-20 grams of protein. It’s thicker and more satisfying than regular yogurt, great for curbing hunger between meals.
Look for unsweetened varieties made from whole milk to keep ingredients minimal and satiety high. You should be aware, though, that it’s not a great alternative to whey protein powder if you have dairy or lactose sensitivities. It could prompt bloating or gas. Flavored versions can be a sugar bomb in disguise, too.
Canned Tuna or Salmon
We keep saying the best protein powder alternatives are whole food sources, and canned tuna/salmon is one of the top contenders. A single can of tuna can deliver 20+ grams of protein with virtually no carbs, and it’s easy to take these anywhere without worrying about spoilage.
Salmon adds omega-3s, which support inflammation and heart health. That said, some cans contain added oils or sodium, and mercury concerns with tuna mean you shouldn’t eat it every day. Make sure you stick with sustainably sourced options packed in water or olive oil.
Leftover Chicken or Steak
Got last night’s dinner in the fridge? You’ve got a perfect alternative to protein powder, then! Cold chicken breast or steak strips make a fast, no-waste, high-protein alternative to powders. Or, you can reheat them on the stove if you have time.
Unlike processed snacks, they offer complete amino acid profiles and zero filler. Chicken is lean and versatile, while steak offers higher iron and B12 levels.
The tradeoff is that even the best meat for carnivore diet falls short in terms of portability. But, nothing beats real meat if you’re at home or packing a cooler!
Edamame or Roasted Soybeans
Many of our customers live the carnivore lifestyle, but we still want to offer a few protein powder alternatives for the vegans out there - and edamame/roasted soybeans are about as good as it gets.
These pack solid protein per serving, about 17 grams per cup for edamame. They also deliver fiber, iron, and antioxidants, making them nutritionally well-rounded. Roasted soybeans are more portable and shelf-stable than edamame, which typically requires refrigeration.
That said, soy is a common allergen, and one of the worst offenders when it comes to antinutrients. Many people choose to avoid it for concerns about phytoestrogens or GMO.
Protein Bars
Perhaps the most obvious alternative to whey protein powder is the humble protein bar. It’s convenient, widely available, and usually pack 15-20 grams of protein. What’s not to love about carnivore protein bars?
Read the label closely, though, and you may be surprised. Many bars are loaded with sugar alcohols, synthetic fibers, or low-quality protein blends. The result? Digestive upset, blood sugar crashes, and no real satiety. Even the world-renowned carnivore bar isn’t without its issues.
Protein bars might work in a pinch, but they’re often just candy in disguise. You’ll need to look for bars with minimal ingredients and no artificial sweeteners if you go this route.
Jerky or Biltong
Beef jerky and biltong are close relatives of Carnivore Snax, offering high-protein content in a portable form. They’re typically low in carbs and great for travel or outdoor settings. But what’s the difference between these two meaty snacks?
Biltong is air-dried and often softer than jerky, which can be tough or loaded with sugar. The problem is additives. Many jerky products use preservatives, nitrates, or sugar-heavy marinades. Read the ingredients carefully, or stick with brands that keep it simple.
Remember, though, the best alternative to protein powder also happens to be the #1 beef jerky alternative. Stock your pantry with Carnivore Snax today for tasty nutrition without compromise!
Deli Meats
Finally, we have one more protein powder alternative worth mentioning: deli meat. We put this one last for a reason. Turkey, ham, or roast beef are easy to find and eat, and there’s no shortage of protein in them. They align with the carnivore diet food list, and there’s no prep.
The issue is quality. Most deli meats are processed with sodium, preservatives, and sometimes hidden sugars. Even “natural” versions can be loaded with additives.
While you can probably find nitrate-free, minimally processed slices from a butcher, you’re better off with our alternatives to deli meat at Carnivore Snax. So, what are you waiting for?
Final Words on the Best Protein Powder Alternative
Protein powder isn’t the only way to meet your goals. In fact, it’s far from the best - but you know that already, and it’s why you came here looking for a better protein powder alternative.
Real food options like meat chips, eggs, canned fish, and Greek yogurt digest more easily, have fewer ingredients, and keep you full for longer. But, the #1 alternative to protein powder is our carnivore chips, and it’s not even close.
Clean ingredients. Complete protein. No prep. No junk. Just meat, salt, and satisfaction. What more could you possibly ask for in a protein powder alternative? Ditch the shake in favor of real fuel at Carnivore Snax today!
