The carnivore diet is where meats take center stage on your plate, promising not just satiety but a journey into primal, nutrient-rich eating. But what is the best meat to eat on carnivore diet?
You’ll rely on the rich flavors of grass-fed beef, the tenderness of free-range poultry, and the ocean's bounty through fresh seafood. There are also more exotic choices like buffalo, elk, venison, and of course, organ meats.
Amidst these classics, though, our exclusive meat chips emerge as a game-changer - a must-have carnivore snack that transforms the carnivore diet into an adventure in taste. We’ll unveil all the best meat for carnivore diet, blending traditional choices with innovative snacking.
We’ll even offer insights into how to source your meats smart to save money and maximize your experience on the diet, along with tips on preparing your meat to keep things fun and flavorful. That being said, let’s start with a bit of background information for those new to the diet.
Quick Introduction to the Carnivore Diet
Before we get into the best cuts of meat for carnivore diet, what is the carnivore diet in the first place? This regimen focuses exclusively on animal products.
It's a dietary approach that strips eating habits back to the most basic carnivorous elements, emphasizing meat as the primary source of nutrition. This diet is rooted in the belief that human bodies are optimized to consume primarily animal-based foods.
We could talk about what foods are avoided on the carnivore diet, but we’d be here a while…so instead, let’s touch on the short and sweet carnivore diet food list. The diet consists mainly of meat, fish, eggs, and certain dairy products. It excludes plant-based foods, grains, nuts, and seeds.
It’s a naturally high-protein, high-fat diet with virtually zero carnivore diet carbs. Because of this, it may align closely with ketogenic principles, but there are striking differences between keto and carnivore. Learn more about carnivore diet macros in our blog.
Now, what are the benefits of carnivore diet that have earned it such a prominent place in today’s dietary world? These range from improved digestion to heightened energy levels, support for autoimmune conditions, and of course, carnivore diet weight loss. Those who follow the diet also enjoy a simpler approach to meal planning.
Now, it’s important to be aware of the potential carnivore diet side effects as well. These include nutritional imbalance, gastrointestinal discomfort, and cost.
That being said, the “carnivore flu” as it’s been coined is very temporary. Nutrient deficiencies can be addressed through carnivore diet supplements. We also have tips on following the carnivore diet on a budget.
The point is that there is an obvious winner between the carnivore diet pros and cons. The carnivore diet before and after results individuals like yourself have achieved are impressive. You can learn how to start the carnivore diet if you’re ready to experience your own transformation.
But, without any further ado, let’s get into the best meat for carnivore diet!
What is the Best Meat For Carnivore Diet?
While any form of meat is accepted on the carnivore diet (obviously excluding frauds like Beyond Meat), there are certain cuts and varieties that stand out as superior choices.
We’ll share our favorite cuts of meat for the carnivore diet below, starting with what most people think of when envisioning the best meat for carnivore diet: red meats.
Red Meats: Beef, Lamb, Pork
While red meat has gotten a bad reputation for its high cholesterol levels, studies have shown that animal-based cholesterol is actually not bad for you.
On the contrary, healthy natural fats may support healthy cholesterol production! Learn more in our guide to carnivore diet and cholesterol. In the meantime, here are the best cuts of meat for carnivore diet:
- Beef: This meat is a powerhouse of nutrition rich in essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. It's also a great source of high-quality protein and saturated fats, crucial for energy and cellular health. Grass-fed beef, in particular, is higher in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Lamb: While it’s often overlooked, lamb is a nutrient-dense meat. It's an excellent source of protein, rich in vitamins B12 and B3, and loaded with minerals like selenium and zinc. Its higher fat content, especially in grass-fed varieties, provides beneficial fatty acids.
- Pork: Pork, particularly fattier cuts, can be a great addition to the carnivore diet. It's a good source of B vitamins, particularly B1 (thiamine), essential for carbohydrate metabolism - ironic, given the diet's low-carb nature. Pork also provides bioavailable heme iron and high-quality protein.
Poultry: Chicken, Turkey, Duck
While fat is no thy enemy on the carnivore diet, certain individuals will opt for leaner varieties to support weight loss goals. Poultry is also considered the best meat for carnivore diet, especially when you’re seeking something lighter and want a bit of a break from the T-bone steaks:
- Chicken: This is a popular choice for its versatility. Chicken is a lean source of protein that's lower in fat compared to red meats. It provides essential nutrients like niacin and selenium and is particularly beneficial for those watching their calorie intake.
- Turkey: Similar to chicken but often leaner, turkey is another excellent protein source. It's particularly high in B vitamins, essential for energy production, and is also a good source of selenium.
- Duck: Duck is a flavorful option that offers a different nutrient profile. It’s also richer and higher in fat than chicken or turkey. It's a good source of iron, B vitamins, and particularly rich in niacin, which supports skin health and metabolic function.
Seafood: Fish and Shellfish
Who said the best cuts of meat for carnivore diet are only found on land? Seafood is another great category you can call upon when you want something lighter and packed with nutrition. You don’t just have to stick with grilled salmon either - there are so many possibilities:
- Fish: Fish is crucial for heart and brain health, especially oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is also a great source of protein and provides vital vitamins like D and B12, often lacking in a meat-only diet.
- Shellfish: Shellfish such as oysters, clams, and mussels are nutrient powerhouses. They are especially high in zinc and vitamin B12. Oysters, for example, contain more zinc per serving than any other food - essential for immune function and metabolic health.
Organ Meats: Liver, Kidney, Heart
In the carnivore diet, variety is not just about taste - it's about getting a wide range of nutrients. This is where organ meats play a pivotal role.
While they can be tough to stomach at first, you get used to them quickly. You can also rely on some of our carnivore diet recipes to make them more bearable - don’t be surprised if you end up craving them more and more as time goes on! Here are the staples:
- Liver: This is often hailed as nature's multivitamin because it is incredibly nutrient-dense. It's an excellent source of vitamin A, essential for eye health, and is rich in iron and B vitamins, particularly B12.
- Kidney: Kidneys offer a unique nutritional profile rich in selenium, iron, and B vitamins. They are particularly high in B12 and riboflavin (B2).
- Heart: As a muscle meat, the heart is rich in CoQ10, an important nutrient for heart health and energy production. It's also a good source of B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
Meat Chips: A Must-Have Snack
Now that we’ve covered the best meat to eat on carnivore diet for meals, let’s talk about snacking. After all, most snacks you’ve come to know and love are off-limits now, aside from the basics like jerky and boiled eggs. Boring.
The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice on nutrition or cheat on your diet to enjoy a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth snack. Our healthy meat snacks are sourced from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms and feature just 2 ingredients: meat and salt!
They are perfect for on-the-go nutrition and will promote satiety to hold you over between meals. And with so many flavor-packed varieties waiting to be discovered, you’ll never get bored either:
- Ribeye chips: Savor the rich, deep flavor of ribeye in each crisp bite, offering a luxurious snacking experience.
- Steak chips: Indulge in the classic taste of steak, transformed into a convenient, mouth-watering chip.
- Lamb chips: Experience the unique, slightly gamey taste of lamb in a crunchy, protein-packed snack.
- Beef chips: Enjoy the quintessential meaty flavor of beef in a light, crispy form, perfect for any time cravings.
- Brisket chips: Dive into the smoky, tender essence of brisket, captured in a snackable, satisfying chip.
- Chicken chips: Relish the light, lean taste of chicken, crisped to perfection for a delightful snack.
- Pork chips: Embrace the savory goodness of pork in these crunchy chips, an irresistible snack for all meat lovers.
We can’t wait to hear which of these is your favorite - but you’re going to be hard-pressed to choose one over the other! Each has its place in your dietary regimen. Now, before we wrap up our guide to the best cuts of meat for carnivore diet, let’s talk about how to make the most of this dietary regimen.
Tips on Enjoying Your Carnivore Diet Meat to the Fullest
From shopping smart to preparing the best meat to eat on carnivore diet, we’ll empower you to take the leap and start this diet with some advice below. First, let’s talk about meat sourcing.
Wild vs Farmed Meats
There are two types of meats you can buy: wild and farmed meat. Each has its place. Wild meats are typically leaner, with a more diverse nutrient profile due to natural diets. They often contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and are free from antibiotics and hormones.
Farmed meats are more accessible and consistent in taste. However, quality can vary based on farming practices. Opt for meats from farms that adhere to ethical and sustainable practices.
Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Differences
If you do opt for farmed meat (as most individuals do), you can further distinguish the best carnivore diet meat from the rest based on what the animal is fed over the course of its life.
Grass-fed meats are higher in beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E. They also tend to be leaner, offering a different flavor profile.
Grain-fed meats are generally fattier, which can mean more flavor and tenderness. However, they may have fewer omega-3s and vitamins compared to grass-fed meats. You ultimately get what you pay for, and while grass-fed is more expensive, it’s the superior choice most of the time.
Shopping Smart to Save Money
There’s no denying that the carnivore diet is expensive, especially when buying the best meat for carnivore diet. So, you’ll want to be strategic in shopping for meat to get the most bang for your buck.
Buying in bulk can reduce costs. Consider investing in a freezer to store larger quantities. See if a friend or neighbor wants to split a cow from your local butcher. Or, explore less popular cuts of meat which are often more affordable and just as nutritious and flavorful.
Can You Season Meat on the Carnivore Diet?
Who said the best meat to eat on carnivore diet had to be boring? While the diet primarily focuses on animal products, simple seasonings like salt and pepper are generally acceptable and can enhance the flavor of meats. There are other carnivore seasoning options worth exploring as well.
It’s important to keep your plate fun and flavorful to prevent cheating on the diet or deciding to quit prematurely. Just because this is a healthier approach to nutrition doesn’t mean it has to be bland!
Meal Prepping to Maximize Time
You’ll end up spending a lot more time in the kitchen with all your meals consisting of fresh meat. But meal prepping can help you save a ton of time and effort. Cook large portions of meat at once and use them throughout the week. This also ensures you always have something ready to eat.
We also encourage you to experiment with different cooking methods like grilling, roasting, and slow-cooking to add variety. Again - it’s important to keep your palette guessing so you don’t get bored!
Incorporating Non-Meat Foods Into Your Meal Plan
You may be wondering…can you have cheese on carnivore diet? What about eating a carnivore diet with fruit? While plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, and grains are off the table, other animal-based products like cheese and eggs are not!
We encourage you to incorporate other animal-based products to gain additional nutrients and make your meals more interesting. We also recommend bone broth as a great way to add nutrients and variety. It can be sipped alone or used in cooking.
Closing Thoughts on the Best Meat to Eat on Carnivore Diet
That concludes our guide to the best meat to eat on carnivore diet. This diet offers a rich tapestry of flavors and nutrients. The best meat for carnivore diet ranges from rich red meats to lean poultry, seafood, and of course, organ meats.
If you’re still feeling skeptical about starting this diet, find more carnivore diet tips in our blog. We discuss topics like is the carnivore diet healthy, carnivore diet and diabetes, female carnivore diet considerations, how much to eat on carnivore diet, following a modified carnivore diet, carnivore diet inflammation, and more.
But why not take the first step in jumpstarting your journey to healthier, happier living with the best carnivore diet snacks the world has to offer? Visit Carnivore Snax now and indulge in the ultimate meat feast!
