Can You Eat Brats on Carnivore Diet?

Nothing says summertime like brats on the grill, outdoors with friends and family. But let’s be honest - there’s never a bad time for bratwurst! The problem is, you’ve decided to try the carnivore diet, and you’re unsure if these are still fair game.

So can you eat brats on carnivore diet? More importantly, are brats good for carnivore diet? You don’t want to derail your progress, after all. Fortunately, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Brats in the traditional sense are definitely carnivore-friendly.

That said, even “clean” brats can sometimes be problematic for this nutritional regimen. They may include preservatives, and they’re often really high in sodium. We’ll show you how to choose the best carnivore diet brats and share tips on enjoying them to the fullest.

But if you’re ever craving pork and don’t want to take any chances on your diet, look no further than our carnivore chips. They’re made with just two ingredients: meat and salt. That’s it. Our pork chips are to die for - so spoil yourself at Carnivore Snax today!

What is the Carnivore Diet?

The carnivore diet rules are as straightforward as they sound: animal foods only. That’s literally it. No vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, or anything processed whatsoever. It’s a return to how our ancestors would have eaten.

That means you eat meat, fish, eggs, and if you can tolerate it, ultra-processed dairy. It’s an extreme form of elimination diet that strips out virtually all potential dietary irritants and leaves only foods humans have eaten for millennia.

The idea is to reset the body, reduce inflammation, support digestion, stabilize energy, and eliminate decision fatigue. There are quite a few other benefits as well, like the fact that you don’t have to count calories or deal with any macronutrient math. Just eat when you’re hungry.

Some people find dramatic relief from autoimmune symptoms, mental fog, skin issues, and more. Others just enjoy the mental clarity and consistency. But, the journey isn’t always seamless.  

It’s easy to feel like you’re on the outside at barbecues, office lunches, or even the grocery store. Sometimes, even seasoned carnivore eaters aren’t sure what actually counts. So can you eat brats on carnivore diet? Let’s address the elephant in the room. 

Can You Eat Brats on Carnivore Diet?

Yes, you can eat bratwurst on the carnivore diet. But not all brats are made equal. Traditional brats are German-style sausages made from pork (sometimes beef or veal), seasoned with salt and spices, and stuffed into natural casings. Those are totally fine.

The issue is that these have become increasingly hard to find. Many store-bought brats are packed with hidden ingredients that don’t align. That includes things like sugar, dextrose, seed oils, preservatives, or binders like maltodextrin or cornstarch.

It’s also important to note that brats are traditionally enjoyed with a bun - and that’s obviously a non-starter for those on carnivore. Unless, of course, you’re making your own carnivore-friendly buns from scratch! It’s a lot of work, but worth it in the right settings. 

So while brats can fit into a carnivore diet, you’ll need to read labels carefully or make your own to stay fully animal-based and avoid unwanted additives. You should also think about whether clean brats even fit into your nutritional regimen and align with your goals or not. 

Are Brats Good For Carnivore Diet, Though?

So can you eat brats on carnivore diet? That’s a yes. But are brats GOOD for carnivore diet? That’s a separate question, and one only you can answer based on your goals with this diet. 

Pros of Including Brats on Carnivore Diet

• Flavor and variety: Brats offer a break from plain cuts of meat. Their savory seasoning (assuming it’s just salt and natural spices) helps you avoid food fatigue, especially if you’re struggling with monotony on carnivore.
• Convenience: Pre-cooked or fresh brats are easy to heat up, grill, or pan-fry. No long cook times or complicated prep. They’re great for busy schedules or carnivore travel days.
• Fat content: Most brats have a nice fat-to-protein ratio to help with satiety and energy levels - something you need when carbs are off the table.
• Social flexibility: Brats can be your go-to at barbecues or tailgates. You’re not sitting there chewing a cold steak while everyone else eats grilled food, feeling left out.

Cons and Considerations

• Ingredient quality varies: Mass-market brats have sugar, seed oils, preservatives, and fillers that compromise carnivore purity and could cause bloating or inflammation.
• Sourcing matters: Brats made from factory-farmed pork may have higher levels of omega-6 fats, inflammatory compounds, or antibiotic residue. That’s far from ideal if you’re trying to feel your best.
• Additives & casings: Some casings are synthetic or collagen-based. That’s not inherently bad, but not ideal either. Not all flavorings are animal-derived, either. Purists may have trouble finding a place for brats on carnivore diet. 
• Lack of transparency: It can be hard to know exactly what’s in your brat unless you’re buying from a local butcher or a trusted brand.

The Bottom Line

Brats can be carnivore-friendly if you’re choosy. You also need to be smart about how you fit them into your carnivore meal prep, as they’re definitely not something you should look at as a staple. So, let’s get into some tips on enjoying carnivore diet brats to the fullest below!

Tips on Enjoying Carnivore Diet Brats to the Fullest

Technically they’re on the approved carnivore diet food list, but you need to start by doing your due diligence into what makes a brat “carnivore-friendly.”

Choosing the Best Carnivore Diet Brats

The best bratwursts for carnivore eating should have no more than a handful of components: meat (pork or beef), salt, and maybe some natural spices. Avoid anything with sugar, dextrose, cornstarch, maltodextrin, soy protein, or seed oils. You’d be surprised how many “classic” brats are full of unnecessary fillers.

Ideally, you’d source your brats from a local butcher or artisan brand that takes sourcing seriously. We recommend pasture-raised pork or grass-fed beef. Ask your butcher if they make their brats in-house with clean ingredients. You’ll often get a much better product than from any vacuum-sealed grocery pack.

Uncured brats are fine. Just don’t confuse “uncured” with “chemical-free.” The curing process can include natural ingredients like celery juice powder instead of synthetic nitrates. Get in the habit of scrutinizing every label you bring into your life.

How to Cook Them Right

Cooking brats isn’t quite as simple as your average hot dog. They’re forgiving, but better when not rushed. Low and slow wins the flavor game. 

Pan-frying in beef tallow gives you a golden crust and helps lock in moisture. As for the grillers reading along, we suggest cooking over indirect heat first to ensure they don’t split or dry out, then finish with a quick sear.

What you shouldn’t do is boil them in beer or sugary marinades (obviously). Even “carnivore-adjacent” versions with onions or broth can take you off-plan. Stick to animal fats, bone broth, or their own rendered juices if you want to simmer or braise.

Make extra if you can. Leftover brats are even better the next day, sliced up and reheated in a cast-iron skillet. Or dice them into an egg scramble with tallow for a quick carnivore diet breakfast!

Creative Ways to Serve

Yes, carnivore is restrictive. But that doesn’t mean boring. Brats can add variety to your plate if you think outside the bun:

• Brat and Egg Bowls: Slice a grilled brat over sunny-side-up eggs, and drizzle with the leftover tallow from the pan. Add a dollop of beef bone marrow if you’re feeling extra.
• Brat-Stuffed Burgers: Mix ground beef with chopped brats before forming your patties. The result is rich, fatty, and deeply flavorful - like a sausage burger. Just make sure the bun is made from egg and carnivore-friendly!
• Crispy Brat Coins: Chill leftover brats overnight, slice into thin coins, and crisp them up in a hot skillet until golden. Snack-worthy and zero effort.
• Wrapped in Bacon: Wrap your brat in sugar-free bacon and grill until both are crisp for maximum indulgence. Serve with a side of hard cheese if you’re in carnivore-with-dairy mode.

These can be some of the best high-fat low-carb snacks for carnivore diet when you source and serve them right. But, nothing beats the low-calorie high protein snacks we have in store for you at Carnivore Snax.

Our meat chips are backed by over 110,000 happy customers and counting with thousands of five-star reviews. It’s easy to see why. They taste amazing, often referred to as “meaty pastries” because they start out light and crispy before melting in the mouth.

Yet, they’re made from only two ingredients: meat and salt. That’s it. Not just any meat, either. Meat sourced from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the world. You can feel good about treating yourself, be it to ribeye chips or steak chips, lamb chips, or brisket chips.

Order yours today and discover your new favorite guilt-free indulgence at Carnivore Snax!

Final Words on Eating Brats on Carnivore Diet

In closing, can you eat brats on carnivore diet? The answer is yes - these can absolutely fit into your nutritional regimen as long as you choose wisely and enjoy them in moderation.

Stick with clean ingredients, skip anything with sugars or fillers, and cook them in ways that honor your goals. They’re flavorful, filling, and versatile enough to keep your meals interesting. Just don’t assume all carnivore diet brats are equal. And don’t forget a better snack awaits. 

Carnivore Snax is your one-stop shop for the tastiest, most nutritious meat snacks on the market. Shop clean, tasty meat chips that support your goals today and never worry about cravings again!