THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
The carnivore diet is highly restrictive, but there’s a reason for that. Many of the carnivore diet benefits can be traced back to what you’re not eating, be it gluten, soy, sugar, or even just carbs in general.
Where you’ll feel the restrictive nature of the carnivore diet rules the most is in the snack department. Really, you don’t have many options outside of boiled eggs and beef jerky - aside from our world-renowned carnivore chips, of course.
But can you eat peanut butter on carnivore diet? After all, it’s just protein and fat. The problem is, peanut butter is made from peanuts, and these are grown on plants. Long story short, they’re plant-based and technically don’t have a place in your carnivore meal plan.
We’ll provide more context on this in our carnivore diet peanut butter guide below, including why we suggest avoiding this traditional diet staple and a few alternatives you can consider as well. You’ll also learn about the modified carnivore diet if you’re passionate about peanut butter.
But with the best carnivore diet snacks just a few clicks away, why worry about eating peanut butter on carnivore diet? Spoil yourself with our meat chips today and see for yourself what makes them a must-have.
Overview of Carnivore Diet and Peanut Butter
Let’s take a step back and talk about what exactly the carnivore diet is in the first place. The best way to understand what this nutritional regimen is all about is knowing what’s on the approved carnivore diet food list. So, what can you eat on the carnivore diet?
The Principles of Carnivore
As the name suggests, this radical shift from dietary norms involves eating exclusively animal-based foods. That means lots of meat - steak, chicken, pork, lamb, game meats, fish, and even organ meats.
Some adherents take carnivore diet literally and will even consume dairy, including cheese, milk, and butter, along with eggs. Technically, these too come from animals so they’re fair game as long as they don’t cause any sort of digestive upset or derail your carnivore diet results.
That being said, what isn’t allowed is even more important, as there are many foods you may not even associate with “plant-based.” No fruits and veggies obviously, but you’ll also need to say goodbye to grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
The idea is that all of these foods contain anti-nutrients and can hold you back from your healthiest state. Those who follow the regimen report fewer digestive problems, find it easier to manage autoimmune conditions, experience sustainable weight loss, and much, much more.
So while it’s certainly restrictive, there’s a method to the madness. But since you’re not eating any carbs on carnivore diet, where does your energy come from? Simple: fat.
The Role of Fats on Carnivore Diet
The body relies on fats to produce energy through ketosis without carbohydrates. This can be powerful since it leads to more consistent, steady energy levels rather than the highs and lows associated with carb-heavy diet.
Fats are also essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are abundant in animal products. The right fats can support better mental clarity as well.
Our blog has a more detailed resource on how many grams of fat on carnivore diet to eat, but as for fat sources, animal meats, dairy, and eggs should provide everything you need to reach your target. Peanut butter is high in fat, too - so can you eat peanut butter on carnivore diet?
So, Can You Eat Peanut Butter on Carnivore Diet?
You might think to yourself - peanut butter is derived from peanuts, which are nuts, and can you have nuts on carnivore diet? No. So, can you eat peanut butter on carnivore diet? Again, the answer is no - but not for the reason you might assume.
You see, peanuts are actually a legume. They’re not classified as a nut, despite their name. This actually makes them worse for you from the carnivore perspective than other types of nuts.
Legumes are notoriously high in antinutrients like lectins and phytic acid which can interfere with nutrient absorption and irritate the gut. The whole premise behind carnivore is to set the foundation for overall health by eliminating these anti-nutrients and creating a better gut balance.
Even if you find “clean” peanut butter without added sugar or oils, it’s still relatively high in carbohydrates, which can disrupt ketosis - the primary fat-burning mechanism for many carnivore dieters.
Let’s put it into context for you - a single two-tablespoon serving of peanut butter contains around 6-8 grams of carbs! Be honest, when’s the last time you used only two tablespoons of peanut butter anyway? These carbs can quickly sneak up on you.
So, can you eat peanut butter on carnivore diet? As a purist, no - you cannot. But if you don’t mind bending the rules a bit to make the carnivore diet work for you, then there’s potential for carnivore diet peanut butter inclusion.
That being said, we’ll share some more advice on eating peanut butter on carnivore diet in moderation below if you choose to tweak the diet a bit.
Eating Peanut Butter on Carnivore Diet in Moderation
If you do choose to eat peanut butter on carnivore diet be aware that you’re technically following what is known as a “modified” or “carnivore adjacent” diet. You can enjoy certain plant-based foods in small quantities while still focusing predominantly on animal-based nutrition.
The key is to choose plant-based foods that do not derail your goals. It’s also essential to eat these foods in moderation and try to follow carnivore as closely as can the rest of the time.
That being said, not all carnivore diet peanut butter is created equal. Let’s start with a quick overview of what you should look for on the label from a harm reduction standpoint.
Choosing the Cleanest Peanut Butter for Carnivore Diet
Look for products made with just peanuts and salt - no added sugars, hydrogenated oils, or artificial preservatives. You’ll quickly realize that it wasn’t peanut butter you loved so much as it was the other stuff brands include in their recipes to make it taste good and maintain texture.
Avoid products labeled as “natural” if they still contain hidden sweeteners or processed additives. Some brands even offer peanut butter made with minimal processing, which retains more of the natural oils and nutrients.
Enjoying Carnivore Diet Peanut Butter Sparingly
Even if you do find the right carnivore diet peanut butter, it’s important to treat it as an occasional indulgence rather than a staple. Stick to small servings, like one to two tablespoons, and incorporate it in ways that complement your overall goals.
Overeating peanut butter is easy. It’s calorie-dense, and its addictive flavor is part of why you’re probably interested in including it in the first place. Hold yourself accountable and be mindful of the carb content you’re consuming.
Creative Ways to Eat Peanut Butter on Carnivore Diet
There are so many ways to enjoy peanut butter, from eating it right off the spoon to incorporating it in a carnivore protein shake. Here are some of the best ways to incorporate it on an occasional basis:
- Peanut Butter and Pork Rinds: Use pork rinds as a crunchy, low-carb “dip” for peanut butter.
- Peanut Butter Glaze on Meat: Create a thin glaze using peanut butter, butter, and a pinch of salt to coat grilled chicken or pork.
- Peanut Butter and Egg Pancakes: Mix a small amount of peanut butter into an egg-based pancake batter made with cream cheese or cottage cheese, then cook as usual.
Ultimately, though, our recommendation is to at least try avoiding peanut butter altogether on the carnivore diet. See what a difference following its structure accurately can make in your physical and mental wellbeing.
Give your body a few months to adapt to this new normal, and then re-introduce peanut butter if you’d like. See how you respond - if you don’t notice any adverse effects, great! You can enjoy peanut butter in moderation. In the meantime, there are plenty of other snacks to consider.
Alternative Snacks for Carnivore Diet to Consider
While your snack options are certainly limited on carnivore, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a few great options. The best low-carb snacks are waiting for you in our online storefront.
Carnivore Snax
The best snacks for carnivore diet, or anyone who wants a healthy serving of protein and fats on the go for that matter, is Carnivore Snax. Our delicious meat chips are ethically sourced from the most elite regenerative farms in the nation and feature just two ingredients: meat and salt.
Yet, they’ve been called meat pastries by those who have tried them because they have a light, airy crunch that quickly starts melting in your mouth and giving way to tantalizing flavors. They’re delicious and nutritious, what more could you ask for?
Plus, there is something for everyone in our lineup. Try them all and find your new favorite:
These make for great carnivore diet desserts, too. Spoil yourself at Carnivore Snax today and reap all the benefits this nutritional regimen has to offer while still satisfying your sweet tooth!
Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are the ultimate carnivore snack: easy to prepare, portable, and packed with nutrition. You’ll get tons of protein and healthy fats, and the yolks are rich in vitamins A, D, E, and B12.
You can hard-boil a batch for the week, sprinkle with salt, or pair with a dab of butter for extra flavor and fat. As long as you don’t mind the smell, they’re a staple!
Cheese
Not everyone tolerates dairy, but cheese is technically a suitable carnivore snack as well. It provides a good balance of fat and protein while being naturally low in carbs.
Look for aged, hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan to avoid lactose. Be careful about portion control here, as it’s easy to overeat cheese. Slice it into cubes or pair it with bacon or prosciutto for a savory snack.
Beef Jerky
Wait, can you eat beef jerky on carnivore diet? Technically, yes. But because some brands use plant-based ingredients you’ll need to do your due diligence in reading labels and choosing the right snack.
That being said, our carnivore chips are basically a way better version of beef jerky. They’re cleaner with a better flavor profile and a more unique texture. Let’s be honest, beef jerky is boring! If you’re in a pinch, though, it’s easy to find at your local grocery store or gas station.
DIY Carnivore Treats
If you’re feeling creative you might even consider making your own carnivore treats. This is a great option if you want more control over what you eat since you’ll know exactly what’s in every bite. Here are some popular choices:
- Baked Meat Chips: Thinly slice beef or pork, season lightly, and bake until crispy for a crunchy alternative to traditional chips. Learn more about how to make meat chips in our blog, or better yet, leave it to the experts at Carnivore Snax.
- Liver Pâté: Blend cooked liver with butter and salt for a rich, nutrient-packed spread.
- Crispy Chicken Skin: Save the skin from chicken thighs, bake until golden, and enjoy as a snack.
Whether you’re looking for something quick and portable or a homemade treat, these carnivore-approved snacks deliver both satisfaction and nutrition without straying from the plan. So, add them to your rotation as we wrap up our carnivore diet peanut butter guide below.
Parting Thoughts on Our Carnivore Diet Peanut Butter Guide
So, can you eat peanut butter on carnivore diet? In closing, the answer is no - at least, as the diet is intended. Purists will tell you peanut butter has no place in the regimen.
Those who appreciate a bit more flexibility and follow a modified carnivore diet, though, say you can enjoy small portions of clean, sugar-free peanut butter sparingly. We’ll let you decide which side of the fence you fall on. You can find similar resources in our blog:
- Can you eat fruit on carnivore diet?
- Can you have coffee on carnivore diet?
- Can you eat pork rinds on carnivore diet?
Just remember, there are plenty of other great carnivore-approved snacks - some of which are right here ready to support your dietary journey. Shop at Carnivore Snax today and stick to your goals while satisfying cravings!
