THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
Part of the appeal of starting carnivore diet is how much it simplifies your day-to-day life. With so many foods excluded, forming your carnivore meal plan can be really straightforward.
The trade-off? You don’t have as many carnivore diet snacks at your disposal. This can make it tough to manage cravings when they come, and it makes it difficult to stay within the framework of the diet when life takes you on the go.
Deli meats are seen as a convenient, healthy option - but can you eat pepperoni on carnivore diet? The answer may surprise you. While technically it’s an animal-based product, it’s also a processed food. That’s where things get tricky.
Learn more about choosing the best carnivore diet pepperoni below and what should be avoided along with other healthy snacks to add to your rotation, including our meat chips. Let’s start our pepperoni carnivore diet guide with an overview of the carnivore diet rules.
What is the Carnivore Diet?
So what is the diet all about? Perhaps a better question, what can you eat on the carnivore diet? This radical nutritional regimen excludes all plant-based foods and focuses instead on just animal-derived sources.
That means plenty of meat, fish, eggs, and even dairy in some cases. You’ll have to say goodbye to fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, and anything else that doesn't come from an animal.
It sounds harsh and restrictive, but the reasoning behind this approach is twofold. For one, it simplifies eating with a short carnivore diet food list to pull from. But more importantly, it eliminates certain nutrients in plant-based foods that can cause inflammation, gut issues, or other health problems.
The carnivore diet benefits are diverse - from helping manage autoimmune conditions to streamlining weight loss. Others report feeling more energetic on the diet. In looking at both the pros and cons of carnivore diet, getting rid of some of your favorite foods is a small price to pay.
But can you eat pepperoni on carnivore diet, or do you need to kiss meat sticks goodbye too?
Can You Eat Pepperoni on Carnivore Diet?
This is a fairly loaded question. Your instinct may be that because pepperoni is meat, yes - you can eat carnivore diet pepperoni. However, there’s more to that stick of meat than you may realize. You need to be aware of the ingredients and processing that goes into pepperoni.
Most commercially made pepperonis at your local grocery store are laden with sugars, fillers, and preservatives like nitrates or artificial flavorings that don’t align with the clean, nutrient-dense principles of a strict carnivore diet.
Worse, some pepperoni might even have hidden carbs from added sugars or starchy fillers, which could throw off your progress if your primary goal with carnivore is to get into ketosis.
So can you eat pepperoni on carnivore diet? Yes, but you need to do your due diligence into what you’re putting in your body. High-quality pepperoni made with just meat, salt, and simple spices can fit seamlessly into this regimen.
In fact, this type of pepperoni is actually one of the best snacks for the carnivore diet since it’s convenient, portable, and packed with a satisfying balance of protein and fat without unnecessary additives. You can easily bring it on the go.
Even still, moderation is key with anything, and the best pepperoni for carnivore diet is no exception. Even the cleanest pepperoni can be quite calorie-dense. At the end of the day, this is one of the most processed types of meat, too.
The bottom line is this: choose carefully. If you do decide to eat pepperoni on carnivore diet, you need to set yourself up for success with the best carnivore diet pepperoni.
The Best Pepperoni for Carnivore Diet: What to Look for and What to Avoid in Carnivore Diet Pepperoni
Finding the best pepperoni for carnivore diet is easier said than done. It’s unlikely you’ll find it at the typical supermarket, you may need to head to your local butcher for the good stuff. Here’s what you should look for in carnivore diet pepperoni:
Check the Ingredient List
The fewer ingredients, the better. High-quality pepperoni should be made primarily from meat, salt, and simple spices. Unfortunately, pepperoni can be heavily processed with added sugars, preservatives, or fillers like starches or flours. The label should specify:
- Meat as the first ingredient (pork or beef).
- No added sugars (or dextrose or corn syrup).
- Natural curing agents like celery powder over artificial nitrates or nitrites.
Watch Out for Hidden Carbs
Even small amounts of sugar or fillers in pepperoni can add up quickly, especially if you’re eating it regularly. Double-check the nutrition label and aim for pepperoni with zero carbs or the lowest possible carb content (less than 1 gram per serving).
Prioritize Minimal Processing
Pepperoni by its very nature is processed, so you won’t find “unprocessed” pepperoni. Rather, it’s about harm reduction, looking for the littlest amount of processing possible.
That means looking out for ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, artificial flavorings, or chemical additives. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find a local butcher that implements traditional curing methods.
Consider Nitrate-Free Options
The best pepperoni for carnivore diet is nitrate-free. Unfortunately, nitrates are common in all cured meats, and pepperoni is no exception. It might not always be possible, but do your best to find nitrate-free pepperoni.
Look for Grass-Fed or Pasture-Raised Meat
For an even higher-quality option, seek out pepperoni made from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals. While not essential for those doing carnivore diet on a budget, these provide additional nutrients like omega-3s and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) in higher concentrations.
Plus, they’re the more ethical choice - on a diet that centers on consuming animal-based products, the way your food is treated before it gets to your plate is important.
Other Healthy Snacks to Round Out Your Regimen
Trying to find the best pepperoni for carnivore diet can be a headache. The good news is there are plenty of alternatives to carnivore diet pepperoni that don’t make you choose between your health and your cravings. Here are some of our favorites.
Meat Chips From Carnivore Snax
You won’t find a tastier, more nutritious option than our carnivore chips. They’re the best of both worlds and a match made in heaven for the carnivore diet because they only contain two ingredients: meat and salt.
Not just any meat, though. We source from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in America so you can treat yourself with compromising on your values.
We’ve had customers refer to these as “meat pastries” because the first bite is light, crispy, and airy - but then the chips start slowly melting in your mouth, as delicious flavors take over your senses. They’re not just great snacks but amazing carnivore diet desserts. Find your favorite:
Why take any chances with pepperoni and subject yourself to processed meat when something healthier and more delicious is just a click away? Order today and see what keeps our customers coming back for more.
Pork Rinds or Cracklings
Pork rinds and cracklings are the ultimate crunchy snack for carnivore dieters. They’re made entirely from pork skin, which is fried or roasted to create a light, airy texture or a denser, crunchier bite (in the case of cracklings). They’re kind of like DIY meat chips!
So, how can you eat pork rinds on carnivore diet? Choose plain varieties without added flavorings or sugars, and pair them with a sprinkle of salt or even a smear of butter for an indulgent treat.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Now, can you eat eggs on the carnivore diet? They’re animal-based, so yes, they’re a perfect choice - not only for carnivore diet breakfast but also for on-the-go snacks!
Hard-boiled eggs are nutrient-dense, offering high-quality protein, healthy fats, and a host of vitamins like A, D, and B12. They’re a great choice for meal prep since you can batch-cook them and keep them on hand for a quick and portable snack. Add a pinch of salt or a dab of butter for flavor.
Hard Cheeses
Wait, can you eat cheese on carnivore diet? Yes - dairy also falls under the carnivore umbrella since it’s derived from an animal, be it a cow or goat. The only catch here is you need to make sure dairy doesn’t cause more harm than good as it can cause digestive upset for many.
That being said, hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan are lower in lactose and easier to digest. They’re rich in fat and protein with little to no carbs.
Pair cheese cubes with a slice of prosciutto or enjoy them on their own for a nutrient-packed bite that feels indulgent without straying from your goals.
Beef Jerky
Last but certainly not least, consider beef jerky as a pepperoni carnivore diet alternative. So, can you eat beef jerky on carnivore diet? Because many brands overprocess their jerky, this is going to fall into a similar boat as carnivore diet pepperoni.
While yes, you can enjoy beef jerky, you need to do your research and find a brand that creates products that align with your goals. The processing must be minimal. Look for varieties made from 100% beef with no added sugars, preservatives, or fillers to stay on track.
Bringing Our Pepperoni Carnivore Diet Guide to a Close
So, can you eat pepperoni on carnivore diet? In closing out our pepperoni carnivore diet guide, yes - but with a few key caveats. Even the best pepperoni for carnivore diet is processed to some degree.
You need to do your research and eat carnivore diet pepperoni in moderation for this reason. Thankfully, there are plenty of other snacks you can count on for quick nutrition without any of the downsides.
Want to learn more about what you can and can’t eat on the carnivore diet? We’ve put together similar resources in our blog to help you get a better sense of what’s allowed:
- Can you have protein shakes on carnivore diet
- Can you eat fruit on carnivore diet?
- Can you have coffee on carnivore diet?
- Can you drink milk on carnivore diet
Your carnivore diet before and after starts today. Set yourself up for a smooth, successful journey at Carnivore Snax. Stick to clean, quality options and simplify your snack arsenal with our meat chips today!
