THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
From weight loss to mental clarity, managing autoimmune conditions, and more - the carnivore diet benefits are impossible to overlook. The only downside to embarking on this unique dietary excursion is how restrictive it can be.
Many of your favorite foods are all of a sudden off limits, and where you’ll notice this the most is in terms of carnivore diet snacks and carnivore diet desserts.
We recently talked about whether or not you can enjoy a carnivore protein shake here and there, but what about carnivore protein bars? Can you eat protein bars on carnivore diet? For the sake of simplicity, the answer is almost always no.
That’s because protein bars are loaded with plant-based ingredients, some of which you might not even recognize as plant-based. This includes the protein source itself, typically derived from soy, and most of the sweeteners used.
The good news, though, is that there are some carnivore diet protein bars worth exploring. You can even look into making your own carnivore bars recipe to control the exact ingredients you’re eating.
Better yet, though, stick with something you know falls within the carnivore diet rules, our meat chips. They’re a perfect alternative to carnivore diet protein bars because they’re packed with protein and healthy fats and contain only two ingredients: meat and salt.
With so many different varieties to choose from you’ll never get bored, either. Shop now and taste the difference firsthand!
Can You Eat Protein Bars on Carnivore Diet?
So can you eat protein bars on carnivore diet? Let’s take a step back first: what can you eat on the carnivore diet in general?
Understanding the Carnivore Diet’s Core Principles
Despite all the misinformation and confusion surrounding it, the carnivore diet is actually much more straightforward than most other nutritional strategies. The only rule is what you can’t eat - plant-based foods.
The typical carnivore diet food list consists of lots of meat: steak, chicken, pork, fish, and of course, organ meats. Many adherents will round out their regimen with eggs and some dairy products, including butter and cheese.
What you don’t eat includes fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, legumes - anything that grows from the earth. The idea is that these food groups can be quite inflammatory and ultimately cause more harm than good.
This philosophy is what produces the diverse range of benefits carnivore is known for. You can learn more about what to expect from the carnivore diet before and after starting in our blog, as that’s a conversation for another day. Let’s talk carnivore diet protein bars now.
Challenges With Traditional Protein Bars on Carnivore Diet
You’d think protein bars and carnivore diet go hand in hand - they’re packed with protein, as the name suggests. The problem is with where that protein comes from.
Most of the time it’s soy protein, pea protein, or some other plant-based protein because these are far more cost-effective than whey protein, which is sourced from animals.
But the protein problem is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to eating carnivore diet protein bars. Other ingredients like oats, honey, stevia, agave, gum, emulsifiers, and more are also plant-derived and not in line with the diet’s principles.
So, Can You Have Protein Bars on Carnivore Diet?
So, can you eat protein bars on carnivore diet? The truth is, you’re going to have a really tough time finding carnivore protein bars that don’t have any red flags.
Now, you can certainly consider following a modified carnivore diet that offers a bit more flexibility in what you’re allowed to eat. But ask a carnivore purist, can you have protein bars on carnivore diet? They’ll likely give you the same answer we did.
The truth is, your carnivore meal plan should consist primarily of whole foods anyway. While carnivore diet supplements have their place, meat, eggs, and even dairy are better choices.
When you do have cravings for a snack, stick with something you know meets the standards of the carnivore diet, such as our carnivore chips. But if you’re passionate about finding the best carnivore protein bars, we’ll show you what to look for below.
Choosing the Best Protein Bars for Carnivore Diet
This diet has become so popular that these days you can find a substitute for anything you used to love eating that is no longer in line with the carnivore diet philosophy. Carnivore protein bars are no exception. Here’s what to look for in the best protein bars for carnivore diet.
100% Animal-Based Ingredients
It’s really that simple. Anything that isn’t made entirely from animal-based ingredients is going to fall short. That means the protein must be derived from animal sources, whether that’s whey protein or even bars made from dried or ground meat as the primary ingredient.
We’ve also seen quite a few carnivore bars containing lard or tallow to provide energy, satiety, and flavor. Collagen and bone broth protein are two other ingredients that offer a healthy serving of amino acids that support joint, skin, and gut health.
Check for Zero Additives
The shorter the ingredient list, the better. So many protein bars that claim to be a good fit for this nutritional regimen are laden with unnecessary extras, including:
- Sweeteners: Even "natural" ones like honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
- Stabilizers: Gums or thickeners like guar gum or xanthan gum.
- Flavoring Agents: Artificial or “natural” flavors that add no nutritional value.
A touch of salt isn’t going to hurt you, but bars packed with any of these other ingredients have no place in your regular rotation.
Enjoying Carnivore Protein Bars in Moderation
Even if you do manage to get your hands on the best protein bars for carnivore diet, keep in mind that these should be a treat when you need something quick and convenient on the go.
Don’t replace whole foods with them, and don’t become reliant on them. Whole foods are always going to trump protein bars or shakes on any dietary regimen.
Creating Your Own Carnivore Bar Recipe
It’s going to be really difficult to find carnivore protein bars that meet your standards - you’ll have way better luck making your own homemade carnivore bar recipe! We’ll share one below along with tips on bringing it to life.
Essential Ingredients for a Homemade Carnivore Bar
The best homemade carnivore bar recipe we’ve tried is actually one of the simplest, too:
- Ground Beef or Dried Meat: Forms the protein base. Use grass-fed beef, bison, or pork for rich flavor.
- Animal Fat: Tallow, lard, or duck fat for energy and texture.
- Collagen Powder or Bone Broth Protein: Adds structure and boosts nutrition.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and helps replenish electrolytes.
You can add or subtract whatever you’d like. We’ve seen some people include organ meat powder for more nutrients, or dried fish for extra protein and omega-3s. Get creative and try different recipes to find your new favorite healthy snack.
How to Make Carnivore Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions for a Simple Recipe
Actually preparing homemade carnivore bars is as easy as 4 steps:
- Prepare the Base: Cook ground meat until fully browned and most of the moisture is removed. If using dried meat, grind it into a fine powder using a food processor.
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine the cooked or powdered meat with melted animal fat in a bowl. Add collagen powder and salt, stirring until it forms a cohesive mixture.
- Shape the Bars: Press the mixture into a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Flatten it evenly then use a knife to score into bar-sized portions before chilling.
- Set and Cut: Place the dish in the refrigerator or freezer until the bars are firm. Cut along the scored lines and individually wrap or store in an airtight container.
You may find that it takes some trial and error to make the best protein bars for carnivore diet. If the mixture feels too crumbly, add more melted fat. On the other hand, you can increase the meat content if it’s too soft.
You might want to use freeze-dried organ meats or pork rind crumbs for texture, too. This can add a satisfying crunch to the homemade carnivore bars.
One more piece of advice on how to make carnivore bars: start with less salt and add more as needed! You can always add more, but you can’t go back in time and add less.
Storage and Portability
Given that these homemade carnivore bars are meat-based, you’ll need to store them in the fridge in an airtight container. They’ll last up to 2 weeks. You can also make these carnivore diet protein bars in bulk and freeze them for longer storage.
Other Healthy Carnivore-Approved Snacks Worth Trying
We know you came here to learn about eating protein bars on carnivore diet, but there are plenty of other carnivore-approved snacks worth trying instead - none better than Carnivore Snax!
Carnivore Snax
Our Carnivore Chips are the ultimate snack for anyone following the carnivore diet. Made from 100% high-quality meat, these chips are crispy, flavorful, and completely free of fillers, additives, or preservatives. The only other ingredient is salt.
We take sourcing seriously, and all our meat comes from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the country. You can feel good about spoiling yourself with these “meat pastries” as they’ve been referred to. They literally melt in your mouth!
Plus, there are so many varieties in store for you. Whether you’re traveling, working, or relaxing at home, they’re a must-have addition to your snack rotation:
So, try them all and see which is your new favorite! We’re confident you’ll be back for more once you try our carnivore bar alternatives.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a classic carnivore-approved snack that’s as simple as it gets. Packed with high-quality protein and healthy fats, they’re perfect for keeping you full between meals.
They’re also rich in vitamins like B12 and minerals like selenium, which support energy and immune health. Boil a batch in advance and store them in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go option. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt for added flavor and electrolytes.
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a portable, satisfying snack - just make sure you choose options with zero sugar or additives. Similar to carnivore protein bars, many of these contain plant-based ingredients that might not be immediately recognizable.
For a DIY approach, make your own jerky at home using thinly sliced beef marinated in salt and dried in a dehydrator or oven. It’s an easy way to enjoy a nutrient-dense snack that aligns with your carnivore goals.
But with the best carnivore snacks only a few clicks away, why bother? Save yourself the time and stress and indulge in the tastiest, most nutritious carnivore chips online today.
Final Words on Carnivore Protein Bars
So, can you eat protein bars on carnivore diet? In closing, most carnivore diet protein bars are going to fall short of meeting the standards this radical dietary regimen is known for. The best protein bars for carnivore diet are few and far between.
Sure, you can make homemade carnivore bars as an alternative - but why not just spoil yourself at Carnivore Snax instead? Don’t let cravings get the best of you. Stay on track without sacrificing convenience or taste. Discover how our Carnivore Chips make snacking simple!
