THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
The carnivore diet can have a profound effect on your physical and mental wellbeing as your body turns to fat for fuel instead of carbs - and more importantly, as you completely eliminate plant-based nutrition that can cause more harm than good.
From weight loss to mental clarity, a healthier inflammatory response to nutritional simplicity - there are so many reasons to try the carnivore diet. But it also comes with its fair share of uncertainty, specifically on the approved carnivore diet food list.
Suddenly, a lot of your favorite foods and snacks are off-limits. You’ve got lots of questions about what you can and cannot consume. For instance, can you eat spam on carnivore diet? We’re here to help you get to the bottom of it.
Technically, this weird canned meat checks the boxes of what constitutes “carnivore-friendly.” Does that mean you should make room in your regimen for carnivore diet spam, though? We think not. It’s far too processed for our liking.
That’s why we’ll share some of the best alternatives to spam for carnivore diet, including our carnivore chips. They’re made from just two ingredients, ethically-sourced regenerative meat and Redmond Real Salt. That’s it. They’re the perfect pairing for any carnivore lifestyle. Try now!
The Carnivore Diet Basics
The carnivore diet is a return to simplicity. You only eat animal-based foods and cut out everything else. That means you’ll consume meat, fat, eggs, and in some cases, dairy. No fruits, veggies, grains, nuts, seeds, or anything that doesn’t come directly from an animal.
But, the carnivore diet is not without its downsides. One of the biggest challenges is keeping cravings at bay, especially early on, as your body adapts to burning fat as fuel rather than carbs. Mentally, you may struggle with missing some of your old favorites.
Although there are plenty of carnivore diet snacks, the usual suspects can get a bit bland after a while. This begs the question: can you eat spam on carnivore diet?
What is Spam?
Let’s first explain what spam is, as “mystery meat” isn’t a good enough definition. We need to be more specific. This canned meat was first introduced by Hormel in 1937 and became really popular during World War II. It was affordable, easy to transport, and had an incredible shelf life.
A lot of those same benefits are why it’s found in kitchens, survival kits, lunchboxes, and pantry shelves across the globe today. But what’s actually in that iconic blue-and-yellow can? The standard ingredients are:
- Pork with ham
- Salt
- Water
- Modified potato starch
- Sugar
- Sodium nitrate
Mostly meat, but it’s the additives in spam that raise red flags in the carnivore community. These aren’t just filler ingredients; some of them are plant-based. So can you eat spam on carnivore diet or not?
Can You Eat Spam on Carnivore Diet?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it totally depends on how you interpret the carnivore diet rules. We’ll weigh both sides of the debate below, and more importantly, we’ll look at the question from a different angle: should you eat carnivore diet spam?
Is Spam Carnivore Diet Friendly?
Spam looks like it fits the bill at first glance as it’s made from pork with ham added, and that’s clearly animal-based. Flip the can over and take a look at the fine print, though: modified potato starch, sugar, sodium nitrite. Those are the ingredients we take issue with.
Starch and sugar add carbs, and nitrites are preservatives that many strict carnivores try to avoid entirely. The potato starch is clearly plant-based, too, which to us rules out spam on carnivore diet.
But these ingredients don’t do your body any favors even if you’re following a more relaxed version of the carnivore diet. They can trigger inflammation, bloat, and cravings - exactly the things many people go carnivore to escape.
So even if carnivore diet spam technically meets the criteria for your interpretation of what’s allowed in the carnivore meal plan you have to wonder: is spam good for carnivore diet?
Is Spam Good For Carnivore Diet, Though?
This one’s a lot easier to answer: definitely not. At least, not if you’re eating carnivore for health, clarity, and simplicity. Just love meat and want to eat as much of it as possible, while packing on pounds for bodybuilding? No problem.
But if you’re here for the real benefits of carnivore diet, spam quickly loses its appeal. Yes, it’s convenient. Yes, it’s shelf-stable. But it also brings along processed carbs, preservatives, and low-quality meat scraps.
The pork in Spam isn’t the same as a ribeye or a slow-roasted pork shoulder. It’s emulsified, ground, and shaped. A far cry from the whole-muscle cuts your body truly thrives on.
Spam also contains added sugar, which can spike cravings and blood sugar even in small amounts. Slipping in sugary additives, even unintentionally, holds you back from your goals when your diet is built on eliminating that kind of rollercoaster.
Why You Should Steer Clear of Spam on Any Diet
Let’s zoom out from the carnivore diet spam conversation. We’d go as far as to say that anyone in the world could benefit from never eating spam again. High sodium, added sugar, preservatives, and processed meat - that’s what’s waiting for you in every tin.
Spam clocks in at over 700mg of sodium per serving. That’s more than a quarter of your recommended daily intake in just a few bites. It can pose a problem if you’re watching your blood pressure, water retention, or inflammation.
Then there’s the bigger issue of ingredient quality. Spam is ultra-processed, low in micronutrients, and lacks the satiety you get from real, whole cuts of meat. It fills a gap in a pantry but doesn’t do much for fueling your body with the nutrients it truly needs.
So whether you’re following keto vs carnivore, paleo, Atkins, or even the standard American diet, this is one food you could do without. Spam is a shortcut that cuts corners in all the wrong ways. What can you eat instead of spam on carnivore diet, then?
What to Eat Instead of Spam on Carnivore Diet
Whether you want high-protein low-calorie snacks for post-workout or high-fat low-carb snacks to fuel your cognitive function, there are so many better alternatives to carnivore diet spam.
So, what can you eat on the carnivore diet instead? We’ve put together a list of all the top options below, including our meat chips - the only snack you absolutely cannot go without on the carnivore diet!
Carnivore Snax
Carnivore Snax is the obvious upgrade from Spam, or any other snack for that matter. Our meat chips are made with only two ingredients: pasture-raised meat and Redmond Real Salt. That’s it. No fillers, sugar, or preservatives - just the good stuff your body and mind actually want.
We source from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the nation so you can feel good about spoiling yourself, too. Each bite delivers bioavailable protein and nourishing fat in a perfect ratio, slow-roasted to crispy perfection.
They’re light, crunchy, and deeply satisfying - like eating a steak in chip form. We’ve also had some customers refer to them as meat pastries because they start out crispy and airy before melting in your mouth, giving way to tantalizing flavors that will have you longing for more.
You see the marbling, you taste the richness, and you feel the difference in your energy and fullness. There’s no question that these chips are made from the best meat for carnivore diet.
They’re also insanely portable. You can keep them in your pantry at home, in your desk at work, in your gym bag - anywhere life takes you, without stressing about the fridge, utensils, or cleanup. Just open the bag and fuel up.
Whether you’re hitting the gym, driving cross-country, or stuck in back-to-back Zooms, Carnivore Snax fits your lifestyle without compromising your goals. There are plenty of varieties to choose from so you’ll never get bored, either:
Spam might have convenience, but we’ve got the nutrition, the flavor, and the integrity. The difference is obvious once you take that first bite. Order today and join over 100,000 happy customers and counting!
“Your delicious satisfying great textured Snax have me eating red meat again... after a 15 year hiatus! The texture and the meat/fat/salt ratio are a perfect combination. My husband and I are happy to get more protein in our diets. Well done! Kudos to the team.” - Kathleen
“This product is the absolute best thing I’ve had ever. Better than any other jerky type product I’ve had the ribeye, pork loin and brisket. They are all good but the pork loin and ribeye are crazy good. I will be buying this product in bulk once a month.” - Nathan
“A perfect way to have healthy food on the go. I’ve never liked jerky or biltong, but these are delicious. Texture is somewhere between a potato chip and bacon. Absolute lifesaver for long airplane flights/car travel, and I’m looking forward to also eating them on multiday trail runs in the summer.” - Alicia
Real, Cooked Meat
The obvious alternative to spam on carnivore diet is real meat that’s been cooked to perfection. This is the gold standard of carnivore eating. Grilled steak, roasted chicken thighs, ground beef patties - whatever cut you like, cook it fresh and enjoy it whole.
You’re getting complete proteins, healthy fats, and a full spectrum of micronutrients. There’s no added sugar or starch, and you’re fully in control of the sourcing and seasoning so you can keep it as carnivore-friendly as you like.
It takes a little more time than opening a can, but the payoff in flavor and nourishment is well worth it. Batch cook and portion it out for quick grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Different Forms of Eggs
Eggs are a carnivore diet MVP, and a superfood that any diet should include for that matter. Plus, they offer way more variety than any other food. Enjoy them scrambled, boiled, fried in tallow, or even made into egg muffins or egg wraps! The possibilities are endless.
They deliver high-quality protein and healthy fat in an easy, budget-friendly package. They’re rich in choline, B vitamins, and selenium, too. Although they don’t stay as shelf-stable as Carnivore Snax or Spam, they’re one of the fastest-cooking proteins available and offer much better nutrient density without the added junk.
Acceptable Dairy Sources
This one’s a little contentious, as some people say dairy is totally fine as it’s technically animal-based, while purists say that carnivore dieting should only feature animal products that have not been processed whatsoever.
So can you have yogurt on carnivore diet? Ultimately, it’s up to you - but if you ask our opinion, yes. As long as it’s high-fat, low-carb, and minimally processed. You’ll need to do your due diligence to ensure there are no added plant-based ingredients to the product.
Beyond Greek yogurt, you may find room in your diet for aged cheeses, cultured butter, raw milk - but again, not everyone can tolerate lactose, so don’t push yourself if you notice digestive discomfort from these foods. They’re clearly just not right for you, and that’s ok!
Canned Fish in a Pinch
Not all canned food is created equal. The only one we think has its place in carnivore is canned fish, as salmon, sardines, and tuna can offer Spam-level convenience without the drawbacks.
They’re shelf-stable, high in protein, and full of healthy fats like omega-3s. Sardines even offer calcium if you eat the bones. The key is to choose brands that pack their fish in water or olive oil. Stay away from those with added sauces, sugars, or seed oils.
Better yet, see if you can get your hands on canned fish that comes in BPA-free cans and is wild-caught. That means you’re getting cleaner nutrition with none of the weird ingredients, and of course, a more ethical snack.
Clean Jerky or Biltong
Finally, consider jerky and biltong for that unmistakable satisfying chew and meatiness you might miss if you’re transitioning away from processed products like Spam.
These are both shelf-stable, portable, and rich in protein. But as we keep saying, you need to make sure you’re reading the labels. A lot of really popular brands sneak in sugar, soy, or preservatives. Instead, look for clean versions with minimal ingredients.
Easier said than done, which is why you’ll probably end up choosing Carnivore Snax as your biltong or beef jerky alternative. We’re everything jerky wishes it could be: easy to chew, packed with nutrition, and without the questionable additives!
Wrapping Up Our Spam Carnivore Diet Guide
In closing, can you eat spam on carnivore diet? Although it technically qualifies as meat, there are some red flags on the ingredients label that you should avoid like the plague if you’re chasing better health.
Between the fillers, preservatives, and questionable ingredients, it’s more of a shortcut than a smart choice. The good news? You’ve got better choices at your fingertips - simple, satisfying alternatives that support your health goals without compromising on flavor or convenience.
There are other options aside from the ones listed above, like the carnivore bar, or some of the other carnivore diet desserts we’ve written about in our blog. But only one truly checks every box, and that’s Carnivore Snax.
Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to fueling your body and mind. This is a snack you can indulge in guilt-free, every time. Grab a bag of Carnivore Snax and see why clean protein tastes better!
