THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
Whether you’re a carnivore bodybuilder trying to support faster recovery and muscle growth or simply trying to meet your carnivore diet macros to ensure your body has what it needs, you’ll likely have no issues hitting your protein targets on a daily basis.
After all, you’re pretty much only going to be eating meat in our carnivore diet meals! Let’s face it, though - constantly cooking meats for every single meal can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Sometimes, you just need a quick hit of protein for on-the-go.
So can you have protein shakes on carnivore diet? The answer might surprise you. Technically, some options are still allowed. But you need to do your due diligence to get the best protein powder for carnivore diet to ensure it’s animal-based and free from processed ingredients.
Learn more in our comprehensive carnivore diet protein powder guide, including alternatives like our meat chips and why they’re a far superior option to even the best protein powder on carnivore diet.
Overview of the Carnivore Diet and Protein Shakes
Understanding whether protein shakes have a place in your meal planning starts with knowing the carnivore diet rules. So, what is the carnivore diet, and how does the carnivore diet work?
What is the Carnivore Diet?
A better way to grasp this dietary regimen is knowing what can you eat on the carnivore diet. As the name implies, this animal-based approach eliminates all plant-based foods. Instead, you’ll consume carnivore meats, fish, eggs, and animal fats.
Why is the carnivore diet healthy? This streamlined method of eating cuts out potential irritants like lectins and fiber, which run rampant in plant-based foods. Meanwhile, you’re getting all the bioavailable nutrients you need through animal products alone.
The carnivore diet benefits speak for themself. People are drawn to the carnivore diet for inflammation, weight loss, improved energy, digestive comfort, mental clarity, and even management of autoimmune diseases and other conditions, from lupus to diabetes.
The exlusionary nature of this diet also makes meal planning simpler, as there are fewer carnivore diet dinner ideas, carnivore diet lunch ideas, and carnivore diet breakfast ideas to choose from. That doesn’t mean you have to worry about getting bored, though - our 30-day carnivore diet meal plan has 3 different meals every day!
Learn more about the carnivore diet pros and cons in our blog, including carnivore diet side effects. Let’s introduce the other half of the carniovre diet and protein shakes conversation.
What are Protein Shakes?
There is no quicker, more convenient way to ramp up your protein intake than drinking a protein shake 1-2 times a day. These are most popular in fitness circles as they are the perfect support for muscle repair and recovery.
There are so many different types of protein powders available, mainly differentiating in how they’re sourced. Whey, casein, or plant-based sources like pea or rice protein are all popular options with varying degrees of bioavailability.
The key takeaway from this conversation should be that not all protein shakes are created equal. More specifically, not all protein powders are carnivore-friendly. So, can you have protein shakes on carnivore diet or not?
Can You Have Protein Shakes on Carnivore Diet?
This is a bit too vague a question for us to give you a one-size-fits-all answer as we don’t know what your specific protein powder is made from. Is the label 100% animal-based? Then yes.
Even if you do choose to drink carnivore diet protein shakes, though, there are a few potential side effects we want you to be aware of. Let’s look at the pros and cons of drinking carnivore diet protein shakes.
The Benefits of Protein Shakes on Carnivore Diet
The truth is, we drink protein shakes ourselves on the carnivore diet from time to time. It’s impossible to ignore their appeal, as they’re the quickest and easiest way to meet your daily protein needs if you’re short on time or post-workout.
They’re portable and require no prep, making them ideal for busy days. Fill your shaker bottle up and take it with you to work or on a road trip. Then when you’re in need of a quick protein punch add a bit of water, mix it up, and enjoy anywhere from 20-50g of protein!
Carnivore athletes rely on these as a way to hit their targets without eating too much food, as protein powder tends to be low in carbs, fats, and calories. The question is, does this really fall under the umbrella of carnivore?
Can You Drink Protein Shakes on Carnivore Diet if You’re Following a Strict Regimen, Though?
So, can you have protein shakes on carnivore diet or not? We’ve addressed similar questions in our blog, like:
- Can you drink milk on carnivore diet?
- Can you eat fruit on carnivore diet?
- Can you eat pork on carnivore diet?
- Can you eat cheese on carnivore diet?
The answer across the board tends to be the same: it all depends on how strict you are in adhering to the approved carnivore diet food list!
Technically, some forms of protein powder do align with the carnivore diet rules so you can enjoy these (in moderation) as you see fit.
However, most types of protein powder contain additives derived from plant sources, meaning they aren’t ideal if you want to maximize carnivore diet results.
Sure, you can follow a modified carnivore diet as many do - enjoying carnivore diet protein powder, carnivore diet nuts, and maybe even some carnivore diet fast food here and there. But ask yourself, is it worth compromising on the full potential of this diet? Only you can decide.
To help you make the most informed decision, let’s quickly go over a few side effects of consuming protein powder on carnivore diet.
Potential Side Effects of Protein Powder
We believe in the power of whole foods. Protein powder won’t deliver the same bioavailability as high-quality meat, or even carnivore diet eggs for that matter. Always use these as carnivore diet supplements rather than staples to make the most of your nutrition.
Relying too heavily on shakes can lead to nutrient gaps, as they don’t provide the micronutrients found in whole animal foods. A nutrient-dense post-workout meal is always going to be better than powder.
Some protein powders, even animal-based ones, contain additives like gums, artificial flavors, or sweeteners that can cause digestive upset like carnivore diet constipation or inflammation. This defeats the purpose of carnivore, which seeks to eliminate irritants from your diet.
Nevertheless, you can choose the best protein powder for carnivore diet and use it as a way to enhance your nutritional intake. So, what should you look for in a carnivore diet protein powder?
Choosing the Best Protein Powder for Carnivore Diet
There are plenty of animal-based carnivore diet protein shakes you can add to your arsenal to supplement your protein intake. You just need to know what to look for and perhaps more importantly, what to avoid.
Benefits of Beef Protein Powders
Our advice is to stick with protein powders made from hydrolyzed beef isolate since they’re rich in bioavailable amino acids and closely mimic the nutritional benefits of whole beef.
These protein powders tend to be carb-free and align well with the diet’s high-protein, high-fat goals. They’re also less likely to cause digestive issues compared to dairy-based options, so even those with lactose intolerance or sensitivities can benefit from these.
Egg White Protein Powders
Egg white protein powders are another carnivore-friendly option that’s known for being easily digestible. This type of carnivore diet protein powder is also lower in calories and fat, which means it better aligns with those worried about gaining weight on carnivore diet.
While egg white protein lacks the fat found in whole eggs, it still provides essential amino acids to support carnivore diet muscle gain and recovery.
What About Whey Protein?
Whey protein is the most popular style, but can you have protein shakes on carnivore diet if they’re whey? Similar to using butter on carnivore diet, technically, whey protein meets the criteria for being carnivore-friendly. It’s derived from milk, which is animal-based.
The only issue is that the vast majority of whey protein is loaded with additives like sweeteners, gums, and artificial flavors that aren’t carnivore-compliant. So, you’ll need to stick with a pure isolate with no added ingredients.
This type of protein is fast-digesting which makes it perfect for post-workout recovery, but that’s where the benefits end. It lacks vital micronutrients and fats found in whole animal foods, so use it just for first thing in the morning or after a workout.
Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised Products
The best protein powder for carnivore diet is derived from grass-fred, pasture-raised sources. Not just because the nutritional content tends to be higher with more omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, but because it’s the more ethical way to follow carniovre diet.
You’ll pay more, but we believe it to be a small price for doing what’s right.
Minimal Processing and Transparent Labeling
The fewer ingredients, the better. The best protein powder for carnivore diet should only have a few ingredients - the protein source, a natural sweetener, and nothing more.
What to Avoid in Protein Powders
What you avoid in a carnivore diet protein powder is perhaps more important. Here are some ingredients to steer clear of:
- Plant-Based Additives: Pea protein, rice protein, or soy are not carnivore-compliant.
- Artificial Sweeteners: These irritate digestion and disrupt the diet’s natural simplicity.
- Gums and Thickeners: Common additives like guar gum or xanthan gum can cause bloating and aren’t necessary for a high-quality product.
- Oils and Emulsifiers: Ingredients like sunflower oil or lecithin add unnecessary complexity and may increase inflammation.
It won’t be easy, but you can likely find a carnivore diet protein powder that meets these criteria. Even still, it’s worth considering a few other quick protein options as an alternative to shakes.
Other Quick Protein Options While Sticking to the Carnivore Diet
Remember, whole food is always the way to go. There are plenty of carnivore diet snacks you can rely on instead to meet your protein needs. Boiled eggs, beef jerky - these are the classics, but we have to admit they are boring, bland, and not always the most practical.
The good news is our carnivore chips are the perfect option for a fast protein punch on the go without compromising on the benefits of this nutritional regimen. They’re made with just two ingredients - meat and salt, that’s it.
More importantly, the meat is sourced from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the nation, so you can feel good about spoiling yourself with our tasty “meat pastries” as they’ve been called.
They melt in your mouth before giving way to tantalizing flavors, leaving you looking forward to the next bite. We have so many different options to choose from, too:
Order yours today and see for yourself what keeps our customers coming back for more and why these are the best alternative to carnivore diet protein powder.
Unique Ways to Incorporate Protein Powder on Carnivore Diet
Simply enjoying carnivore diet protein shakes after an intense workout or for a quick protein punch first thing in the morning is a great option. But what if you want to spice up your carnivore diet desserts or your coffee on carnivore diet? Here are some suggestions.
Carnivore Protein Coffee
Start your day with a protein-rich twist on your morning coffee.
- Ingredients: 1 scoop unflavored beef or collagen protein powder, 1 cup black coffee, 1 tbsp butter or ghee.
- Instructions: Blend the coffee, protein powder, and butter until creamy and frothy. It’s a quick and easy way to get a protein boost with your morning caffeine.
High-Protein Carnivore Pancakes
A satisfying, protein-packed breakfast option.
- Ingredients: 2 eggs, 1 scoop egg white protein powder, 1 tbsp butter or ghee.
- Instructions: Whisk the eggs with the protein powder to form a smooth batter. Cook in a greased skillet over medium heat, flipping once, until golden on both sides. Top with melted butter for extra flavor and fat.
Carnivore Ice Cream
Indulge in a frozen treat that’s 100% carnivore-friendly.
- Ingredients: 1 scoop egg white protein powder, 2 egg yolks, 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional).
- Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes, until it reaches ice cream consistency.
Carnivore Protein “Pudding”
Create a simple, custard-like snack with protein powder.
- Ingredients: 1 scoop egg white or beef protein powder, 2 egg yolks, 1 tbsp heavy cream or melted butter (optional).
- Instructions: Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Chill for 30 minutes for a pudding-like texture or enjoy immediately as a quick snack.
Protein “Frosting” for Carnivore Treats
Create a creamy topping to use on carnivore-friendly dishes or enjoy on its own.
- Ingredients: 1 scoop beef or egg white protein powder, 1 tbsp melted butter, 1–2 tbsp heavy cream.
- Instructions: Whisk ingredients together into a thick, frosting-like consistency. Use as a topping for carnivore pancakes or as a rich, standalone snack.
The possibilities are endless when you have the right carnivore diet protein powder. So, head out to find the best protein powder for carnivore diet today so you can try these recipes out!
Bringing Our Carnivore Diet Protein Powder Guide to a Close
So, can you have protein shakes on carnivore diet? Yes, and as you can see, carnivore diet protein shakes are actually just the tip of the iceberg!
Of course, all the benefits and recipes we’ve discussed are contingent on getting the best protein powder for carnivore diet. It must be 100% animal-based and free from irritants - unless you’re following a modified carnivore diet with more leniency, that is.
Find more carnivore diet tips and resources in our blog, like how to start the carnivore diet, how many calories on carnivore diet, keto vs carnivore diet, carnivore diet organ meats, paleo vs carnivore, how much protein should an athlete eat, or how much meat to eat on carnivore diet.
Again, though, carnivore diet protein shakes aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. We encourage you to stick with whole food sources for better bioavailability. So, take the next step to fuel your carnivore goals with high-quality, clean protein options at Carnivore Snax today!
