THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
Starting the carnivore diet is one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll make. This radical shift from traditional dietary norms has the potential to support better physical and mental health, all while simplifying your dietary choices on a daily basis.
There’s just one problem: what can you snack on when cravings strike? This is something every carnivore struggles with at some point in their journey. The basics like boiled eggs and beef jerky only get you so far. Fortunately, there are other snacks worth exploring, like biltong.
But is biltong good for carnivore diet? Can you eat biltong on carnivore diet in the first place? We’re here to help you get to the bottom of it in this detailed guide. Biltong is basically just air-dried meat, so it sounds like a perfect snack on paper.
But the truth is, there are quite a few non-carnivore ingredients that go into making biltong taste good. That’s not to mention some of the preservatives used. You deserve better carnivore diet snacks, and we’re here to provide them. Our meat chips are way better than biltong.
They feature just two ingredients: meat and salt. That’s it. They’re sourced from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the nation, too, so you can feel good about what you’re indulging in. Shop our online storefront today and find your new favorite low calorie high protein snacks!
The Basics of Biltong on Carnivore Diet
You might know about the carnivore diet benefits already, but maybe you’re just hearing about biltong for the first time. Or, maybe it’s the other way around. At any rate, here’s what you need to know about the carnivore diet and biltong.
What is the Carnivore Diet?
This nutritional regimen is as simple as it gets. Eat meat, avoid everything else. That means no plants, grains, seed oils, or sugar. Just animal-based foods like beef, lamb, pork, organs, fat, salt, and sometimes eggs or dairy (depending on how strict you are).
Doesn’t sound very exciting - so why do people do it? Well, it works. Many people who take a chance on this approach to eating say it’s the first diet that really reduces inflammation, clears out brain fog, improves digestion, and helps them feel full without cravings.
Maybe you’ve tried other diets like paleo, keto, or low-carb and still didn’t feel quite right. Carnivore could be just what you need. It cuts out every possible irritant and lets your body reset with a new health baseline.
The idea is that plants are loaded with anti-nutrients like fiber, lectins, oxalates, gluten, and processed food, which ultimately cause more harm than good.
So what can you expect from switching to the carnivore lifestyle? It’s a great way to jumpstart or enhance a weight loss regimen. You can also use the diet to help manage autoimmune conditions, skin issues, and chronic gut problems.
It’s not easy, but is it worth it? The carnivore diet before and after results people are talking about are impossible to ignore. The biggest issue, though, comes down to satisfying cravings. That’s where biltong comes into the conversation.
What is Biltong?
Biltong is a dried meat snack that can be traced back to South Africa. It’s made by curing strips of beef in vinegar and spices, then air-drying them over several days. Eventually you’re left with a flavorful piece of meat that’s high in protein, often rich in fat, and shelf-stable.
We see a ton of confusion about the differences between beef jerky and biltong. Be clear, they’re not the same thing. Instead of cooking the meat (as you would with jerky), biltong is dried slowly at low temperatures. This is why it’s so much more tender and has a deeper flavor.
And because it's traditionally made with thicker cuts and natural fat caps, it feels more substantial than most jerky. Plus, the simplicity of the base ingredients - meat and salt - makes it look pretty carnivore-friendly at first glance.
But here’s where it gets tricky: most biltong isn’t just meat and salt. Commercial versions, like what you’d find at the grocery store, has all sorts of other ingredients in it. This begs the question, is biltong good for carnivore diet?
Is Biltong Good for Carnivore Diet?
Biltong seems like a perfect carnivore snack. It’s made from beef. It’s dried. It’s high in protein. But as always with carnivore, the devil is in the details. The question isn’t just what it is - it’s how it’s made and what’s added to it.
Can You Eat Biltong on Carnivore Diet?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on the specific variety you’re adding to your diet. Most biltong won’t qualify if you’re following a strict carnivore diet with zero plant ingredients.
That’s because it’s traditionally made with vinegar and spices like coriander, black pepper, or even sugar. Those extras may sound marginal, but at the end of the day they’re there. So, biltong falls outside the definition of a true elimination-style carnivore plan.
That said, some companies offer stripped-down versions with just beef and salt - or, you could try to make your own carnivore biltong recipe at home if you’re feeling up for the task.
It’s also worth noting that not everyone follows the carnivore diet exactly how it’s laid out. Some people take a more flexible approach after completely cutting everything out, getting to their new normal, and then reintroducing one ingredient at a time. This is a modified carnivore diet.
Just don’t assume “meat snack” equals carnivore-compliant. Always check the label, and know what you’re putting in your body. So, can you eat biltong? Maybe. Is biltong good for carnivore diet, though? That’s another story.
Is Biltong Better Than Other Meat-Based Snacks, Though?
Compared to most jerky, yeah - biltong is a better choice. It’s usually less processed, air-dried instead of cooked, and often made from higher-quality cuts of beef. It also tends to include more fat, which makes it more satisfying and less dry than most gas-station jerky.
But better than other meat-based snacks doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best. Just as biltong is a better beef jerky alternative, our carnivore chips are a superior biltong alternative for carnivore dieters. They’re cleaner, tastier, and more readily available.
We’ll take a closer look at some good alternatives to biltong for carnivore diet adherents in just a moment. Before we get into that, we want to show you what to look for in biltong if you’re passionate about snacking on it every now and then.
What to Look for in Biltong for Carnivore Diet
You need to read labels like it’s your job if you’re going to eat biltong on carnivore diet. Even the “clean” brands are sneaking in ingredients that don’t belong in a true animal-based plan. Here’s what to look for:
- Meat and salt only. No vinegar, no sugar, no spices. Those are red flags.
- Fat content. Look for visible fat or marbled pieces for better satiety. Avoid ultra-lean cuts that leave you hungry.
- Preservative-free. Sodium nitrate, yeast extract, and MSG are a no-go.
- Transparent sourcing. Grass-fed or regeneratively raised meat is ideal. If the company doesn’t say where it comes from, that’s a sign.
Also worth noting: if the package says “original,” “spicy,” or “flavored,” assume it’s not carnivore-friendly. And if it tastes sweet, tangy, or complex, that’s not just beef and salt. The good news is you won’t have to look far for a better biltong alternative.
What’s a Better Alternative to Biltong for Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet food list is pretty slim compared to the standard American diet, but that’s by design. You’re only fueling your body with the best of the best from the animal kingdom.
So, we’ll share our three favorite alternatives to biltong on carnivore diet, each of which is close in taste and texture but superior from a nutritional perspective. The best high fat low carb snacks are just a click away at Carnivore Snax.
Carnivore Snax
Carnivore Snax is in a league of its own if you want a snack that delivers on flavor, texture, and aligns with the strict carnivore diet rules. It’s made from just two ingredients: regeneratively raised meat and salt.
That means no sugar, vinegar, coriander, preservatives, or anything hiding in a seasoning blend. Just real meat, slow-dehydrated until it turns into something crisp, light, and deeply satisfying.
But while it starts out nice and airy, it quickly melts in your mouth and gives way to tantalizing flavors - almost like a meat pastry. Trust us, you’re going to fall in love with our meat chips.
Each bag starts with a full pound of meat. Moisture is pulled out during the dehydration process, concentrating the flavor and nutrients while delivering a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s unlike anything else in the “meat snack” category. There’s a variety of cuts, too:
Carnivore Snax isn’t just about compliance. It’s about enjoyment. This is one of the few snacks that feels indulgent, fills you up, and won’t leave you second-guessing your ingredient list. It travels well, holds up in heat, and won’t bloat or trigger cravings.
Place your order today if you’re ready to upgrade your carnivore meal plan and join over 110,000 happy customers and counting who make our snacks a part of their regular rotation. We’re confident you’ll be back for more!
Rendered Fat Chunks
Rendered fat chunks are a pure, satisfying alternative to biltong on carnivore diet, whether you’re using beef suet or lamb fat. You can cut it into small cubes and either bake or pan-fry it until golden and crisp on the outside.
You’ll be left with a rich, salty, shelf-stable fat bomb that’s 100% carnivore and zero carb. These chunks deliver satiety and energy, perfect for anyone running on fat for fuel, not just carnivores. They’re great for pairing with lean meat, breaking a fast, or curbing hunger mid-day without messing up your routine.
Unlike biltong, there's no plant-based anything - no flavorings, spices, or even residual sugars from marinades. Just rendered animal fat, cooked low and slow. You can make them at home with just salt, or find pre-prepared suet crisps from trusted carnivore-friendly sources.
They're simple, dense, and fully aligned with what this way of eating is about: real nourishment, no compromises.
Freeze-Dried Organ Meats
Organ meats are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. They may not sound all that appetizing, but they’re a staple on our 30-day carnivore diet meal plan because they deliver nutrients you can’t get from any other animal-based food.
One way to make them more appetizing is to freeze-dry them. At this point they become a crunchy, portable, and clean alternative to biltong that actually elevates your nutrition.
Freeze-dried beef liver, heart, or kidney crisps give you a powerful dose of micronutrients: vitamin A, B12, folate, copper, and iron, to name a few. They’re 100% animal-based, with no additives, spices, or processing agents. Just sliced organs, freeze-dried to preserve both flavor and integrity.
They’re shelf-stable and easy to portion, which makes them ideal for travel or between-meal snacking. And unlike biltong, they don’t rely on marinades, sugar, or acidic agents for flavor. The taste is naturally intense - some love it, others grow into it.
Think of them less as a compromise snack and more as a cheat code for energy, mental clarity, and deep, real nourishment. But, when you don’t want to bother making anything on your own, you can always fall back on the best meat snacks on the market - right here at Carnivore Snax.
Closing Thoughts on Eating Biltong on Carnivore Diet
In closing, is biltong good for carnivore diet? This is a bit of a loaded question, because we don’t know 1) what exactly is in the biltong in question, or 2) what your health goals are.
Unfortunately, most biltong has vinegar, sugar, or spices that don’t belong in a strict animal-based approach. The good news? There are better choices if you need clean, consistent snacks without compromise, and some of the BEST options are here in our online storefront.
Carnivore Snax delivers everything biltong promises and then some: meat, satiety, simplicity. What you won’t get is any extra baggage. So, don’t settle for anything less than Mother Nature’s finest. Find flavor in purity, not in added nonsense. Shop now and taste the difference!
