THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
The carnivore diet benefits range from weight management to better gut health, sharper mental focus, management of autoimmune conditions, and so much more. As radical as it may seem, the carnivore diet results are far too plentiful and compelling to ignore.
But, they say health is wealth - and the carnivore diet cost is a perfect example of this. Many hear about the cost of carnivore diet and run the other way.
But how much does the carnivore diet cost? Is the carnivore diet expensive in actuality? HOW expensive is the carnivore diet compared to the other dietary regimens you can choose from?
These are a few of the many questions we’ll dig into below. Just know this - carnivore can be a more cost-effective approach to nutrition than you might have thought! In fact, it can be more affordable than the standard American diet, veganism, and many others.
Sure, the cost of meat and eggs has risen over the years. However, there are plenty of ways to follow this diet without breaking the bank or sacrificing nutritional quality. You can also think about it this way: what price are you willing to pay for holistic health? To us, it’s priceless.
Learn more about doing the carnivore diet on a budget below.
What is the Carnivore Diet?
So what is the carnivore diet, and how does the carnivore diet work? As you might have already gathered, it’s a strict dietary regimen that cuts all plant-based foods off the menu in favor of animal-based sources. That means no veggies, fruits, nuts, grains, or other processed foods.
What can you eat on the carnivore diet, then? The carnivore diet food list is actually more bountiful than you may assume! The staples are beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and animal fats, but some take this a step further and include dairy with milk and cheese on carnivore diet.
It sounds nuts, but is the carnivore diet healthy? While it’s not for everyone, most people find that the benefits are well worth the potential downside. It simplifies nutrition, reduces common dietary irritants, and fuels the body through nutrient-dense foods.
Many find that this style of eating improves digestion, lowers inflammation, and stabilizes energy levels. This is why many suffering from autoimmune conditions are drawn towards the diet.
Our blog has additional resources on the potential carnivore diet side effects, like carnivore diet constipation. But in weighing the carnivore diet pros and cons, the biggest complaint we see circulating has to do with the carnivore diet cost.
So, is the carnivore diet expensive, or is the cost of carnivore diet overexaggerated? How much does the carnivore diet cost? Let’s take a look below.
How Much Does the Carnivore Diet Cost?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the cost of carnivore diet. It depends on how much you eat, the specific cuts you choose, and where you buy them. There are just too many moving pieces at play.
However, it makes sense that so many assume the carnivore diet cost is high because animal-based foods are more expensive per pound than their processed counterparts. When you sit down and actually do the math, though, it becomes clear that this is a misconception.
While the actual grocery bill might be higher when loading up on meat and eggs, the nutritional value of those foods will far outweigh the processed junk you’d otherwise be consuming.
Protein-dense options like steak, chicken, ground beef, and eggs keep you feeling full for longer, too, so you can stretch your budget further.
But more importantly, you’re paying for real nutrition that leads to better health outcomes. Imagine the healthcare bills associated with a lifetime of consuming the standard American diet - investing in better food is a small price to pay in the long run!
All that being said, how much does the carnivore diet cost on average? Keep in mind we’re going to have to make some assumptions here, and these may not align with your reality.
But, we can talk about how much meat to eat on carnivore diet and work our way backward to get a better estimate of the carnivore diet cost. Most people will eat roughly 1.5-2 pounds of meat daily, which could equate to around $10 to $20 per day on average.
It mainly depends on the type of meat you eat, though, as not all carnivore meats cost the same. Affordable options like ground beef start at $4 to $6 per pound while more premium cuts like ribeye steaks range from $12 to $20 per pound.
Carnivore diet eggs can be a great addition to not just your carnivore diet breakfast ideas but also for carnivore diet meals, including carnivore diet snacks. They cost anywhere from $3 to $5 per dozen.
Meanwhile, carnivore diet organ meats are one of the most cost-effective ways to get a diverse range of nutrients on the diet. For example, liver is only $4 to $6 per pound.
When you compare the cost of carnivore diet to the cost of processed foods, you’ll likely have a revelation: carnivore diet isn’t nearly as expensive as you might have thought! But, how does it compare to other nutritional regimens?
Is the Carnivore Diet Expensive? Cost Comparison With Other Dietary Regimens
Whether you’re comparing paleo vs carnivore or keto vs carnivore diet, running the numbers on expenses is just one thing to consider. You need to prioritize the actual health benefits first and foremost since that’s what matters most.
That being said, how expensive is the carnivore diet when put side-by-side with alternatives, like the standard American diet you’re likely more familiar with?
Standard American Diet
While it appears cheaper at first since you’re buying more affordable foods such as bread, pasta, frozen meals, and packaged snacks, these add up fast. That’s because you have to eat a lot more of them to reach the same level of satiety you would on carnivore.
More importantly, though, you’re putting yourself at risk of all the health concerns associated with the standard American diet - obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and more. Health is wealth, and carnivore diet takes the cake here easily.
Veganism
In looking at the carnivore diet vs vegan lifestyles, you’ll see that plant-based eating can get really pricey. That’s because meat substitutes, nut-based cheeses, and plant-based protein powders are expensive to make, and those costs are passed down to the consumer.
While staples such as beans, rice, and tofu aren’t all that bad, only eating these foods would leave you susceptible to serious nutritional deficiencies. You’re not getting complete proteins. The cost of carnivore diet ends up being more affordable in the end.
Keto
So, is the carnivore diet expensive compared to keto?
These two are fairly similar in that they both eliminate carbs, but keto allows for a wider selection of foods such as vegetables, oils, and nuts. There are a few common keto ingredients that might be more expensive, such as avocados and almond flour.
However, keto may be a bit more affordable just because you tend to eat less on the ketogenic diet, whereas carnivore doesn’t limit your caloric intake. The carnivore diet rules only dictate what you eat, not how much.
But all else held equal in terms of caloric intake, carnivore can actually be less expensive than keto - especially if you focus on more affordable cuts of meat as we’ll suggest below.
There are plenty of other dietary comparisons we can make to help you get a better understanding of the carnivore diet cost - like carnivore diet vs atkins or mediterranean diet vs carnivore diet. But when done right, the carnivore diet can be more affordable than you think!
Ways to Cost Costs Without Compromising Nutritional Quality
Don’t let the cost of carnivore diet deter you - it can be a powerful way to live a healthier, happier life. As we’ll show you below, it doesn’t have to break the bank either. Here’s how to minimize the carnivore diet cost without compromising on its potential.
Most Cost-Effective Carnivore Diet Cuts
Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing like a delicious ribeye or tri-tip - but these shouldn’t be your staples. Rather, enjoy them on special occasions while sticking to more cost-effective carnivore diet cuts of meat 90% of the time.
Eating pork on carnivore diet or trying different carnivore diet chicken recipes tends to be more affordable. These choices represent the best bang for your buck:
- Ground Beef: Versatile and nutrient-dense, costing as little as $4 per pound.
- Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: High in fat and flavor, often $2-$3 per pound.
- Pork Shoulder: Great for slow-cooking and around $3-$5 per pound.
- Organ Meats: Nutritional powerhouses like liver and kidney are typically $2-$6 per pound.
These options provide plenty of protein and fat while being easy on your wallet. They’re delicious too - why bother with anything else?!
Buy in Bulk From Local Sources
Where you buy your meat will impact how much you’ll pay. Trader Joes or Whole Foods is going to be much more expensive than Costco or your local butcher.
The more you buy, the less you’ll pay per pound. Look for local farms, butchers, or wholesalers that offer bulk discounts. See if you can find a few friends that are willing to split the purchase of an entire cow or pig and freeze the surplus, thawing what you need for weekly meals.
You could also look into joining a meat subscription box that delivers quality meat at wholesale prices. These services often let you customize your box so you get the cuts you prefer.
Plan Meals Strategically
Smart meal planning helps reduce waste since you use every ounce of the meat you buy. Cook larger portions and divide them into all your meals for the week. This prevents overeating and saves you a ton of time, too.
Make sure you’re using every bit of the products you’re buying, using bones to make broth and consuming those organ meats - they’re rich in vitamins and minerals you won’t get through other cuts.
Don’t let leftovers go to waste, either. Store cooked or uncooked meat to avoid spoilage and save it for a rainy day. Explore more carnivore diet dinner ideas and carnivore diet lunch ideas in our blog. We also have a great 30-day carnivore diet meal plan if you’re not sure where to start!
Opt for Conventional Over Grass-Fed When Necessary
Here at Carnivore Snax we’re passionate about meat quality, and encourage you to opt for grass-fed, pasture-raised whenever possible. After all, we put out money where our mouth is by sourcing our meat chips from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the nation.
However, we also recognize that this is a luxury not everyone can afford. The truth is, conventional meat still delivers the nutrients you need - protein, iron, and other essentials - at a more affordable price point.
Rely on Supplements to Fill in Gaps
Whole food is always better than carnivore diet supplements, but they do have their place in filling in the gaps in your nutritional needs. Drinking a protein shake every day can replace a serving of meat at a fraction of the price, for example.
Similarly, collagen or bone broth powders tend to be more cost-effective carnivore diet options than buying and simmering bones on your own. If you’re not a fan of organ meats, liver capsules provide similar nutrients at a lower cost.
All things considered, you can easily cut the cost of carnivore diet without compromising on nutritional quality. Try these carnivore diet cost-saving tips and invest in your health and happiness today!
Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Cost of Carnivore Diet
So, is the carnivore diet expensive? Put a different way, how expensive is the carnivore diet? We hope this conversation has cleared up some of the misconceptions you might have had about the cost of carnivore diet.
We get it, too - meat is not cheap. But if you follow our tips above you’ll likely realize that carnivore doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. You can be more strategic in what you eat and where you buy it to save money.
Looking for more carnivore diet tips? Our blog has additional resources on how to start the carnivore diet and insights into the diet in general, including:
- Carnivore bodybuilder
- Carnivore diet macros
- Carnivore diet muscle gain
- Coffee on carnivore diet
- Carnivore diet desserts
- Can you gain weight on carnivore diet
- Carnivore diet for inflammation
Don’t forget to stock up on our carnivore chips before you go, though. They’re a cost-effective carnivore diet snack that can keep you full for longer since they’re packed with protein and healthy fats.
They contain just two ingredients, meat and salt, so they’re a perfect pairing for the carnivore diet. They taste amazing, too, with many calling them a meat pastry for how they melt in your mouth before giving way to tantalizing flavors.
There are so many different cuts to choose from, including ribeye chips, steak chips, lamb chips, beef chips, brisket chips, chicken chips, pork chips, and more. Order today and taste the difference yourself!
