If you follow a carnivore diet, you will lose weight, have clearer thinking, have lower blood sugar and inflammation, and of course, be less likely to get many diseases.
However, following this diet can be draining at times – especially when those mid-day or late-night cravings strike. Not many snacks are good for people on the carnivore diet, and the ones that are won’t really please your taste buds.
Fortunately, were here to help you stay on track with your nutrition without losing your mind. Below, well share the best carnivore diet snack list online. These carnivore diet snack ideas feature some of the most delicious, carnivore-diet-approved snacks the world has to offer.
Before we show you this list, let us talk about how important it is to find snacks you love when you’re on a carnivore diet.
Beef jerky is a popular high-protein snack that has a devoted following. But can this portable dried meat be part of a carnivore diet? While jerky fits the criteria of being meat-based, not all versions work for the strict limitations of an animal foods-only approach.
This article provides a complete guide to eating beef jerky on the different variations of the carnivore diet. We’ll cover how to select compliant jerky products or make your own, as well as the nutrition profile, benefits, and downsides of beef jerky for this meat-focused eating plan.
What is Beef Jerky?
Beef jerky is made from lean beef that is trimmed of fat, sliced into strips, then dried or dehydrated. This drying process reduces moisture content to around 15%, preventing bacterial growth and allowing jerky to be stored without refrigeration.
The meat used is typically low-cost beef cuts like eye of round bottom round or flank steak. These lean cuts are preferred as they don’t require additional fat trimming prior to processing.
Traditionally, beef jerky was simply seasoned with salt before air drying. Today, mass-produced versions also contain sweeteners, preservatives, tenderizers, and flavorings like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or liquid smoke.
Homemade recipes offer more control over ingredients. Marinades can utilize spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to add flavor if desired.
Is Beef Jerky Allowed on the Carnivore Diet?
Beef jerky’s suitability on a carnivore diet depends on the specific type:
Strict Carnivore – Strict followers only consume beef, lamb, other ruminant meats, eggs, and animal fats. Jerky made purely from beef,lamb, or venison with only salt added fits these criteria.
Classic Carnivore – Allows all meats, fish, eggs, high-fat dairy like cheese, and black coffee/tea. Beef jerky without non-animal additives is compatible.
Animal-Based – Includes animal foods plus honey and select fruits and starchy veggies. Beef jerky without plant sweeteners/oils works for this version.
If you’re a keto carnivore, you can eat more plant-based foods and dairy protein powders. Store-bought jerky with low net carbs can fit this diet.
So jerky made from only cured meat and salt works for stricter carnivores, but depending on the diet, it may need to be changed in some ways.
Buying Compliant Beef Jerky
Finding commercially made beef jerky that fits a carnivore diet can be tricky but is possible. Here’s what to look for on labels:
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Ingredients – Should only list beef, salt, and possibly spices like black pepper. Avoid jerky with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, sweeteners, or preservatives.
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Carbs/Sugars – Select “zero” or “low” carb jerky with no added sugars. Some keto-friendly options can work.
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Grass-fed/Organic – Choosing jerky made from grass-fed and organic beef provides nutritional benefits. But not absolutely necessary.
Some compliant jerky brands include Chomps, Vermont Smoke & Cure, Fuel For Fire, Mission Meats, and Wild Zora. Many can be purchased online if not available locally. Be aware that even among “paleo” marketed jerky, not all are strictly carnivore diet approved upon close inspection of ingredients.
Can You Make Your Own Beef Jerky?
Making homemade jerky enables complete control over ingredients. You can create flavors to suit your tastes and macronutrient targets.
Follow these basic steps:
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Select Lean Meat – Flank steak, eye of round, and bottom round work well. Trim off any visible fat.
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Slice Thinly – Cut meat lengthwise into long, thin strips. Partially freezing first makes this easier.
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Marinate – Soak strips in a salt-based marinade. Add any desired herbs/spices.
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Dehydrate – Arrange strips on racks of dehydrator or oven. Dry at 145-170°F for 4-8 hours until hardened.
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Store – Let jerky cool then place in airtight bags or jars. Keeps up to 2 months without refrigeration.
Experiment with different cuts of meat, slice thicknesses, marinades, and drying methods to customize the results. Making jerky at home saves money compared to store-bought options.
Nutrition Profile of Beef Jerky
Beef jerky packs a big protein punch while being low in carbs and fat. A 1 ounce serving contains around:
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
The protein provides a steady stream of amino acids to help preserve and build muscle when eaten as a snack. The low moisture content reduces the weight, making jerky an ideal portable food.
However, the sodium content can be high at over 500mg per ounce for many brands. The drying process concentrates the saltiness. Those restricting sodium may want to limit portions or make their own lower-salt versions.
The Benefits of Beef Jerky for Carnivore Diets
Assuming an appropriate brand is selected, beef jerky offers several advantages for those eating carnivore:
Convenience – The lightweight nature and long shelf life without refrigeration makes jerky the ultimate portable snack.
High Protein – Each serving provides 15g or more of satisfying protein to help meet daily needs on meat-focused diets.
Low Carb – With just 3 grams of carbs and barely any sugar, jerky allows staying in ketosis between meals.
Nutrient Density – Jerky provides B-vitamins, iron, zinc, selenium and other minerals found in beef.
Satiety – The protein and lack of carbs promotes a feeling of fullness and stable blood sugar.
Versatility – Jerky works as a quick snack or can be chopped up to add texture to salads, baked goods, etc.
For those on stricter carnivore diets, jerky contributes toward the goal of getting most calories from animal meat and fat.
Potential Downsides of Beef Jerky
Despite the benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
High Sodium – Many brands are high in sodium from the salt/soy sauce used. This may promote fluid retention.
GI Issues – The high protein and low moisture content can worsen constipation issues. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
Nitrates/Nitrites – Some jerky contains these preservatives which may promote cancer according to limited research.
Nutrient Loss – The drying process results in some loss of heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C and B vitamins.
Dental Damage – The tough, chewy texture can potentially crack teeth or pull out fillings for those with dental work.
Cost – Commercially prepared jerky is one of the most expensive sources of meat protein ounce-for-ounce.
While these may not be major issues for everyone, they are worth considering before making beef jerky a dietary staple.
Tips for Incorporating Beef Jerky Into a Carnivore Diet
Here are some tips for enjoying beef jerky as part of an animal-based eating pattern:
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Consume jerky in moderation along with other nutritious meat sources. Don’t rely on it as your sole protein source.
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Drink plenty of water with it to counter the saltiness. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily.
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Select jerky with limited ingredients to avoid unwanted additives. Check labels closely.
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Consider making your own jerky to control sodium and customize flavors to your taste.
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Pair jerky with other snacks like cheese, hard boiled eggs, or fatty cuts of meat to balance nutrients.
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Use jerky as a snack between meals, before/after workouts, or when traveling for convenience.
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Purchase quality jerky in bulk online to save money compared to convenience store prices.
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Rotate between different jerky flavors to add variety and prevent taste burnout.
Other Dried Meat Snack Options
While beef is the most popular, jerky can also be made from other meat sources:
Turkey Jerky – Nearly as versatile and has a slightly milder flavor. Ensure no fillers are added.
Pork Jerky – Uses loin and shoulder cuts. Offers a different texture and pork flavor.
Alligator Jerky – Made from farm-raised alligator tail or flank meat. High in protein with a unique taste.
Salmon Jerky – Allows getting omega-3s in jerky form. Works well with citrus-based marinades.
Venison Jerky – Lean with a rich wild game taste. Can be pricey when buying pre-made.
Elk Jerky – Similar to venison but with a slightly sweeter flavor. Try marinating in honey.
Don’t limit yourself just to beef jerky. Branch out and sample different meats to find your favorites. The drying process intensifies the natural flavors.
Is Beef Jerky a Healthy Choice on the Carnivore Diet?
Beef jerky can offer convenience, portability, and nutritional benefits for those following meat-focused diets. However, it may not be the healthiest choice for everyday snacking.
In moderation along with a diversity of fresh, whole food animal sources, quality jerky provides an occasional quick protein fix with little downside. But relying on it heavily could potentially cause unwanted effects.
Make jerky one component of balanced carnivore nutrition including fatty cuts of red meat, organ meats, fish, eggs, and dairy if including. This variety will ensure you get all the amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fat needed to thrive.
The Verdict on Beef Jerky for Carnivore Diets
Beef jerky can be a tasty and convenient snack option for carnivore dieters when paying close attention to ingredients. Commercially prepared versions should contain only beef, salt, and possibly spices like pepper to comply with stricter versions. Or you can make your own jerky to suit macronutrient goals.
While jerky contributes protein, vitamins, and minerals, overdoing it may cause issues. Use alongside a diversity of wholesome animal foods for optimal nutrition. In moderation, beef jerky can add quick protein convenience when adhering to a carnivorous diet.
What to Consider When Seeking Carnivore Diet Snack Ideas
This goes without saying – but not all snacks are created equal. You should make sure that the following are true about any snack you choose while on the carnivore diet:
- High in protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- Easy to digest
- Free of plant-based ingredients
As you can imagine, this leaves you with slim pickings. as most snacks fail to satisfy all of these criteria. And we havent even mentioned one of the most important factors: taste. You should actually enjoy these snacks; otherwise, what’s the point? You’ll throw them away in favor of something that doesn’t quite meet your nutritional needs.
In building our carnivore diet snack list below, weve identified some great ideas that check all these boxes. So – without any further ado, here are the top carnivore diet snack ideas you can try yourself.
The Importance of Selecting the Best Carnivore Diet Snack Ideas
You may be wondering why were making such a big deal about snacks. After all, theyre just little pick-me-ups to get you through the day – right?.
Well, not exactly. It’s important to pay extra attention to the nutrient density of the foods you do eat when you cut out a whole food group, like plants in this case. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming deficient in certain vitamins and minerals.
Not to mention, going hours without eating can make it difficult to stick to your carnivore diet long-term. This is why finding carnivore diet snacks you actually enjoy eating is crucial for your success. Otherwise, youre more likely to cut corners and give in to temptations when they come up. Even the most strong-willed individuals fall victim to their cravings – and thats because willpower alone isnt enough.
You won’t have to worry about this again if you have the right carnivore diet snack list. You’ll look forward to the snacks that are already on the list! Before we give you the list, let’s talk about what you need to think about when picking snacks.
Carnivore Diet and Beef Jerky: The Ultimate Weight Loss and Appetite Hack
FAQ
Is beef jerky a carnivore diet?
Does jerky count as processed meat?
Can you eat pepperoni sticks on carnivore diet?
Does beef jerky count as meat?
Is beef jerky a carnivore snack?
Beef jerky is the ultimate carnivore snack – it’s loaded with protein, has zero carbs, adds variety to the diet, and provides a quick meaty snack when you don’t have other options. As followers of the carnivore way of eating know, protein is king and should make up the vast majority of calories and nutrients.
Does jerky fit into a low carb diet?
It fits into paleo, low carb (keto), and Whole30 diets. Dried jerkies make for the perfect high protein snack for these diets. Beef jerky is the ultimate carnivore snack – it’s loaded with protein, has zero carbs, adds variety to the diet, and provides a quick meaty snack when you don’t have other options.
How do you make carnivore beef jerky?
For this carnivore beef jerky recipe you will need: Follow my easy carnivore diet beef jerky recipe: Start by preheating the oven to 225°F (110°C) and lining two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Unfold the steak (it should be partially frozen for easy cutting).
Is it necessary to eat meat on a carnivore diet?
Ideally, unprocessed meats are a better choice on a carnivore diet, as processed meats are often cooked in inflammatory vegetable oils and contain added sugars. – Judy Cho, Nutritional Therapist. Therefore, it is necessary to eat meat on a carnivore diet.