The carnivore diet is gaining traction as more people swear by its simplicity and potential health benefits.
This all-meat, low-carb approach focuses on nutrient-dense animal products while eliminating plant-based foods. If you’re ready to dive into this lifestyle, here’s your ultimate shopping list to ensure you have everything.
Beef
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Beef is a staple in the carnivore diet, providing protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. Choose fatty cuts like ribeye, brisket, and short ribs to help meet your energy needs without carbohydrates. Ground beef is also pretty budget-friendly.
Pork
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Pork offers a delicious variety of cuts, from tenderloin to pork belly. Bacon and pork chops are popular due to their rich flavor and fat content. For the best quality, choose pasture-raised pork when possible.
Chicken
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While leaner than beef and pork, chicken is still a good source of protein and essential nutrients. Buy fattier cuts like chicken thighs and wings rather than the leaner breast meat. Cooking with the skin on helps increase fat intake and adds more flavor.
Lamb
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Lamb is a nutrient-dense meat rich in omega-3s and essential minerals like zinc and selenium. Cuts like lamb shoulder and leg provide ample fat, making them ideal for the carnivore diet. Ground lamb is also great for easy meal prep.
Organ Meats
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Organ meats like liver, heart, and kidneys are among the most nutrient-dense foods. These meats are packed with essential vitamins such as A, B12, and folate, supporting overall health. Incorporating them into your diet ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients that muscle meats may lack.
Fish
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Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids that support brain and heart health. White fish, such as cod and halibut, can be included but are lower in fat, so pairing them with butter or other fats is ideal. Choosing wild-caught fish ensures the highest nutrient content and better quality.
Shellfish
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Shellfish like shrimp, crab, and oysters are excellent sources of protein and micronutrients, particularly zinc and iodine. Oysters, in particular, are rich in vitamin B12 and omega-3s, making them a great addition. These nutrient-dense seafood options can add extra minerals to your diet.
Eggs
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Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Eating the whole egg, including the yolk, maximizes nutrient intake, particularly for choline and vitamin D. They’re also highly versatile and easy to cook in various ways.
Dairy
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While not strictly required, some carnivore dieters include dairy products like cheese, butter, and heavy cream. These options provide additional fat and protein while adding variety to meals. Those sensitive to lactose may prefer hard cheeses and fermented dairy products for better digestion.
Bone Broth
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Bone broth is an excellent way to support gut health while providing essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Simmering bones for extended periods releases collagen and gelatin, aiding joint and skin health. Drinking bone broth regularly helps ensure a well-rounded intake of nutrients.
Tallow and Lard
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Rendered animal fats like tallow (beef fat) and lard (pork fat) are ideal cooking oils for the carnivore diet. They provide a stable fat source for cooking and can help meet daily energy needs. Choosing high-quality, grass-fed fats ensures better nutrient profiles and fewer additives.
Duck and Other Game Meats
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Duck, venison, and other wild meats offer unique flavors and rich nutritional profiles. Duck, in particular, is higher in fat than other poultry, making it a great choice. Game meats provide variety and can be an exciting addition to your carnivore diet.
Salt and Electrolytes
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Proper hydration and electrolyte balance are crucial on the carnivore diet, as cutting out carbs can lead to fluid loss. Using high-quality salts like sea salt or Himalayan salt helps replenish sodium levels. Many people also supplement with potassium and magnesium to avoid imbalances.
Beef Jerky and Meat Snacks
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For on-the-go convenience, beef jerky, pork rinds, and other meat-based snacks are great choices. Look for varieties with minimal additives, no sugar, and simple ingredients. These snacks can help you stay on track when fresh meat isn’t available.
Suet and Fat Trimmings
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Suet, raw beef fat, and fat trimmings from butchers are excellent energy sources on the carnivore diet. Adding extra fat helps maintain satiety and supports those who need higher energy intake. These fats can be cooked and eaten directly or rendered for later use.
12 Foods To NEVER Eat After They Expire (Throw Them Away Immediately)
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The “Sell by” date on food packaging tells how long the food can stay on shelves, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s when it expires. On the other hand, the “Best by” or “Use by” date is something to really pay attention to.
Some foods can be fine well past that date, but others don’t, and consuming them can lead to food poisoning, a trip to the hospital, or worse. Following are some foods you should never consume after they expire.
12 Foods To NEVER Eat After They Expire (Throw Them Away Immediately)
10 Beers American Boomers Can’t Stop Guzzling
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Each generation has its favorites when it comes to everything from apps to restaurants. They have clear preferences for certain beers as well. Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millenials each have favorite beers that are their go-to beverage for a night out.
According to Visual Capitalist, these are the most popular beers for each of these generations.
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