The carnivore diet is simple in theory, but confusing in practice. One of the most common questions people ask is:
“What foods are actually allowed on the carnivore diet?”
Some sources say only meat, others include eggs, and many people are unsure where foods like cheese or yogurt fit in.
This guide breaks it down clearly and realistically, so you know exactly what counts as carnivore — and what doesn’t.
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Why did I try the Carnivore Diet?
I enjoy testing recipes across structured eating styles like weight watchers recipes, Low Carb | Keto, and carnivore. Exploring these approaches helps me understand what works in real kitchens and allows me to share practical, realistic recipes for a wide range of eaters.
My favorite carnivore combo is ground beef and eggs and I love that with an avocado on the side.
A long time ago I'd make food item lists like this for WW but they would constantly be changing their plans each year and I'd have to update them. One thing nice about carnivore is that the diet plan never changes and its always the same food!
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet focuses on animal-based foods only.
In its strictest form, it eliminates all plant foods and relies on meat, eggs, and animal fats.
That said, many people follow a more flexible version often called carnivore-adjacent or animal-based, which includes certain dairy foods.
This food list explains both approaches, so you can choose what works for you.
Strict Carnivore Diet Food List
These are foods that almost everyone agrees are carnivore diet friendly
Meat
- Beef (ground beef, steak, roasts, ribs)
- Pork (bacon, chops, ribs)
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Lamb
- Bison
- Venison
- Organ meats (liver, heart, kidney)
Fish & Seafood
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Cod
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Sardines
Eggs
- Whole eggs
- Egg yolks
- Egg whites
Animal Fats
- Butter
- Ghee
- Beef tallow
- Lard
- Bacon fat
Seasoning
- Salt
Some strict carnivore eaters avoid all spices. Salt is the most universally accepted seasoning.
What Cheese Is “Carnivore”?
First, the honest rule
No cheese is strict carnivore.
Cheese is animal-based / carnivore-adjacent, not strict carnivore.
That said, some cheeses are far more carnivore-friendly than others, and these are the ones most people mean when they ask this question.
Eggs are one of the most widely accepted carnivore foods and are commonly used in carnivore recipes.
Hard, Aged Cheeses (Best Choice) Cheddar (especially aged), Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Asiago
Carnivore-Adjacent / Animal-Based Foods
These foods come from animals but are not considered strict carnivore.
Many people still include them and see good results.
Dairy (Full-Fat, Plain)
- Cheese (including grass-fed cheese)
- Heavy cream
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese
Why these are debated:
- They contain lactose (milk sugar)
- They are fermented or processed
- They go beyond meat, eggs, and fat
Best label: Carnivore-adjacent or animal-based
Foods Not Allowed on the Carnivore Diet
Even if they are low carb or keto, these foods are not carnivore.
- Vegetables of any kind
- Fruit
- Avocado
- Nuts and seeds
- Plant oils (olive oil, avocado oil)
- Almond flour, coconut flour
- Sweeteners (monk fruit, stevia)
- Honey, maple syrup
- Grains, rice, bread, pasta
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