7 Best Carnivore Diet Snacks for On-the-Go: Convenient Zero-Carb Options
Living a carnivore lifestyle doesn't often involve snacking due to the satiety that comes from protein-rich meals. However, having convenient food options available can be essential for travel, busy days, or when immediate nourishment is needed. For those following this dietary approach, there are numerous options ranging from homemade treats to commercially available products that require minimal preparation while still adhering to carnivore principles.
Some favorite carnivore-friendly snacks include butter bites that taste remarkably like caramel, homemade beef jerky, bacon strips that provide a chip-like crunch, and canned fish options such as sardines. Proper electrolyte balance remains important on this diet, with several supplement options available to maintain optimal hydration and mineral levels. Those who choose this lifestyle often emphasize the importance of sourcing humanely raised animal products whenever possible.
Key Takeaways
Carnivore dieters rarely need snacks but benefit from convenient options while traveling or for quick nourishment.
Homemade options like butter bites and beef jerky provide satisfying alternatives that support the high-fat requirements of the diet.
Proper electrolyte supplementation remains essential for those following a carnivore approach to prevent imbalances and support overall health.
Carnivore Diet Lifestyle
The carnivore lifestyle rarely requires snacking between meals. The satiating nature of animal-based meals typically eliminates hunger between eating times. However, having convenient options available for travel or busy days can be beneficial.
Butter bites serve as a delicious fat-focused snack that resembles salted caramel in flavor. These can be made at home by browning butter slightly and then freezing it into bite-sized pieces. Getting adequate fat is crucial on a carnivore diet, making these convenient treats particularly valuable.
Homemade beef jerky offers another portable option. Made in a dehydrator, it provides a shelf-stable protein source that travels well. Some carnivores create flavored versions using electrolyte powders for variety.
Electrolyte options include:
Keto Chow
Element packets
Redmond Real Salt
When using commercial electrolyte products, be mindful of artificial sweeteners and minimal carbohydrate content. Proper electrolyte balance helps avoid the adjustment period sometimes called "keto flu" when transitioning to a carnivore diet.
Pre-packaged meat snacks are available from specialty suppliers. These typically contain only meat and salt with no additives, marinades, or preservatives. The texture resembles chips, with crispy edges similar to smash burgers, making them satisfying alternatives to conventional snacks.
Bacon makes an excellent carnivore snack when cooked in advance. Preparing it in an air fryer or oven and storing it in the refrigerator creates a chip-like option that's ready whenever needed.
Canned fish products provide portable protein options:
Sardines in water
Canned tuna
Canned salmon
Look for options packed in water rather than oils when selecting canned fish products.
Many practitioners of the carnivore diet emphasize ethical sourcing. Some choose only humanely raised animals from trusted sources like local farms or retailers with strong animal welfare standards. This approach combines the health benefits of the diet with personal values regarding animal treatment.
Convenience Foods for Carnivores
For those following a carnivore diet, snacking is rarely necessary due to the natural satiety that comes from eating meat. However, having convenient options available is helpful for travel, busy days, or when a quick bite is needed.
Butter bites offer a delicious fat-rich option that resembles caramel or toffee in flavor. To make them, simply brown some high-quality butter in a pan until it reaches a light golden color, then freeze in small portions. These treats provide essential fat content while satisfying any desire for something sweet.
Homemade beef jerky serves as an excellent portable protein source. Using a dehydrator, you can prepare batches that last for weeks. This makes for a convenient grab-and-go option that requires no refrigeration.
Electrolyte options:
Keto Chow (minimal carbs)
LMNT packets (1,000mg sodium per packet)
Electrolyte drops for water
When using flavored electrolyte products, be mindful of consumption levels, as excessive intake can cause discomfort. Some products contain artificial sweeteners, which certain carnivore dieters prefer to avoid.
Pre-packaged meat snacks from quality producers offer convenience for hiking or travel. Look for options with minimal ingredients—ideally just meat and salt. Varieties include:
Thinly sliced meat "chips" with a texture similar to potato chips
Pork coins with good fat content
Lamb sliders (though these may be challenging for those with braces)
These products should ideally come from grass-fed, regeneratively raised animals with no additives, seasonings, marinades, or sugar.
Bacon cooked in an air fryer or oven makes for a chip-like snack that can be stored in the refrigerator and eaten cold. The crispy texture provides a satisfying alternative to traditional snack foods.
Canned seafood presents another convenient option. Sardines, tuna, and salmon packed in water rather than oil make for protein-rich, ready-to-eat meals. When selecting these products, look for companies that prioritize sustainable fishing practices.
For those new to the carnivore lifestyle, it's worth noting that many followers prioritize humanely raised animals from known sources. This might mean purchasing from local farmers, neighbors with grass-fed operations, or retailers with strong animal welfare standards.
Butter Bites Preparation
Butter bites are a perfect high-fat snack option for those following animal-based diets. These delicious treats resemble salted caramel or toffee in flavor but are made with just one simple ingredient.
To make butter bites, start with high-quality butter such as Kerrygold. Only a small amount is needed for a satisfying batch.
Preparation steps:
Place butter in a small pan
Heat on medium heat
Brown the butter while stirring frequently (watch closely to prevent burning)
Pour browned butter into a container
Place in freezer until solidified
The lighter brown pieces typically offer the best flavor profile, providing a salty caramel-like taste. These bites are particularly valuable for those needing to increase their fat intake without adding carbohydrates.
When made correctly, butter bites offer a convenient, portable snack that requires no refrigeration for short periods. They can be stored in small containers and taken on trips or when away from home.
Many people find these to be an excellent alternative to conventional snacks, particularly when traveling or needing quick energy without the typical hunger spike and crash associated with carbohydrate-based options.
Carnivore T-Shirt
The compassionate carnivore lifestyle involves consuming animal products sourced responsibly. We created a special t-shirt that reflects this philosophy, available through the link in the video description. The shirt embodies our commitment to eating meat only from responsibly and humanely raised animals.
Most of our meat comes from local neighbors who provide organic grass-fed beef at reasonable prices. Before discovering this local source, Costco was our go-to supplier due to their relatively high standards for humane meat production.
This approach to carnivore eating emphasizes knowing the source of your food and ensuring the animals lived good lives. The compassionate carnivore mindset balances ethical considerations with the health benefits of an animal-based diet.
The t-shirt serves as both a statement piece and conversation starter about responsible meat consumption. It represents a middle path that acknowledges both the nutritional benefits of animal foods and the importance of ethical sourcing practices.
Key Values Represented by the T-shirt:
Support for humanely raised animals
Emphasis on knowing food sources
Commitment to ethical meat consumption
Responsible stewardship of animals
The shirt is perfect for those who follow a carnivore or animal-based diet while maintaining ethical standards about their food sources.
Making Beef Jerky
Beef jerky stands out as a convenient, protein-rich snack for those following a carnivore or low-carb lifestyle. It's remarkably portable, making it perfect for travel, hiking, or simply having on hand when hunger strikes.
Creating homemade beef jerky is straightforward with a dehydrator. The process allows full control over ingredients, ensuring no hidden sugars or additives make their way into your snack. Many people prefer homemade versions because commercial products often contain preservatives or sweeteners.
For those concerned about humane meat sourcing, selecting high-quality cuts from trusted suppliers makes a difference. Grass-fed and grass-finished beef options provide better nutritional profiles and support ethical farming practices. Some people source their meat locally from neighbors or farms with transparent raising methods.
Flavor options for beef jerky are virtually endless. Some prefer using simple salt as seasoning, while others incorporate electrolyte mixes like Element for additional flavor and nutritional benefits. These electrolyte-enhanced versions can taste similar to lemonade, watermelon, or other refreshing flavors without compromising the carnivore approach.
When properly prepared and stored, homemade beef jerky can last several weeks. Storage containers from dollar stores or similar retailers work perfectly for keeping jerky fresh and ready to eat. Many people prepare large batches to have on hand whenever needed.
While most strict carnivores rarely need to snack between meals due to the satiating effects of animal proteins and fats, beef jerky provides a practical option for those times when cooking a full meal isn't possible or convenient.
Benefits of Homemade Beef Jerky:
Complete control over ingredients
No preservatives or hidden sugars
Can be made with humanely raised meat
Portable and convenient
Shelf-stable for weeks
High protein content
It's worth noting that beef jerky represents just one of several carnivore-friendly snack options. Others include butter bites (browned butter solidified into candy-like pieces), bacon strips, canned sardines, and meat chips made from thinly sliced and dehydrated cuts.
Electrolytes and Hydration
Maintaining proper electrolyte balance is crucial on a carnivore diet. Without plant foods, your body needs alternative sources of essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Many people experience what's commonly called "keto flu" when transitioning to a carnivore lifestyle, which can be mitigated with proper electrolyte supplementation.
There are several effective options for maintaining electrolyte balance. Electrolyte packets like Keto Chow can be added to water for a convenient solution. These come in various flavors such as watermelon, citrus, and mango chili, providing approximately 1,000mg of sodium per packet. However, be cautious with consumption as they contain small amounts of carbohydrates and some have artificial sweeteners.
For those concerned about additives, simpler options exist. Salt tablets provide a pure form of sodium without any additional ingredients. These can be particularly beneficial during the first week of transitioning to a carnivore diet.
Hydration Tips:
Drink water consistently throughout the day
Add electrolytes to water, especially when exercising or in hot weather
Monitor your body's response to electrolyte supplements
Be careful not to over-consume electrolytes, which can cause discomfort
It's important to note that overconsumption of electrolytes, particularly on hot days or when combined with high-fat foods like butter, can cause digestive discomfort. Finding the right balance for your individual needs is essential.
When traveling or hiking, portable electrolyte options can be particularly valuable. They help maintain energy levels and prevent dehydration during physical activity. Many carnivore dieters find they need fewer snacks overall, but keeping electrolyte supplements accessible can support optimal bodily function when regular meals aren't possible.
Carnivore Snacks Review
Carnivore diet enthusiasts rarely need snacks due to the satiating nature of their meals. However, having convenient options for travel or busy days can be beneficial.
Butter Bites offer a delicious fat-rich option that tastes surprisingly like salted caramel. These homemade treats are simple to make by browning butter and freezing it into bite-sized pieces. The less browned versions tend to have the best flavor profile.
Beef Jerky provides an excellent portable protein source. Homemade versions can be prepared using a dehydrator, offering complete control over ingredients and flavors.
Electrolyte Options for carnivores include:
LMNT packets (0 carbs)
Keto Chow (minimal carbs)
Redmond Re-Lyte (all necessary electrolytes)
Caution should be exercised with flavored electrolyte products as they may contain artificial sweeteners and could cause discomfort if consumed in excess.
Carnivore Snacks meat chips offer a convenient option in several varieties:
Beef chips with a taste similar to the crispy edge of a smash burger
Pork coins with good fat distribution
Lamb sliders (though potentially challenging for those with braces)
These products contain only grass-fed, regeneratively raised meat and salt—no additives or seasonings.
Bacon makes an excellent quick snack when prepared in advance. Cook in an air fryer or oven, then refrigerate for a chip-like experience that's ready whenever needed.
Canned Fish options like sardines, tuna, and salmon provide nutrient-dense portable nutrition. Look for varieties packed in water rather than oil for the best carnivore-friendly option.
For ethical considerations, many carnivore dieters prioritize humanely raised animal products from known sources, including neighbor-raised eggs, grass-fed beef from local farms, or products with high welfare standards from retailers like Costco.
Bacon as a Snack
Bacon serves as an excellent snack option for those following a carnivore diet. It's quick to prepare in an air fryer or oven, making it convenient for busy days. Once cooked, bacon can be stored in the refrigerator and eaten cold later.
The crispy texture of bacon makes it a satisfying alternative to conventional chips. Many carnivore dieters find they don't need to snack frequently, as protein-rich meals tend to be quite satiating. However, having bacon ready to go can be helpful for those moments when hunger strikes between meals.
For those concerned about food sourcing, seeking out humanely raised bacon aligns with a "compassionate carnivore" approach. This means selecting products from animals that were raised with ethical standards, preferably from trusted local sources or retailers with transparent sourcing policies.
Other convenient meat-based snack options include:
Homemade beef jerky
Butter bites (browned butter frozen into bite-sized pieces)
Dried meat chips
Canned fish (sardines, tuna, salmon)
Hard-boiled eggs
When preparing butter bites, simply brown some butter in a pan, watching carefully to achieve the desired color without burning. Once browned, pour it into a container and freeze. The resulting snack offers a rich, caramel-like flavor with a satisfying saltiness.
For those on the go, having these prepared snacks readily available eliminates the need to cook an entire steak when a quick bite is needed. They're particularly useful for travel, hiking, or busy days when cooking isn't convenient.
Sardines and Other Canned Fish
Canned fish offers exceptional convenience for those following animal-based diets. Wild Planet products stand out particularly for their quality. Their sardines packed in water and sea salt provide excellent nutrition without unnecessary additives.
When selecting canned fish, look for products without added oils. Wild Planet's sardine, tuna, and salmon options all come in simple water-packed varieties with minimal ingredients.
For newcomers to sardines, they might seem intimidating as they contain the whole fish, bones included. However, these bones are soft and edible, providing valuable calcium. The taste is distinctive but rewarding once you become accustomed to it.
Canned tuna serves as another practical protein option. Like sardines, it travels well and requires no preparation, making it ideal for busy days or travel.
Recommended Canned Fish Options:
Sardines in water with sea salt
Plain canned tuna (water-packed)
Canned salmon (water-packed)
These options work well for people who prioritize ethically-sourced animal products. While not everyday staples for those who prefer fresh meats, they provide valuable backup options when cooking isn't convenient.
