The carnivore diet is a highly restrictive elimination diet that aims to reduce inflammation, boost energy levels, and improve overall health. It’s done by exclusively eating meat, meat-derived products, and limited dairy options. This is a lot to keep in mind when coming up with carnivore snack ideas, but we’ve got you covered!
The carnivore diet bans vegetables, fruits, sugars, soy products, corn products, vegetable oil, MSG, additives, most dairy products, and most preservatives. But there are still countless carnivore snacks to choose from.
Finding snacks for carnivore diet eating is easy if you know what to look for. The trick is to rely on fresh meat and grass-fed and finished meat products instead of canned, overly processed, or other low-quality beef products. If you're eating low-grade meat fed on grains, then you are still eating inflammatory ingredients!
It's common to see banned ingredients in snack foods, so in general, you will want to avoid carnivore snack ideas that include:
-
Any added sugar
-
Soy sauce or soy additives
-
Teriyaki
-
Any sort of flour
-
Vegetable, canola, peanut, and any other vegetable oil
When searching for the best snacks for carnivore diet plans, focus on simple and minimally processed options. By choosing the right carnivore diet snacks, you can satisfy your hunger between meals without compromising your eating principles.
With that in mind, we’re covering 20 simple and nutritious snacks for carnivore diet eaters! Let’s get right into it!
1. Meat Sticks
We may be a little biased, but we think grass-fed meat sticks are one of the best carnivore snacks on the go. They are easy to eat and so delicious.
Not all meat sticks are created equal, though, and it's best to avoid any meat stick that’s packed with preservatives, MSG, and other additives. Most gas station meat sticks are off the table, but carnivore and Whole30-approved meat sticks like Chomps are perfect.
When creating our snacks for carnivore diet eaters, we don't stop at 0 grams of sugar. Chomps are made with real, thoughtfully-sourced ingredients, 10+ grams protein, and 100% grass-fed and finished beef.
That means you will never find:
-
Soy
-
Sugar substitutes
-
MSG
-
Grain-fed beef
Or any other nasty additives and ingredients. We create carnivore diet snacks, like our Jalapeño Beef, for health nuts because we are those health nuts!
2. Beef Jerky
Nutritious beef jerky, like our Smoky BBQ or Original Beef is a convenient, protein snack that you can take pretty much anywhere. We love packing some for a long run or a backpacking getaway.
If you're worried about accidentally buying gas station jerky that has questionable additives, try making your own or just buy the best meat sticks instead!
3. Pork Rinds
Pork rinds (fried pork skins) are one of the best "grab-and-go" options among our list of carnivore diet snacks. Like beef jerky, they make a great carnivore snack as long as you get high-quality versions that aren't cooked in vegetable or peanut oil.
Pork rinds are high in protein, fat, and calories, but they are also high in sodium and low in beneficial vitamins and minerals. [1]
For the healthiest option, you can make your own rinds using this delicious homemade pork rinds recipe. Just swap the olive oil for lard, ghee, or butter!
4. Tuna
Tuna is one of the most filling and tasty carnivore diet snacks to have around the house. While mercury is a legitimate concern, if you eat tuna in moderation (2-3 servings a week) and avoid it when you're pregnant or breastfeeding, then you have nothing to worry about.
As one of the top carnivore snack ideas, tuna is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. Tuna can also help prevent anemia, promote heart health, and may reduce the risk of dementia. [2]
Tuna is great with a bit of salt and pepper right out of the can. Depending on how strict your carnivore diet is, you could also add in a bit of mustard and balsamic vinegar to spice things up.
5. Eggs
Eating the best snacks for carnivore diet plans usually means having lots of eggs (especially for breakfast). I always have some around so I can whip two up when I'm feeling snacky. All it takes is a few minutes, a bit of salt and pepper, and you have 12 grams of protein and a filling snack.
Eggs are a complete protein and can help build muscles and allow you to feel full longer, have more energy, and lose weight as a result. [3]
Add ground beef for even more savory and filling carnivore diet snacks, or add hard-boiled eggs to tuna for a good lunch.
6. Deli Meat
As a classic carnivore snack, deli meat is an easy and convenient option to put those rumbles to rest. Chicken, turkey, and beef are all good options. The same rules of quality apply here, though. It's common for deli meat products to contain added sugars, binders, and other additives.
Look for natural, grass-fed options and avoid any products that contain unnatural flavorings or added sugars. That’s going to be your best bet when eating snacks on a carnivore diet.
Adding deli meat to eggs is also a great way to start a carnivore day!
7. Bone Broth
Renowned for its nutritional profile, bone broth is one of our favorite carnivore snack ideas because it gives you all of the amazing nutrients and vitamins found in marrow that are normally removed from modern cuts and meat products.
It's made from beef, chicken, or fish bones, and these bones are rich in vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Some studies suggest bone broth can help with joint health and reduce inflammation. [4]
It's possible to make bone broth at home but it is a bit time-consuming. Luckily there are all kinds of great brands making healthy bone broth.
8. Biltong
Biltong is a South African take on dried meat and happens to be one of our top carnivore snack ideas. Instead of using dehydrators or smoke like jerky, biltong is air-dried. And while jerky is made from lean cuts, biltong is made from both fatty and lean cuts. Traditional biltong also uses vinegar and coriander to give it a signature taste.
Biltong is usually beef and is pure meat, so it is a great resource for iron, zinc, vitamin B, and selenium. These minerals and vitamins can help build muscles, repair tissues, and promote brain and body functions. [5]
You can either order Biltong online or make it yourself.
9. Aged Cheese
The carnivore diet lets you eat hard, aged cheeses like swiss, parmesan, feta, and other low-lactose dairy products including cottage cheese, kefir, and ghee. People vary in what they allow and don't allow, but if you choose low-lactose options and eat them in moderation, you should be fine eating these snacks on carnivore diet meal plans.
Keeping some of these options around for a quick bite can go a long way, and dairy products are full of calcium, which your body needs for strong bones and teeth. [6]
Just remember to avoid overly processed and finished cheeses. When searching for the top carnivore snack, aim for naturally aged!
10. Cured Meats
Cured sausage, salami, or chorizo are some of our favorite carnivore snacks, especially after a long hike.
Cured meats are high in protein and fat and offer a good range of minerals. These carnivore diet snacks are also high in sodium, however, so it is best to eat cured meats in moderation. [7]
Look for salami and other cured sausages that aren't packed with preservatives, or try making your own!
11. Salmon Crisps
Salmon crisps are one of the newer snacks for carnivore diet eaters taking the world by storm. They are dehydrated salmon skins. Imagine a pork rind but made from salmon.
Salmon chips are high on protein, a good source of omega-3 proteins, and have zero carbs. [8]
One of our favorite salmon chip brands is Goodfish. Check them out!
12. Beef Liver Crisps
Beef liver is one of our favorite snacks on carnivore diet meal plans because of how nutrient filled it is. Because livers act as our body's nutrient filters, they have an extremely high nutrient profile. If you want to take advantage of their benefits in a quick and easy fashion, then beef liver crisps are a great choice.
The nutritional profile for liver is exceptional. Just a few ounces of liver provides well over 100% of the RDI for many essential nutrients, and it is also high in protein and low in calories. [9]
Try making your own beef liver crisps with this recipe direct from the MeatRx team!
13. Liver Pate
Liver pate is a spreadable paste that you can eat on its own or alongside other carnivore diet snacks.
You still get all of the same amazing liver nutrition benefits when eating pate, and it is most often made from beef, chicken, and duck.
Try making your own chicken liver pate. Just remember to take out the onions and any other vegetables, so that it’s compliant with the rules for snacks on carnivore diets plans.
14. Sardines
Sardines are definitely an acquired taste, but they are one of the easiest carnivore snack ideas. They are cheap, may have lower mercury exposure due to their short lives, and are full of rich vitamins in minerals.
Sardines are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, vitamin B-12, which helps with energy and cardiovascular health, and calcium, which promotes bone health and strength. [10]
Just make sure you avoid the ones packed in vegetable or olive oil since this is against the carnivore diet rules.
15. Steak Bites
Steak bites are exactly what they sound like, but that doesn't mean they should be overlooked! Buy some steak in bulk, cook an extra one or two when making dinner one night, cut it into cubes, and ta-da! They make some of the most delicious and nutritious carnivore diet snacks.
As snacks for carnivore diet followers, steak bites can help prevent iron deficiency and are packed with filling protein. [11]
Here's the best way to cook a steak in an oven!
16. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a great prepared carnivore snack that is both filling and flavorful. They take the simplicity of a hard-boiled egg and enhance it with a rich, creamy texture.
To make these compliant, use the yolks and mix them with a simple animal-based binder like homemade mayonnaise or a bit of ghee, seasoned only with salt.
Deviled eggs are perfect as high-fat, portable snacks on carnivore diet regimens and can be batch-prepped for the week.
17. Cottage Cheese
If your version of the diet allows dairy, full-fat cottage cheese is one of the best carnivore snacks because it provides a creamy, soft alternative to the aged cheeses.
It is rich in casein protein, which digests slowly, making it an incredibly satiating carnivore snack. Look for cottage cheese with the fewest additives. Aim for options with milk, cream, and salt only.
18. Chicken Strips or Skewers
While beef dominates many carnivore snack ideas, cold, cooked chicken is an easy, protein-rich option for a change of pace.
Simply cook a batch of chicken breast or thighs, slice them into strips, or serve them on small skewers. These strips are a leaner option among snacks to eat on carnivore diet plans, ideal for those who need a high-protein boost without excess fat.
19. Bacon Chips
Forget potato chips; crispy, fully-rendered bacon makes the ultimate crunchy carnivore snack.
By cooking bacon until it is extra crispy, you create a satisfying, zero-carb, savory chip that is perfect for on-the-go snacking or dipping into a tallow-based fat spread.
For the crispiest result, bake the bacon on a rack to allow the fat to properly drain. This is one of the most popular carnivore snack ideas due to its satisfying texture and rich flavor.
20. Tallow/Butter Fat Bombs
For an intense energy boost and to help maintain ketosis, try butter or tallow fat bombs. These are small, convenient, bite-sized portions of flavored butter or rendered beef tallow that provide concentrated energy.
These high-fat snacks are essential for dieters who struggle with energy dips and are some of the best carnivore snacks for sustained fuel. You can season them with a pinch of smoked salt for added flavor, making them truly gourmet snacks on carnivore diet regimens.
However, while these are ideal for energy, use them strategically to manage your fat intake, especially if you are focusing on a leaner approach.[12]
Considerations & Tips For Carnivore Snacks
Since we’ve explored our list of carnivore diet snack ideas, it's important to remember the sourcing and quality of the animal products you choose going forward.
Opt for carnivore diet snacks made from pasture-raised, grass-fed animals whenever possible. They tend to have a more favorable fatty acid profile and higher concentrations of beneficial nutrients compared to their conventionally-raised counterparts.
Also, keep in mind the versatility of your snack options. Look for carnivore snack ideas that can be easily incorporated into a variety of meal plans or eating situations, such as portable options or versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple carnivore recipes.
To keep your carnivore journey exciting and prevent palate fatigue, consider these tips:
-
Rotate your proteins to avoid boredom; alternate between items like beef, lamb, and poultry, and even try less common options like duck prosciutto.
-
Play with temperature by balancing warm and cold options; a steaming cup of bone broth can be a comforting carnivore snack in the afternoon, while chilled steak bites are great after a workout.
-
Layer flavors with healthy fats, which are the ultimate flavor carriers. Try creating a simple tallow-based dip for your pork rinds or adding rendered duck fat over hard-boiled eggs.
-
Prep like a pro by batch-preparing your carnivore snacks into "charcuterie-to-go" packs, using bento-style containers for easy grab-and-go access to multiple types of protein.
-
Enhance your carnivore friendly snacks by leaning into the art of gourmet seasoning. Add flavor boosts like smoked salts or dehydrated bone dust to enhance both taste and texture.
Key Takeaways on Carnivore Diet Snacks
Any of the carnivore diet snacks above are delicious options. The key is to have a mix of carnivore snacks you can just grab-and-go and some other snacks that you can whip up from the fridge in just a few minutes.
You also need to make sure all of the products you buy are grass-fed and don't have any added sugars, unnecessary additives, or flavorings.
Good luck!
Read More: Carnivore Diet vs. Keto: Which is Best for You
Carnivore Diet Snacks FAQs
What to eat as a snack on a carnivore diet?
The best snacks on carnivore diet meal plans include high-quality animal products like beef sticks, beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, pork rinds, and aged cheeses. Focus on thoughtfully-sourced protein options such as grass-fed and finished beef products, cured meats like salami, and nutrient-dense choices like bone broth or liver pate. When considering carnivore diet snack ideas, prioritize minimally processed options that contain 0g sugar and avoid any additives, preservatives, or plant-based ingredients.
What snacks are crunchy for carnivore diet meal plans?
For satisfying crunchy carnivore snacks, pork rinds are the top choice, offering that crispy texture carnivore dieters crave. Salmon crisps and beef liver crisps provide excellent crunchy alternatives while delivering exceptional nutritional value.
These carnivore diet snack ideas give you the satisfying crunch without compromising your eating principles. They're all made from 100% animal products with no added sugars or plant-based ingredients.
What should I look for in a carnivore-friendly snack?
When choosing snacks on carnivore diet meal plans, prioritize products made from 100% grass-fed and finished beef or other high-quality animal sources. Look for options with 0g sugar, no artificial additives, and thoughtfully-sourced ingredients.
The best carnivore diet snacks will be free from nitrates, nitrites, MSG, soy, and any grain-fed animal products. Always check labels to ensure your carnivore snack contains only animal-derived ingredients and avoid any products with vegetable oils, preservatives, or plant-based fillers.
Are eggs considered a carnivore diet snack?
Yes, eggs are excellent snacks for carnivore diet followers! They're a complete protein source providing all essential amino acids and are an incredibly versatile ingredient for carnivore diet snack ideas.
Hard-boiled eggs make perfect grab-and-go options, while scrambled eggs with a bit of salt and pepper create a quick, filling carnivore snack. Eggs can be combined with other animal products like ground beef or deli meat to create more substantial carnivore-friendly snacks that will keep you satisfied between meals.
Are pork rinds a healthy snack on the carnivore diet?
Pork rinds can be healthy snacks on carnivore diet meal plans when you choose high-quality options that aren't cooked in vegetable oils. They're naturally high in protein and fat while containing 0g sugar, to make them ideal carnivore diet snack ideas.
However, they are high in sodium and lower in beneficial vitamins compared to other animal products. For the healthiest option, look for pork rinds cooked in lard or make your own using ghee or butter instead of processed vegetable oils.
Need More than Carnivore Snacks?
Carnivore snacks are just one piece of the puzzle! If you're serious about this eating style, we've got a whole library of resources to guide you through structuring your entire day and mastering advanced topics.
For beginners, we have the Ultimate Carnivore Diet Beginner's Guide to help you get started with a food list and a sample meal plan.
Wondering if this is the right diet for you? We break down the Carnivore Diet vs. Keto so you can compare these two popular low-carb approaches.
And don't forget breakfast; we have plenty of Carnivore Diet Breakfast Ideas.
You don’t need to neglect your sweet tooth. Get creative with Carnivore Diet Desserts so you can stay compliant without giving up flavor.
References
[1] Healthline Editorial Team. “Nutrition and Health Facts About Pork.” Healthline. 25 Apr. 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pork.
[2] Frey, Malia et al. “Tuna Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” Verywell Fit. 01 Jun. 2024, https://www.verywellfit.com/tuna-nutrition-facts-calories-and-health-benefits-4114019.
[3] Szalay, Jessie. “Eggs: Health Benefits & Nutrition Facts.” Live Science. 14 May. 2015, https://www.livescience.com/50834-eggs-nutrition-facts.html.
[4] Johnson, Jon. “The top 6 bone broth benefits.” Medical News Today. Updated on 13 Mar. 2023, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323903#summary.
[5] Brooklyn Biltong. “What Is Biltong? All You Need to Know About the Latest Healthy Snack.” Brooklyn Biltong. https://www.brooklynbiltong.com/blogs/news/what-is-biltong.
[6] Ware, Megan. “Dairy: Is it good or bad for you?” Medical News Today. Updated on 13 Mar. 2025, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326269.
[7] MyFoodData. “Nutrition Facts for Salami.” MyFoodData. https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/174603/wt1/1.
[8] Spritzler, Franziska. “Salmon Nutrition and Health Benefits.” Healthline. Updated on 25 Oct. 2023, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/salmon-nutrition-and-health-benefits.
[9] Rowles, Alexandra. “Is Liver a Superfood?” Healthline. Updated on 8 Mar. 2024, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-liver-is-a-superfood.
[10] Wells, Diana. “Are Sardines Good for You?” Healthline. Updated on 30 May. 2023, https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/are-sardines-good-for-you.
[11] The Meat & Wine Co Australia. “5 health benefits of eating steak.” The Meat & Wine Co Australia. 30 Apr. 2019, https://themeatandwineco.com/blog/5-health-benefits-of-eating-steak/.
[12] Dodd, Michelle. “Chewing the Fat: Is Beef Tallow Healthy?” Cleveland Clinic. 13 Mar. 2025, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/beef-tallow-for-cooking.
