Are Almonds Carnivore Diet Friendly? Unpacking the Truth

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

Overwhelmingly, the standard carnivore diet excludes all plant-based foods, including nuts. This immediately raises the question: are almonds carnivore diet friendly? The short answer is no, due to their plant origin and composition, which conflicts with the diet's core principles of consuming only animal products.

Quick Summary

Almonds are not carnivore diet friendly as they are a plant-based food that contains antinutrients, carbohydrates, and is not derived from animal sources. While some modified versions of the diet may allow them in moderation, they are strictly off-limits for strict adherents.

Key Points

Not Carnivore-Approved: The standard carnivore diet excludes all plant-based foods, including almonds, because they do not come from animal sources.
Antinutrients are an Issue: Almonds contain antinutrients like phytic acid and oxalates, which can hinder the absorption of minerals and are a primary reason they are avoided by many carnivores.
Carb Content Matters: Even though they are low-carb, almonds still contain carbohydrates that can disrupt ketosis, the metabolic state many on the carnivore diet seek to achieve.
Modified Diet Exception: Some individuals on a modified or 'carnivore-adjacent' plan may reintroduce almonds cautiously, but this is a deviation from the traditional strict diet.
Animal-Based Alternatives: Instead of almonds, carnivore dieters rely on animal-based snacks like meat chips, pork rinds, or jerky for protein and fat.
Nutrient Absorption Priority: A core tenet of the carnivore diet is maximizing nutrient absorption, which is why foods with antinutrients like almonds are typically avoided.

Why Almonds Are Not Part of the Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet is an extremely restrictive eating plan that focuses solely on animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and some dairy. This means all plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts, are completely excluded. Since almonds are derived from the almond tree, they are, by definition, not suitable for a strict carnivore regimen.

The Antinutrient Concern in Almonds

One of the primary reasons carnivore diet proponents avoid plant foods is the presence of antinutrients. Antinutrients are natural compounds found in plants that can interfere with the body's ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals. Almonds contain a notable amount of phytic acid and oxalates, which can bind to essential minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, reducing their bioavailability. For a diet focused on maximum nutrient absorption from animal sources, this interference is considered undesirable.

Carbohydrate Content and Ketosis

For many, the carnivore diet is a zero-carb approach, which promotes a state of ketosis where the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. Although often considered a low-carb option, almonds do contain carbohydrates. A 1-ounce (28g) serving has 6 grams of total carbs, which can be enough to disrupt or interfere with the metabolic state of ketosis that strict carnivore dieters aim to achieve and maintain. This is another key reason they are excluded from the traditional diet.

Modified Carnivore Diet: A Gray Area for Nuts

While strict carnivore followers abstain completely, a modified or 'carnivore-adjacent' approach is becoming more common. In this interpretation, some individuals may choose to reintroduce small amounts of certain plant-based foods, including nuts like almonds, to test their body's tolerance. This is typically done after an initial adaptation period on a pure carnivore diet. The logic is that if no adverse reactions like digestive issues or inflammation occur, these foods might be permissible in moderation. However, this is a personal choice and deviates from the diet's fundamental rules.

Comparison: Almonds vs. Carnivore-Approved Snacks

To illustrate the nutritional and philosophical differences, here is a comparison between almonds and a typical carnivore-friendly snack.


Feature	Almonds (per 1 oz)	Carnivore-Approved Snack (e.g., Beef Jerky)
Source	Plant-based (tree nut)	Animal-based (meat)
Carbohydrates	6 grams (2.6g net carbs)	0-1 grams (depending on processing)
Antinutrients	Contains phytic acid, oxalates	None
Saturated Fat	Low	Varies, can be moderate to high
Fiber	High	None
Protein	Moderate	High
Micronutrients	Vitamin E, magnesium	Iron, zinc, B vitamins
Digestibility	Can be hard for some to digest due to fiber and antinutrients	Generally easy to digest for those on the diet

Potential Issues with Almonds on Carnivore

For those considering introducing almonds on a modified carnivore approach, several potential issues should be considered:

Digestive Discomfort: Some individuals experience bloating, indigestion, or other gastrointestinal issues when consuming nuts, which may be exacerbated for a body adapted to only animal products.
Oxalate Sensitivity: Almonds are high in oxalates, which can cause joint stiffness and inflammation in some people, as noted by some carnivore diet forum users.
Allergenic Potential: While not universal, nut allergies are common, and for a diet that seeks to minimize potential food triggers, introducing nuts reintroduces this risk.
Nutrient Displacement: Eating almonds could displace more nutritionally dense, animal-based foods, which are the cornerstone of the carnivore diet for protein, fat, and specific micronutrients.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Almonds and the Carnivore Diet

In conclusion, almonds are not carnivore diet friendly. Their plant origin, presence of antinutrients, and carbohydrate content all place them in direct conflict with the diet's core principles. For individuals following a strict carnivore protocol, avoiding all nuts, including almonds, is necessary. The only exception is for those who consciously choose a modified or 'carnivore-adjacent' path, reintroducing them cautiously and in moderation after a full adaptation period. For true carnivores, there are plenty of animal-based alternatives to satisfy cravings and nutritional needs.

To learn more about the carnivore diet and its food rules, consider exploring resources from sources such as WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot eat almonds on a strict carnivore diet. The diet is defined by the exclusive consumption of animal products, and since almonds are a plant-based food, they are strictly prohibited.

Nuts are excluded from the carnivore diet for several reasons: they are plant-based, contain antinutrients like phytates and oxalates that interfere with mineral absorption, and have carbohydrates that can disrupt ketosis.

Instead of almonds, carnivore-friendly snack options include pork rinds, beef jerky (with no added sugar), meat chips, and small amounts of hard cheese or other low-lactose dairy if tolerated.

The 'modified carnivore diet' is a less restrictive version where individuals might reintroduce a few select plant-based foods in moderation. Some who follow this version may choose to include small amounts of nuts like almonds, but it's a personal variation and not the standard approach.

Yes, almonds contain antinutrients such as phytic acid and oxalates. These compounds can bind to minerals like zinc, calcium, and iron, reducing their absorption in the body.

No, almond milk is derived from almonds and therefore a plant-based product. It is not allowed on a carnivore diet, which permits only animal-based beverages like water and sometimes bone broth.

While almonds are considered low-carb and are often included in a ketogenic diet, their carbohydrate content is still enough to interfere with the zero-carb objective of a strict carnivore diet, which aims for a consistent state of ketosis.