Can You Eat Pork and Beans on a Carnivore Diet?

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 90% of carnivore diet adherents strictly avoid all plant-based foods, and the main ingredient in pork and beans is no exception. The core principle of this eating plan is to consume only animal products, which directly clashes with the inclusion of legumes like beans.

Quick Summary

Pork and beans are not suitable for a carnivore diet due to the inclusion of beans, which are legumes and thus plant-based. The diet eliminates all non-animal products, including vegetables, grains, and legumes, to focus solely on meat and animal fats.

Key Points

No Beans: Pork and beans are not allowed on a carnivore diet because beans are legumes, and all plant-based foods are strictly forbidden.
Carb-Free Rule: The carnivore diet is a zero-carb approach, and beans contain carbohydrates, which goes against the diet's primary goal of fueling the body with fat via ketosis.
Antinutrient Avoidance: Beans contain antinutrients like lectins and phytates that can interfere with nutrient absorption and cause digestive issues, both of which the carnivore diet aims to eliminate.
Pork is Fine: The pork itself is a carnivore-approved food, but it must be prepared separately from the beans and sugary sauce found in typical canned versions.
Make Your Own: For a similar hearty texture, consider slow-cooked pulled pork, pork belly bites, or homemade pork rinds as a substitute for pork and beans.

The carnivore diet is a highly restrictive eating plan built on a single, straightforward rule: consume only animal products. This means meat, fish, eggs, and some specific, low-lactose dairy items are in, while everything else is out. Given this premise, the answer to "Can you eat pork and beans on a carnivore diet?" is a clear and unequivocal no. While pork is a staple, the beans are a non-negotiable exclusion.

Why beans are forbidden on a carnivore diet

The rejection of beans, and all legumes, is based on several key principles of the carnivore diet. This isn't just about avoiding carbohydrates; it's also about antinutrients and gut health.

High carbohydrate and sugar content

Legumes contain carbohydrates, and many commercial canned pork and beans recipes also include added sugars like brown sugar or maple syrup. The carnivore diet is a zero-carb approach, meaning these items are fundamentally incompatible with the dietary framework. The goal is to avoid glucose-driven energy, which carbs provide, and instead rely on fat for fuel through ketosis.

Presence of antinutrients

Antinutrients like lectins and phytates are naturally occurring compounds in many plants, including beans, that can interfere with the body's ability to absorb essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc. These compounds can also contribute to digestive issues and inflammation for sensitive individuals. The carnivore diet aims to eliminate these potential irritants entirely by removing all plant matter.

Emphasis on animal-based nutrients

Proponents of the carnivore diet argue that all necessary nutrients can be sourced from animal products alone, especially from organ meats and fattier cuts. They contend that fiber, which is abundant in beans, is not necessary and can even be detrimental to gut health in some cases.

Can I have just the pork from pork and beans?

Yes, the pork component itself is perfectly fine for a carnivore diet, provided it is prepared without any non-carnivore ingredients. However, this means you must source and cook the pork separately. The pork in canned pork and beans is typically combined with a sugary sauce and beans, making the entire product off-limits.

How to enjoy pork on a carnivore diet

Choose quality cuts: Opt for pasture-raised or heritage-breed pork to ensure higher nutrient density and reduce concerns about additives.
Fattier cuts are better: Cuts like pork belly or bacon are encouraged for their high fat content, which provides sustained energy.
Prepare simply: Seasoning with just salt is the strictest carnivore approach, though some might use pepper and other compliant spices.
Cook from scratch: To ensure no hidden sugars or plant additives are included, always prepare your pork dishes from scratch rather than relying on processed products like cured bacon with sugar added.

Carnivore-friendly alternatives to pork and beans

For those who miss the hearty, savory feel of pork and beans, several carnivore-compliant options can satisfy that craving.

Alternatives to make at home

Slow-cooked pulled pork: A pork shoulder or butt cooked low and slow until it falls apart offers a texture and richness reminiscent of the original dish. Salt is all that's needed for seasoning.
Pork rinds: Homemade pork rinds provide a crispy, crunchy element that can substitute for texture lost by omitting beans.
Pork belly bites: Crispy, oven-roasted pork belly bites offer a dense, fatty, and savory experience.
Bone broth: Sipping on a high-quality pork bone broth can provide a rich, satisfying, and nourishing liquid component.

Comparison of classic vs. carnivore options


Feature	Traditional Pork and Beans	Carnivore-Friendly Option (e.g., Pulled Pork)
Key Ingredient	Beans (Legumes)	Pork (Animal Product)
Carbohydrate Source	Beans, added sugars	None
Antinutrients	Lectins, Phytates (in beans)	None
Satiety Source	Fiber, protein, sugar	Fat, protein
Typical Flavor	Sweet, tangy	Savory, fatty, rich
Digestibility	Can be problematic for some	Often cited as easier to digest for adherents

Conclusion: The verdict is clear

In short, you cannot eat pork and beans on a carnivore diet due to the inclusion of beans, a plant-based food. The core tenets of this diet require the elimination of all plant matter, including legumes, because of their carbohydrate content, antinutrients, and fiber. The pork component is suitable, but must be cooked from scratch to avoid any non-compliant ingredients found in processed versions. By focusing on high-quality cuts of meat and utilizing carnivore-approved recipes, it is possible to find satisfying, flavorful alternatives that align with the diet's strict rules.

Optional Outbound Link: For those interested in the full scope of animal-based eating, reputable resources can provide in-depth details on the reasoning and guidelines of this dietary lifestyle. For example, some find inspiration and recipes on various online carnivore-focused communities.

What if I eat just a small amount of beans?

Even a small amount of beans would break the rules of a strict carnivore diet, which aims for zero plant foods. The diet is built on the complete elimination of plant-based carbs, and introducing even a little can disrupt the metabolic state of ketosis that many followers seek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beans are legumes and therefore a plant-based food, which is completely excluded from the carnivore diet to avoid carbohydrates, antinutrients, and fiber.

No, because the pork in canned varieties is combined with a sugary, bean-based sauce that is not carnivore-compliant. The pork would need to be sourced and prepared from scratch.

Eating beans would disrupt the state of ketosis that the diet promotes. It would also introduce plant-based carbs and antinutrients that the diet is designed to eliminate.

No, green beans are also a plant food and are excluded from the strict rules of the carnivore diet, just like all other vegetables.

High-fat, slow-cooked pulled pork or crispy pork belly bites can offer a similar hearty and savory comfort food experience while remaining fully compliant with the diet.

Most commercial sauces contain sugar and other plant-based ingredients. A strict carnivore diet uses only salt and sometimes pepper. Some followers might allow spices, but most sauces are forbidden.

Carnivore proponents believe that a diet consisting only of animal products does not require fiber for proper digestion. They argue that plant fiber can be irritating to the gut and that animal fats and water are sufficient for maintaining healthy bowel movements.