Can You Have Almond Butter on a Carnivore Diet?

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition based on a survey of carnivore dieters, nuts and seeds are among the plant-based foods consistently excluded from the strict version of the diet. Therefore, the simple and direct answer to whether you can have almond butter on a carnivore diet is no, as it is a plant-based food.

Quick Summary

This article explains why almond butter is not permitted on a traditional carnivore diet, detailing the core principles of the diet and the specific reasons for excluding plant-based foods like nuts and seeds. It covers the nutritional conflicts and offers compliant, animal-based substitutes.

Key Points

No on a Strict Carnivore Diet: Almond butter is a plant-based food, making it non-compliant with the rules of a strict carnivore diet that prohibits all plants.
Contains Anti-Nutrients: Nuts contain anti-nutrients like phytates and oxalates, which are specifically avoided on the carnivore diet for better mineral absorption.
Not Zero-Carb: Though low, almond butter contains some carbohydrates, which can interfere with the metabolic state of ketosis sought by carnivore dieters.
Consider Modified Versions with Caution: A small number of dieters on a 'modified' or less strict carnivore diet might add nuts, but it is not standard and requires careful monitoring.
Better Alternatives Exist: Animal-based fats like whipped lard, tallow, or ghee provide the creamy texture and fat content without breaking the core dietary rules.
Undermines Elimination Goals: Reintroducing almond butter can counteract the benefits of an elimination diet, particularly if addressing potential food sensitivities is the goal.

Why the Carnivore Diet Excludes Plant-Based Foods

The carnivore diet is an elimination diet centered exclusively on animal products, such as meat, fish, eggs, and certain low-lactose dairy. Its core principle is the belief that humans thrive by eliminating all plant-based foods from their diet. This includes not only fruits and vegetables but also legumes, grains, and, crucially, nuts and seeds like almonds. The exclusion is based on several key premises advocated by diet proponents.

The Anti-Nutrient and Toxin Theory

One of the primary reasons for avoiding plant-based foods, including almond butter, is the presence of 'anti-nutrients'. These compounds, such as phytates and oxalates, are naturally occurring in plants and are thought to interfere with the absorption of essential minerals in the body. For example, phytates can bind to minerals like zinc and magnesium, making them less bioavailable. While the effects in a standard diet are minimal for most people, strict carnivore dieters aim to eliminate all potential hindrances to nutrient absorption.

The Ketosis Goal

The carnivore diet is an extreme, zero-carb version of a ketogenic diet. Its goal is to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Even a small amount of carbohydrate intake from sources like almond butter can interrupt this metabolic state. While low in carbs compared to many other foods, nuts and almond butter still contain some carbohydrates, making them non-compliant with the strictest form of the diet.

The Modified Carnivore Approach

For those who find a strict carnivore diet too restrictive, a modified approach exists. This version allows for the sparing and cautious reintroduction of some plant-based foods, and some followers might choose to incorporate a small amount of almond butter. However, this is done with careful observation to monitor the body's response and is not part of the standard dietary protocol.

Almond Butter vs. Carnivore-Compliant Fats


Feature	Almond Butter	Carnivore-Compliant Fats (Tallow, Ghee)
Source	Plant-based (Almonds)	Animal-based (Beef fat, milk fat)
Diet Compliance	Not allowed on strict carnivore	Fully compliant
Anti-Nutrients	Contains phytates and oxalates	Free of anti-nutrients
Carbohydrates	Contains some carbohydrates	Zero carbohydrates
Flavor	Nutty, sometimes sweet	Rich, savory, or buttery
Primary Use	Spreads, baking, sauces	Cooking oil, flavor enhancement

Carnivore-Friendly Alternatives to Almond Butter

For those missing the rich, creamy texture of almond butter, there are several carnivore-friendly options to explore:

Bone Marrow Spread: A rich, nutrient-dense spread that can be made by roasting bone marrow and scraping it out. It offers a fatty, savory flavor similar to butter but is completely animal-based.
Whipped Lard or Tallow: Animal fats like lard (pork fat) and tallow (beef fat) can be whipped to create a creamy, decadent texture. These are perfect for adding richness to cooked meats or as a base for savory spreads.
Hard Cheese Spreads: For those who include low-lactose dairy, hard cheeses like aged cheddar or parmesan can be processed with a little water or bone broth to create a thick, flavorful spread.
Egg Yolk Cream: By blending cooked egg yolks with melted butter or tallow, one can create a rich, savory cream that is a great source of fat and flavor.

The Bottom Line on Almond Butter and the Carnivore Diet

Ultimately, whether you can incorporate almond butter depends entirely on your interpretation of the carnivore diet. If you are adhering to a strict, zero-plant approach, almond butter and all other nuts are off-limits. However, if you follow a more liberal, 'carnivore-adjacent' or modified diet, you might occasionally include it while monitoring your body's reaction. The core philosophy of a true carnivore diet, however, is the complete elimination of plant foods, making almond butter non-compliant by its very nature.

What to Consider Before Modifying Your Diet

Before making any changes to a strict carnivore diet, especially when reintroducing a food like almond butter, it is wise to consider the original purpose of your dietary choice. Many people follow the diet as an elimination protocol to identify food sensitivities or reduce inflammation. Reintroducing nuts, which contain potential allergens and anti-nutrients, could undermine those efforts. Carefully tracking your health status and symptoms is crucial if you decide to experiment with modified versions. The best approach for any significant dietary change is to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your health goals.

Conclusion: Navigating Dietary Restrictions

In conclusion, almond butter is a plant-based product and does not align with the foundational rules of a strict carnivore diet. The diet's philosophy is rooted in excluding all plant matter to maximize nutrient absorption and promote ketosis. While modified versions of the diet may exist, those adhering to the core tenets will avoid almond butter in favor of compliant animal fats like lard, tallow, or ghee. Understanding the core principles of the carnivore diet is key to navigating its restrictions and determining which food sources are appropriate.

Additional Resource: For a detailed overview of what is typically included and excluded on the carnivore diet, the guide on Healthline provides a comprehensive list of foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nuts and seeds are excluded because they are plant-based. The carnivore diet is an elimination diet focused solely on animal products, and nuts and seeds contain 'anti-nutrients' that proponents believe hinder mineral absorption.

For a similar texture and high-fat content, try animal-based alternatives. Whipped lard or tallow can be used to add a creamy richness, while bone marrow provides a savory, satisfying spread.

No, all nut butters, including almond, peanut, and cashew butter, are off-limits on a strict carnivore diet because they are derived from plants.

Yes, almond butter contains some carbohydrates. While typically low in carbs, even a small amount can interfere with the goal of maintaining a zero-carb, ketogenic state on the carnivore diet.

A modified approach is possible, but it compromises the strictness of the diet. It's best to proceed cautiously, track your body's reaction, and consult a healthcare professional, as reintroducing plant foods may trigger sensitivities.

The primary food sources on a carnivore diet are meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, as well as fish, eggs, and certain animal fats like lard and ghee.

Nuts contain anti-nutrients and fiber that can be difficult for some to digest, particularly after a period of eating a very low-fiber, animal-only diet. Reintroducing them can cause digestive upset.