The Carnivore Diet and Dairy: A Gray Area
The carnivore diet focuses on animal products, and dairy's inclusion is debated among followers, often divided into strict and relaxed approaches. Strict carnivores, following a 'Lion Diet,' exclude all dairy, citing concerns about lactose, casein, and the diet's ancestral basis. Relaxed carnivores may include certain dairy for nutrients and variety, provided they tolerate it and it aligns with their health goals. Hard, aged cheeses are often preferred due to lower lactose.
The Problem with Pre-Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese typically contains additives to prevent clumping and extend shelf life, making it problematic for a carnivore diet. Common non-carnivore additives include:
- Cellulose: A plant-derived anti-caking agent that violates the plant-free rule.
- Starches: Plant-based starches like potato or corn starch are also used and prohibited.
- Other Ingredients: Preservatives and mold inhibitors can also be present, going against the diet's emphasis on unprocessed foods.
The Carnivore-Friendly Cheese Alternative: Block Cheese
For carnivores who consume cheese, buying and shredding block cheese is the compliant option, as it avoids additives. Hard, aged varieties are recommended due to their low lactose content. Examples include aged Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Asiago, which are high in fat and protein.
How to Determine if Dairy is Right for You
Individual dairy tolerance varies. An elimination-reintroduction process is recommended: eliminate all dairy for 30 days, then slowly reintroduce a small amount of aged block cheese while monitoring for adverse reactions.
The Verdict on Shredded vs. Block Cheese for the Carnivore Diet
Pre-shredded cheese's additives make it non-compliant, while additive-free block cheese is acceptable for those who tolerate dairy.
Comparison: Pre-Shredded vs. Self-Shredded Block Cheese
| Feature | Pre-Shredded Cheese | Self-Shredded Block Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | Generally Non-Compliant | Carnivore-Friendly (if tolerated) |
| Additives | Contains anti-caking agents (cellulose, starches) | Contains no additives |
| Ingredients | Cheese, anti-caking agents, and sometimes preservatives | Pure cheese (milk, enzymes, cultures, salt) |
| Lactose | Varies, but may contain higher amounts in non-aged varieties | Very low in hard, aged versions |
| Processing | Highly processed to prevent clumping and extend shelf life | Unprocessed by consumer, retains natural integrity |
| Melting | Can be grainy or uneven due to additives | Smooth, consistent melt |
| Cost | Typically higher per ounce for convenience | More economical in block form |
Conclusion: Listen to Your Body
For carnivore dieters, pre-shredded cheese is generally not compliant due to non-animal additives. If you consume dairy, choose hard, aged block cheeses and shred them yourself. Your individual tolerance and health goals should guide your decision on including cheese in your carnivore diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can strict carnivores eat any cheese? No, strict carnivores typically avoid all dairy, including cheese, because it contains lactose and casein proteins, which some find problematic.
Why is pre-shredded cheese not carnivore? Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch, which are derived from plants and are not compliant with a carnivore diet.
What are anti-caking agents? Anti-caking agents are substances added to foods to prevent clumping. In shredded cheese, this often includes plant-based ingredients like cellulose and various starches.
Are all block cheeses carnivore-friendly? No, some softer or fresher cheeses may have higher lactose content. It is best to choose hard, aged varieties like Parmesan or aged Cheddar if you include dairy.
Can cheese cause weight loss stalls on a carnivore diet? Yes, due to its calorie density, overconsumption of cheese can lead to weight stalls or even weight gain, especially if your primary goal is weight loss.
How can I test my tolerance for cheese? An effective method is a 30-day elimination period followed by a slow reintroduction of small amounts of hard block cheese to monitor your body's reaction.
What cheese is best for a relaxed carnivore? Aged, hard cheeses like Parmesan, aged Cheddar, and Gruyère are excellent choices for a relaxed carnivore diet due to their low lactose and high fat/protein content.
What are some alternatives to cheese on a strict carnivore diet? Strict carnivores can use animal fats like butter or ghee for flavor and fat content, but would not use any cheese at all.
Does shredding my own cheese eliminate the additives? Yes, by purchasing cheese in a block and shredding it yourself, you avoid all the anti-caking agents and other additives present in the pre-shredded varieties.
