What is a good snack when you're on the carnivore diet?

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 43% of American adults may have a vitamin A deficiency, making nutrient-dense snacks a crucial part of any eating plan. When following a restrictive eating style, like the carnivore diet, finding suitable and satisfying options can be challenging, which is why many ask, "What is a good snack when you're on the carnivore diet?".

Quick Summary

Explore the best carnivore-approved snacks, from homemade jerky and cured meats to hard-boiled eggs and cheese crisps, for convenient and satiating options that fit an animal-based eating plan. Learn how to satisfy cravings while adhering to carnivore principles.

Key Points

Portable Meat Snacks: Beef jerky and meat sticks are convenient, but require careful label-reading to ensure no added sugars or plant products are included.
Crunchy Alternatives: Pork rinds and homemade cheese crisps offer satisfying texture for those who miss chips, but plain options are best.
Easy Preparation: Hard-boiled eggs and leftover steak bites are simple, protein-packed options that are perfect for grab-and-go snacking.
Nutrient-Dense Options: Incorporating snacks like beef liver crisps or bone broth provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and collagen.
Meal Prep is Key: Planning and preparing snacks in advance, such as making a batch of hard-boiled eggs or cheese crisps, helps maintain consistency and avoid non-compliant choices.
Embrace Healthy Fats: Don't shy away from fatty cuts of meat, cheese (if tolerated), or homemade fat bombs, as fat is a primary fuel source on the carnivore diet and promotes satiety.

The carnivore diet, focused exclusively on animal products, eliminates a wide range of common snack foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. This necessitates a different approach to snacking, one that focuses on protein and fat for satiety. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious and simple animal-based options to keep you on track. The key is to prioritize whole foods and carefully read labels to avoid hidden sugars or plant-based additives.

Quick and Convenient Carnivore Snacks

For those busy days or moments when hunger strikes unexpectedly, portable, no-fuss options are essential. The following can be easily prepped or purchased with careful label-reading to ensure compliance with carnivore rules.

Hard-Boiled Eggs: A classic for a reason, hard-boiled eggs are portable, easy to make in batches, and packed with protein, healthy fats, choline, and vitamins. For extra flavor, consider wrapping them in a slice of bacon.
Meat Sticks and Jerky: Convenient and shelf-stable, these are perfect for travel or keeping at your desk. It is critical to select brands with simple ingredients, ideally just meat and salt, to avoid added sugars, soy, or other plant-based flavorings.
Pork Rinds (Chicharrones): These crispy, airy snacks provide a satisfying crunch that can replace potato chips. Look for brands with only pork skin and salt as ingredients, or make them yourself for an even healthier option, potentially using an air fryer instead of deep frying.
Canned Fish: Canned sardines, salmon, or tuna (packed in water) are excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They are shelf-stable and can be eaten straight from the can, making them ideal for emergencies or quick bites.
Deli Meat Roll-Ups: Use high-quality sliced meats like roast beef or ham for a quick and simple snack. You can roll them on their own or with a slice of hard cheese for added fat and flavor.

Homemade and Meal-Prep Carnivore Snacks

For greater control over ingredients and higher nutritional quality, making your own snacks at home is an excellent strategy.

Leftover Steak Bites: The healthiest and most nutrient-dense snack might be leftover steak, especially fatty cuts like ribeye. Simply cut cold steak into bite-sized pieces for a satiating, nutrient-rich option.
Beef Liver Crisps: For a nutrient powerhouse, thinly sliced and dehydrated beef liver makes a crispy, shelf-stable snack rich in vitamins A and B12, folate, and iron.
Cheese Crisps: If you tolerate dairy, baking small piles of shredded hard cheese like cheddar or parmesan until golden and crispy creates a crunchy, savory chip alternative.
Bone Broth: Sipping on warm, homemade bone broth is a soothing and hydrating snack. It provides collagen, gelatin, and minerals, and making it yourself ensures it's free of non-carnivore ingredients often found in store-bought versions.

A Comparison of Popular Carnivore Snacks


Snack Type	Convenience	Preparation	Key Benefits	Considerations
Hard-Boiled Eggs	High (Portable)	Low (Boil ahead)	High in protein, fats, and choline	Best when prepped in batches for the week
Beef Jerky/Sticks	Highest (Shelf-stable)	Minimal (Buy compliant brands)	Portable, high protein	Requires diligent label-reading to avoid additives
Pork Rinds	High (Shelf-stable)	Minimal (Buy compliant brands)	Crunchy texture, high fat, no carbs	Can contain unhealthy fats or preservatives
Leftover Steak Bites	Medium (Refrigerated)	None (After meal)	Extremely nutrient-dense, satiating	Requires having leftovers from a meal
Homemade Liver Crisps	Medium (Shelf-stable)	High (Dehydrate at home)	Rich in vitamins and minerals	Time-consuming to prepare
Cheese Crisps	Medium (Homemade)	Medium (Bake)	Crunchy, high fat (if dairy is tolerated)	Only for those who tolerate dairy well
Bone Broth	Low (Refrigerated)	Medium (Make ahead)	Hydrating, soothing, mineral-rich	Not a grab-and-go snack; best when sipped warm

How to Build a Better Carnivore Snack Strategy

To ensure snacking remains beneficial and doesn't derail your goals, consider a few key strategies:

Prioritize Quality: Whenever possible, opt for grass-fed, pasture-raised, or organic animal products. This can result in a more favorable nutrient profile and fat composition.
Meal Prep for Success: Setting aside time on a weekend to prepare snacks like hard-boiled eggs, cheese crisps, or steak bites makes staying on track much easier during a busy week. You won't be tempted by non-compliant foods if you have good options ready.
Rotate for Variety: Prevent taste fatigue by rotating your snack choices. Don't rely on just one or two options. Experiment with different cured meats, types of cheese, or fish to keep things interesting.
Embrace Fat for Satiety: Remember that the carnivore diet is high in fat, which is your primary fuel source. Incorporating fattier snack options like cheese, fatty cuts of meat, or even butter fat bombs will help you feel full and satisfied between meals.

Conclusion: Intentional Snacking for Carnivore Success

While the carnivore diet's restrictions may seem daunting, the world of animal-based snacks is surprisingly robust. From convenient, portable options like beef jerky and pork rinds to nutrient-dense homemade alternatives like liver crisps and bone broth, a solid snack strategy is within reach. By focusing on whole, animal-sourced foods and being mindful of ingredient labels, you can confidently answer the question of what is a good snack when you're on the carnivore diet and satisfy your hunger while staying committed to your nutritional plan.

The Role of Snacks in a Carnivore Lifestyle

Ultimately, snacking on a carnivore diet is not just about staving off hunger; it's about providing your body with a steady supply of high-quality protein and fats. The high-fat, high-protein nature of these snacks helps to maintain feelings of fullness and satiety, which can assist with weight management and energy levels. It's a strategic way to complement your main meals and ensure consistent nutrient intake throughout the day. By planning and preparing your carnivore snacks, you empower yourself to navigate a restrictive diet successfully and sustainably. For more recipe ideas, consider exploring dedicated carnivore resources like the carnivore.diet website.*

Note: It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many people on the carnivore diet include full-fat dairy products, like hard cheeses or full-fat Greek yogurt, especially if they tolerate them well. However, purists may avoid dairy, so it depends on individual preference and tolerance.

Yes, plain pork rinds are a great snack option. They are made from fried or baked pork skin and contain no carbs, offering a satisfying crunch. Always check the ingredients to ensure no additives or non-compliant flavorings have been added.

Good on-the-go snacks include beef jerky or meat sticks (be sure to check for compliant ingredients), hard-boiled eggs, and shelf-stable canned fish like sardines or tuna packed in water.

To satisfy a craving for crunch, try pork rinds, homemade cheese crisps, or crispy chicken skins. Some specialized carnivore brands also offer meat-based chips that are air-dried for a unique texture.

Yes, bone broth is a soothing and hydrating snack rich in protein, collagen, and minerals. It can be particularly beneficial for gut health. Making it at home is the best way to control ingredients and avoid non-compliant flavorings.

Always read ingredient labels carefully when buying packaged snacks like jerky or meat sticks. Avoid products with added sugars, soy, preservatives, or plant-based additives. Stick to simple, whole ingredients.

Yes, homemade snacks are often the best choice for the carnivore diet because you have complete control over the ingredients. Options include leftover steak bites, homemade jerky, liver crisps, or bacon chips.