What nuts are allowed on the carnivore diet?

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2021 study published by the National Institutes of Health, 64% of respondents following a carnivore diet for health reasons reported not consuming nuts more often than monthly. This dietary pattern, which emphasizes animal products, fundamentally excludes plant-based items, making the question of what nuts are allowed on the carnivore diet a straightforward one for strict followers.

Quick Summary

The carnivore diet strictly excludes all plant-based foods, including nuts, due to their origin and carbohydrate content. This exclusion is a core principle of the diet. Some followers may adopt a less rigid 'ketovore' or modified approach to reintroduce certain low-carb nuts cautiously. The decision depends on individual health responses and dietary goals.

Key Points

No Nuts on Strict Carnivore Diet: All nuts are plant-based and therefore explicitly excluded from a standard, strict carnivore diet.
Reasoning for Exclusion: The diet avoids nuts due to their plant origin, carbohydrate content, presence of anti-nutrients (phytates, oxalates), and high omega-6 fatty acid ratio, all of which contradict the diet's principles.
Modified 'Ketovore' Approach: Some individuals on a less strict, 'ketovore' diet may occasionally include small amounts of specific low-carb nuts, like macadamias or pecans, but this is not true carnivorism.
Potential for Anti-Nutrients: Nuts contain compounds that can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and potentially cause digestive issues for sensitive individuals.
Focus on Animal-Based Alternatives: For a satisfying, crunchy snack, strict carnivores can opt for alternatives like pork rinds, cheese crisps, or specialized dried meat snacks instead.
Test Individual Tolerance: For those experimenting with modifications, it is crucial to reintroduce potential trigger foods like nuts cautiously and monitor your body's response.

The carnivore diet is defined by its strict focus on animal products, such as meat, fish, eggs, and certain low-lactose dairy. Its core philosophy dictates the elimination of all plant-based foods. This singular rule provides a simple, yet absolute, answer to the question of what nuts are allowed on the carnivore diet: none. Nuts, being a product of plants, are strictly off-limits in the standard form of this diet. While some adherents explore modifications, understanding the reasons for this exclusion is crucial for anyone considering this eating plan.

Why are nuts not allowed on the carnivore diet?

The prohibition of nuts is rooted in several key tenets of the carnivore diet philosophy. Proponents cite evolutionary beliefs and specific nutritional characteristics of nuts as justifications for their exclusion.

Plant-based origins

This is the most direct reason. The carnivore diet is based on the idea that humans thrive on an animal-only diet, similar to ancestral hunters. Any food derived from plants, including nuts, is immediately ruled out on principle.

Carbohydrate content

Many nuts, while lower in carbs than other plant foods, still contain carbohydrates that can interfere with the state of ketosis sought by many carnivore dieters. While the keto and carnivore diets are different, many people on carnivore follow a 'zero-carb' approach to remain in ketosis, and even small amounts of carbs from nuts can disrupt this metabolic state.

Anti-nutrients

Nuts and seeds contain compounds known as anti-nutrients, such as phytates and oxalates. Phytates can bind to essential minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium, potentially reducing their absorption. Oxalates are compounds that can cause digestive issues and, for some, contribute to joint pain or kidney problems. The carnivore diet seeks to eliminate these plant toxins entirely.

High omega-6 fatty acid ratio

Many common nuts contain high levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) compared to omega-3s. A skewed omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is linked to increased inflammation, which the carnivore diet aims to reduce. This imbalance can be a concern for those focused on minimizing inflammatory responses.

The modified carnivore or 'ketovore' approach

While strict carnivores avoid nuts completely, a growing number of people follow a more flexible version known as the 'ketovore' diet. This version is predominantly animal-based but includes some low-carb plant foods, such as certain nuts, in moderation. For those considering this path, a cautious reintroduction is key. Start with a very small portion to see how your body responds, tracking any digestive changes, weight fluctuations, or signs of inflammation.

Cautious consideration of nuts for modified diets

If you choose to experiment with a modified approach, certain nuts are preferable due to their macronutrient profile. It is critical to remember that this is not a strict carnivore diet.

Macadamia Nuts: Known for their high monounsaturated fat content and very low net carbs, making them a more 'friendly' option for a low-carb intake.
Pecans: Also low in carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats, pecans are another choice that can fit into a flexible, low-carb framework.
Brazil Nuts: Contain low carbs and are a remarkable source of selenium, an important mineral.
Walnuts: While slightly higher in carbs than the others, walnuts offer omega-3 fatty acids, which can help balance the omega-6 ratio.

Comparison of strict carnivore vs. flexible 'ketovore' approach


Feature	Strict Carnivore	Flexible 'Ketovore'
Food Inclusion	Only animal products (meat, fish, eggs, some dairy).	Predominantly animal products, with limited, low-carb plant foods.
Nuts	No nuts allowed.	Small, occasional portions of specific low-carb nuts may be included.
Primary Goal	Maximize animal product benefits, eliminate all plant-based irritants.	Achieve similar metabolic benefits while allowing for minimal plant food variety.
Anti-Nutrients	Complete elimination.	Reduced but not fully eliminated; minimized by careful portioning.
Carbohydrate Intake	Zero or near-zero carbs.	Very low carb intake, but not necessarily zero.
Potential Risks	Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin C, fiber).	Possible inflammatory responses or digestive issues from plant-based foods, though minimized by low intake.

Alternatives to nuts on the carnivore diet

For those seeking the fatty, crunchy satisfaction of nuts without violating the rules of a strict carnivore diet, several animal-based alternatives can serve as substitutes.

Animal-based snacks for texture and fat

Pork Rinds (Chicharrones): These provide a satisfyingly crunchy texture and are zero-carb. Ensure they are free of any added sugars or seed oils.
Beef or Pork Jerky: Look for jerky with minimal ingredients, typically just meat and salt, to ensure it adheres to carnivore principles.
Dried Meat Chips: Specialized brands offer crispy, dehydrated meat snacks that mimic a chip-like texture.
Cheese Crisps: Hard cheeses baked until crispy are a low-carb, high-fat, and crunchy treat. Use hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for best results.
Bone Marrow: Roasted bone marrow is a rich source of fat and can be a satisfying addition to meals.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of what nuts are allowed on the carnivore diet is answered with a simple rule: none. The diet's core principle of consuming only animal products and avoiding all plant-based foods is the reason for this exclusion. Nuts contain carbohydrates and potential anti-nutrients that run counter to the carnivore philosophy, which aims for a zero-carb, inflammation-free state. For those who follow a flexible 'ketovore' approach, certain low-carb nuts like macadamias, pecans, and Brazil nuts may be cautiously introduced in very small quantities. However, strict adherence requires focusing on satisfying, animal-based alternatives like pork rinds, meat jerky, and cheese crisps. The best course of action is to stick to the defined rules for the full carnivore experience and explore modifications only after an initial period of strict adherence to assess your personal tolerance.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nuts are not allowed on the carnivore diet because they are a plant-based food, and the diet strictly prohibits all plant products. Proponents also cite the carbohydrate content and anti-nutrients found in nuts as reasons for their exclusion.

No, peanut butter is not allowed on the carnivore diet. Peanuts are legumes, which are plant-based and therefore not part of a strict animal-only eating plan.

Good alternatives for snacks on a carnivore diet include pork rinds, cheese crisps made from hard cheeses, beef jerky with no added sugar, and dried meat chips. These options provide a satisfying crunch and fat content.

While exceptionally low in carbs, macadamia nuts and pecans are still plant-based and not allowed on a strict carnivore diet. They might be considered by those following a more flexible 'ketovore' approach.

A carnivore diet is exclusively animal-based, whereas a 'ketovore' diet is predominantly animal-based but includes small, carefully managed amounts of low-carb plant foods, which might include some nuts.

For those on a carnivore diet, the goal is often to reduce inflammation. Nuts contain omega-6 fatty acids, and a high ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s can potentially increase inflammation, which is contrary to the diet's purpose.

No. The carnivore diet operates on a different set of principles. While nuts offer nutritional benefits, the diet aims to derive all nutrition from animal sources and eliminate plant compounds entirely. The body adapts to a state of ketosis where less vitamin C is required.