What nuts are ok on a carnivore diet?

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

While the fundamental rule of the strict carnivore diet is to consume only animal products, a growing number of adherents explore modified approaches that may include certain plant-based foods. This creates confusion for many who wonder if nuts can be part of their eating plan. The answer depends entirely on your adherence level, from strict elimination to mindful moderation.

Quick Summary

The strict carnivore diet prohibits all nuts due to their plant-based origin and carbohydrate content. Some modified plans permit the most keto-friendly nuts, like macadamias and pecans, in small, carefully monitored portions. Factors such as antinutrient compounds and impact on ketosis must be considered.

Key Points

Strictly No Nuts: The foundational carnivore diet excludes all nuts, which are plant-based and violate the diet's core animal-only principle.
Carbs and Antinutrients: Nuts contain carbohydrates and antinutrients like phytates and oxalates, which can interfere with mineral absorption and metabolic state.
Modified Approach: Some dieters on a modified, or 'carnivore adjacent,' plan include the lowest-carb nuts in limited quantities.
Best Low-Carb Options: For modified diets, macadamia nuts, pecans, and Brazil nuts are the lowest in carbs and highest in fat.
Carnivore Alternatives: Satisfying nut substitutes include meat-based snacks like pork rinds, carnivore chips, and fatty cheese for those avoiding all plants.
Monitor Your Body: Those experimenting with nuts should closely track their digestive and metabolic response and consume them sparingly.

The Strict Carnivore Stance: No Nuts Allowed

For those following a purist, nose-to-tail carnivore diet, the question "What nuts are ok on a carnivore diet?" has a simple, unequivocal answer: none. The core philosophy of this diet is the elimination of all plant-derived foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and, by extension, nuts and seeds. This complete exclusion is based on several key principles supported by proponents of the diet.

Reasons for Nut Elimination

There are several reasons why nuts are excluded from a strict carnivore diet:

Plant-Based Origin: Nuts are, by definition, plant foods. Their inclusion would violate the most fundamental rule of a species-appropriate, animal-only diet.
Antinutrient Content: Nuts contain natural plant compounds called antinutrients, such as phytates and oxalates. Proponents argue these compounds can interfere with the body's absorption of essential minerals and cause digestive issues. The carnivore diet aims to avoid these potential irritants entirely.
Carbohydrate Load: Although often viewed as low-carb, many nuts still contain a measurable amount of carbohydrates. Even a small amount of carbs can disrupt or prevent the state of ketosis that many carnivores seek to achieve for improved metabolic health.
Potential Allergens: For some, nuts can be a significant allergen. Eliminating them completely removes this variable for those seeking to resolve food-related sensitivities.

The Modified Approach: Choosing the Lowest-Carb Nuts

Recognizing the challenges of an extremely restrictive diet, some individuals follow a modified or "carnivore adjacent" plan. This involves a primary focus on animal products but allows for small, controlled quantities of certain plant foods. In this context, some of the lowest-carbohydrate nuts may be cautiously introduced. The strategy here is to select nuts that are high in fat and very low in net carbohydrates to minimize impact on the body.

Here are some of the nuts with the lowest net carb counts, often considered the most compatible with a modified carnivore diet:

Macadamia Nuts: Known for their extremely high monounsaturated fat content and very low carbohydrate count, they are a favorite among low-carb dieters.
Pecans: Rich in healthy fats and relatively low in carbs, pecans are another viable option in moderation.
Brazil Nuts: These nuts are low in carbs and an exceptional source of selenium, an important mineral. A single nut can provide a day's worth of selenium, so intake should be limited.
Walnuts: While slightly higher in carbs than the others, walnuts offer omega-3 fatty acids. They should be consumed sparingly on a modified plan.

Carnivore-Adjacent Nut Comparison Table


Nut	Carb Content (per oz)	Fat Content (per oz)	Antinutrients	Suitable for Modified Carnivore?
Macadamia	~1.5g net carbs	~21g fat	Yes, contains phytates	Best choice, very low carb
Pecan	~1.2g net carbs	~20g fat	Yes, contains phytates	Excellent choice, very low carb
Brazil Nut	~1.2g net carbs	~19g fat	Yes, contains phytates	Good choice, high selenium
Walnut	~2g net carbs	~18.5g fat	Yes, contains phytates	Acceptable in moderation
Almond	~3g net carbs	~14g fat	Higher in phytates, oxalates	Higher carb, use caution
Cashew	~8g net carbs	~12g fat	Higher carb and antinutrients	Not recommended

Cautions for Including Nuts

For those experimenting with nuts on a modified plan, consider these factors:

Moderation is Key: Even low-carb nuts can disrupt ketosis if overconsumed due to their carbohydrate and calorie density. Portion control is essential.
Digestive Response: Pay close attention to your body's reaction. Some people may experience digestive discomfort from the fiber or antinutrients.
Nutrient Density: While nuts provide some nutrients, they do not offer the same spectrum of nutrients as animal products, especially with regards to bioavailable vitamins. The diet's nutrient base should always remain animal-based.
Potential Allergens: Be aware of any food sensitivity issues. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

Carnivore-Approved Alternatives to Nuts

For those committed to a strict carnivore diet, or those who find that nuts negatively affect them, there are satisfying, animal-based alternatives to replace the crunch and fat of nuts.

Carnivore Snax/Dried Meats: Ethically sourced and made from just meat and salt, these crispy meat chips provide a savory crunch without any plant matter.
Pork Rinds: With zero carbs and a satisfying, airy texture, pork rinds are a popular snack substitute.
Cheese: Hard, aged cheeses like parmesan or cheddar are low in lactose and can offer a rich, fatty snack. Some carnivores tolerate dairy better than others.
Boiled Eggs: Easy to prepare and portable, hard-boiled eggs are a staple, nutrient-dense snack rich in fats and protein.
Crispy Chicken Skin: Baking or air-frying chicken skin until golden and crispy creates a delicious, fatty, and carnivore-friendly snack.

Conclusion

In summary, the carnivore diet strictly prohibits all nuts due to their plant origin, carbohydrate content, and antinutrient profile. For those adhering to the diet's core tenets, focusing on fatty meats, eggs, and dairy (if tolerated) is the proper path. However, those who choose a modified or carnivore-adjacent approach may carefully integrate the lowest-carb nuts, such as macadamias or pecans, in strict moderation while monitoring their body's response. Ultimately, the best option depends on individual health goals and tolerance, but for a true carnivore diet, nuts are off the menu. For a deeper understanding of the carnivore diet's core principles, consult reputable health and nutrition sites like WebMD or Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Macadamia nuts are not allowed on a strict carnivore diet because they are plant-based. However, followers of a modified carnivore diet sometimes include them in very small, controlled amounts due to their very low carbohydrate content and high fat profile.

No, you cannot eat peanuts on a carnivore diet. Peanuts are legumes, not nuts, and are high in antinutrients like lectins. Both strict and modified carnivore plans exclude them.

Carnivore dieters avoid nuts because they are plant-based, contain carbohydrates that can disrupt ketosis, and have antinutrients like phytates and oxalates that may cause digestive issues and hinder mineral absorption.

Excellent carnivore-friendly snack options include pork rinds, boiled eggs, fatty hard cheeses (if dairy is tolerated), and dried meat products like jerky or carnivore chips.

Yes, all nuts contain antinutrients to some extent, which are natural plant compounds that can interfere with the body's absorption of nutrients.

A strict carnivore diet is limited to animal products only, while a modified version primarily consists of animal products but may include small, controlled amounts of some plant-based foods, such as low-carb nuts.

On both modified and strict carnivore diets, nuts with higher carbohydrate counts should be avoided. Cashews are particularly high in carbs and are not recommended.