Why can't you use seasonings on the carnivore diet?: Unpacking the Strict Approach

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

For many, the idea of eating meat without seasonings seems bland, but for strict adherents of the carnivore diet, this is a central tenet. The core reason why can't you use seasonings on the carnivore diet? is rooted in the belief that all plant-derived foods, including spices and herbs, contain compounds that are potentially inflammatory or toxic to the human body.

Quick Summary

Strict carnivore dieters exclude seasonings because they are plant-based and may contain inflammatory compounds, anti-nutrients like oxalates and lectins, and contaminants. This functions as an extreme elimination protocol for gut health.

Key Points

Elimination of All Plant Foods: The primary reason is that seasonings are plant-based, and the carnivore diet strictly eliminates all plant matter to reduce inflammation and promote gut health.
Avoiding Plant Toxins and Anti-Nutrients: Many herbs and spices contain concentrated levels of anti-nutrients like oxalates and lectins, which can cause inflammatory responses and interfere with nutrient absorption for some individuals.
Risk of Commercial Contaminants: Commercial spice blends can be contaminated with heavy metals (lead, arsenic), bacteria (salmonella), and contain non-carnivore additives and fillers.
Leveraging the Diet as an Elimination Protocol: A strict no-seasoning approach is crucial for those using the diet to identify food sensitivities and address underlying autoimmune issues through a total dietary reset.
Flexibility in Modified Carnivore Diets: Not all carnivore variations are equally strict; 'dirty' or modified versions may allow low-carb, single-ingredient seasonings and condiments free of sugar and vegetable oils.
Using Animal-Based Flavor Enhancers: Acceptable flavoring methods include utilizing the natural taste of meat and cooking with animal fats like tallow, lard, and butter.

The Core Philosophy: Eliminating Plant-Based Foods

The fundamental rule of a strict carnivore diet is the complete elimination of all plant-based foods, and herbs and spices are no exception. Proponents believe that for optimal health, the human diet should consist solely of animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, and certain dairy products. By removing all plant matter, the diet aims to remove potential irritants and inflammatory triggers that many people are unknowingly sensitive to.

The Role of Plant Toxins and Anti-Nutrients

Plants have evolved defense mechanisms to deter herbivores from consuming them. These defenses come in the form of chemical compounds, often referred to as anti-nutrients or plant toxins. Spices and herbs, which are concentrated parts of plants, contain these compounds in higher levels than many people realize. For some individuals, especially those with pre-existing gut issues or autoimmune conditions, these compounds can trigger negative reactions.

Common anti-nutrients found in spices include:

Oxalates: These naturally occurring compounds can bind with minerals and, in some people, can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Spices like turmeric and green cardamom are known to have high oxalate content.
Lectins: As carbohydrate-binding proteins, lectins can interfere with nutrient absorption and potentially cause damage to the gut lining in sensitive individuals. While many are found in legumes and grains, smaller amounts are present in some herbs and spices.
Coumarin: This naturally occurring substance found in high concentrations in Cassia cinnamon has been linked to liver damage and cancer formation in high doses.

Concerns Over Contamination in Commercial Spices

Beyond the natural compounds found in plants, a valid concern exists regarding potential contaminants in commercially produced spices.

Potential contaminants include:

Heavy Metals: Studies by Consumer Reports have found that many store-bought herbs and spices contain measurable levels of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium. These can accumulate in the body over time, posing health risks, especially to children.
Bacteria: Surveys by the FDA have found pathogens like Salmonella in a percentage of spice shipments. While cooking often mitigates this risk, it is another factor considered by strict adherents.
Additives and Fillers: Many commercial spice blends contain anti-caking agents, sugars, or starches to prevent clumping and add bulk, which are all forbidden on a strict carnivore protocol.

The Carnivore Diet as an Elimination Protocol

One of the main therapeutic uses of the carnivore diet is as a radical elimination diet. People with stubborn autoimmune conditions, severe inflammation, or chronic digestive issues may adopt this strict protocol to reset their system. By removing every potential variable, including seasonings, they can systematically reintroduce foods to pinpoint what might be causing their problems. This approach prioritizes healing and clarity over flavor variety, at least during the initial phase.

The Spectrum of Carnivore: Strict vs. Modified

The carnivore community isn't monolithic, and the rules around seasonings vary depending on individual health goals and tolerance.

A Comparison of Seasoning Rules


Feature	Strict Carnivore (Lion Diet)	Modified Carnivore (Dirty Carnivore)
Seasonings Allowed	Salt (ideally mineral-rich sea salt) and sometimes water.	Salt, pepper, some low-carb single-ingredient spices (e.g., cayenne, garlic powder), and approved condiments like mustard or hot sauce.
Primary Flavor Source	The natural flavor of high-quality animal fats and proteins.	Enhanced by allowed seasonings and animal-based sauces or fats.
Reason for Restriction	Total elimination to address severe health issues, identify sensitivities, and avoid all plant compounds.	Allows for more variety and palatability while still avoiding grains, sugars, and most processed plant foods.
Goal	Therapeutic and healing, with an emphasis on total elimination.	Long-term sustainability and enjoyment while adhering to a low-carb, animal-based framework.

Acceptable Carnivore Flavor Enhancers

For those on a strict carnivore diet, flavor is derived from the quality of the meat and the use of animal-based fats. These can include:

Animal Fats: Tallow, lard, and butter are excellent for cooking and adding richness and flavor to dishes.
Salt: Used for both flavor and to maintain crucial electrolyte balance, especially during the initial transition to a low-carbohydrate diet.
Bone Broth: Provides a savory depth of flavor and is rich in nutrients.

Conclusion

The decision of why can't you use seasonings on the carnivore diet? is based on the diet's core principle of eliminating all plant matter. For strict followers, this is a necessary step to avoid potential inflammatory compounds (anti-nutrients), steer clear of commercial contaminants, and use the diet as a powerful elimination tool to resolve long-standing health issues. While modified versions allow for a degree of flexibility, the reasoning behind the strict approach is clear: to focus on the healing and clarifying benefits that come from a purely animal-based diet, allowing the natural flavor of the food to take center stage. Ultimately, the level of restriction is a personal choice based on individual health goals.

For Further Reading

To delve deeper into the reasons behind avoiding seasonings on a carnivore diet, consider exploring resources on plant defense compounds like oxalates and lectins. [Dr. Robert Kiltz, Herbs and Spices on the Carnivore Diet?, https://www.doctorkiltz.com/carnivore-diet-spices/].

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, salt is a common exception, even for many strict carnivore dieters. It is essential for electrolyte balance and is not derived from a plant. Some also allow black pepper, though this is debated among purists.

On a strict carnivore diet, garlic and onion powder are not allowed because they are plant-based. Some people following a more flexible version of the diet might choose to use small amounts, but this is a personal choice based on their tolerance and goals.

The sensitivity to anti-nutrients and contaminants varies greatly among individuals. The reasons for avoiding seasonings are most critical for those with significant health issues using the diet as a therapeutic elimination tool.

Flavor comes from high-quality meat, different cuts (such as fatty ribeye or organ meats), and cooking with animal fats like butter, tallow, or lard. Different cooking methods, such as searing, grilling, or roasting, also produce distinct flavors.

A strict carnivore diet, often called the 'lion diet,' involves eating only ruminant meat, water, and salt. A 'dirty' or modified carnivore diet allows for more flexibility, including some seasonings, dairy, and occasionally, other non-animal foods, as long as they are low-carb and free of sugar.

For a strict carnivore approach, hot sauce and mustard are off-limits due to their plant ingredients and potential additives. In a modified version, some might use single-ingredient, sugar-free mustard or hot sauce, carefully checking labels to avoid unwanted fillers.

For people sensitive to plant compounds, eliminating all plant-based foods, including seasonings, can be a strategy to reduce inflammation. By removing all potential irritants, the body has a chance to heal, leading to anecdotal reports of reduced inflammation and improved autoimmune symptoms.