Zero calorie drinks are beverages that contain less than 5 calories per serving and do not disrupt energy balance. For those who are on a Keto and Carnivore diet, the goal is not just zero calories. What you eat on these diets should cause minimal insulin response and contain ingredients that support macronutrient goals. So, let’s learn about the 10 best zero calorie drinks for Keto and Carnivore, plus 5 easy 0 calorie drinks.
When a drink’s label says zero-calorie, this usually reflects FDA rounding rules, not absolute zero energy. Manufacturers can legally label something as zero calories if it has fewer than ~5 calories per serving.
But if you are on low- or zero-carb, animal-based diets like Keto and Carnivore, you should consider not only the calories in a drink but also how the drink affects your blood sugar, insulin, metabolic state, and macronutrient balance.
Some zero calorie drinks use artificial sweeteners that can spike insulin levels or impact gut hormones, which can disrupt ketosis or trigger cravings.
Others use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, which generally have a minimal metabolic effect. Understanding this helps you choose drinks that support your diet goals instead of working against them.
Let’s compare some of the most common zero calorie drinks regarding their impacts on Keto and Carnivore Diet results and insulin levels.
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Plain water is the best zero calorie drink because it has no calories, no sweeteners, and no additives. It keeps you hydrated and supports metabolic processes without impacting insulin levels.
Water is the foundational drink for both the Carnivore Diet and the Keto Diet. Proper hydration influences energy levels, hunger signals, and digestion, and can support fat metabolism during ketosis.
The table below shows the main pros and cons of water as one of the best zero calorie drinks for Keto and Carnivore diets.
Learn More: Milk on the Carnivore Diet: Benefits and Side Effects
Black coffee is zero calories and can boost energy and metabolism through caffeine. It is plant-based, so some of the individuals on a zero-carb Carnivore Diet avoid it, but many Carnivores drink coffee without issue.
Coffee contains polyphenols and caffeine that can increase alertness and metabolic rate. On a Keto Diet, you can drink black coffee with MCT oil or butter to make bullet-proof coffee, which is also Carnivore-friendly.
But please remember that adding fat (butter or MCT oil) changes the calorie content of black coffee. The following table lists the pros and cons of black coffee.
Learn More: Alcohol on Carnivore Diet: The Best and Worst Beverages
Carbonated water with no sweeteners can bring variety to your diet without adding calories. Flavored versions use natural essences without sugar or sweeteners.
The carbon content of these drinks helps with satiety and hydration without affecting insulin. Natural essence flavors are the best choices for those on Keto or Carnivore diets because these drinks have no carbs or artificial additives.
The table below compares the pros and cons of unsweetened sparkling water.
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Zero-calorie electrolyte drinks are water or drink mixes that are enriched with electrolytes, such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium, and have no sweeteners or calories.
They help maintain hydration, especially on Keto and Carnivore drinks, where consuming low-carb foods can increase electrolyte loss.
By replacing lost salts, these drinks support muscle function, reduce cramps, and maintain energy without raising blood sugar levels.
You can check the pros and cons of electrolyte drinks in the table below.
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Unflavored brewed teas have zero calories and provide antioxidants. Green tea, in particular, contains catechins that help support metabolic health.
Teas bring variety to the diet and add subtle flavors. Green and black teas contain caffeine; herbal teas do not unless blended.
The pros and cons of the unsweetened teas are shown in the table below.
Learn More: Low Calorie Ice Cream: Top Healthy Ice Cream for Weight Loss
Diet sodas use artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame-K to provide sweetness with zero calories. While calorie-free, their metabolic effects are controversial.
Some research suggests artificial sweetenerscan change gut microbiota or trigger insulin responses in some individuals. They can also increase cravings for sweet foods.
The following table shows the pros and cons of diet soda.
Learn More: Can You Drink Milk on Carnivore Diet? What Are Pros & Cons
Zero calorie energy drinks are energy beverages without calories or sugar, usually using caffeine, B-vitamins, and natural flavors. Choose brands that avoid artificial sweeteners and fillers.
If you select them carefully, these drinks can provide an energy boost without breaking ketosis. Some include amino acids or nootropics, but ingredient quality varies in different brands.
These drinks can be Keto-friendly if they contain clean ingredients. They can also be Carnivore-friendly if they only contain low- or zero-carb and animal-based ingredients.
The pros and cons of zero calorie energy drinks are shown in the following table.
Learn More: Can I Have Alcohol on Carnivore Diet? What and How Much?
Adding slices of lemon, cucumber, or herbs to plain water adds taste and subtle antioxidants with a small number of calories. Though technically adding plant compounds, it remains low enough not to impact most diets.
The table below shows the pros and cons of infused water.
Learn More: Coffee on Carnivore Diet: Pros, Cons, & All You Need to Know
Club soda is carbonated water with added minerals (sodium, potassium). While similar to sparkling water, it has a slightly different mineral profile that can help with hydration.
Mineral content can help replenish electrolytes without carbohydrates, which is useful for those on a Keto Diet. The pros and cons of club soda with electrolytes are shown in the table below.
Regular coconut water contains calories and carbohydrates, but there are special zero-calorie alternatives that provide the same taste without sugar.
So, it is wise to always check labels. If the unsweetened coconut water alternative is truly zero calorie, it can satisfy coconut water cravings or bring variety to the diet without breaking ketosis.
If you are on a Low-Carb Diet, Keto Diet, or Ketovore Diet, you can use them after carefully checking labels, but you’d better avoid them on a zero-carb Carnivore Diet. The pros and cons of unsweetened coconut water alternatives include:
While you need to consider macronutrients and calories of foods and drinks on a Keto and Carnivore Diet, you should also consider sweeteners. The table below compares the most common sweeteners used in zero calorie drinks.
In addition to the zero calorie drinks you can buy, there are some zero calorie drinks you can easily make at home.
In about 5 minutes, you can make 1 large or 2 small servings of this refreshing Keto lemon sparkler. While this drink is Keto-friendly, it is not allowed on a zero-carb Carnivore.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrients per Serving:
Calories: 0-2 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0-0.5 g | Sugar: 0 g | Sodium: 150-300 mg | Fat: 0 g | Protein: 0 g
Learn More: Carnivore Diet Vegetables: Can You Eat Them on Carnivore?
In bout 3 minutes, you can make a clean, zero calorie energy drink providing caffeine and flavor without sweeteners. It is popular among those on a Low-Carb or Keto Diet, but is optional for a Carnivore Diet.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrients per Serving:
Calories: 0 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0 g | Sugar: 0 g | Caffeine: 120-150 mg | Fat: 0 g | Protein: 0 g
Learn More: 6 Best Keto Cookies + 7 Christmas Cookies with Easy Recipes
You only need 2 minutes to make a zero-calorie hydration drink to replenish electrolytes lost during ketosis, fasting, or workouts. It can be both Keto- and Carnivore-friendly.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrients per Serving:
Calories: 0 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0 g | Sodium: 500-700 mg | Magnesium: 50-100 mg | Potassium: Varies by mineral water | Fat: 0 g | Protein: 0 g
Learn More: Carnivore Electrolytes: Why They Matter & How to Source Them
You need about 10 minutes to make a caffeine-free, calming, zero-calorie drink that is suited for Keto but not Carnivore-friendly.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrients per Serving:
Calories: 0 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0 g | Sugar: 0 g | Caffeine: 0 mg | Fat: 0 g | Protein: 0 g
Learn More: 5 Best Carnivore Bread Recipes to Make No-Carb, Fluffy Bread
In 3 minutes, you can make this crisp, lightly mineralized, zero calorie drink with a subtle citrus aroma. It is an excellent soda replacement for Keto, but it is not completely Carnivore-friendly.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrients per Serving:
Calories: 0-1 kcal | Carbohydrates: 0-0.2 g | Sugar: 0 g | Sodium: 100-200 mg | Fat: 0 g | Protein: 0 g
Learn More: Beef Liver Supplements on a Carnivore Diet: Pros and Cons
The best zero calorie drinks for Keto and Carnivore Diets are those that support metabolic health without unnecessary additives.
Water, black coffee, unsweetened sparkling water, and electrolyte drinks are the safest bets. You can also make homemade beverages and customize the ingredients.
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about zero calorie drinks for Keto and Carnivore diets.
Yes, many zero calorie drinks are Keto, especially plain water, black coffee, unsweetened sparkling water, and electrolyte water.
Zero calorie drinks without sweeteners generally do not disrupt ketosis. Some artificial sweeteners might affect insulin in sensitive individuals.
Occasionally, but it is not ideal due to artificial sweeteners and possible cravings.
Black coffee, unsweetened green tea, or zero calorie energy drinks with clean ingredients (no artificial sweeteners) are the best choices.
Some can, especially those with artificial sweeteners. But responses vary from person to person.
