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Zero Carb Foods to Have on Keto and Carnivore Diets

Published on
August 20, 2025
Zero Carb Foods to Have on Keto and Carnivore Diets
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Ever wondered why some people do well eating steak, eggs, and butter while others get stuck in sugar crashes? The secret is zaro carb foods that keep blood sugar stable and lower cravings. Not every low-carb food is truly zero carb. To get real energy, fat loss, and metabolic benefits, you need to know which foods don’t have carbohydrates to crash your diet results.

Why Do Zaro Carb Foods Matter?

As the name suggests, Zaro carb foods contain no carbohydrates. These foods are the backbone of Keto, Carnivore, and other Low-Carb diets, as they allow the body to enter a fat-burning state, ketosis.

Zero-carb foods help you gain the necessary nutrients without risking the diet results. So, if you are trying to lose weight, manage diabetes, or improve metabolic health, you must know which foods are truly zero-carb.

Most people think of bread, pasta, and rice when it comes to carbohydrates, but sugar and starch hide in sauces, processed meats, and vegetables. That is why you need a clear zero carb foods list PDF.

Learn More: The Primal Diet: from Low-Carb Eating to Health and Fitness

What Are Zero Carb Foods?

Zero carb foods are those that contain less than 0.5 g of carbohydrates per serving. The FDA allows products to be labeled as zero-carb if they contain under that threshold, so technically, some zero carb foods may contain trace amounts, which don’t affect ketosis or blood sugar.

The majority of zero carb foods are animal-based. However, there are also oils, condiments, and drinks that can be enjoyed without any carbohydrate intake.

While many vegetables are low carb, very few are truly zero carb, which is why they are rarely included in a Carnivore Diet food list.

Zero carb foods are popular in the Keto and Carnivore communities as they provide a foundation of protein and fat without spiking insulin.

But regardless of the diet you are following, zero-carb foods can be useful for anyone who wants to stabilize energy, reduce cravings, or control blood sugar. So, let’s get to the zero carb diet foods list.

Zero Carb Foods

Complete Zero Carb Foods List

Here is a list of the zero carb foods you can based on categories. Please remember that non-animal foods are not allowed on a standard or strict Carnivore. You can also use this Carnivore Diet Grocery List Based on Diet Variations & Goals.

Animal Proteins

  • Beef, lamb, pork, goat
  • Chicken, turkey, duck, game meats
  • Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, cod, mackerel)
  • Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster: clams/mussels have few carbs)
  • Bone marrow, organ meats (liver, kidney, heart)

Learn More: Bone Marrow Nutrition Facts: Knowing the Carnivore Superfood

Eggs and Dairy

  • Whole eggs
  • Egg whites
  • Hard cheeses (Parmesan and cheddar)
  • Butter, ghee

Fats and Oils

  • Olive oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Butter, ghee
  • Lard, tallow

Learn More: Beef Tallow for Cooking Healthy & Yummy Carnivore Diet Foods

Condiments and Extras

  • Salt, pepper, most herbs/spices (contain few carbs)
  • Vinegar (except balsamic)
  • Mustard
  • Hot sauce (check label for sugar)

Drinks

  • Water (sparkling, still, mineral)
  • Black coffee
  • Tea (unsweetened, herbal, or green)
Zero Carb Foods

The table below shows the macronutrients in the most common zero carb foods per 100 grams.

Learn More: Do I Need Carnivore Diet Supplements to Boost the Results?

FoodCalories (kcal)Protein (g)Fat (g)Carbohydrates (g)
Beef (ribeye) 291 25 21 0
Salmon 208 20 13 0
Chicken Breast 165 31 3.6 0
Eggs (whole) 143 13 10 0.4
Butter 717 0.8 81 0.1
Olive Oil 884 0 100 0

Benefits of Zero Carb Foods

If you eat carbohydrates (sugar), they turn into energy in the body, but they, especially refined ones like bread, pasta, or sugar, are digested rapidly and cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels [1] [2].

To manage the blood sugar spike, the body releases insulin, the hormone that pushes glucose into cells for storage or energy [3] [4].

Once glucose is cleared, blood sugar drops quickly, leading to energy crashes, hunger, and cravings. Over time, these sharp fluctuations can stress metabolism [5].

For diabetics and people with insulin resistance, this process becomes even more problematic. Their bodies either

  • don’t produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or
  • don’t respond effectively to it (type 2 diabetes).

This makes controlling blood sugar very difficult, and high-carb foods only worsen the problem. If the blood glucose goes too high, it can damage blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyesight [6].

Zero carb foods smooth this process because they don’t contain sugar or starch and don’t spike blood sugar or trigger large amounts of insulin [7].

Even for people without diabetes, constant blood sugar swings can cause

  • Mood instability,
  • Fatigue,
  • Brain fog, and
  • Overeating.

Many people describe the cycle: eating carbohydrates → feeling energized for a short time → crashing → craving more carbohydrates [8].

By switching to zero carb foods, you break this loop. Instead of relying on glucose, the body uses fat to provide energy, producing ketones (ketosis), which provide stable, long-lasting energy for both the brain and body.

This is why many individuals who follow Carnivore or Keto diets report steady focus, fewer cravings, and reduced appetite after cutting carbohydrates.

So, zero carb foods are good not just because they cut calories or carbohydrates, but because they change how your body provides and uses energy [9] [10].

Additionally, zero carb foods are nutrient-dense [11]:

  • Meats and fish provide B vitamins, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Eggs supply choline, essential for brain health.
  • Fats like butter and tallow offer fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Despite the benefits, eating only zero carb foods may come with potential drawbacks.

Learn More: The Carnivore Diet Meal Plan PDF to Lose Weight, Heal & More

Zero Carb Foods

Risks and Considerations of Zero Carb Foods

  • The most common point to consider about eating only zero-carb foods is nutrient gaps. For example, fibers and vitamin C are harder to obtain without vegetables and fruits. How to Get Vitamin C on a Carnivore Diet? What Meats to Eat?
  • Another risk is digestive health. Without fiber, some people experience constipation or gut imbalances. But using psyllium husk, small amounts of low-carb greens, or fermented foods can help. Carnivore Diet Constipation: Fix Carnivore Diet Poop Problem
  • There is also the risk of high cholesterol or kidney issues in individuals with pre-existing conditions. While many studies suggest that Keto and Carnivore diets are safe for most, those with medical conditions should consult their doctor [12] [13].

Also, please remember that some foods marketed as zero carb, like flavored meats or sauces, may contain hidden sugars. So, always read labels carefully.

But as long as you are under the supervision of Carnivore Doctors and are in touch with a supportive Carnivore Community, and know how to make zero-carb meals, you are good to go!

Learn More: How to Lower Cholesterol on Carnivore Diet? 10 Approved Ways

Meal Ideas and Recipes with Zero Carb Foods

You can use the following meal ideas or these Carnivore Diet recipes to make yummy and nutritious zero carb foods.

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with butter and smoked salmon
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken thighs with beef tallow
  • Dinner: Ribeye steak seared in tallow
  • Snack: Boiled eggs, pepperoni slices, and pork rinds

The table below shows a sample one-day zero-carb meal plan to help you get started. You can also use this 30-Day Carnivore Diet Meal Plan PDF (Downloadable File).

MealFoodCarbohydrates (g)
Breakfast 3 eggs + 2 bacon slices 0
Lunch Grilled chicken + beef tallow 0
Dinner Salmon with butter 0
Snack Cheese cubes, pork rinds 0-0.5

Pro Tip: Rotate between beef, poultry, and seafood to maximize nutrient diversity.

Learn More: 10 Approved Ways to Boost Carnivore Diet Weight Loss Results

Conclusion

Zero carb foods are a powerful tool for weight management, metabolic health, and energy stability. By focusing on nutrient-dense proteins and healthy fats, you can enjoy satisfying meals without the blood sugar rollercoaster.

You can calculate the right amount of macronutrients (fat, protein, carbohydrates) you need based on your age, gender, weight, and activity level using this free Carnivore Macro Calculator. 

With proper planning and awareness, a zero-carb approach can be sustainable, healthy, and effective. You should also consult a healthcare professional before changing your eating habits.

FAQs

Let’s find answers to the most frequently asked questions about zero carb foods.

Are All Meats Zero Carb?

Most fresh meats are zero carb. Processed ones, like sausages and deli meats, may contain fillers or sugar.

Can I Eat Cheese on a Zero-Carb Diet?

Hard cheeses are very low-carb (near zero), but soft cheeses may have 1–2 g of carbohydrates per serving.

Are Vegetables Zero Carb?

Most vegetables contain some carbohydrates, but leafy greens like spinach are very low-carb (1–2 g per cup). But zero-carb carnivores usually avoid them.

Do Zero Carb Foods Help with Weight Loss?

Yes, because they increase satiety and induce ketosis, making it easier to reduce calorie intake.