Why Snacks Matter on a Carnivore Diet
Imagine being on a long road trip, surrounded by shelves of carb-laden snacks and sugary treats that don’t align with your carnivore lifestyle. Frustrating, right? Snacking doesn’t have to mean compromising. For meat lovers, the key is simplicity, portability, and staying true to your diet.
This guide dives into homemade recipes, clean store-bought options, and clever tips to help you enjoy carnivore-friendly snacks anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re meal prepping or grabbing something on the go, these ideas will keep you fueled and thriving.
How to Make Homemade Carnivore Snacks That Are Tasty and Budget-Friendly
1. Dehydrated Meat
Dehydrating your own meat is one of the best ways to enjoy a portable, preservative-free snack.
How to Make It:
- Slice beef, lamb, or chicken into 2–4 mm thick strips (partially freezing the meat helps with slicing).
- Season with salt (optional).
- Place the strips on a dehydrator tray or baking rack.
- Dry at 45°C (113°F) for 9–12 hours until fully dry and crisp.
Tips:
• Brisket is an excellent choice—its high fat content keeps it flavorful and budget-friendly. Minced beef is another affordable option.
• If using an oven, set it to the lowest temperature and keep the door slightly open with a wooden spoon for better airflow.
Equipment Needed:
• Dehydrator or oven
• Meat slicer or sharp knife
2. Meat Chips from Cured Ham or Roast Beef
Quick Method for Meat Chips:
- Buy thin slices of cured ham or roast beef from your local deli (check for clean ingredients).
- Lay the slices on a baking tray or dehydrator rack.
- Dry them in a dehydrator at 45°C (113°F) for 3–4 hours.
These are crunchy, delicious, and perfect for snacking on the go—or for dipping!
3. Organ Meat Crisps
Packed with nutrients like vitamin A and B12, organ meat crisps are a powerhouse snack.
How to Make It:
- Slice liver, heart, or kidney into thin strips.
- Soak in milk (optional) to reduce bitterness.
- Dehydrate at 45°C for 8–10 hours.
4. Other Simple Homemade Ideas
• Crispy Lamb Belly Sticks: Roast lamb belly strips at 165°C (330°F) for 45–80 minutes until crunchy.
• Boiled Eggs: A classic and portable snack.
• Raw Hard Cheese: Options like Parmesan, Gruyère, Cheddar, and Comté are easy to carry and provide a quick energy boost.
• Liver Pâté: Make it with lamb, beef, chicken, or duck—it’s delicious and nutrient-rich.
Best Clean Store-Bought Carnivore Snacks for Busy Days
In the UK:
• Awfully Posh: Pork cracklings with just pork and salt.
• The Pemmican Project: Energy-dense pemmican bars made from animal fat and meat.
• Black Country Snacks: Simple, savory pork scratchings.
• Mason’s Meats: Grass-fed beef jerky.
• CheeseO’s: Crunchy baked cheddar bites.
• Chicken Cracklings: Fried chicken skin.
In the USA:
• Carnivore Crisps: High-quality meat and salt only.
• Carnivore Bar: Nutrient-packed snacks perfect for travel.
In Australia:
• Kooee! Beef Jerky: Clean-label jerky with simple ingredients, great for a keto diet.
• Grasslands Meats: Offers shelf-stable jerky and snacks.
• Pascal’s Pork Crackling: Pork cracklings made with just pork and salt.
Worldwide:
Shelf-Stable Canned Fish: Sardines, mackerel, or salmon (always in brine or smoked) are excellent for snacking. Look for brands like Wild Planetor King Oscar.
Unique Carnivore Snack Ideas to Keep Things Interesting
• Bone Broth To-Go: Freeze bone broth into cubes and pack them in a thermos.
• Tallow or Butter Bites: Cut tallow or butter into small cubes for quick energy or mix them with bacon or beef bits.
• Smoked Salmon or Trout Strips: Ready-to-eat and packed with omega-3s.
• Carnivore Bread: Make “bread” using beef, pork, chicken, or egg whites.
• Pemmican: A traditional snack made with dried meat and rendered fat.
Tips for Long-Lasting Snacks
1. Storage Tips for Homemade Snacks:
- Use airtight containers to keep dehydrated snacks fresh.
- Vacuum-sealing can extend shelf life significantly.
- For long trips, store snacks in a cooler bag with ice packs.
2. Best Snacks for Travel, Work, or Hiking:
- Choose snacks like canned fish, meat chips, or boiled eggs for portability.
- Freeze tallow bites or butter cubes to keep them solid during travel.
3. Freezing Snacks to Extend Shelf Life:
- Homemade jerky freezes well and thaws quickly.
- Wrap individual portions in parchment paper for convenience.
Budget-Friendly Snack Solutions
1. Buy Bulk Cuts
Buying brisket, pork belly, or beef trimmings in bulk keeps costs low while giving you plenty of snack options.
2. Use Cheaper Cuts:
- Chicken Skins: Roast into crispy chips.
- Fat Trimmings: Render or dehydrate for high-fat snacks.
- Lamb Belly or Heart: Affordable and delicious.
How to Avoid Common Pitfalls
1. Hidden Sugars and Preservatives:
Always check labels. A true carnivore snack should have only two ingredients: meat (or fish) and salt. Avoid products with seed oils, sugar, or artificial flavors.
2. Keeping Snacks Fresh Without Refrigeration:
Dehydrated meat and canned fish are perfect for non-refrigerated storage. Use vacuum-sealed bags for added freshness.
Try These Recipes and Products
- Recipe for Air Fryer Pork Crackling: Watch here.
- Find Local Snacks: Check MooMap for snack suppliers near you.
Conclusion: Fuel Your Life with Carnivore Snacks
Snacking on the carnivore diet doesn’t have to be boring—or difficult. From homemade jerky to clean-label store-bought options, the possibilities are endless. By keeping it simple, you can stay on track and energized wherever life takes you.
Start your journey today by exploring snack options on MooMap or trying out one of these recipes.
What’s your go-to carnivore snack? Share your favorites in the comments below!
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