Best Zero-Carb Food List for a Keto Diet

If you’re looking for a concise list of zero-carb foods to keep you in ketosis on the keto diet, you don’t need to look any further!

This video is short and to the point! Go ahead and watch, then follow the links to more Ruled.me offering lots of great recommendations! I loved how detailed and information-packed this video was, with a pretty comprehensive list of zero-carb foods. But I wanted to provide it for you, in writing, so that you have a written list handy to take with you when you go shopping or are working on meal planning and preparation.

You’re welcome! 😉

The following foods are all safe to consume for getting into ketosis and keeping you there!

MEATS

• Beef
• Fowl
• Pork
• Veal
• Lamb
• Game Meats like Venison and Elk
• Exotic Meats
• Organ Meats

Grass-fed and pasture-raised meats are optimal.

Cured and Dried Meats like; Bacon, Salami, Hot Dogs, Deli Meats, Jerky, and Canned Meats – can be used occasionally.

Read the ingredient list and put anything back containing – 

• Dextrose
• Starch
• Sugar
• High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Maltodextrin 

Try to purchase all-natural processed meats that contain carb-free ingredients.

• Fresh and Tinned Seafood are another great source of protein and are a great source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
• White, flaky fish like; Cod, Flounder, Sole, and Haddock are delicious, as are more fatty choices like; Salmon, Tuna, Halibut, Swordfish, Sardines, Trout and others. Wild-caught fish are your best option, making sure they don’t contain any other ingredients.

SNACKS

Try to avoid frequent or habitual snacking, but everyone wants snacks from time-to-time. On the keto diet, you have lots of tasty options!

Try –

• Pepperoni Slices
• Fried Pork Rinds
• Bone Broth
• Smoked Fish
• Canned Fish
• Canned Meat
• Jerky and Dried Meat Sticks
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Seaweed

Some other great snack options to keep on hand include; KETO BARS, COOKIES, NUT BUTTERS, and other snacks FOUND HERE.

HEALTHY FATS

Healthy fats should be the cornerstone of a balanced keto diet. Here is a list of some favorite zero-carb fats –

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Grass-Fed Butter and Ghee
• Coconut Oil
• MCT Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Animal Fats like; Lard

Avoid vegetable, nut, and seed oils that are unstable at high temperatures, so you’ll want to avoid them.

SPICES

Most herbs and spices are virtually carb-free. Of course, you’re going to want to avoid spice blends with added sugar, dextrose, corn syrup solids, or cellulose. Instead, try –

• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Basil
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Chives
• Dill

Some spices can have a higher carb content, so should be used more sparingly –

• Cinnamon
• Curry Powder
• Cumin
• Chili Powder
• And others…

Other sauces like; Sugar-Free Hot Sauce and Mustard are essentially carb-free and can add loads of added flavor and texture.

SWEETENERS

All sugars are off-limits on the ketogenic diet, but you still have plenty of good options for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Try –

• Liquid Stevia
• Monkfruit Extract
• Erythritol
• Liquid Sucralose
• And others…

Again, make sure there are no extra added ingredients like Maltodextrin.

DRINKS

You have lots of choices for zero-carb beverages!

Try –

• Water
• Sparkling Water
• Black Coffee
• Herb and other Sugar-Free Teas
• Diet Soda
• Carb-Free Powdered Energy Drinks

For some people, drinking sweet drinks can trigger a desire to consume sugary beverages or foods, so proceed with caution.

Alcohol has virtually no net carbs, but keep in mind that your body will prioritize burning alcohol before it uses any fat or other calories for fuel, so you will want to consume only in limited quantities. This video recommends no more than one (1) alcoholic beverage per day. 

Hard liquor or Spirits have the lowest carb count and may be consumed. Just make sure you don’t order mixed drinks that contain sugar-laden mixers or other ingredients. Some good choices include –

• Gin
• Vodka (unflavored)
• Rum (unflavored)
• Whiskey
• Tequilla
• Scotch
• Bourbon
• Brandy
• Cognac

Are you looking for more great keto information? Try this post about Intermittent Fasting and the keto diet!

Until next time.

I bid you good health!

~Tracy