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What foods are 0 carbs?

Meat, fish, seafood, fats and oils are the most common no-carb foods but the list doesn't end there. There are beverages, seasonings, condiments, sweeteners, and snacks that are also zero carb, but you have to know which ones.

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Meat, fish, seafood, fats and oils are the most common no-carb foods but the list doesn’t end there. There are beverages, seasonings, condiments, sweeteners, and snacks that are also zero carb, but you have to know which ones. Carbs can add up fast so being able to distinguish low carb foods from zero carb foods is critically important. Many of today’s most popular diets—such as the Keto Diet, Atkins Diet, and AIP Diet—are based on limiting carb intake. So we compiled the definitive list of no carb foods. We included some items that are low-carb for reference, but unless otherwise indicated, all foods on this list are zero carb foods.

Your List of No Carb Foods

No-Carb Meats

Meat is your friend when it comes to zero carb food.

Almost all fresh meat qualifies as no carb, regardless of the fat content. Meat is primarily protein and fat and is a staple food on most high fat, low carb diets. Keep an eye on how the meat is prepared, however, as this can add unnecessary carbs. You’re going to want preparations that are grilled, baked, boiled, or steamed — not breaded, deep fried, or stewed. Meat is also a great way to increase your protein intake. In fact, meat is one of the best high-protein foods that contains no carbs.

Beef

Chicken

Turkey

Lamb

Pork

Veal

Bison

Duck

Goose

Game Meat (Venison, Bison, Boar)

Organ Meat (Kidney, Heart, Tongue)

A Note On Liver. It’s a fantastic source of nutrients, but it has higher than expected carbohydrate count. One serving (100g) of liver contains 4 grams of carbohydrates. What to Watch Out for with Zero Carb Meat It’s important to source your meat from a quality producer. Depending on your preference, there are quality options within the different categories of grain-fed, grass-fed, organic, and all-natural. They all offer unique flavor profiles and nutritional benefits. The key is to work with a producer that focuses on quality.

No-Carb Fish and Seafood

Seafood is another fantastic no carb category of food with a range of delicious options. Fish and other seafood are nutritious and healthy. They are high in B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Seafood is also a great high protein food option.

Salmon

Tilapia

Tuna

Bass

Swordfish

Mackerel

Halibut

Sole

Flounder

Catfish

Sardines

Trout

Cod

Bass

Haddock

Lobster

The following fish and seafood are not zero carb, but still qualify as low-carb.

Shrimp (0.2g)

Oysters (4.95g)

Clams (5.13g)

Scallops (5.41g)

Mussels (7.39g)

What to Watch Out for with Zero Carb Seafood Seafood is the same as meat. It’s important to source your fish and seafood from a quality producer. Depending on your preference, there are quality options that range from wild-caught to farmed. They all offer unique flavor profiles and nutritional benefits. The key is to work with a producer that focuses on quality and freshness. Also, make sure to purchase canned fish that comes in a BPA-free can.

No-Carb Fats & Oils

The following fats and oils are completely zero carb. They are great sources of nutrition on diets that require high fat such as the Keto Diet. Like most food items on this list, quality is important for no-carb fats and no-carb oils.

Butter

Olive Oil

Coconut Oil

Canola Oil

Avocado Oil

Lard

Suet

Tallow

Ghee

MCT Oil

Macadamia Nut Oil

What to Watch Out for with Zero Carb Fats and Oils Not all fats are created equal. Some oils are overly-processed and full of chemicals. Most vegetable oils, for example, are high in omega-6 fatty acids which can cause inflammation and other health issues. For this reason, we recommend avoiding soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.

No-Carb Beverages

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Water is critical to a happy and healthy body. You can never drink enough water and it’s always going to be zero carb. It can get a little boring drinking water all day, so there are a few other zero carb options.

Water

Coffee (Black)

Sparkling Water

Soda Water

Club Soda

Tea

Naturally-Flavored Water

What to Watch Out for with Zero Carb Beverages The explosion of low-carb diets has attracted a range of low-carb and no-carb beverage options to hit the market. Be careful, as some of these zero carb drinks have artificial ingredients and additives that could have potential negative effects.

No-Carb Seasoning

Herbs, spices, and seasonings are a fantastic way to incorporate more flavor into your low carb diet or no carb diet. Because most seasoning and herbs are used in such small quantities, they qualify as no carb.

Salt

Black Pepper

Oregano

Rosemary

Thyme

Basil

Dill

Chives

Cinnamon

Chili Powder

What to Watch Out for with Zero Carb Seasoning Single ingredient seasonings are a safe bet when it comes to no carb seasoning. Be careful of seasoning blends or mixes as there can be some hidden sugars or other ingredients that contribute carbs.

No-Carb Condiments

Condiments are another way to infuse some flavor and diversity into your meals.

Vinegar

Mayonnaise

Hot Sauce

Mustard

What to Watch Out for with Zero Carb Condiments Always check the ingredient list and nutrition facts of your condiments to confirm that your specific brand is made without any added sugars or other ingredients that have carbs.

No-Carb Sweeteners

One of the most challenging parts of following a zero carb diet or low carb diet is the restriction of sweets and desserts. Thankfully, there are a few sugar alternatives that do not have an impact on our blood sugar levels.

Stevia

Pure Erythritol

Monk Fruit

Xylitol

What to Watch Out for with Zero Carb Sweeteners Sugar alcohols are a great way to get a zero carb sweetener into the mix. Be careful, however, as some can cause digestive discomfort.

No-Carb Snacks

Beef Jerky

Dried Seaweed Sheets

Pork Rinds

Pepperoni

Salami

Salmon Skins

What to Watch Out for with Zero Carb Snacks The snack category comes with a few caveats. Keep an eye on the ingredient list and nutritional panel to make sure the snack is truly zero carb. Some supposedly “zero carb” snacks actually have hidden carbs, additives, and artificial ingredients.

Low Carb and Low Net Carb Foods

All of the no carb foods mentioned above are 100% zero carb which makes them excellent options on a low carb or no carb diet. They can be the building blocks of a healthy, low-carb diet. While it’s important to know what foods can be enjoyed without limit, there are foods that are low carb and can be enjoyed in moderation, especially when trying to eat a balanced diet that is also low carb. A Note on Net Carbs Net carbs are the digestible carbohydrates in food after any indigestible carbohydrates have been deducted from the total carbs. Dietary fiber and sugar alcohols are considered indigestible carbs and do not have an impact on your blood sugar. Thus, some low carb dieters will look at net carbs when considering total carbs. Learn More About Net Carbs

Low Carb Dairy

Eggs and dairy products have very limited amounts of carbohydrates. Generally speaking, aged cheeses have less lactose (milk sugar) which makes them lower in carbs than a fresh cheese.

Eggs (0.7g Carb)

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String Cheese (0.3g Carb)

Goat Cheese (0.5g Carb)

Blue Cheese (0.8g Carb)

Heavy Cream (0.8g Carb)

Asadero Cheese (<1g Carb)

Cheddar Cheese (<1g Carb)

Gouda Cheese (<1g Carb)

Asiago Cheese (<1g Carb)

Full Fat Greek Yogurt (2g Carb)

What to Watch Out for with Low Carb Dairy Low fat cheese should generally be avoided when eating a low carb diet because they are stripped of nutritional value and are often filled with preservatives and artificial ingredients.

Low Carb Fruits

All fruits contain carbohydrates, which makes them difficult to consume when avoiding carbs.

Raspberries (10g Carb, 5g Net Carbs)

Blackberries (11g Carb, 5g Net Carbs)

Strawberries (8g Carb, 6g Net Carbs)

Blueberries (14.5g Carb, 12g Net Carbs)

Low Carb Vegetables

Vegetables are made up mostly of carbohydrates, which can make them challenging on a low carb diet. However, there are several that are rich in fiber which reduces the net carbs. Most leafy greens such as spinach, cabbage, and kale are low in carbs. Starchy veggies such as potatoes, corn, peas, and squash have high carb counts.

Cruciferous vegetables are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.

Spinach (3.5g Carb, 1g Net Carbs)

Lettuce (3.5g Carb, 2g Net Carbs)

Asparagus (4g Carb, 2g Net Carbs)

Avocado (9g Carb, 2g Net Carbs)

Cucumber (3.5g Carb, 3g Net Carbs)

Tomato (4g Carb, 3g Net Carbs)

Cauliflower (5g Carb, 3g Net Carbs)

Zucchini (5g Carb, 3g Net Carbs)

Green Pepper (5g Carb, 3g Net Carbs)

Kale (6g Carb, 3g Net Carbs)

Cabbage (6g Carb, 3g Net Carbs)

Eggplant (5g Carb, 3g Net Carbs)

Low Carb Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are natural sources of fiber that can be low in carbs.

Pecans (4g Carb, 1g Net Carbs)

Macadamia Nuts (4g Carb, 2g Net Carbs)

Brazil Nuts (3g Carb, 1g Net Carbs)

Walnuts (4g Carb, 2g Net Carbs)

Hazelnuts (5g Carb, 2g Net Carbs)

Bottom Line

Following a low carb diet has many health benefits such as lowering blood sugar, managing blood pressure levels, and improving good cholesterol. Plus, low carb foods have been shown to aid in weight loss. The list of no-carb foods is substantial but not infinite. Meat, fish, oil, and some condiments are zero carb and can be enjoyed without increasing carbohydrate intake. There are also foods that contain minimal carbs that can be enjoyed in moderation. Because there are few foods that contain zero carbs, finding a snack that is zero carb can be a real challenge. That’s where our Zero Carb Beef Jerky comes in to save the day. Handcrafted without any added carbohydrates, our sugar-free beef jerky is a fantastic zero carb snack. We have over 7,000+ 5-Star Reviews. I Never Have to Worry About Carbs Low carb beef jerky that is also zero sugar beef jerky can be hard to find. Thanks to PCBJ, I can have both. Can’t recommend enough. Lillie K.

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