Carnivore Diet Shopping List & 7-Day Meal Plan: Everything You Need To Know
Want to get on the carnivore diet trend? I can take a wild guess on how your first attempt at grocery shopping will go. It all starts awesomely, with your confidence in check as you walk into the store armed with nothing but a mental list of “meat.”
I mean, that is the whole plan, right? Just “meat.” Five minutes in, and you’re in a daze, staring at an aisle of 47 different cuts of beef, wondering if you should be eating brisket or if that was just for BBQ dads.
Then, the horror strikes, and you get distracted. By what, you ask? A block of cheese!
Suddenly, you have too many options but not enough options at the same time.
This is likely to be you. The carnivore diet is one of the most straightforward diets out there, but trust me, you still need a plan. Just like any other grocery shopping, you need a game plan!
A well-planned carnivore diet shopping list is precisely what you need to avoid decision fatigue, accidental veggie disasters, and the dreaded “what do I eat for an entire week when it’s just meat?” panic. So grab your cart, or better yet, a whole cooler, and let’s go full carnivore with zero regrets!
The Ultimate Carnivore Diet Shopping List (By Category)
Meat (Beef, Pork, Lamb)
When we talk about beef, pork, or lamb, we know these are the Holy Grail of carnivore eating. They are the foundation of the carnivore diet.
The various cuts to prioritize are ribeye, ground beef, brisket, and oxtail, just to name a few. Why these specifically? Well, because they really are the juicy, fatty, flavor-packed cuts that make life worth living!
Want a pro tip? Grass-fed might be slightly better for nutrients but grain-fed is fattier, and in this world, fat = flavor = happiness. So choose whatever you prefer. But I’d go with grass-fed.
Poultry & Game
Look, steak is fantastic, but every now and then, you’ll want to switch things up, and that’s where poultry and wild game come in. In fact, this will be pretty common on your dinner table because well, the Carnivore diet food list is pretty limited.
Chicken thighs and wings are the MVPs because crispy skin is to die for, and anyone who says otherwise is a robot snob.
Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving. When it comes to duck, you get pure luxury. It’s fatty, flavorful, and a surefire way to make you feel fancy.
And if you really want to go full carnivore mode, wild game like elk, venison, and bison are a must-have!
Seafood
Not all heroes wear capes; some come in the form of fatty fish!
If you’re skipping seafood, you’re missing out on an easy ticket to nutrient-dense, omega-3-rich goodness. Which you really need while on the carnivore diet.
Salmon is fatty, flavorful, and full of brain-boosting benefits.
Mackerel? It’s cheap, nutritious, and delicious when done right. Sardines might look tiny, but don’t let that fool you; they’re packed with protein, calcium, and all the good fats.
Shrimp is for the days you feel a little bougie. Shellfish such as oysters are zinc powerhouses that’ll have you feeling strong, energized, and ready to take on the world.
Organ Meats (Full of Nutrients)
I know, I know, organ meats sound like something out of a medieval feast, but hear me out. Our ancestors weren’t picky, and they thrived on this stuff.
For instance, liver is basically nature’s multivitamin, loaded with vitamin A, iron, and all the good stuff your body craves.
Heart is a little chewy but packed with CoQ10, meaning your heart will be healthier for it.
Kidneys? A little weird at first, but rich in B vitamins and totally worth it if you can get past the mental hurdle.
Bottom line? Organ meats are the secret weapon of hardcore carnivores. You might not need supplements to supplement the carnivore diet if you embrace organ meats.
Processed meats
Processed meats are the delicious, slightly rebellious side of carnivore eating.
Bacon needs no introduction, and sausages are a must-have. Just watch out for additives, and you’ll be good to go!
Salami? That’s for when you want to feel a little sophisticated while still devouring a fistful of meat.
And beef jerky? The ultimate on-the-go meat snack because sometimes, you only need a little protein boost.
All in all, just ensure that whatever you pick, you get the good stuff with minimal sugar and no weird additives. You don’t want anything messing up your carnivore diet streak.
Fats & Animal-Based Oils
If you’re scared of fat, you’re doing carnivore wrong. Fat is a non-negotiable on the carnivore diet because it keeps you full, makes everything taste amazing, and fuels your body.
Tallow is like liquid gold for cooking; it makes your steaks sizzle, and your taste buds dance.
Lard? Hello, crispy perfection. Try some pork belly cooked in lard, a total game-changer.
Butter is a no-brainer when it comes to a carnivore diet. It is rich, creamy, and the key to excellent carnivore meals.
If you’re one of the people who just can’t take dairy. Try ghee. It is pure buttery goodness without the lactose drama.
Eggs & Dairy (If Included)
Some purists will tell you that dairy is a slippery slope, but for those who aren’t on such a strict carnivore diet, foods like whole eggs, heavy cream, and even cheese are good options.
And great additions to make the carnivore diet more bearable.
Whole eggs are the perfect little protein package because they are packed with vitamins and healthy fats.
Heavy cream is a must-have for coffee and sauces. And aged cheese? That’s where things get interesting. We have Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyère, and anything fancy and delicious.
Broths and stocks
Hydration? Check. Nutrients? Check. Warm, comforting, and packed with collagen? Double check.
Bone broth is the carnivore’s version of a superfood smoothie because of all of its minerals.
Chicken and beef stock are also great for sneaking in extra nutrients while keeping things simple. Plus, if you’re fasting or just need something light, a hot cup of broth is exactly what you need.
Budget-Friendly Carnivore Shopping Tips
I know that meat isn’t that cheap. And the carnivore diet can get pricey. But with a little strategy, you can eat like a carnivore queen without setting your wallet on fire.
The first tip is to buy in bulk and freeze efficiently. Buying large quantities of meat at a go will save you a lot of money because you’ll mostly get wholesale prices. Just ensure you have enough freezing space. Remember, vacuum-sealing keeps your meat fresh for a longer period.
The second tip is to find the best meat deals. I wouldn’t recommend going to grocery stores because I think local butchers, farms, or online meat delivery services will have the best prices and, as a bonus, the best quality. Besides, you’ll know exactly where your meat came from.
Remember, compare prices between grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and farmers’ markets. The things to look out for are the prices, freshness, and quality.
1-Week Carnivore Diet Shopping List
Meats
- Ground beef (80/20 or fattier): 4 lbs
- Ribeye steaks: 3 lbs (or swap with chuck eye for budget)
- Brisket: 2lbs
- Oxtail-2lbs
- Beef sausages: 2lbs( Go for sugar-free, high-fat)
- Pork belly or pork shoulder: 4 lbs
- Chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in): 4 lbs
- 1 pack of chicken wings
- Lamb chops: 2lbs
- Duck breast with skin– 2 breasts
- Bacon (sugar-free, nitrate-free if possible): 2 lbs
- Beef Liver: 1 lb (optional, nutrient-dense)
- 1 venison steak- 12oz
Seafood (For Omega-3)
- Salmon fillets: 2 lbs
- Sardines (canned in water or olive oil): 4 cans
- Shrimp: 1 lb (peeled and deveined for convenience)
Animal Fats
- Beef tallow: 1 lb
- Butter (or ghee if dairy-tolerant): 1 lb
- Pork lard: 1 lb (optional, for cooking variety)
Dairy (Optional, Based on Tolerance)
- Heavy cream (full-fat, no additives): 1 pint
- Aged cheese (Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyère): 1 block
Snacks/Convenience Items (Optional)
- Beef Jerky (no sugar, minimal ingredients): 4 oz
- Pork Rinds: 1 bag
- Bone Broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought): 4 quarts
- Electrolytes(salt, potassium, magnesium)– Important to avoid the keto flu
Eggs – A must-have on the carnivore diet shopping list
3 dozen eggs
Pantry Essentials (Carnivore-Approved Additions)
A couple of tiny additions will make your carnivore meals a perfect taste of heaven.
Sea salt and, to be more specific, Redmond or Himalayan are perfect for adding flavor, and Black pepper helps you get just a little bit of spiciness. Apple cider is optional, but it goes a long way to keep your gut in check.
SAMPLE 1-Week Carnivore Diet MEAL PLAN BASED ON THIS SHOPPING LIST.
Monday
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs cooked in butter with crispy bacon
- Lunch: Ribeye steak with a side of bone broth
- Dinner: Grilled chicken thighs with pan-fried beef tallow
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Omelet with cheddar cheese and beef sausage
- Lunch: Ground beef cooked in lard with a side of bone broth
- Dinner: Salmon fillet cooked in butter with a side of shrimp
Wednesday
- Breakfast: Fried eggs with crispy duck skin
- Lunch: Pork chops cooked in lard with beef broth
- Dinner: Lamb ribs with butter sauce
Thursday
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with butter and bacon
- Lunch: Grilled venison steak with a side of tallow-fried liver
- Dinner: Roast chicken wings with crispy skin
Friday
- Breakfast: Poached eggs with a side of sausage links
- Lunch: Slow-cooked brisket with a side of bone broth
- Dinner: Pan-seared duck breast cooked in butter
Saturday
- Breakfast: Omelet with ground beef and cheddar cheese
- Lunch: Oxtail stew cooked in beef stock
- Dinner: Grilled salmon with shrimp and butter sauce
Sunday
- Breakfast: Fried eggs with beef sausage and ghee
- Lunch: Short ribs slow-cooked in beef tallow
- Dinner: Roasted lamb shank with butter drizzle
Final Thoughts
So, this sample shopping list and meal plan will help you get your carnivore diet streak going.
It is by no means the Holy Grill. In fact, your weekly carnivore diet shopping list might look completely different depending on your budget, preferences, and, of course, what is available to you.
Save for a few basics that are definitely non-negotiable on the carnivore diet, get creative with your grocery list, and eat what you enjoy.
Remember to try a variety of meats rather than the usual steak and eyes. The carnivore diet is pretty limited, and you should embrace variety.
Consider taking these supplements to support your nutrition needs on the carnivore diet.
