The Carnivore Diet Protein Powder: 4 Best Protein Powders

What Is the Carnivore Diet?

The Carnivore Diet is a lifestyle that focuses only on animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. This low-carb diet eliminates all plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.

Following the Carnivore Diet means getting most of your calories from fat and protein in animal foods and cutting out carbohydrates from plant sources.

This diet puts your body into a state called ketosis where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. On the Carnivore Diet, ketosis can reduce inflammation, boost weight loss, and improve gut health [1].

Proteins can come from animal or plant sources. This is also true for protein powder. So, you cannot use every type of protein powder while on the Carnivore Diet.

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Food List, What Foods Can I Eat?

Can You Take Protein Powder on a Carnivore Diet?

Protein powder is a product made from isolated and concentrated sources of protein. Some protein powders use plant sources like peas, soy, or rice, But Carnivore-friendly options are derived from animal sources like whey, egg, beef, or other animal proteins.

The manufacturing process generally involves extracting the protein component from the original food source through filtration or enzymatic digestion. Then this isolated protein is dried into a powder form.

Some protein powders are less processed and free from artificial additives like flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. However, most of them undergo industrial processes that usually reduce their quality.

You can take protein powder on the Carnivore Diet only if the powder is less processed, contains low carbohydrates, and is derived from animal sources like eggs, beef, or other animal proteins.

Protein powders from soy, rice, etc., are not permitted on a strict Carnivore Diet since they come from plant sources.

Remember that protein powders cannot replace rich sources of protein, i.e., whole animal foods like fatty cuts of meat in your diet.

So, you can have animal-based protein powder on the Carnivore Diet. Although they’re not as rich as food protein, they can provide many benefits.

Learn More: Can You Eat Eggs on a Carnivore Diet? How Many Eggs Can You Eat?

The Benefits of Protein Powders on the Carnivore Diet 

Protein powders can help you with:

• Building and Recovering Muscles: The leucine content of animal proteins like casein, egg, and beef powder promotes muscle repair and growth. It helps build and repair muscle tissue and boosts recovery after training [2].
• Boosting Amino Acid Absorption: Animal-based protein powders have a better amino acid profile than plant-based proteins as they can be absorbed and digested more easily. Also, they don't have the antinutrients, fiber, or potential allergens found in plant-based powders, which can irritate your gut [3].
• Providing Ketogenic Support: Zero or very low carbohydrate content in Carnivore-friendly protein powders helps maintain ketosis and fat-burning on ketogenic diets like Carnivore [4].

However, overconsuming any nutrient, including protein (from Carnivore Diet protein powder) can cause some side effects.

Learn More: Protein on the Carnivore Diet: How Much Protein Should I Eat a Day?

Potential Side Effects of Using Protein Powder in Carnivore

Here are some potential side effects of consuming too much  protein powder on a Carnivore Diet:

• Digestive Issues: Animal-based proteins are generally easier to digest than plant proteins, but consuming large amounts of protein powder can lead to digestive discomfort like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, especially if you have an existing gut issue [5].
• Nutrient Imbalances: Relying too much on protein powder rather than whole food sources can deprive you of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients normally found in fatty meat, organs, eggs, etc., [6].
• Calcium Excretion: Relying on absorbing protein only from protein powders can increase calcium excretion through the urine in the long term, which can negatively impact bone health if calcium isn't replenished [7].
• Weight Gain: Protein is satiating, but consuming too much protein from powders and regular foods can lead to weight gain by disrupting calorie deficit [8].

So, to avoid these side effects, we’d better not rely solely on protein powders. But side effects aside, there are many differences between protein powders and protein from food.

Learn More: High-Protein, Low-Carb Breakfast Without Eggs: 15 Recipes

The Differences Between Protein from Food and Protein Powder

Getting protein from whole food sources like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy is generally recommended rather than relying too heavily on protein powders.

Whole foods provide a complete package of nutrients more than just protein. Powders are more processed and lack the other beneficial compounds, like iron and healthy fat, found in natural protein sources.

However, protein powder can be useful if you struggle to meet your daily protein needs from food alone. It can help athletes, especially those recovering from injury.

While powders can be helpful in certain cases, they should complement a diet based on whole-food proteins, not replace them entirely.

The following table summarizes the main differences between protein from foods and protein powder.

But we shouldn’t forget that protein powders can’t replace food proteins because they contain additives that can harm your health or diet. So, you should know what to look for when choosing a protein powder.

Learn More: The Best Dairy-Free Protein Shakes for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain

How to Choose the Right Carnivore Protein Powder?

When choosing a Carnivore Diet protein powder, check the protein source. Go for brands that use high-quality animal sources like grass-fed beef, bison, or free-range chicken.

Also, think about what flavor and texture you like. Some brands have plain options, while others come in lots of flavors. Choose flavors with zero or minimal additives or sweeteners.

Another factor to consider is how the protein powder is made. Some brands use high-heat methods that can lower the protein's quality. Look for brands that use low-heat methods like freeze-drying or spray-drying to keep the protein in good quality.

Finally, always check the protein powder’s ingredients list to make sure they are all Carnivore-friendly.

Anyhow, the most important thing you should know is that protein powder is not for everyone. It’s recommended that you consume protein powder only if you are among the following groups.

Learn More: Carnivore Diet vs Paleo Diet: What Are The Differences?

Who Should Take Protein Powder on the Carnivore Diet?

• Athletes and Active Individuals: Protein powder can help athletes and those who exercise a lot get enough protein to build and repair muscles.
• People With High Protein Needs: Some individuals, like older adults or those with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, require more protein than normal. Protein powders make it easier to reach protein targets by providing a convenient source that can be easily used in meals or snacks.
• Those with Poor Appetites: For those who struggle to consume enough protein from whole foods due to reduced appetite or dietary restrictions, protein powder can help meet their needs.
• People Recovering from Illness or Injury: Protein is essential for tissue repair and recovery. Protein powder can be helpful for those recovering from illness, injury, or surgery.

If you’re among these groups, you can use the following recipes to add protein powder to your diet.

5 Ways to Include Carnivore Protein Powder into Your Diet

Here are 5 easy recipes to add protein powder to your Carnivore Diet. You can also check Carnivore Diet Recipes for more low-carb recipes to enjoy on your diet.

• Carnivore Protein Pancakes
• Carnivore Protein Smoothie
• Protein Waffles
• Protein Beef Jerky
• Protein-Packed Meatballs

Keep scrolling to see the full recipe with ingredients and instructions. 

Carnivore Protein Pancakes

Here are the ingredients and instructions to make 2 servings of Carnivore Protein Pancakes.

Ingredients

• 50 g protein powder
• 3 large eggs
• 30 g egg whites
• 100 g cottage cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients into the blender and mix.
2. Spray the pan and set it over low heat.
3. Pour 1/4 of the batter over the pan, and flip when it starts to bubble.
4. Let it cook on the other side for 30 seconds, then remove the pancake from the pan.
5. Enjoy!

Carnivore Protein Smoothie

Here is a quick and easy-to-make smoothie recipe with a delicious taste.

Ingredients

• 1 scoop protein powder
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tbsp collagen peptides
• 1 cup ice-cold water

Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Protein Waffles

You can make 6 protein waffles using the ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients

• 48 g (2 scoops) protein powder
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the protein powder and baking powder in a small bowl.
2. Add the sour cream and egg to the bowl and mix until smooth.
3. Add 2 tbsp of the batter to a waffle iron and close the lid.
4. Let it cook until it’s stopped steaming and looks golden.
5. Remove the cooked waffle and repeat steps 3 and 4 with the remaining batter.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Protein Beef Jerky

Here are the ingredients and instructions to make Protein Beef Jerky.

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak (or other meats you want for jerky)
• 2 scoops protein powder
• 1 tbsp salt and pepper

Learn More: The Best Meat for Beef Jerky and How to Select Them

Instructions

1. Slice the meat and mix it with the protein powder. Make sure each slice is evenly coated.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
3. Place the seasoned beef slices in a food dehydrator.
4. Dehydrate the beef slices for 4-6 hours, or until they are dried and become jerky-like in texture.
5. Allow the beef jerky to cool completely before storing it.
6. Enjoy it as a high-protein, Carnivore-friendly snack!

Learn More: What Is The Best Meat Dehydrator for Jerky? The 5 Best for Home

Protein-Packed Meatballs

You can make these yummy meatballs using the following ingredients and instructions.

Ingredients

• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix well the ground beef, protein powder, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
5. Serve hot.

To make these delicious Carnivore meals, you should select high-quality protein powder as the main ingredient. Remember that the best options are low-carb powders derived from animal sources like the following brands.

4 Best Protein Powders

Here are the 4 Best Carnivore Diet protein powders selected based on brand reputation, product features, and overall customer reviews.

• Bulk Supplements Beef Protein Isolate
• Carnebolic by Ultimate Nutrition
• Equip Foods Beef Protein Isolate
• Nutricost Beef Protein Isolate

Let’s take a closer look at each of them and review their features to see why they’re in the top 4.

Bulk Supplements Beef Protein Isolate

For those on the Carnivore Diet, Bulk Supplements' Beef Protein Isolate contains just one ingredient, beef protein isolate, which is free from any unnecessary additives. It has no carbohydrates so it’s completely Keto- and Carnivore-friendly.

With a low price, it's also a cost-effective way to boost your protein intake from an animal-based source.

The table below shows the nutritional values of 30 grams of Bulk Supplements Beef Protein Isolate.

Carnebolic by Ultimate Nutrition

For Carnivores seeking a tasty and convenient way to boost their protein intake, Carnebolic's Hydrolyzed Beef Protein Powder can be a good choice.

With 24 grams of pure beef protein per serving and zero carbohydrates, it delivers the fuel you need on a low-carb diet.

The only drawback of this powder in comparison with other options, is that it contains a very low amount of artificial sweeteners in chocolate, vanilla, and other flavors.

Carnebolic’s nutritional values in 30 grams are provided in the table below.

Equip Foods Beef Protein Isolate

Equip Foods’ Prime Protein Isolate offers tasty flavors made with high-quality and grass-fed beef protein.

It's made with minimal ingredients and low-carb sweeteners like stevia, which makes it a good choice for those on the Carnivore Diet. 

It has many flavors but you can choose the unflavored option, which contains fewer additives and carbohydrates. Its price is a bit more than other options but the great taste and quality ingredients are worth it.

Here are its nutritional values per 25 grams.

Nutricost Beef Protein Isolate

Nutricost's Beef Bone Broth Protein Powder comes in a bottle with 20 servings and each serving gives you 20 grams of protein.

It's made with non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism) and gluten-free ingredients and is third-party tested for quality. It’s made with beef bone broth protein powder, grass-fed collagen hydrolysate, chicken collagen peptide, and natural flavors like Himalayan rock salt and stevia.

Here are Nutricost Beef Protein Isolate’s nutritional values in 26 grams.

Summary

You can have protein powder on the Carnivore Diet, but only if it is derived from animal sources like egg and beef.

Also, you should always check the ingredients and processing methods to see if they are Carnivore-friendly and don’t reduce the protein quality.

Remember that protein powders are never a substitute for proteins from foods and should only be used as a supplement.