You only eat animal foods if you follow the Carnivore Diet. Meat, eggs, and some dairy products are part of this. It consists of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy but doesn’t include fruits, vegetables, grains, or processed foods. Because of this, most condiments you can get from stores don’t fit with the diet. You will often find plant oils, sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavorings in them. On the other hand, a few simple animal or minimally processed products may fit into your diet. You will learn in this article about condiments you can eat, which to avoid, and how to make them at home on the Carnivore Diet.
Why Are Condiments a Challenge on the Carnivore Diet?
Most plant-based foods are not included in the Carnivore Diet, which is mainly about eating meat. The category also covers herbs, spices and condiments, which can have additives, sugars, seed oils or preservatives. That is where the problem appears. Most store-bought condiments include things that don’t fit with the strict guidelines of the diet. Although meat is the main dish, people still want food that has flavour. It is hard to buy clean and compliant condiments as almost everything has ingredients that non-carnivores cannot eat.
Condiments That Are Allowed in Moderation on the Carnivore Diet
Though most condiments cannot be eaten, you may have a little bit of some if they do not contain any non-carnivore ingredients.
Salt and Pepper: Basic but Essential
Having salt is necessary for the Carnivore Diet. It aids the body’s electrolyte balance and improves the taste. Black pepper is often enjoyed by some people, as it is plant-based, but it is eaten in smaller amounts. There are differences in tolerance, and some strict followers don’t use it at all.
Animal Fats for Cooking and Flavor
Tallow, duck fat, butter and ghee are all allowed fats on the diet. They not only help with cooking but also give meat dishes a lot of flavor. All their ingredients are animal-based, which makes them totally compliant.
Fish Sauce: A Boost and Umami
A version of fish sauce made only from anchovies and salt has a more interesting flavour and umami taste. Add a little salt, and always check the list of ingredients.
Mustard: A Tangy Option (When Made Simply)
Some recipes use a mustard that is made with vinegar and mustard seed. But, store-bought mustards usually include sugar or preservatives in their ingredients. The homemade type is the better one.
Condiments That Can Be Included on a Modified Carnivore Diet
On the strict Carnivore Diet, you’d eat only meat, but a modified version still allows a few plant foods that don’t upset your stomach. Some popular condiments for the diet are included below.
● Butter (especially from grass-fed animals) helps give your meat dishes both taste and healthy nutrition.
● Ghee is butter that has been clarified, so it doesn’t contain milk solids. It tastes richer and nuttier.
● You can use beef tallow or lard to flavour meat or to cook your meals.
● Most people use sea salt, pink Himalayan salt, or Redmond Real Salt.
● Egg yolk sauces: As with hollandaise or béarnaise, butter and egg yolks are mixed to make them.
These additions to your food add flavour without including harmful or plant-based additives.
Homemade Mayonnaise: A Carnivore-Friendly Option
Common store-bought mayonnaise is made with seed oils such as canola or soybean, plus preservatives. Instead, it’s easy to make that fits a carnivore diet with ingredients you already have.
Ingredients:
● 1 egg yolk
● ½ cup beef tallow (melted and cooled)
● 1 tsp vinegar (optional; may be skipped on a strict version)
● Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Put the egg yolk into a bowl and whisk it. Drizzle the beef tallow in while whisking at the same time. Add salt to the recipe. It will be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This homemade mayo is clean, comes from animals, and makes the meat creamier.
Homemade Ranch Dressing: Creating a Dairy-Based Dressing
Those who can eat dairy may try making ranch-style dressing with fermented or full-fat dairy.
Ingredients:
● ½ cup sour cream (full-fat, no additives)
● ¼ cup heavy cream
● Salt and dried herbs (optional if tolerated)
● Crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Mix the sour cream and cream and whisk until you get a smooth texture. Add salt until your food tastes just right for you. If you don’t mind a bit of plant seasoning, you can add dill or parsley.
Try this dressing with grilled steak or hamburger patties, and it works especially well as a dip.
Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce: A Carnivore-Friendly Twist
A lot of sugar, molasses, and tomato paste are part of traditional BBQ sauces. You don’t have to use a lot of sugar to get a smoky taste.
Carnivore-style BBQ base:
● ½ cup beef bone broth
● 1 tbsp beef tallow
● 1 tsp smoked salt
● ½ tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
● Few drops of liquid smoke (if tolerated)
Instructions:
Cook the broth and tallow in the same pan over low heat. Put in salt, vinegar, and liquid smoke. Cook the mixture until it has reduced slightly in thickness. It will give you the flavour of BBQ but with no sugar or tomatoes.
Hot Sauces: Tolerating Spice Without Added Sugars
Hot sauces are in a grey zone. Strict followers stay away from all kinds of peppers, but some adjustments allow for a little hot sauce if it’s just a few drops.
● Free of sugar
● Free of seed oils
● Contain only vinegar, salt, and pepper
If allowed, use a little Tabasco Original since it’s made with only vinegar, red pepper, and salt. Pay attention to your gut if you add spices to your diet.
Condiments to Avoid on the Carnivore Diet
Plant ingredients, sugars, seed oils, and artificial additives in many condiments keep them off the list. They can cause digestive problems and raise inflammation.
Ketchup: High in Sugar and Plant Ingredients
Though it seems harmless, ketchup is actually made from tomato paste, sugar, and vinegar. Even if you pick sugar-free, you’ll still be getting artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Because of this, the Carnivore Diet does not allow it.
Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce: Plant-Based Concerns
Soy sauce comes from fermented soybeans, which are full of plant chemicals called phytoestrogens. Worcestershire sauce is usually made with molasses, vinegar, and a mix of spices. Because they are processed and plant-based, they don’t fit into a strict carnivore diet.
Maple Syrup and Honey: Sugar Bombs That Don’t Fit the Diet
Although maple syrup and honey are completely natural, they each contain all carbohydrates and sugar. They raise insulin levels and don’t line up with the reasons behind the Carnivore Diet. No added sweetener is allowed, regardless of where it’s from.
Commercial Dressings and Sauces: Hidden Additives and Seed Oils
Nearly all salad dressing and dipping sauce recipes include:
● Canola or soybean are oils you can use.
● Either sugar or high-fructose corn syrup
● Artificial preservatives
● Ingredients such as xanthan gum or modified starch
Even many keto choices contain foods that go beyond carnivore standards. If you can’t read the label, make your own instead.
Good Seasoning Is Important, But Good Meat Is More Important
Even though seasonings can make food more enjoyable, the main thing on the Carnivore Diet is eating nutrient-rich animal foods. Seasonings should always be used in addition to, not instead of, good meat. If you’re tired of your usual meals, try to include ribeyes, lamb, liver, bone marrow, or eggs. Don’t use a lot of condiments, and remember they are meant to help your main dish, not replace it.
Recommended Related Reading: What are the beef parts and suitable cooking methods?
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Conclusion
You don’t need to be anxious about condiments when on the Carnivore Diet. Choose meals made with only whole animal ingredients, and don’t eat those with sugar, seed oils, or extra additives. When in doubt, it’s usually best to make your own sauces. Keep in mind that, however you dress up your food, the main ingredient is always the meat.
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