There’s no question that the carnivore diet can be quite restrictive. All you can eat is meat, eggs, and occasional cheese on carnivore diet. If you’re following the carnivore diet plan as it’s laid out, that’s it.
This makes eating out a significant challenge. But what if we told you that there were a few carnivore fast food options worth trying? Now, we want to be clear – we are not endorsing regular consumption of fast food on carnivore diet.
On the contrary, we suggest avoiding processed foods whenever possible. That being said, we get it – life happens, you’re on the road, or maybe you are craving something extra salty. Whatever the case, we’ll share the best fast food for carnivore diet below.
Whether you indulge in a Baconator from Wendy’s or a 4×4 from In-n-Out, a rotisserie chicken from Costco, or perhaps even a 7-11 hot dog – you can actually get certain fast food items to align with the principles of carnivore on a routine basis.
Learn more about how to eat fast food on carnivore diet below. Better yet, keep our carnivore chips stocked so you always have a nutritious, delicious alternative on hand to avoid resorting to unhealthy fast food options!
Should You Eat Fast Food on Carnivore Diet?
Even if you’re eating the best fast food for carnivore diet, it’s essential that you understand what goes into making the meat in these facilities. We’ll look at the pros and cons of carnivorediet fast food below.
The Problems With Fast Food
Some people assume that meat is meat – the beef patty you get at McDonald’s is no different than what you’d get from your local butcher. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The hidden ingredients in fast food don’t align with the carnivore diet:
- Additives
- Preserveatives
- Fillers
- Sugars
- Soy
- Gluten
- Various stabilizers
As far as quality goes, fast food meat is questionable at best – and downright disgusting in some cases. These businesses are built on low costs and convenience rather than quality. They cut corners at your expense.
We won’t even get into the ethics of consuming products sourced from these types of farms.
The cooking methods used in fast food facilities are just as awful. If you haven’t done your research on what cooking oils (specifically, seed oils) do to you, please do. It’s eye opening. Soybean, canola, and corn oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can wreak havoc. Cross-contamination with plant-based foods is always a risk in fast food kitchens too.
Making the Case for Occasional Carnivore Diet Fast Food Treats
We do recognize that there is a case for occasionally eating fast food on carnivore diet. Sometimes, your busy lifestyle or travel schedule leaves you no other option – it’s fast food or fasting.
You just need to choose wisely from the menu. Some chains have grass-fed beef or let you exclude unwanted additives. Plain, grilled meats and avoiding sauces, buns, and sides can make a fast food meal more compatible with the carnivore diet.
There’s also the social side of things. Being able to participate in common social activities, such as eating out with friends or family, without feeling isolated can make the diet more sustainable in the long run.
So, that being said, let’s get into the carnivore diet fast food options we recommend in case of an emergency.
The Best Carnivore Fast Food: What Fast Food Can I Eat on the Carnivore Diet
While all fast food restaurants more or less produce the same quality (low quality at that), there are a few options that stand out from the pack as somewhat better. Let’s talk about what to look for in the best fast food for carnivore diet and which chains you can resort to. First, here’s what you should consider:
- Meat Quality: Certain chains use fresh, never-frozen beef that has a higher nutritional value (and it tastes better).
- Customization and Transparency: You must be able to order meat without buns, sauces, or other non-carnivore ingredients. Ingredient transparency is non-negotiable.
- Convenience: The whole point of fast food is getting your fix ASAP so you can go on about your day.
- Minimal Additives: Chains that offer simple, straightforward food to begin with without obvioulsy align better with the carnivore diet.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s burgers are made from 100% pure beef free from fillers, additives, and preservatives. The chain emphasizes serving never-frozen beef, so you can rest assured you’re getting a higher quality and fresher taste.
For a carnivore diet-friendly meal, order a burger patty (or multiple patties) without the bun, sauces, or toppings that aren’t animal-based. You can customize your order to include additional beef patties, bacon, and cheese, providing a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal.
In n Out
In-N-Out is perhaps the freshest source of quick protein for the carnivore diet, but it’s only available in select regions. If you’re fortunate enough to live near one or be visiting a city that has one, you can count on In-n-Out to deliver fresh, never-frozen beef.
In fact, the chain is known for its “protein style” option, which wraps the burger in lettuce instead of a bun. You can also order your burger, “flying Dutchman,” which consists of two beef patties with two slices of cheese in between, free of any vegetables or sauces.
Costco
The rotisserie chicken is one of the best carnivore fast food options on this list. These chickens are seasoned simply and cooked fresh throughout the day. You get a well-prepared, protein-rich meal. While this may not be the first thing you think of regarding fast food on carnivore diet, it works!
7-Eleven
In a worst-case scenario when you’re desperate for some protein in a pinch, a 7-Eleven hot dog can be your saving grace. Yeah, it’s not as fresh as burgers from Wendy’s or In-N-Out. But it gets the job done. Just skip the bun and any non-carnivore toppings.
How to Eat Fast Food on Carnivore Diet
Even if you’re ordering from the carnivore fast food options above there are a few things you should know to make the meal as closely aligned to your dietary preferences as possible. Here’s how to eat fast food on carnivore diet…
Key Phrases and Requests to Use When Ordering
There are a few key phrases you can use to make it clear that you’re looking for something specific from a dietary perspective:
- “No Bun, Please”: Most fast food restaurants are accustomed to this request and can provide your meat wrapped in lettuce or served in a container.
- “Hold the Sauce”: Sauces and condiments often contain sugars, vegetable oils, and other additives that are not carnivore-friendly. Avoid these in your meal.
- “Extra Meat or Cheese”: Many fast food places offer double or triple patty options, which can increase your protein and fat intake.
- “Plain, Please”: This means no seasoning beyond salt, and no additional toppings that are not meat or cheese.
Watch Out For Sauces, Sides, and Additives
Even the best fast food for carnivore diet can have hidden sugars and carbs in sauces, marinades, and even in some meats. Ask for ingredient lists or check the restaurant’s nutritional information online. The same goes for the oils used in cooking, which may be harder to find information on.
It’s also important to take note of the meat quality. Look for options labeled as 100% beef to avoid consuming fillers, starches, and other additives. You need to ditch the sides as well – no fries, onion rings, or coleslaw.
Researching Menus Beforehand
You don’t have to play the guessing game in weighing your carnivore diet fast food options. Most chains have their menus and nutritional information available online. Reviewing these beforehand can help you identify carnivore-friendly options and avoid any unsuitable choices.
Again, if you’re unsure about the options, consider calling the restaurant ahead of time. Ask about ingredients and cooking methods to ensure you can make an informed choice.
Prioritizing Whole, Home-Cooked Meals
In case it wasn’t obvious, these carnivore diet fast food options are for special occasions or when you’re in a pinch. They should not become a regular part of your carnivore diet food list.
Preparing your food at home lets you control ingredient quality and avoid hidden additives. Batch cooking your meats means you have quick and easy access to carnivore-friendly meals throughout the week.
We have carnivore diet breakfast ideas, carnivore diet lunch ideas, carnivore desserts, and more in our blog. Be sure to always buy high-quality meats, such as grass-fed beef and pasture-raised poultry.
Keeping a surplus of healthy snack in the pantry for when you just don’t feel like cooking or brought on trips is a better option than resorting to fast food on carnivore diet. So, what are the best low carb snacks that align with the carnivore diet? Your search ends here at Carnivore Snax. Our meat chips are sourced from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the world and contain just high-quality meat and salt.
However, you’ll think you’re eating some type of meat pastry when you indulge in that first bite. The treats melt in your mouth and give way to tantalizing flavors that will have you coming back for more. Plus, there are so many varieties to choose from so you can keep your rotation fresh:
Spoil yourself without compromising on nutrition or ethics!
Parting Thoughts on Carnivore Diet Fast Food Options
It’s possible to make informed choices while eating fast food on carnivore diet. We hope this carnivore fast food guide has left you feeling clear and confident navigating your options.
But now that you’re up to speed on the best fast food for carnivore diet and you know how to eat fast food on carnivore diet, it’s time to stock up at Carnivore Snax so you don’t have to resort to carnivore fast food compromises. Get the carnivore diet snacks you need today!
