Seafood
Seafood is a wonderful addition to your ketogenic food list. Both fish and shellfish are keto-friendly and many are either carb free are low in carbs. Aim for purchasing wild salmon, tuna, mussels, cod, squid, oysters, shrimp, crab and sardines. If you’re looking for some inspiration, try this recipe for Salmon with Avocado Salsa from Gimme Delicious. It’s a healthy and flavorful meal that can be grilled, baked or pan seared and then topped with cilantro, lime, avocado and tomato salsa. We could eat this salsa with a spoon! In fact, we just might (it’s keto-friendly after all).
Cheese
Cheese is low in carbs, high in fat and rich in protein and calcium, making it perfect for your keto food list. When it comes to cheese, the options are plentiful. Incorporate cheeses like mozzarella, brie, goat, parmesan, Swiss and provolone to give your recipes a boost. You can even purchase simple string cheese to take on-the-go for a nutritious keto-friendly snack alongside a handful of nuts.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent addition to your keto lifestyle, as they can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, snack and even dinner. They’re low in carbs, filled with protein and will sustain you throughout the day. Try them scrambled, baked or thrown into a keto-friendly breakfast sandwich or frittata. Frittatas are wonderful, as they can be enjoyed cold or warm for any meal of the day. My Keto Kitchen serves Low Carb Breakfast in a Pan with this frittata recipe that bursts with bacon, mushrooms, cheese, baby spinach, eggs and heavy cream.
Avocado
Avocados are high in vitamins and minerals and are a nutritious and heart-healthy choice for keto snacks and meals. You can eat them on their own with a simple sprinkle of black pepper or incorporate them into your meals by way of guacamole, dressings and salads. We love this recipe for Avocado Chicken Salad from Low Carb Maven. It’s easy to make, too! Avocado is used as a substitute for mayonnaise to give this salad an extra creamy and tasty kick.
Meat and Poultry
Meat and poultry are two staples in the keto diet. They contain no carbs and are packed with protein. Go for quality meats that are organic and grass-fed when you can. Adding chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb and more to your keto diet list of food will ensure that you never run out of meat-based variations for your meals. If you’re looking for something entirely decadent yet still keto friendly, this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole from That Low Carb Life is both hearty and filling.
Coconut Oil & Olive Oil
Oils are also utilized in the keto diet. Coconut oil is a popular staple, as it contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are used by our bodies as a source of energy. Extra virgin olive oil is also a staple, as it’s high in antioxidants and is a pure source of fat with no carbs. You can use these oils in your baking and cooking or in the case of coconut oil, even your coffee. Use coconut oil alongside some grass-fed butter to make keto coffee and fuel your morning!
Greek Yogurt
Look for full fat, plain Greek yogurt with no added sugar. It’s high in protein and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Top your Greek yogurt with some simple berries and nuts and you’ll be ready to take on the day! You can also add a scoop of plain Greek yogurt to everything from your soups to tacos.
Butter and Cream
Butter and full-fat cream are an amazing addition to your keto diet list of food. They’re rich in a fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid and contain only small amounts of carbs. Plus, a bit of full-fat cream in your morning coffee or a spread of grass-fed butter on your toast is a delightful addition to the day.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are high in fat and low carb, too. Add brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts to your list. Seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds are great, too. Throw them into your Greek yogurt and smoothies or add them to a batch of homemade keto friendly trail mix. Try this recipe for Low-Carb Trail Mix from Very Well Fit. Whether you’re enjoying it post work-out or when you’re on-the-go at school or work, trail mix is an excellent choice for your keto recipe list!
Berries
Many fruits are high in carbs and sugar, but luckily, berries are okay on the keto diet! They’re low in carbs and high in fiber, plus they’re loaded with antioxidants. Add blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries to that ketogenic food list.! You can enjoy them on their own or throw them into smoothies, yogurts and salads. Of course, you can also use them for keto friendly desserts like these beautiful Keto Blueberry Cheesecake Bars from I Breathe I’m Hungry.
Low Carb Veggies
On the keto diet, you’ll want to avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes, beets, yams and carrots. Instead, focus on ingredients like spinach, cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, fennel, Brussels sprouts and kale. The options for keto-friendly vegetables are bountiful and you can use them for everything from side dishes to main courses. We love this recipe for Keto Cauliflower Bake from My Keto Kitchen. It’s a cheesy crowd pleaser that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed by the whole family.!
Condiments
On the keto diet, you don’t have to forego the condiments. Add olive oil mayonnaise and avocado oil mayonnaise to your keto food list alongside unsweetened ketchup, mustard and oil-based salad dressings. When you’re shopping for condiments, make sure to read the labels and see exactly what’s in them (sugar, for instance, can often be hidden in condiments). You can also make your own condiments! This Keto Low-Carb Sugar-Free Ketchup from Wholesome Yum takes just a few minutes of preparation and requires only a handful of simple ingredients. Once you create it, you can use it on everything from your scrambled eggs to your keto-friendly chicken tenders. If ranch dressing is more your dipping and dressing style, here’s a good recipe for Easy Keto Low-Carb Homemade Ranch Salad Dressing. Keto-friendly condiments offer the chance to experiment and get creative based on your favorite flavors.
Coffee and Tea
When it comes to the keto food list for beginners, people are often surprised to hear that coffee and tea are included! Make sure to go for unsweetened tea and unsweetened coffee so as to not end up with those pesky added sugars. In addition to bulletproof coffee, you can also make bulletproof tea. This Keto Bulletproof Tea Recipe from Wholesome Yum is rich, creamy and ready in minutes. If you’re not a coffee drinker but you love tea, this is a fun recipe to keep in your keto recipe roundup.
If you’re just getting started on the keto diet, you might not know much about the keto list of food. We hope this shopper’s guide has helped steer you in the right direction, so next time you go to the grocery store, you’ll feel confident about all things keto.
Have any favorite ingredients you like to keep on hand when following the ketogenic diet? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below.
We’d also love to hear what you make with your favorite ingredients. Do you have a keto-friendly pie recipe or a casserole you like to whip up?
From all of us at Bob’s Red Mill, thank you for reading! We’re wishing you the healthiest and happiest of sunny days ahead.
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