This list of low carb foods is here to prove that eating low carb can be DELICIOUS and flavor-packed!
I know, I know. Making the switch can feel overwhelming and, frankly, like a total bummer at first. But it doesn’t have to be…
You’ve got mother nature’s finest foods on your side: from vegetables to meats and cheeses, even some fruits make the cut!
So whether you’re just starting a low carb diet, or you’re a seasoned low carb recipes veteran looking for more resources, here’s everything you need to know about low carb foods!
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Best Low Carb Foods
Here’s a list FULL of the tastiest low carb foods! Enjoy these on their own, or combine them with each other to create your very own low carb recipes.
Be sure to grab a printer friendly version of this below!
All nutritional information for this article was pulled from the USDA Nutritional Database.
Here are the best Low Carb Foods:
High Fiber Low Carb Foods
Most people on a low carb eating plan count their NET carbs, which is the total carbs in any given food, minus fiber (and sugar alcohols). Which makes these high fiber low carb foods your friends!
High fiber foods include everything from veggies, to fruits, to nuts, to grains, to beans.
Here’s what you should know…
Low Carb Vegetables
These low carb vegetables have less than 5g NET carbs per CUP:
- Brussels Sprouts – 4.5g net carbs
- Bell Pepper – 2.6g net carbs
- Tomatoes – 3.6g net carbs
- Cauliflower – 3.2g net carbs
- Cabbage – 3g net carbs
- Zucchini – 2.7g net carbs
- Asparagus – 2.4g net carbs
- Eggplant – 2.3g net carbs
- Radishes – 2g net carbs
- Mushrooms – 1.6g net carbs
- Swiss Chard – 0.8g net carbs
- Collard Greens – 0.5g net carbs
- Lettuce – 0.5g net carbs
- Spinach – 0.3g net carbs
- Broccoli Rabe – 0g net carbs
Pro Tip: Vegetables that grow above the ground are lower in carbs than vegetables that grow below ground.
Low Carb Fruits
Here are the low carb fruits with less than 10g of NET carbs per cup:
- Strawberries – 8.7g net carbs
- Raspberries – 6.7g net carbs
- Blackberries – 6.2g net carbs
- Coconut Meat – 5g net carbs
- Gooseberries – 4.4g net carbs
- Avocado – 0.7g net carbs
Pro Tip: I always measure my fruit, I find these low carb foods are easy to overdo.
Low Carb Beans
Beans are not often thought of as low carb foods, but you may be surprised! Here are the best options for low carb beans:
- Green Beans (1 cup) – 4.2g net carbs
- Edamame (1 cup) – 5.7g net carbs
High Protein Low Carb Foods
High protein low carb foods are often your lowest carb options — think meats, cheeses and protein powders. This category of low carb foods is here to fill you up! And keep you satiated until your next meal.
Meat + Seafood
Here are a handful of nearly zero carb foods! In just 3 ounces, you’ve got:
- Chicken – 0g net carbs
- Turkey – 0g net carbs
- Beef – 0g net carbs
- Lamb – 0g net carbs
- Pork – 0g net carbs
- Fish/Seafood – 0g net carbs
- Eggs (per egg) – 0.6g net carbs
- Low Carb Beef Jerky – Varies by brand — Look for no sugar added products.
Low Carb Cheese
Basically, all cheese is low carb cheese, yay! Just steer clear of specialty cheeses, with added ingredients such as wine, fruit, or chocolate, as these will ultimately change the carb count.
To give you an idea here’s the breakdown per 1 ounce serving:
- Cheddar Cheese: 0.9g carbs
- Monterey Cheese: 0.2g carbs
- Mozzarella Cheese: 0.6g carbs
- Parmesan Cheese, Hard: 0.9g carbs
- Regular Cream Cheese (1 Tablespoon): 1g carbs
Yogurt
If you’re craving yogurt, low carb greek yogurt is your friend!
Just be sure you’re grabbing a container of TRUE greek yogurt, as many products that call themselves this but are loaded with sugar.
- Greek Yogurt, Fage (7 oz.) – 7.8 g carbs
Low Carb Protein Powder
This low carb foods an awesome way to add some sweet and delicious flavoring to dessert recipes, while the unflavored variety works wonders in baked goods by adding “fluff” and making them more “bread-like”.
I always have 2 containers of low carb protein powder in my pantry: unflavored, and vanilla…
Not all protein powders are low carb, so check out the label before buying a product! Here are my two favorites:
- Isopure, Vanilla – 0g net carbs/serving
- Isopure, Unflavored – 0g net carbs/serving
High Fat Low Carb Foods
A staple in the keto diet, these high fat low carb foods are here to fill you up!!
Mix, match, and weave them into your favorite recipes. These low carb foods are high flavor and high satiability!
Low Carb Nuts, Seeds + Nut Butters
Low carb nuts and seeds are AWESOME snacks or crunchy toppings to your low carb recipes.
- Pumpkin Seeds (1 cup) – 5.7g net carbs
- Almonds (1 cup) – 3.2g net carbs
- Chia Seeds (1 cup) – 2.1g net carbs
- Sesame Seeds (1 cup) – 1g net carbs
- Flaxseeds (1 cup) – 0.2g net carbs
Pro Tip: Buy unsalted! These guys are easy to snack on, and eating a lot can add up in carbs — buying unsalted makes them less cravable.
Low Carb Flour
The two most popular low carb flour options are almond and coconut, both of which are extremely high in fat and low in net carbs. Combined with a few additional ingredients, you can whip up almost any bread or dessert you’re craving!
- Almond Flour (1/2 Cup) –
- Coconut Flour (1/2 Cup) –
Butter + Oils
Another ZERO carb food group, butter, ghee, vegetable oil, and olive oil are a great way to bring on some flavor without the carbs!
No Carb Foods
There are loads of no carb foods on this list! To name a few…
- No carb vegetables (if you’re counting your NET carbs) include: broccoli rabe, spinach, lettuce, and collard greens!
- Meats
- Cheeses
- Butters + Oils
- Protein Powder
High Carb Foods To Avoid
As you probably have gathered, high carb foods are not included in this list. They include:
- Sugar
- Grains + Products Made from Grains
- Starchy Veggies
- Corn + Beans
- Cow’s Milk
- Fruit Juices
- Sodas
Downloadable List Of Low Carb Foods
Use this low carb food list printable as a low carb shopping list, or keep it on your fridge so you always have the nutritional breakdowns handy!
More Low Carb Resources:
Can’t get enough low carb low carb goodness?! Check out these recipe collections!
Each recipe utilizes a combination of the foods listed above to form magical deliciousness you won’t be able to get enough of!
- Low Carb Snacks. Stop the hunger pangs and eliminate the “I got too hungry excuse”.
- Low Carb Dinners. The coziest, most delicious of dinners.
- Low Carb Lunch Ideas. Make ahead and meal prep, here are some tasty ways to do it!
- Low Carb Breakfast. Start your day right!
- Low Carb Desserts. A low carb version of every dessert you’ve ever craved…
Conclusion
See what I mean?! There are SO many tasty low carb foods to add to your repertoire.
Leave me a comment below, and let me know your favorite low carb foods from this list! Enjoy!
