Keto Food List

• Why I Created This Keto Food List
• What Are The Best Low Carb Foods?
• Printable Keto Food List
• Get The Keto Food List PDF
• Keto Vegetables
• Leafy Greens
• Low Carb Fruits
• Healthy Fats
• Meat & Poultry
• Seafood
• Eggs & Full-Fat Dairy
• Nuts & Seeds
• Low Carb Beverages
• Keto Sweeteners
• Low Carb Flours & Baking
• Herbs
• Spices & Seasonings
• Keto Friendly Condiments
• Recipe Reviews

Why I Created This Keto Food List

After successfully following a low carb lifestyle for over a decade, I’m so excited to be sharing this keto food list with you today! I actually created it as a reference for myself to use first, and the initial list of keto foods took me months.

I published it when so many of you asked about what to eat. Later, I put together a printable keto food list PDF, so now you can print it and stick it on your fridge!

You can find my best low carb recipes here , but not everything you eat has to be a recipe. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply wanting to eat more healthy high protein keto foods, I find it super convenient to have this simple low carb food list — complete with category groupings, serving sizes, and grams of net carbs . All data is sourced from the USDA Food Composition Database . I hope you find it helpful!

What Are The Best Low Carb Foods?

In a nutshell, the best low carb foods include leafy greens, low carb vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, full-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, herbs, and spices . All of these are low in carbohydrates and won’t spike blood sugar levels. My keto food list also includes low carb ingredients you can use for baking, such as almond flour, coconut flour, and natural sugar substitutes .

Avoid sugary and starchy foods, like grains (including bread and pasta, even if they are made with whole grains), beans, rice, and sugar.

If you’re just getting started, make sure to also check my full guide about how to start a ketogenic diet and calculate your macros using the macro calculator to determine your optimal carb intake. (Also, read up on keto flu symptoms and remedies so that you can avoid that hurdle.)

And if you want everything done for you, check out my Wholesome Yum app — it’s free to try and includes custom meal plans, so you can eat exactly what you like and still have your meal planning and grocery list done for you. It also includes all kinds of keto foods, so you never wonder what to eat.

Printable Keto Food List

Get The Keto Food List PDF

Otherwise, I recommend bookmarking this page. The nice thing about the website version of my keto food list is that it’s searchable — just use the “Find on page” function on your computer or phone.

If you want a shorter list of what to buy the first time you’re at the store shopping for low carb foods, check out my simpler keto grocery list .

Keto Vegetables

My keto food list includes a range of moderate to very low carb vegetables. I recommend eating these often because they’re some of the best high fiber low carb foods, and a great source of vitamins and minerals.

I also have a list of keto vegetables here , including the best ones to eat, recipes, and which ones to avoid. Some examples to avoid include starchy vegetables like carrots, white or sweet potatoes , and most types of beans.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens make excellent low carb foods, because they are filling, packed with fiber and nutrients, and very low in both carbs and calories.

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Low Carb Fruits

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are crucial for a keto diet food list! They keep you full and satisfied, plus they help you stay in ketosis.

All pure fats/oils are zero carb, but I always avoid soy, corn, canola, “vegetable”, and cottonseed oils. These seed oils are usually GMO and highly processed.

When choosing fats for cooking, I also consider the smoke point. Avocado oil, olive oil, and refined coconut oil work best for high-heat cooking. Any extra virgin oil, like extra virgin olive oil, will have a lower smoke point and I reserve these for lower heat or no-heat uses, such as salad dressing.

Meat & Poultry

Meat and poultry are the infamous items on a keto food list, because many people picture keto as being a lot of meat. These are definitely great high protein low carb foods, because they have zero carbs (provided that there is no sugar added in the preparation), but I recommend choosing whole cuts of meat rather than processed types.

For keto, choose fattier cuts of meat when you can (such as beef or dark meat chicken), but I often cook lean chicken breast too and just add fat when cooking. I look for grass fed, pasture raised meat and poultry, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

Seafood

Fish and other seafood are some of my favorite keto food list staples, because they have healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Watch for carbs in shellfish, though, which can be a little higher than other protein types.

Low Carb Foods List PDF

Eggs & Full-Fat Dairy

Milk is not keto (or low carb), but many other types of dairy products are. For those (like me) that can tolerate dairy, it makes a great addition to a low carb food list. Choose full-fat dairy over fat-free or low-fat, which is higher in carbs. For cheese in particular, check my keto cheese list .

Coconut cream is not dairy, but makes a great substitute, so I included it here. It’s thick and creamy, and often works instead of heavy cream, yogurt or even sour cream in recipes.

Although Eggs are also not dairy, I listed them in this section for convenience. They are found in the dairy section of the grocery store, but you can still enjoy them if you are dairy-free.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are low carb foods to enjoy in moderation. They can be easy to overendulge on, so portion control is important. Still, I think they make great snacks or additions to keto recipes .

Low Carb Beverages

Whenever possible, drink water! It is by far the best beverage. You can change it up by adding lemons or cucumber slices. That being said, my complete low carb food list does include other beverage types you can enjoy.

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Keto Sweeteners

If you’ve spent a hot minute here at Wholesome Yum, you know I only recommend natural low carb sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are more likely to spike insulin and have less known long-term effects. For a more detailed look, read my keto sugar substitute guide .

All the sweeteners in this list have 0 net carbs, because they either do not get absorbed or do not metabolize by the body. Serving sizes and sweetness can vary by brand, depending on blend/concentration, so check my sweetener conversion chart if you make swaps.

Low Carb Flours & Baking

Who says you can’t enjoy baked goods on a low carb diet? You can! Of course, they are still best in moderation, but it’s definitely doable to make keto baking recipes — and I find them so helpful to stay on track.

Below is a list of common low carb flours and other baking staples, such as thickeners and extracts. I always check labels to make sure no sugar or artificial additives are included.

Learning to bake with low carb flours takes time, because they behave differently from traditional wheat flour. Get started by following my tried and true almond flour recipes , simple coconut flour recipes , or browse all my low carb dessert recipes !

Herbs

Herbs make great additions to give your keto foods flavor, with very little carb impact. Carbs listed below are based on chopped fresh herbs.

If using dried herbs, the conversion is 3:1. That is, 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried herbs. (This conversion applies for carb counts, but it’s also the conversion I recommend for recipes, because dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.)

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Spices & Seasonings

Including spices and seasonings in your dishes makes them a lot more interesting, so for me they’re a must! Most are suitable for a keto diet food list, but watch for added ingredients. Some blends add cornstarch or sugar, which I recommend avoiding.

I also make many seasoning mixes at home to save money and avoid the weird ingredients. Try my homemade Italian seasoning , taco seasoning , Cajun seasoning , pork chop seasoning , or pumpkin pie spice to get started!

Keto Friendly Condiments

There are plenty of condiments that you can enjoy in foods with low carbs. Just watch for added sugar where you might not expect it, and skip high-sugar ones like pre-made ketchup or sweet dressings.

For any store bought items below, the numbers are based on those without added sugar. If possible, it’s better to make your own, using low carb ingredients and sugar-free or no sweetener.

Soy sauce is not on this list because it’s estrogenic and I don’t recommend it for clean keto, but coconut aminos makes a great substitute for cooking low carb foods. If you’re okay with “dirty keto” (processed or inflammatory foods) or not concerned about soy, carbs in soy sauce are still very low.

Printable Keto Foods List

Looking For The Printable Low Carb Food List?

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

• Why I Created This Keto Food List
• What Are The Best Low Carb Foods?
• Printable Keto Food List
• Get The Keto Food List PDF
• Keto Vegetables
• Leafy Greens
• Low Carb Fruits
• Healthy Fats
• Meat & Poultry
• Seafood
• Eggs & Full-Fat Dairy
• Nuts & Seeds
• Low Carb Beverages
• Keto Sweeteners
• Low Carb Flours & Baking
• Herbs
• Spices & Seasonings
• Keto Friendly Condiments
• Recipe Reviews

Why I Created This Keto Food List

After successfully following a low carb lifestyle for over a decade, I’m so excited to be sharing this keto food list with you today! I actually created it as a reference for myself to use first, and the initial list of keto foods took me months.

I published it when so many of you asked about what to eat. Later, I put together a printable keto food list PDF, so now you can print it and stick it on your fridge!

You can find my best low carb recipes here , but not everything you eat has to be a recipe. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply wanting to eat more healthy high protein keto foods, I find it super convenient to have this simple low carb food list — complete with category groupings, serving sizes, and grams of net carbs . All data is sourced from the USDA Food Composition Database . I hope you find it helpful!

What Are The Best Low Carb Foods?

In a nutshell, the best low carb foods include leafy greens, low carb vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, full-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, herbs, and spices . All of these are low in carbohydrates and won’t spike blood sugar levels. My keto food list also includes low carb ingredients you can use for baking, such as almond flour, coconut flour, and natural sugar substitutes .

Avoid sugary and starchy foods, like grains (including bread and pasta, even if they are made with whole grains), beans, rice, and sugar.

If you’re just getting started, make sure to also check my full guide about how to start a ketogenic diet and calculate your macros using the macro calculator to determine your optimal carb intake. (Also, read up on keto flu symptoms and remedies so that you can avoid that hurdle.)

And if you want everything done for you, check out my Wholesome Yum app — it’s free to try and includes custom meal plans, so you can eat exactly what you like and still have your meal planning and grocery list done for you. It also includes all kinds of keto foods, so you never wonder what to eat.

Printable Keto Food List

Get The Keto Food List PDF

Otherwise, I recommend bookmarking this page. The nice thing about the website version of my keto food list is that it’s searchable — just use the “Find on page” function on your computer or phone.

If you want a shorter list of what to buy the first time you’re at the store shopping for low carb foods, check out my simpler keto grocery list .

Keto Vegetables

My keto food list includes a range of moderate to very low carb vegetables. I recommend eating these often because they’re some of the best high fiber low carb foods, and a great source of vitamins and minerals.

I also have a list of keto vegetables here , including the best ones to eat, recipes, and which ones to avoid. Some examples to avoid include starchy vegetables like carrots, white or sweet potatoes , and most types of beans.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens make excellent low carb foods, because they are filling, packed with fiber and nutrients, and very low in both carbs and calories.

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Low Carb Fruits

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are crucial for a keto diet food list! They keep you full and satisfied, plus they help you stay in ketosis.

All pure fats/oils are zero carb, but I always avoid soy, corn, canola, “vegetable”, and cottonseed oils. These seed oils are usually GMO and highly processed.

When choosing fats for cooking, I also consider the smoke point. Avocado oil, olive oil, and refined coconut oil work best for high-heat cooking. Any extra virgin oil, like extra virgin olive oil, will have a lower smoke point and I reserve these for lower heat or no-heat uses, such as salad dressing.

Meat & Poultry

Meat and poultry are the infamous items on a keto food list, because many people picture keto as being a lot of meat. These are definitely great high protein low carb foods, because they have zero carbs (provided that there is no sugar added in the preparation), but I recommend choosing whole cuts of meat rather than processed types.

For keto, choose fattier cuts of meat when you can (such as beef or dark meat chicken), but I often cook lean chicken breast too and just add fat when cooking. I look for grass fed, pasture raised meat and poultry, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

Seafood

Fish and other seafood are some of my favorite keto food list staples, because they have healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Watch for carbs in shellfish, though, which can be a little higher than other protein types.

Low Carb Foods List PDF

Eggs & Full-Fat Dairy

Milk is not keto (or low carb), but many other types of dairy products are. For those (like me) that can tolerate dairy, it makes a great addition to a low carb food list. Choose full-fat dairy over fat-free or low-fat, which is higher in carbs. For cheese in particular, check my keto cheese list .

Coconut cream is not dairy, but makes a great substitute, so I included it here. It’s thick and creamy, and often works instead of heavy cream, yogurt or even sour cream in recipes.

Although Eggs are also not dairy, I listed them in this section for convenience. They are found in the dairy section of the grocery store, but you can still enjoy them if you are dairy-free.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are low carb foods to enjoy in moderation. They can be easy to overendulge on, so portion control is important. Still, I think they make great snacks or additions to keto recipes .

Low Carb Beverages

Whenever possible, drink water! It is by far the best beverage. You can change it up by adding lemons or cucumber slices. That being said, my complete low carb food list does include other beverage types you can enjoy.

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Keto Sweeteners

If you’ve spent a hot minute here at Wholesome Yum, you know I only recommend natural low carb sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are more likely to spike insulin and have less known long-term effects. For a more detailed look, read my keto sugar substitute guide .

All the sweeteners in this list have 0 net carbs, because they either do not get absorbed or do not metabolize by the body. Serving sizes and sweetness can vary by brand, depending on blend/concentration, so check my sweetener conversion chart if you make swaps.

Low Carb Flours & Baking

Who says you can’t enjoy baked goods on a low carb diet? You can! Of course, they are still best in moderation, but it’s definitely doable to make keto baking recipes — and I find them so helpful to stay on track.

Below is a list of common low carb flours and other baking staples, such as thickeners and extracts. I always check labels to make sure no sugar or artificial additives are included.

Learning to bake with low carb flours takes time, because they behave differently from traditional wheat flour. Get started by following my tried and true almond flour recipes , simple coconut flour recipes , or browse all my low carb dessert recipes !

Herbs

Herbs make great additions to give your keto foods flavor, with very little carb impact. Carbs listed below are based on chopped fresh herbs.

If using dried herbs, the conversion is 3:1. That is, 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried herbs. (This conversion applies for carb counts, but it’s also the conversion I recommend for recipes, because dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.)

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Spices & Seasonings

Including spices and seasonings in your dishes makes them a lot more interesting, so for me they’re a must! Most are suitable for a keto diet food list, but watch for added ingredients. Some blends add cornstarch or sugar, which I recommend avoiding.

I also make many seasoning mixes at home to save money and avoid the weird ingredients. Try my homemade Italian seasoning , taco seasoning , Cajun seasoning , pork chop seasoning , or pumpkin pie spice to get started!

Keto Friendly Condiments

There are plenty of condiments that you can enjoy in foods with low carbs. Just watch for added sugar where you might not expect it, and skip high-sugar ones like pre-made ketchup or sweet dressings.

For any store bought items below, the numbers are based on those without added sugar. If possible, it’s better to make your own, using low carb ingredients and sugar-free or no sweetener.

Soy sauce is not on this list because it’s estrogenic and I don’t recommend it for clean keto, but coconut aminos makes a great substitute for cooking low carb foods. If you’re okay with “dirty keto” (processed or inflammatory foods) or not concerned about soy, carbs in soy sauce are still very low.

Printable Keto Foods List

Looking For The Printable Low Carb Food List?

• Why I Created This Keto Food List
• What Are The Best Low Carb Foods?
• Printable Keto Food List
• Get The Keto Food List PDF
• Keto Vegetables
• Leafy Greens
• Low Carb Fruits
• Healthy Fats
• Meat & Poultry
• Seafood
• Eggs & Full-Fat Dairy
• Nuts & Seeds
• Low Carb Beverages
• Keto Sweeteners
• Low Carb Flours & Baking
• Herbs
• Spices & Seasonings
• Keto Friendly Condiments
• Recipe Reviews

Why I Created This Keto Food List

After successfully following a low carb lifestyle for over a decade, I’m so excited to be sharing this keto food list with you today! I actually created it as a reference for myself to use first, and the initial list of keto foods took me months.

I published it when so many of you asked about what to eat. Later, I put together a printable keto food list PDF, so now you can print it and stick it on your fridge!

You can find my best low carb recipes here , but not everything you eat has to be a recipe. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply wanting to eat more healthy high protein keto foods, I find it super convenient to have this simple low carb food list — complete with category groupings, serving sizes, and grams of net carbs . All data is sourced from the USDA Food Composition Database . I hope you find it helpful!

What Are The Best Low Carb Foods?

In a nutshell, the best low carb foods include leafy greens, low carb vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, full-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, herbs, and spices . All of these are low in carbohydrates and won’t spike blood sugar levels. My keto food list also includes low carb ingredients you can use for baking, such as almond flour, coconut flour, and natural sugar substitutes .

Avoid sugary and starchy foods, like grains (including bread and pasta, even if they are made with whole grains), beans, rice, and sugar.

If you’re just getting started, make sure to also check my full guide about how to start a ketogenic diet and calculate your macros using the macro calculator to determine your optimal carb intake. (Also, read up on keto flu symptoms and remedies so that you can avoid that hurdle.)

And if you want everything done for you, check out my Wholesome Yum app — it’s free to try and includes custom meal plans, so you can eat exactly what you like and still have your meal planning and grocery list done for you. It also includes all kinds of keto foods, so you never wonder what to eat.

Printable Keto Food List

Get The Keto Food List PDF

Otherwise, I recommend bookmarking this page. The nice thing about the website version of my keto food list is that it’s searchable — just use the “Find on page” function on your computer or phone.

If you want a shorter list of what to buy the first time you’re at the store shopping for low carb foods, check out my simpler keto grocery list .

Keto Vegetables

My keto food list includes a range of moderate to very low carb vegetables. I recommend eating these often because they’re some of the best high fiber low carb foods, and a great source of vitamins and minerals.

I also have a list of keto vegetables here , including the best ones to eat, recipes, and which ones to avoid. Some examples to avoid include starchy vegetables like carrots, white or sweet potatoes , and most types of beans.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens make excellent low carb foods, because they are filling, packed with fiber and nutrients, and very low in both carbs and calories.

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Low Carb Fruits

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are crucial for a keto diet food list! They keep you full and satisfied, plus they help you stay in ketosis.

All pure fats/oils are zero carb, but I always avoid soy, corn, canola, “vegetable”, and cottonseed oils. These seed oils are usually GMO and highly processed.

When choosing fats for cooking, I also consider the smoke point. Avocado oil, olive oil, and refined coconut oil work best for high-heat cooking. Any extra virgin oil, like extra virgin olive oil, will have a lower smoke point and I reserve these for lower heat or no-heat uses, such as salad dressing.

Meat & Poultry

Meat and poultry are the infamous items on a keto food list, because many people picture keto as being a lot of meat. These are definitely great high protein low carb foods, because they have zero carbs (provided that there is no sugar added in the preparation), but I recommend choosing whole cuts of meat rather than processed types.

For keto, choose fattier cuts of meat when you can (such as beef or dark meat chicken), but I often cook lean chicken breast too and just add fat when cooking. I look for grass fed, pasture raised meat and poultry, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

Seafood

Fish and other seafood are some of my favorite keto food list staples, because they have healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Watch for carbs in shellfish, though, which can be a little higher than other protein types.

Low Carb Foods List PDF

Eggs & Full-Fat Dairy

Milk is not keto (or low carb), but many other types of dairy products are. For those (like me) that can tolerate dairy, it makes a great addition to a low carb food list. Choose full-fat dairy over fat-free or low-fat, which is higher in carbs. For cheese in particular, check my keto cheese list .

Coconut cream is not dairy, but makes a great substitute, so I included it here. It’s thick and creamy, and often works instead of heavy cream, yogurt or even sour cream in recipes.

Although Eggs are also not dairy, I listed them in this section for convenience. They are found in the dairy section of the grocery store, but you can still enjoy them if you are dairy-free.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are low carb foods to enjoy in moderation. They can be easy to overendulge on, so portion control is important. Still, I think they make great snacks or additions to keto recipes .

Low Carb Beverages

Whenever possible, drink water! It is by far the best beverage. You can change it up by adding lemons or cucumber slices. That being said, my complete low carb food list does include other beverage types you can enjoy.

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Keto Sweeteners

If you’ve spent a hot minute here at Wholesome Yum, you know I only recommend natural low carb sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are more likely to spike insulin and have less known long-term effects. For a more detailed look, read my keto sugar substitute guide .

All the sweeteners in this list have 0 net carbs, because they either do not get absorbed or do not metabolize by the body. Serving sizes and sweetness can vary by brand, depending on blend/concentration, so check my sweetener conversion chart if you make swaps.

Low Carb Flours & Baking

Who says you can’t enjoy baked goods on a low carb diet? You can! Of course, they are still best in moderation, but it’s definitely doable to make keto baking recipes — and I find them so helpful to stay on track.

Below is a list of common low carb flours and other baking staples, such as thickeners and extracts. I always check labels to make sure no sugar or artificial additives are included.

Learning to bake with low carb flours takes time, because they behave differently from traditional wheat flour. Get started by following my tried and true almond flour recipes , simple coconut flour recipes , or browse all my low carb dessert recipes !

Herbs

Herbs make great additions to give your keto foods flavor, with very little carb impact. Carbs listed below are based on chopped fresh herbs.

If using dried herbs, the conversion is 3:1. That is, 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried herbs. (This conversion applies for carb counts, but it’s also the conversion I recommend for recipes, because dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.)

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Spices & Seasonings

Including spices and seasonings in your dishes makes them a lot more interesting, so for me they’re a must! Most are suitable for a keto diet food list, but watch for added ingredients. Some blends add cornstarch or sugar, which I recommend avoiding.

I also make many seasoning mixes at home to save money and avoid the weird ingredients. Try my homemade Italian seasoning , taco seasoning , Cajun seasoning , pork chop seasoning , or pumpkin pie spice to get started!

Keto Friendly Condiments

There are plenty of condiments that you can enjoy in foods with low carbs. Just watch for added sugar where you might not expect it, and skip high-sugar ones like pre-made ketchup or sweet dressings.

For any store bought items below, the numbers are based on those without added sugar. If possible, it’s better to make your own, using low carb ingredients and sugar-free or no sweetener.

Soy sauce is not on this list because it’s estrogenic and I don’t recommend it for clean keto, but coconut aminos makes a great substitute for cooking low carb foods. If you’re okay with “dirty keto” (processed or inflammatory foods) or not concerned about soy, carbs in soy sauce are still very low.

Printable Keto Foods List

Looking For The Printable Low Carb Food List?

• Why I Created This Keto Food List
• What Are The Best Low Carb Foods?
• Printable Keto Food List
• Get The Keto Food List PDF
• Keto Vegetables
• Leafy Greens
• Low Carb Fruits
• Healthy Fats
• Meat & Poultry
• Seafood
• Eggs & Full-Fat Dairy
• Nuts & Seeds
• Low Carb Beverages
• Keto Sweeteners
• Low Carb Flours & Baking
• Herbs
• Spices & Seasonings
• Keto Friendly Condiments
• Recipe Reviews

Why I Created This Keto Food List

After successfully following a low carb lifestyle for over a decade, I’m so excited to be sharing this keto food list with you today! I actually created it as a reference for myself to use first, and the initial list of keto foods took me months.

I published it when so many of you asked about what to eat. Later, I put together a printable keto food list PDF, so now you can print it and stick it on your fridge!

You can find my best low carb recipes here , but not everything you eat has to be a recipe. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply wanting to eat more healthy high protein keto foods, I find it super convenient to have this simple low carb food list — complete with category groupings, serving sizes, and grams of net carbs . All data is sourced from the USDA Food Composition Database . I hope you find it helpful!

What Are The Best Low Carb Foods?

In a nutshell, the best low carb foods include leafy greens, low carb vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, full-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, herbs, and spices . All of these are low in carbohydrates and won’t spike blood sugar levels. My keto food list also includes low carb ingredients you can use for baking, such as almond flour, coconut flour, and natural sugar substitutes .

Avoid sugary and starchy foods, like grains (including bread and pasta, even if they are made with whole grains), beans, rice, and sugar.

If you’re just getting started, make sure to also check my full guide about how to start a ketogenic diet and calculate your macros using the macro calculator to determine your optimal carb intake. (Also, read up on keto flu symptoms and remedies so that you can avoid that hurdle.)

And if you want everything done for you, check out my Wholesome Yum app — it’s free to try and includes custom meal plans, so you can eat exactly what you like and still have your meal planning and grocery list done for you. It also includes all kinds of keto foods, so you never wonder what to eat.

Printable Keto Food List

Get The Keto Food List PDF

Otherwise, I recommend bookmarking this page. The nice thing about the website version of my keto food list is that it’s searchable — just use the “Find on page” function on your computer or phone.

If you want a shorter list of what to buy the first time you’re at the store shopping for low carb foods, check out my simpler keto grocery list .

Keto Vegetables

My keto food list includes a range of moderate to very low carb vegetables. I recommend eating these often because they’re some of the best high fiber low carb foods, and a great source of vitamins and minerals.

I also have a list of keto vegetables here , including the best ones to eat, recipes, and which ones to avoid. Some examples to avoid include starchy vegetables like carrots, white or sweet potatoes , and most types of beans.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens make excellent low carb foods, because they are filling, packed with fiber and nutrients, and very low in both carbs and calories.

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Low Carb Fruits

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are crucial for a keto diet food list! They keep you full and satisfied, plus they help you stay in ketosis.

All pure fats/oils are zero carb, but I always avoid soy, corn, canola, “vegetable”, and cottonseed oils. These seed oils are usually GMO and highly processed.

When choosing fats for cooking, I also consider the smoke point. Avocado oil, olive oil, and refined coconut oil work best for high-heat cooking. Any extra virgin oil, like extra virgin olive oil, will have a lower smoke point and I reserve these for lower heat or no-heat uses, such as salad dressing.

Meat & Poultry

Meat and poultry are the infamous items on a keto food list, because many people picture keto as being a lot of meat. These are definitely great high protein low carb foods, because they have zero carbs (provided that there is no sugar added in the preparation), but I recommend choosing whole cuts of meat rather than processed types.

For keto, choose fattier cuts of meat when you can (such as beef or dark meat chicken), but I often cook lean chicken breast too and just add fat when cooking. I look for grass fed, pasture raised meat and poultry, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

Seafood

Fish and other seafood are some of my favorite keto food list staples, because they have healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Watch for carbs in shellfish, though, which can be a little higher than other protein types.

Low Carb Foods List PDF

Eggs & Full-Fat Dairy

Milk is not keto (or low carb), but many other types of dairy products are. For those (like me) that can tolerate dairy, it makes a great addition to a low carb food list. Choose full-fat dairy over fat-free or low-fat, which is higher in carbs. For cheese in particular, check my keto cheese list .

Coconut cream is not dairy, but makes a great substitute, so I included it here. It’s thick and creamy, and often works instead of heavy cream, yogurt or even sour cream in recipes.

Although Eggs are also not dairy, I listed them in this section for convenience. They are found in the dairy section of the grocery store, but you can still enjoy them if you are dairy-free.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are low carb foods to enjoy in moderation. They can be easy to overendulge on, so portion control is important. Still, I think they make great snacks or additions to keto recipes .

Low Carb Beverages

Whenever possible, drink water! It is by far the best beverage. You can change it up by adding lemons or cucumber slices. That being said, my complete low carb food list does include other beverage types you can enjoy.

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Keto Sweeteners

If you’ve spent a hot minute here at Wholesome Yum, you know I only recommend natural low carb sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are more likely to spike insulin and have less known long-term effects. For a more detailed look, read my keto sugar substitute guide .

All the sweeteners in this list have 0 net carbs, because they either do not get absorbed or do not metabolize by the body. Serving sizes and sweetness can vary by brand, depending on blend/concentration, so check my sweetener conversion chart if you make swaps.

Low Carb Flours & Baking

Who says you can’t enjoy baked goods on a low carb diet? You can! Of course, they are still best in moderation, but it’s definitely doable to make keto baking recipes — and I find them so helpful to stay on track.

Below is a list of common low carb flours and other baking staples, such as thickeners and extracts. I always check labels to make sure no sugar or artificial additives are included.

Learning to bake with low carb flours takes time, because they behave differently from traditional wheat flour. Get started by following my tried and true almond flour recipes , simple coconut flour recipes , or browse all my low carb dessert recipes !

Herbs

Herbs make great additions to give your keto foods flavor, with very little carb impact. Carbs listed below are based on chopped fresh herbs.

If using dried herbs, the conversion is 3:1. That is, 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried herbs. (This conversion applies for carb counts, but it’s also the conversion I recommend for recipes, because dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.)

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB FOODS

Spices & Seasonings

Including spices and seasonings in your dishes makes them a lot more interesting, so for me they’re a must! Most are suitable for a keto diet food list, but watch for added ingredients. Some blends add cornstarch or sugar, which I recommend avoiding.

I also make many seasoning mixes at home to save money and avoid the weird ingredients. Try my homemade Italian seasoning , taco seasoning , Cajun seasoning , pork chop seasoning , or pumpkin pie spice to get started!

Keto Friendly Condiments

There are plenty of condiments that you can enjoy in foods with low carbs. Just watch for added sugar where you might not expect it, and skip high-sugar ones like pre-made ketchup or sweet dressings.

For any store bought items below, the numbers are based on those without added sugar. If possible, it’s better to make your own, using low carb ingredients and sugar-free or no sweetener.

Soy sauce is not on this list because it’s estrogenic and I don’t recommend it for clean keto, but coconut aminos makes a great substitute for cooking low carb foods. If you’re okay with “dirty keto” (processed or inflammatory foods) or not concerned about soy, carbs in soy sauce are still very low.

Printable Keto Foods List

Looking For The Printable Low Carb Food List?