99 Low-Carb Foods That Still Taste Great—the Possibilities Are Endless!
Trying to pack your diet with low-carb foods? Experts say that eating a high protein, low carb diet can aid in overall health and help some people lose weight. But what foods should you eat, and which ones taste great so your low-carb diet can become a true lifestyle?
We’ve rounded up 98 delicious favorites. Stay in the low-carb lane with these foods that you'll actually be excited about eating.
Related: Following This Type of Diet Can Cut Your Risk of Early Death by One-Third, According to New Research
99 Low-Carb Foods
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1. Ham
Got ham? You can do a lot with it—check out these low-carb ham recipes.
2. Cauliflower
Tired of serving this veggie crown-style? Rice it up! This Brown Butter Cauliflower rice and Horseradish Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower both have an extra kick of flavor that’s quick to prepare. Prepare it as part of a tuna salad or try a tuna steak.Nuts
3. Nuts
These are a great low-carb snack, plus you can whip up nut butter if you want to do something different with your nuts.
4. Cabbage
Add some apples and mint to create a fun slaw out of this veggie, or find other ways to enjoy it.
5. Eggs
Want to add something new to eggs? Check out Broccoli, Ham and Cheese Egg Muffin Cups to go beyond scrambling.
6. Chicken
It’s a staple if you’re going low-carb, but you’ve got to know how to prepare it so you don’t get bored. Check out this Chicken Enchilada Skillet for a fresh take on the bird.
Related: Here's What You Can Expect from Ozempic Week-by-Week
7. Pumpkin
This veggie can go into a variety of dishes, such as this Gingered Pumpkin Soup.
8. Parmesan cheese
Garlic Basil Parmesan Crisps are the perfect way to use parmesan cheese in a whole new way. Plus, they crunch!
9. Quinoa
This protein-rich grain can be a smart alternative if you’re craving rice or pasta.
10. Butternut squash
This veggie is great just about any time of year, and it can be the star ingredient in a variety of meals.
11. Coffee
You don’t have to give up your morning Joe to stay on a low-carb eating plan.
Related: Here's What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Multiple Cups of Coffee Every Day
12. Clams
Steamers are low-carb seafood that can be great if you’re going low-carb. Sauté with butter, garlic, onion, parmesan and lime juice.
13. Flax
These seeds are oh-so-good for you plus you can use them to make some unexpected low-carb foods, such as pancakes.
14. Asparagus
Looking for a delicious low-carb vegetable? Pass the asparagus. It’s high in everything from folate to fiber as well as protein.
15. Squid
Sauté with butter, garlic, onion, parmesan and lime juice.
16. Goat cheese
Take a break from your usual cheese choices and enjoy this one.
17. Eggplant
Fry up a little eggplant for something different.
18. Lettuce
Salads are a great side dish option that everyone can customize, but lettuce wraps are a great alternative to carb-filled wraps and breads, too.
19. Onion
Create a Blooming Onion that’s low in carbs.
20. Bacon
It may not be the leanest cut of meat, but it sure is tasty just about anyway it’s prepared. (Especially Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus.)
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21. Muffins
When you use a low-carb or keto-friendly flour, you can still enjoy muffins.
22. Veal
Another low-carb meat option that's super tender and flavorful when prepared properly.
23. Cottage cheese
So many versatile options for this high-protein cheese.
24. Chipotle peppers
You may not eat them plain, but they can go in plenty of delicious low-carb meals, such as this Chipotle Coleslaw.
25. Artichokes
These yummy veggies get a lot of flavor when put into Italian Marinated Artichoke Salad.
26. Spaghetti squash
Zucchini usually gets all the glory in the world of squash recipes, but this Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Spinach & Artichoke is equally amazing.
27. Kale
If you like the taste, you’re a step ahead because this versatile veggie can be enjoyed in a wide range of low-carb ways.
Related: Pin This To Your Fridge! We've Got 100 Foods You Can Eat on Whole30
28. Strawberries
A sweet, low-carb berry? Yes, definitely. Plus, you can incorporate strawberries into some pretty “sweet” keto-friendly desserts.
29. Radish
This veggie packs some big flavor.
30. Sausage
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meat Sauce is a good idea, as is this Cheesy Sausage and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner and these Pizza-Stuffed Mushrooms.
31. Salmon
Try salmon for a filling, low-carb meal. We recommend Sun-Dried Tomato Lemon Baked Salmon.
32. Shrimp
Shrimp and Spinach Cream Sauce is a good one to try.
33. Walnuts
Another versatile topping or snack option that packs a nutritious, low-carb punch.
Related: 11 Best Foods for Your Brain
34. Duck
Tired of chicken or beef? This meat may help you avoid carbs.
35. Mango
It’s great when eaten alone or in a smoothie, but mangoes can also be a main ingredient, too.
36. Hummus
Blended beans are great for dipping—and they go well in a low-carb pita (or wrap) too.
37. Cocoa powder
Nutrient-packed and delicious, you can put it into a lot of low-carb desserts and smoothies.
38. Bison
A great beef alternative that’s high in protein.
39. Broccoli
True, most veggies are on the low-carb side of things, but broccoli also tastes awesome. Try this Keto Thai Cream of Broccoli Soup recipe to give new life to your go-to greens.
40. Lima beans
You may not like them as they are, but they work well ground up in these Grilled Green Goddess Wraps.
Related: How Diet Impacts Gut Health
41. Bell peppers
Stuff em, dip em … you name it. These veggies are healthy and versatile so you can always mix up your diet with them. Try Eggs in Pepper Cups or Risotto-Stuffed Bell Peppers.
42. Rutabagas
These may not be so great solo, but transform them into French fries and enjoy.
43. Cherries
Mix up your fruit routine with some fresh cherries.
44. Shirataki noodles
These water-based noodles can keep you filled up and be a great substitute for pasta.
45. Oatmeal
This warm breakfast favorite can get a low-carb boost when prepared in a keto-friendly way.
46. Sour cream
Use as a dip with veggies or integrate into other low-carb meals.
47. Cottage cheese
Great as a snack, cottage cheese is packed with protein and calcium.
48. Stevia
A natural sweetener that can be used when you’re trying to cut carbs. (Erythritol, monk fruit and xylitol are other options.)
Related: Here's What the Keto Diet Actually Is—and Whether You Should Try It
49. Yogurt
On its own, it’s still yummy, but you can also use it in dressings to avoid the full-fat versions. Avoid high-sugar varieties to stay low-carb.
50. Almonds
A wonderful low-carb snack that is packed with protein and nutrients.
51. Brussels sprouts
Make these right and you’ll be asking for more. Crispy Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts are a great way to enjoy them.
52. Blueberries
This low-carb fruit is packed with flavor, not to mention nutrients.
53. Zoodles
Whether you make them out of zucchini, squash, beets, or carrots—or any other veggie you can spiralize—these are a great way to integrate more veggies and less pasta into a meal. The texture and shape is akin to spaghetti, which can help you feel like you’re still having a love affair with pasta. Try something new with Zoodles Greek Salad or Sesame Zucchini Noodles.
Related: The One Diet That Will Actually Lower Your Heart Attack Risk, According to Cardiologists
54. Mushrooms
Pass the portobellos! These mushroom fries are a tasty alternative to traditional potatoes, as is this Keto Mushroom Pizza.
55. Marshmallows
Of course, they’re not a meal centerpiece, but they can be a low-carb favorite when you add some rice cereal or just need a quick tasty treat.
56. Pork
A lean meat that’s versatile—from chops to pulled pork.
57. Pickles
No, frying them isn’t the healthiest way to enjoy them, but it’s quite tasty.
58. White beans
Want an alternative to mashed potatoes that are packed with fiber? Garlic Rosemary White Bean Dip will not disappoint.
59. Arugula
A flavorful leafy green that can spice up the normal salads.
60. Lobster
This shellfish can be prepared with butter, which is allowed in the keto low-carb plan.
Related: Here's What You Can Eat On the Mediterranean Diet
61. Lamb
Roast it with garlic, olive oil and rosemary.
62. Scallops
Sauté these in a little butter, or try Scallops with Creamed Corn for something unexpected.
63. Hot dogs
Cook these up plan or wrap mini-dogs in bacon with some other flavorful additions.
64. Cashews
Another tasty nut option that keeps you in the low-carb zone.
65. Celery
It may not be the main ingredient in your meal, but this is a very filling veggie that can be flavored up nicely in an array of dishes, or as a dipper in your favorite dip.
66. Flounder
Mix up your fish diet with flounder, which is a wonderful source of vitamin D.
Related: OK, What Does 'Intuitive Eating' Actually Mean?
67. Almond flour
Craving something made with traditional high-carb flour? Opt for a lower-carb option with almond flour.
68. Pecans
Try a different nut—pecans are great alone or on top of salads.
69. Jerky
This dried meat snack can be a great addition to a low-carb diet.
70. Peanut butter
Loaded with protein, it’s a staple for low-carb eating and high-protein diets.
71. Collard greens
Think lettuce should have all the fun playing wrap alternative? Try collard greens as a wrap for a low-carb delight.
72. Spinach
Packed with nutrients and protein, this is a wonderful veggie to integrate into your low-carb diet … and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it.
Related: Want To Boost Your Longevity by 20%? Try The 'Harvard Diet'
73. Swiss chard
Loaded with nutrients, this green is a great lettuce alternative or can be enjoyed as a side dish.
74. Lentils
These legumes are versatile and can be prepared in so many fun ways.
75. Tofu
This vegan “meat” packs a ton of protein and can be prepared in a lot of flavorful ways, hence our Crispy Tofu with Sweet Chili Sauce.
76. Pistachios
A great low-carb snack that’s quite nutritious.
77. Sweet potatoes
They may not exactly be low-carb, but if you’re going to enjoy a potato, this one is loaded with nutrients.
78. Chia seeds
Sprinkle these over a soup or salad, or put them into a yummy low-carb chia pudding.
79. Cucumbers
Nosh on some cut-up cucumbers or try any of these fun cucumber recipes.
80. Ricotta cheese
Add it to a variety of dishes for some creamy flavor.
Related: This Is the Very Best Meal For Inflammation, According to Registered Dietitians
81. Coconut flour
“White carbs” generally aren’t so low-carb friendly, but coconut flour is a nice alternative.
82. Chickpeas
Everyone thinks of hummus as the way to enjoy chickpeas but a wide variety of pastas made from the beans—as well as these chickpea fries—are also good ways to enjoy the beans.
83. Green beans
Want a French fry alternative? Consider making green beans the star of the show.
84. Beef
It may not be an everyday kind of meal, but it’s a meat that can be prepared in a variety of ways—check out this Sizzlin' Steak Kebabs with Avocado Salsa Verde for something different.
85. Tomatoes
Ideal on a salad, you can also work these into a slew of low-carb salsas.
86. Turkey
Roast a bird or purchase ground turkey—it’s a great way to stick to a low-carb diet. Check out these winter ground turkey recipes.
87. Halibut
Another delicious fish option. Garlic Baked Halibut or Baked Halibut are some nice ways to prepare halibut.
88. Olives
Rediscover, or discover, your love of olives. There are many ways to enjoy olives.
Related: 20 Delicious Highest Fiber Snacks That Will Benefit Your Health and Keep You Full for Hours
89. Tea
Loaded with healthy benefits, tea is a low-carb drink that you can consume.
90. Crab
Try the Indian Crab Curry or Crab Cakes for a yummy low-carb crab meal.
91. Grapefruit
Lower in sugar than other fruits and hailed as a healthy citrus, these can be a wonderful breakfast or snack if you’re looking to maintain a low-carb lifestyle. Romaine Salad With Grapefruit, Avocado and Goat Cheese is a nice recipe incorporating many low-carb foods.
92. Kefir
This cultured milk can do wonders for your gut health, and it’s available bottled at the grocery store.
93. Avocado
From basic guacamole to mashed avocado, there are a variety of ways to prepare avocado. Try these takes on ways to enjoy avocado.
94. Hemp seeds
You may not eat them solo but they’re a nice high-protein topper.
95. Milk
Low in carbs, and a great source of protein, it’s also a great low-carb eating addition because it comes in non-dairy options.
96. Raspberries
Yum yum yum—a great-tasting way to enjoy fruit that’s low on the glycemic index? It’s possible with these raspberry recipes.
97. Cod
Try another meat alternative that packs a protein-filled punch-cod.
98. Greek yogurt
Unsweetened Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein and is low-carb to boot.
99. Edamame
A good snack to nosh on when you want to stay low-carb.
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