Best Carnivore Diet Seasonings & Spices for Flavor

1. What Defines Carnivore Diet Seasonings? 

Carnivore seasonings are animal-based flavour enhancers rather than plant-derived spices that are not allowed in a carnivore diet. These seasonings flavour plain meat dishes, making the meal more palatable and enjoyable. Many people who follow the carnivore diet want to eat different things every day. That's where spices and herbs come in. They can take a simple steak and turn it into a cooking wonder.

Carnivore-approved additives should be purely animal-derived or purely mineral in nature. Avoiding plant-based spices, such as oxalates and lectins, is to exclude antinutrients from the diet. These anti-nutrients are essential to herbs and spices and can disrupt digestive and metabolic health. 

Thus, only animal-based seasonings are acceptable to align perfectly with the principles of the carnivore diet. People most commonly consume salt and pepper in this diet. However, the debate continues on which type of salt to consume. There are some controversies on whether Himalayan salt or conventional table salt meets the purity standards of the carnivore diet. The 2024 Carnivore Survey also highlighted that about 41% of people following the carnivore diet use salt to enhance the flavour of their meals. 

Historical practices also feature modern choices. This way of thinking comes from the idea that our ancestors did on a diet high in meat and that the spread of plant-based foods causes health problems today. But being simple doesn't mean being boring. Early human cultures used bone ash to add a mineral for taste in meat. This ancient way of improving meat reflects how people eat meat today.

2. Approved Carnivore Diet Seasonings & Spices 

Carnivore diet seasonings help to balance dietary flavour by following the principles of a carnivore diet that is purely animal and meat-based. Many confuse themselves when choosing mineral vs. animal-based seasonings and may choose iodised or unprocessed spices. Below is a categorised list of approved seasonings that can be consumed in a carnivore diet. 

Mineral-Based Salt:

Carnivore diets allow mineral-based seasonings, such as Himalayan pink salt and Redmond real salt.

• Himalayan Pink Salt: Carnivore diet followers prefer Himalayan pink salt. Its natural mineral content is 84 trace minerals. Because it remains unprocessed, Himalayan pink salt retains all 84 trace minerals and other vital nutrients that synthetic anticaking agents would disrupt.
• Redmond Real Salt: Redmond Real Salt extracts its mineral-rich product from ancient seabeds, and many people prefer it on a carnivore diet over iodised salts. These salts are preserved naturally to provide the body with pure mineral content free from advanced chemical processing.

Animal-Derived:

Some seasonings are animal-derived, such as bone broth powder and fish sauces. These seasonings are ideal for carnivore lovers to enhance the meal's flavour and satisfy their taste buds. 

• Bone Broth Powder: People following a carnivore diet can also opt for bone broth powder. It is made from dehydrated marrow and collagen. It tastes umami while delivering proteins and amino acids to the carnivore meal. 
• Fish Sauce (Pure): You can make fish sauce by mixing anchovies with salt and fermenting them either exposed to sunlight or in the shade for 12 months. Before consuming it in a meal, check for any added sugars. It gives a strong flavour to meat. 

Controversies:

There are controversies among consuming spices such as black pepper and vanilla extract.

• Black Pepper: Not everyone likes all spices. People commonly use black pepper, but it is a berry, and strict followers of the carnivore diet restrict it.
• Vanilla Extract: It is made from alcohol and is still controversial to consume in a carnivore diet. Some experts say it is okay to use it once in a while if it doesn't contain any sugar, while others say people should completely restrict it to align with the principles of the carnivore diet.

3. Benefits of Using Carnivore-Friendly Seasonings 

Carnivore-friendly seasonings are essential for electrolyte balance, enhancing meal flavour and increasing the palatability of the meal. In strict carnivore dietary patterns, many people are concerned about enhanced flavour vs. health to follow the principles of the diet. These are the benefits of using carnivore-friendly seasonings that help people stick with the diet for longer.

• Electrolyte Replenishment: Consuming seasonings such as salt helps replenish electrolytes while enhancing the meal flavour and boosting health. For example, sodium helps prevent muscle cramps. The recommended amount of sodium is 2300 mg/day, ensuring robust electrolyte replenishment.
• Digestive Support: Some carnivore-friendly spices, such as bone broth powder, ensure digestive support. They aid in the production of stomach acid and improve overall digestive function. Similarly, salt stimulates the production of saliva, which helps break down the food, enhances the flavour of the meat, and leads to better digestion. 

• Reduced Boredom: Salt variations in a carnivore diet, such as smoked salt and flake salt, are ideal for reducing the monotony of the diet. This variation keeps the meals exciting and prevents diet fatigue without violating the principles of the carnivore diet.
• Nutrient Synergy: Iodised salt also plays an important role in nutrient synergy when consumed in a carnivore diet.The NIH also highlighted the synergetic effects of iodised salt to support thyroid functioning.

People can also consume salt-fermented fish roe, which has surprising probiotic effects that improve digestive health. By carefully following these seasonings for carnivores, people can ensure that every part of their diet supports animal-based purity with the carnivore lifestyle while providing many health benefits.

4. Risks of Non-Compliant Seasonings 

Non-compliant seasonings do not come from animal-based sources. Manufacturers derive these seasonings from herbs, vegetables, grains, or fruits or additives in commercial salts, violating the principles of the carnivore diet. Before buying seasonings, people should read the labels as clean vs. processed on seasoning. Many risks are linked with non-compliant seasonings in a carnivore diet.

• Hidden Additives: Some seasonings, such as table salt, often contain hidden additives. These additives commonly include silicon dioxide and anti-caking agents. Manufacturers frequently use them in table salt, baking powder, spices, and other powdered foods. So, these additives may be risky for people following a strict carnivore diet. 
• Plant Contamination: Some processed spices, such as spice blends, may contain plant-based ingredients like paprika or garlic powder. These may be harmful to people who consume a strict carnivore diet.
• Oxalate Risk: Another concerning risk of consuming spices such as black pepper is that they contain some oxalate. Even consuming the smallest amount of oxalates in black pepper can be problematic for carnivore diet followers. For people who follow a strict carnivore diet, it is important to know about clean, unprocessed seasonings and their processed versions.

To lower these risks, carnivore diet followers should try homemade spice blends. For example, mixing bone marrow powder with high-quality salt helps adhere to the diet's principles. Homemade spices also prevent the use of plant-based antinutrients common in many stores. 

A study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances 2025 also highlighted that sea salt contains heavy metals that may be risky for people to consume. Thus, by choosing a homemade spice option, people can better control the quality of the ingredients in their mixes that are free from non-compliant seasonings.

5. Homemade Carnivore Seasoning Recipes 

Homemade carnivore seasoning recipes are a creative way to enhance the flavours of meaty foods. With carefully chosen ingredients, you can boost umami enhancers. Here are a few recipes for people who enjoy strong flavours and unique textures. You can turn regular meat into a special experience by using spices with rendered meat.

Smoked Salt & Marrow Rub:

This seasoning is simple to make by pairing smoked salt with rendered bone marrow fat. The smoked salt gives a deep, smoky taste and also acts as an umami enhancer. It enhances the taste and flavour of your meat. The rendered fat, obtained from slow-heating bone marrow, gives steaks a rich, flavourful crust while cooking.

Fish Egg Furikake:

This seasoning, known as fish egg furikake, originates from Japanese cooking traditions. In this dish, you  can dry salted salmon roe completely and crushed it into small flakes. These crunchy bits give a strong salty taste ideal for grilled or roasted meats, adding a taste of umami with every sprinkle.

Electrolyte Salt Blend:

It is another essential electrolyte salt blend. It is made by adding one part of potassium chloride to three parts of Himalayan salt. This easy mix improves the taste of meat and restores important electrolytes. It is ideal for people to follow a high-protein, meat-based diet because it ensures taste and nutrition.

Crispy Skin Seasoning:

The crispy skin seasoning turns chicken skin dried in the air into tasty sprinkles. By drying and grinding the skin of the chicken until crispy, you can make a crunchy topping to add a savoury flavour to your meal.

All recipes use simple ingredients that give strong flavours. Each seasoning, from the umami-boosting and smoked salt to the flavour-packed rendered fat, is essential to the result. You can also find more ideas and instructions in the Carnivore Seasoning Guide PDF.

6. How to Buy Compliant Seasonings 

Before buying compliant seasoning for a carnivore diet, it is essential to check the clean labels on the packaging. Every single ingredient needs to be considered. Here are some key points to look for.

• Certifications: In the label list, check for 100% pure or “no additives” in the seasoning. This step is important because many seasonings contain hidden additives that the carnivore diet does not allow.
• Brands: Always choose high-quality, compliant seasonings, such as Redmond Real Salt and Carnivore Crisps bone broth powder. Many brands also highlight the Carnivore diet in their ingredients.
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• Avoid: Choose from high-quality sea salts with better mineral content. Avoid those mentioned with natural flavours. Many spices mentioned with natural flavours may contain non-compliant ingredients often derived from plant-based. Thus, it is better to make homemade blends with individual spices. 
• Ethical Sourcing: Opt for seasoning that mentions ethical sourcing, such as Hawaiian black salt. Black lava salt combines unique sea salt with activated charcoal, giving it a striking colour, pungent smell, and earthy flavour.
• Budget Hack: Buying in bulk saves money by allowing you to purchase larger quantities of a product at a lower price per unit. For example, buying Redmond salt in bulk can save up to 30% of your budget compared to a single purchase.

Thus, people following a carnivore diet should follow the above key points. It ensures the principles of a carnivore diet while buying compliant seasonings. 

7. Carnivore vs. Keto & Paleo Seasonings 

Carnivore seasoning differs from keto and paleo seasonings. Paleo and keto diets are both low-carb diets. Keto diets are herb-heavy, while a strict carnivore diet restricts them.

Keto seasonings: The keto diet allows plant-based seasonings and foods low in carbohydrates. It includes various seasonings, including garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, basil, and chilli powder. The variety of keto seasonings adds flavour to meat, compared to the limited seasonings allowed in a carnivore diet. 

Paleo seasonings: Carnivore seasonings are more mineral-focused than the paleo diet. The seasonings in the paleo diet involve salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, turmeric, chilli pepper, cinnamon, and rosemary. 

Flavour Complexity: The flavour complexity in a carnivore, keto and paleo diet depends on the seasonings and herb layers. The paleo diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods, while the keto diet focuses on low carbs to achieve ketosis. In contrast, the carnivore diet restricts intake to only animal products and relies on fat, salt and herbs. Acceptable seasonings in the carnivore diet include salt pepper, mustard and hot sauce. Other spices such as turmeric, basil, bay, leaf, sage or thyme can also enhance the flavour of your meal in a carnivore diet.

Cost: Compared to other diets, such as keto and paleo, the seasonings of the carnivore diet are 50% cheaper. They are cheaper due to their lower variety, lack of herb purchases, limited spice selection, and no fillers or additives in carnivore seasonings. 

Health Impact: Spices are often contaminated with mycotoxins. However, carnivore seasonings have no health impact and are safe to consume in a carnivore diet. 

FAQs

Can I use MSG?

No, you can not use MSG in a carnivore diet. It is an additive that is permitted in a carnivore diet.

Is iodised salt safe? 

Yes, iodised salt is safe to consume while following a carnivore diet. Many people are concerned about consuming salt intake vs. health in a carnivore diet. Thus, iodised salt is essential for thyroid health. 

Are vinegar-based sauces allowed?

No, the carnivore diet does not allow vinegar-based sauces. It commonly derives from plant-based acetic acid or alcohol, which the carnivore diet prohibits.

How to replace pepper?

To replace pepper in seasonings, you can use crispy crushed pork skin. It has a similar texture to pepper but an enhanced flavour of pork.

Does lemon zest count as a spice?

Lemon zest is considered a spice. You can consume it as a carnivore seasoning, but you should avoid the citrus peel in a carnivore diet.

Is garlic allowed in the carnivore diet?

No, garlic is not allowed in a carnivore diet. Garlic is plant-based, which is not allowed in a carnivore diet.