Keto Diet Food List, Including the Best vs. Worst Keto Foods

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Keto diet food list - Dr. Axe

Unlike many fad diets that come and go with very limited rates of long-term success, the ketogenic diet has been practiced for more than nine decades (since the 1920s) and is based upon a solid understanding of physiology and nutrition science.

The keto diet works for such a high percentage of people because it targets several key, underlying causes of weight gain — including hormonal imbalances, especially insulin resistance coupled with high blood sugar levels, and the cycle of restricting and “binging” on empty calories due to hunger that so many dieters struggle with. Yet that’s not a problem with what’s on the keto diet food list.

Rather than relying on counting calories, limiting portion sizes, resorting to extreme exercise or requiring lots of willpower (even in the face of drastically low energy levels), the ketogenic diet takes an entirely different approach to weight loss and health improvements. It works because it changes the very “fuel source” that the body uses to stay energized — namely, from burning glucose (or sugar) to dietary fat, courtesy of keto recipes and the keto diet food list items.

What Is the Keto Diet and Ketosis?

The ketogenic diet is a very high-fat, low-carb diet. “Keto” is short for the state of ketosis, a metabolic state that occurs when most of the body’s energy comes from ketone bodies in the blood rather than from glucose obtained from eating foods with carbohydrates. Ketosis is able to occur only when fat provides most of the body’s daily calorie needs, which takes the place of glucose as the preferred source of bodily energy.

Both in terms of how it feels physically and mentally, along with the impact it has on the body, being in ketosis is a very different than a “glycolytic state,” where blood glucose (sugar) serves as the body’s energy source. Many consider burning ketones to be a much “cleaner” way to stay energized compared to running on carbs and sugar day in and day out. Another major benefit of the keto diet is that there’s no need to count calories, feel hungry or attempt to burn loads of calories through hours of intense exercise.

At the core of the ketogenic diet and keto diet food list is severely restricting intake of all or most foods with sugar and starch (carbohydrates). These foods are broken down into sugar (insulin and glucose) in our blood once we eat them, and if these levels become too high, extra calories are much more easily stored as body fat and results in unwanted weight gain. However, when glucose levels are cut off due to low-carb dieting, the body starts to burn fat instead and produces ketones that can be measured in the blood.

Based on many decades of research, some of the main benefits associated with following the ketogenic diet and keto diet food list include:

Weight loss, which is often substantial and happens quickly (especially for those who start the diet very overweight or obese). (1) One 2013 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that those following a keto diet “achieved better long-term body weight and cardiovascular risk factor management when compared with individuals assigned to a conventional low-fat diet (i.e. a restricted-energy diet with less than 30% of energy from fat).”
Significant improvements in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, as the ketogenic diet dramatically reduces the amount of sugar present in the blood. This offers benefits for diabetes prevention or management. In studies, low-carb diets have shown benefits for improving blood pressure, postprandial glycemia and insulin secretion.
A reduced risk for markers associated with heart disease, including high cholesterol and triglycerides. (2) The keto diet is unlikely to negatively impact your cholesterol levels despite being so high in fat. In fact, it’s capable of lowering cardiovascular disease risk factors, especially in those who are obese. (3) One study, for example, found that adhering to the ketogenic diet and keto diet food list for 24 weeks resulted in decreased levels of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose in a significant percentage of patients, while at the same time increasing the level of HDL cholesterol. (4)
Enhanced protection against cancer. Studies have found that the ketogenic diet may “starve” cancer cells and help prevent tumor growth. Experts believe that cancer cells cannot easily metabolically shift to using fat for fuel, cutting off their primary energy supply (glucose). It’s not a coincidence that some of the best cancer-fighting foods are on the keto diet food list.
Over the past century, ketogenic diets have also been used to treat and even help reverse neurological disorders and cognitive impairments, including epilepsy and Alzheimer’s symptoms. (5)

What can you eat on a ketogenic diet? Here are some examples of low-carb foods on the keto diet food list you can expect to eat lots of if you’re following the ketogenic diet:

High amounts of healthy fats (up to 80 percent of your total calories!), such as olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, palm oil, and some nuts and seeds. Fats are a critical part of every ketogenic recipe because fat is what provides energy and prevents hunger, weakness and fatigue.
All sorts of non-starchy vegetables. What vegetables can you eat on a ketogenic diet without worrying about increasing your carb intake too much? Some of the most popular choices include broccoli and other cruciferous veggies, all types of leafy greens, asparagus, cucumber, and zucchini.
In more moderate amounts, foods that are high in protein but low- or no-carb, including grass-fed meat, pasture-raised poultry, cage-free eggs, bone broth, wild-caught fish, organ meats and some full-fat (ideally raw) dairy products.

On the other hand, the types of foods you’ll avoid eating on the keto diet are likely the same ones you are, or previously were, accustomed to getting lots of your daily calories from before starting this way of eating. This includes things like fruit, processed foods or drinks high in sugar, those made with any grains or white/wheat flour, conventional dairy products, desserts, and many other high-carb foods (especially those that are sources of “empty calories”).

Keto diet food list foods to eat anytime - Dr. Axe

The Keto Diet Food List

If you’re new to the keto diet or just still learning the ropes, your biggest questions probably revolve around figuring out just what you can eat on such a low-carb diet. Overall, remember that the bulk of calories on the keto diet are from foods that are high in natural fats along with a moderate amount of foods with protein. Those that are severely restricted are all foods that provide lots of carbs, even kinds that are normally thought of as “healthy,” like whole grains, for example.

Overview of the Keto Diet Plan and Keto Diet Food List

The exact ratio of recommended macronutrients in your diet (grams of carbs vs. fat vs. protein) will differ depending on your specific goals and current state of health. Your age, gender, level of activity and current body composition can also play a role in determining your carb versus fat intake.
Historically, ketogenic diets have consisted of limiting carbohydrate intake to just 20–30 net grams per day. “Net carbs” is the amount of carbs remaining once dietary fiber is taken into account. Because fiber is indigestible once eaten, most people don’t count grams of fiber toward their daily carb allotment. In other words, total carbs – grams of fiber = net carbs.
On a “strict” (standard) keto diet, fats typically provides about 70 percent to 80 percent of total daily calories, protein about 15 percent to 20 percent, and carbohydrates just around 5 percent. However, a more “moderate” approach to the keto diet is also a good option for many people that can allow for an easier transition into very low-carb eating and more flexibility (more on this type of plan below).
Something that makes the keto diet different from other low-carb diets is that it does not “protein-load.” Protein is not as big a part of the diet as fat is. Reason being: In small amounts, the body can change protein to glucose, which means if you eat too much of it, especially while in the beginning stages of the keto diet, it will slow down your body’s transition into ketosis.
Protein intake should be between one and 1.5 grams per kilogram of your ideal body weight. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide your ideal weight by 2.2. For example, a woman who weighs 150 pounds (68 kilograms) should get about 68–102 grams of protein daily.
It’s important to also drink lots of water. Getting enough water helps keep you from feeling fatigued, is important for digestion and aids in hunger suppression. It’s also needed for detoxification. Aim to drink 10–12 eight-ounce glasses a day.

Best Keto Foods — Eat Whenever:

Healthy Fats

Most healthy fats contain zero net carbs, especially the kinds listed below, which also have other health advantages. (6) Fats should be included in high amounts with every meal throughout the day.

Healthy fats include saturated fats, monounsaturated fats and certain types of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), especially omega-3 fatty acids. It’s best to include all types in your diet, with an emphasis on saturated fats, especially compared to PUFAs.
MCT oil, cold-pressed coconut, palm fruit, olive oil, flaxseed, macadamia and avocado oil — 0 net carbs per tablespoon
Butter and ghee — 0 net carbs per tablespoon
Lard, chicken fat or duck fat — 0 net carbs per tablespoon

Proteins

Animal proteins (meat, fish, etc.) have very little, if any, carbs. You can consume them in moderate amounts as needed to control hunger.

Grass-fed beef and other types of fatty red meat, including lamb, goat, veal, venison and other game. Grass-fed meat is preferable because it’s higher in quality omega-3 fats — 0 grams net carbs per 5 ounces
Organ meats including liver — around 3 grams net carbs per 5 ounces
Poultry, including turkey, chicken, quail, pheasant, hen, goose, duck — 0 grams net carbs per 5 ounces
Cage-free eggs and egg yolks — 1 gram net carb each
Fish, including tuna, trout, anchovies, bass, flounder, mackerel, salmon, sardines, etc. — 0 grams net carbs per 5 ounces

Non-Starchy Vegetables

All leafy greens, including dandelion or beet greens, collards, mustard, turnip, arugula, chicory, endive, escarole, fennel, radicchio, romaine, sorrel, spinach, kale, chard, etc. — range from 0.5–5 net carbs per 1 cup
Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower — 3–6 grams net carbs per 1 cup
Celery, cucumber, zucchini, chives and leeks — 2–4 grams net carbs per 1 cup
Fresh herbs — close to 0 grams net carbs per 1–2 tablespoons
Veggies that are slightly higher in carbs (but still low all things considered) include asparagus, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, bell pepper, sugar snap peas, water chestnuts, radishes, jicama, green beans, wax beans, tomatoes — 3–7 grams net carbs per 1 cup raw

Fat-Based Fruit

Avocado — 3.7 grams net carbs per half

Snacks

Bone broth (homemade or protein powder) — 0 grams net carbs per serving
Beef or turkey jerky — 0 grams net carbs
Hard-boiled eggs — 1 gram net carb
Extra veggies (raw or cooked) with homemade dressing — 0–5 grams net carbs
1/2 avocado with sliced lox (salmon) — 3–4 grams net carbs
Minced meat wrapped in lettuce — 0-1 grams net carbs

Condiments

Spices and herbs — 0 grams net carbs
Hot sauce (no sweetener) — 0 grams net carbs
Apple cider vinegar — 0–1 grams net carbs
Unsweetened mustards — 0–1 grams net carbs

Drinks

Water — 0 grams net carbs
Unsweetened coffee (black) and tea; drink in moderation since high amounts can impact blood sugar — 0 grams net carbs
Bone broth — 0 grams net carbs

Keto Foods to Limit — Eat Only Occasionally:

Full-Fat Dairy

Dairy products should be limited to only “now and then” due to containing natural sugars. Higher fat, hard cheeses have the least carbs, while low-fat milk and soft cheeses have much more.

Full-fat cow’s and goat milk (ideally organic and raw) — 11–12 net grams per one cup serving
Full-fat cheeses — 0.5–1.5 net grams per one ounce or about 1/4 cup

Medium-Starchy Vegetables

Sweet peas, artichokes, okra, carrots, beets and parsnips — about 7–14 net grams per 1/2 cup cooked
Yams and potatoes (white, red, sweet, etc.) — sweet potatoes have the least carbs, about 10 net grams per 1/2 potato; Yams and white potatoes can have much more, about 13–25 net grams per 1/2 potato/yam cooked

Legumes and Beans

Chickpeas, kidney, lima, black, brown, lentils, hummus, etc. — about 12–13 net grams per 1/2 cup serving cooked
Soy products, including tofu, edamame, tempeh — these foods can vary in carbohydrates substantially, so read labels carefully; soybeans are fewer in carbs than most other beans, with only about 1–3 net carbs per 1/2 cup serving cooked

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, pistachios, chestnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc. — 1.5–4 grams net carbs per 1 ounce; cashews are the highest in carbs, around 7 net grams per ounce
Nut butters and seed butters — 4 net carbs per 2 tablespoons
Chia seeds and flaxseeds — around 1–2 grams net carbs per 2 tablespoons

Keto diet food list foods to eat occasionally - Dr. Axe

Fruits

Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries — 3–9 grams net carbs per 1/2 cup

Snacks

Protein smoothie (stirred into almond milk or water)
7–10 olives
1 tablespoon nut butter or handful of nuts
Veggies with melted cheese

Condiments

Most condiments below range from 0.5–2 net grams per 1–2 tablespoon serving. Check ingredient labels to make sure added sugar is not included, which will increase net carbs.

No sugar added ketchup or salsa
Sour cream
Mustard, hot sauces, Worcestershire sauce
Lemon/ lime juice
Soy sauce
Salad dressing (ideal to make your own with vinegar, oil and spices)
Pickles
Stevia (natural sweetener, zero calorie and no sugar)

Drinks

Consume the unsweetened drinks below only moderately, having just 1–2 small servings per day. These will typically contain between 1–7 net grams per serving.

Fresh vegetable and fruit juices — homemade is best to limit sugar; use little fruit to reduce sugar and aim for 8 ounces daily at most
Unsweetened coconut or almond milk (ideal to make your own)
Bouillon or light broth (this is helpful with electrolyte maintenance)
Water with lemon and lime juice

Foods to Avoid When on a Keto Diet — NEVER Eat:

Any Type of Sugar

One teaspoon of sugar has about 4 net grams of carbs, while every tablespoon has about 12 net grams.

White, brown, cane, raw and confectioner’s sugar.
Syrups like maple, carob, corn, caramel and fruit
Honey and agave
Any food made with ingredients such as fructose, glucose, maltose, dextrose and lactose

Any and All Grains

One slice of bread, or small serving of grains, can have anywhere from 10–30 net grams of carbs! Cereals and cooked grains typically have 15–35 grams per 1/4 cup uncooked, depending on the kind.

Wheat, oats, all rice (white, brown, jasmine), quinoa, couscous, pilaf, etc.
Corn and all products containing corn, including popcorn, tortillas, grits, polenta and corn meal
All types of products made with flour, including bread, bagels, rolls, muffins, pasta, etc.

Nearly All Processed Foods

Crackers, chips, pretzels, etc.
All types of candy
All desserts like cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream
Pancakes, waffles and other baked breakfast items
Oatmeal and cereals
Snack carbs, granola bars, most protein bars or meal replacements, etc.
Canned soups, boxed foods, any prepackaged meal
Foods containing artificial ingredients like artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, etc.), dyes and flavors

Sweetened and Caloric Beverages

Soda
Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor, etc.)
Sweetened teas or coffee drinks
Milk and dairy replacements (cow’s milk, soy, almond, coconut, lactaid, cream, half and half, etc.)
Fruit juices

Modified Keto Diet and Keto Diet Food List

Although a standard ketogenic diet is even more restrictive in terms of carb intake, a “moderate keto diet” is another option that will very likely still be able to provide substantial weight loss results and other improvements in symptoms. Including slightly more carbs can be very useful for maintenance, allow for more flexibility, provide a higher fiber intake, and overall may feel more sustainable long term socially and psychologically.

In order to transition and remain in ketosis, aiming for about 30–50 net grams is typically the recommended amount of carbs to start with. This is considered a more moderate or flexible approach but can be less overwhelming to begin with.
Once you’re more accustomed to this way of eating, you can choose to lower carbs even more if you’d like (perhaps only from time to time), down to about 20 grams of net carbs daily. This is considered the standard, “strict” amount that many keto dieters aim to adhere to for best results, but remember that everyone is a bit different.
Because consuming even up to 30–50 grams of net carbs daily is still dramatically less than what most people eating a “standard Western diet” are used to, many will still experience weight loss eating slightly more carbs.
You can try reducing carbohydrates to just 15 percent to 25 percent of total calorie intake, while increasing fat and protein to around 40 percent to 60 percent and about 20 percent to 30 percent, respectively, in order to test your own individual response.

Keto diet food list foods to avoid - Dr. Axe

Precautions Regarding the Keto Diet Food List

Be aware that it’s not uncommon to experience some negative reactions and side effects when transitioning into this way of eating. Although not everyone, some people will experience the following symptoms, which usually subside within a couple of weeks:

Headaches
Fatigue/lack of energy
Muscle weakness or pains
Poor sleep
Constipation, nausea or upset stomach
Brain fog
Moodiness

To help you overcome these symptoms, here are several steps to try taking:

Add bone broth to your diet, which can help restore electrolytes that are lost during ketosis. When you follow a keto diet, even if you’re drinking a lot of water, you will lose a lot of water weight and also flush essential electrolytes out of our system, including magnesium, potassium or sodium. Adding bone broth is a great way to replenish these naturally, in addition to getting other nutrients and amino acids.
Foods to eat more of than can also help increase electrolyte intake are nuts, avocados, mushrooms, salmon and other fish, spinach, artichokes, and leafy greens.
Reduce your exercise load temporary.
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and also consuming enough salt/sodium.
Consume even more fat if you’re hungry.
Avoid eating synthetic ingredients in processed foods. Also try to limit “low-carb foods” that are still unhealthy and difficult to digest, even those that many ketogenic diet programs might recommend or include. These include cold cuts, processed meats (especially pork) or cured meats, bacon, and processed cheeses.

Final Thoughts on the Keto Diet Food List, Plan and Tips

The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet. Typical ketogenic diets consist of limiting carbohydrate intake to just 20–30 net grams per day and following the ket diet food list.
Fats should be consumed in high amounts when following a keto diet. Fats will provide 70 percent o 80 percent of all calories, proteins just about 10 percent to 20 percent, and carbs only 5 percent to 10 percent.
A “moderate keto diet” is an option that can still encourage substantial weight loss and other improvements in symptoms. A moderate keto diet includes more foods with carbs and therefore more fiber too. Carbs are usually increased to about 30–50 net grams per day, which means foods like more high-fiber veggies, some fruit or some starchy veggies can also be included.