Is The Carnivore Diet Expensive?

More and more people are realizing the benefits of animal-based eating like the carnivore diet. But some people worry that they cannot afford it. Is the carnivore diet expensive, or is it simply a common misconception?

We get to the bottom of this issue and look at ways in which you can tailor the carnivore diet to your budget. Because when you have all the facts and a few handy tips, healthy dietary choices don’t have to break the bank.

​Carnivore Diet Cost Factors 

Is the carnivore diet expensive? It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. 

First, let’s consider what good health is worth. While it’s true that eating only meat and other animal products is usually more expensive than eating plant-based convenience foods, it’s also healthier. By alleviating allergies, autoimmune disorders, and other ailments, you could save money on medical bills.

Secondly, the carnivore diet typically focuses on more costly options like organic, grass-fed, wild-caught, and free-range products, and high-quality cuts of meat. But you can be a carnivore without some of these options, too. Your eating plan should always reflect your unique circumstances.

That being said, let’s get to the facts about common carnivore diet cost factors.

1. ​Grass-Fed Vs. Grain-Fed Meat

Grass-fed meat is sourced from animals allowed to graze on grass. Conventional meats are typically sourced from grain-fed animals. Grain-fed livestock eat commercial feed made from foods like corn and soy, which are not their natural diet. This fattens them up more quickly, shortening their raising time. 

The cost to raise livestock on grass—as opposed to grain-based livestock feed—is higher. There’s a longer raising period and pasture maintenance costs to consider. This extra cost is handed down to you, the consumer. You can expect to pay from $3 to $6 more per pound.

Is it worth the extra expense? Many would say it is. Your budget might not allow you to buy grass-fed meats all the time, so just get it as often as your finances allow. Opting for cheaper cuts can mitigate the extra expense of grass-fed meat.

2. ​Organic Vs. Conventional

The carnivore lifestyle advocates eating organic rather than conventional foods. Organic foods are grown using sustainable farming methods and without synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers. They generally cost more than conventional foods but are much better for your health.

If you can‘t afford organic products, don’t stress. You can still follow the carnivore diet without sticking to organic. But if you can afford it, we’d say go for it. Fewer chemicals in our food is always a good idea.

3. ​Wild-Caught Vs. Farm-Raised Seafood

Wild-caught seafood comes from natural habitats, such as lakes, streams, rivers, and the ocean. Farm-raised seafood, on the other hand, is raised in large tanks. Wild-caught fish tend to have slightly less saturated fat but they have a more diverse diet in their natural habitat.

Does wild-caught seafood cost more? Yes, it is often higher-priced than farm-raised options. But you can get frozen or canned wild-caught seafood, too. This budget-friendly alternative still offers all the benefits. 

Side note: all seafood (and many other foods) sold in the United States requires Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Fish and shellfish must include origin and method of production (wild-caught or farm-raised). ​

5. ​Red Meat Vs. Poultry

There’s a big focus on red meat in the carnivore diet. Isn’t it more expensive to eat red meat vs poultry and other animal-based foods? 

The fact is, although red meat is an excellent source of complete protein and essential micronutrients, all animal foods are! So if you can’t afford to eat red meat all the time, rest assured you don’t have to. Indeed, the carnivore diet encourages eating a variety of meats, including poultry.

6. ​Game And Exotic Meats

Because the carnivore diet does not allow plant foods, it’s recommended to include as many animal foods as possible. This will offer diversity, flexibility, and a robust nutritional profile. 

If you enjoy and afford them, exotic and game meats are a fantastic addition to the carnivore diet food list. But you don’t have to eat them if you don’t like their taste or find them expensive. There are plenty of other meats to choose from.

7. ​Location And Availability

Does your location play a role in the affordability of the carnivore diet? Sometimes it can. Where you live can affect what foods are available to you. 

If you live in a rural area or close to farms you may find the carnivore diet a bit more budget-friendly. Many farmers sell their products directly to the public at reasonable prices. However, many urban areas host regular farmer’s markets where you can purchase fresh, locally sourced meats and dairy foods.

​8. Buying In Bulk

Many people buy grocery items in bulk whenever possible to take advantage of deals and special offers. 

With some careful shopping, you’ll find bulk deals on almost every food type, including frozen meat and dairy. Therefore you can save money by buying in bulk, as opposed to buying single pre-packed meat cuts and dairy foods. You’ll also save money on fuel because you won’t drive to the store as often.

9. ​Eating Out

We all enjoy the occasional restaurant dinner or takeout. But is it possible to do this on the carnivore diet? And more importantly, is the carnivore diet expensive when you eat out?

Yes, you can eat out when on the carnivore diet. But if you’re eating out every day, of course, it will get pricey.

The real problem is that many restaurant meals and takeout options are prepared with seed oils, and served alongside plant-based foods and starches. 

There are ways around this. Ask for your meat or fish to be grilled with a drizzle of butter, instead. And ask for the starchy side dishes to be excluded. Many restaurants are happy to make these adjustments. 

​Comparing Costs Of Carnivore Diet Vs. Other Diets

Is the carnivore diet expensive compared to other diets?

​1. Animal-Based Diet Food Costs

Animal-based foods include meats, seafood, eggs, and dairy products like milk, yogurt, cream and cheese. 

This includes all meats, including grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, pork, game meat, and poultry. These meats vary in price depending on the source and cut. Chicken, pork or beef liver, and other organ meats are cost-effective options.  

Compared to a plant-based diet, the overall expenses may be higher, but the health benefits outweigh the slightly higher costs.

2. ​Plant-Based Diet Food Costs

Many plant-based foods, especially convenience or processed foods, are easy to find and cheap to buy. Fresh produce is often cheaply available. However, vegetarian and vegan diets can also cost a lot more than animal-based diets. 

Meat substitutes like Beyond Meat and similar products cost more than real meat. Vegetarian and vegan substitutions at restaurants and fast food places almost always cost more, too. 

Unfortunately, plant-based eating can also take a toll on your health. Processed plant-based foods are a contributing factor in many chronic diseases. Plant foods are also common allergy and autoimmune triggers and don’t offer the protein and healthy fats you need. 

Although a plant-based diet can be affordable, it can also be costly in multiple ways.

​The Real Value Of The Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet can be a bit more expensive than other diets, but where does its real value lie?

1. ​Nutrient Density 

Animal-based foods are nutrient-dense foods. They offer essential micronutrients, healthy fats, and complete sources of protein. When you eat a wide range of animal foods, you’ll have all the nutrition you need. ​

2. ​Health Benefits

The carnivore diet offers several potential health benefits. It’s free from the processed foods that are linked to chronic disease. It excludes plant foods that are common allergy and autoimmune triggers. And it provides boundless energy while allowing better weight management.

3. ​Simplicity And Convenience

Following the carnivore diet is a lot more convenient than eating so-called convenience foods. 

By cutting out plant foods and processed foods, you can narrow down your shopping list to a small but nutritionally diverse range of carnivore diet foods. With a couple of trips to a local farm, farmers’ market, and butcher, you’ll get great deals and bulk buys on everything you need.

​How To Hack The Carnivore Diet On A Budget

Here are our top tips for hacking the carnivore diet on a tight budget. 

• Opt for ground beef to get the benefits of red meat without the higher price tag. Better still, incorporate organ meats into your diet. They are much cheaper than traditional muscle meat cuts (sometimes half the price of premium meat cuts). 
  

• Shop around for a local butcher with good prices. Ask about bulk deals, and freeze what you don’t need right away. 

 

• Choose frozen or canned wild-caught fish and seafood. It’s usually cheaper than fresh. Even better, catch your own fish and save money while you spend time outdoors in the fresh air.

 

• Farmers’ markets don’t just sell fresh produce and baked goods. Find one close to your area and for reasonably priced fresh meat, eggs, and dairy. Find out if your state allows the sale of these foods directly from local farms. You’ll get fresher food, at better prices.

Check out our Guide To An Animal-Based Diet On A Budget for more info on these and other budget-friendly ideas. ​

​Final Thoughts

Is the carnivore diet expensive? It’s difficult to give a clear-cut answer to this question. Whether or not you find it expensive depends mainly on your personal budget constraints and your approach to the diet. But with our helpful guides and tips, you can follow the carnivore diet whatever your budget.