What To Drink On The Carnivore Diet

Confused about what to drink on the carnivore diet? We know why. Although there is a fair amount of information online about what to eat when going carnivore, such sources often don’t address what to drink! 

This is understandably frustrating. It makes switching to the carnivore diet more difficult than it needs to be. We’ve tackled this issue head-on, with some helpful advice about what to drink and what not to drink, and the reasons for each. 

​The Water-Only Strict Carnivore Diet

When asking what to drink on the carnivore diet, the answer you’ll commonly get is water. It’s naturally calorie and sugar-free, and ideal for the strictest carnivore diet. But you don’t have to restrict yourself to gulping down tap water if you don’t want to. There are two other options available to you.

Mineral Water: Nature’s Choice

Water is nature’s choice for staying hydrated on any diet or eating plan. And the most natural form of it is obtained straight from water sources like mineral springs. True to its name, mineral water that is bottled at the source contains important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.  

If you find drinking tap water more economical, that’s fine. But unless your local drinking water is of a very good quality, it might be best to filter it first.

2. ​Sparkling Water: Natural Alternative

Finding still mineral water is a bit boring for your tastes? Sparkling mineral water is the solution. This is the carbonated form of mineral water and a natural alternative to fizzy soft drinks. 

Next time you’re craving a fizzy soda, choose sparkling mineral water instead. It’s just as refreshing but without any hidden ingredients. You may, of course, opt to carbonate tap water. 

​Milk On The Carnivore Diet

Frustrated about what to drink on the carnivore diet besides water? Milk might meet your need for beverage versatility. So, can you drink milk on the carnivore diet? Yes, unless you're the strictest form of carnivore. Take note that only dairy milks are carnivore-friendly. Plant-based and nut milks are not.

The Problem With Milk

Cow’s milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients, and it’s carnivore-friendly. The problem with milk is that some people are intolerant of its natural sugar content (lactose), or allergic to its proteins (whey and casein). 

If you are on the carnivore diet to avoid allergens and food intolerance/sensitivity triggers, milk might not be best for you. However, unless you have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, the occasional cup of unpasteurized raw milk or full-fat pasteurized milk is a nutritious carnivore drink.

​Drinking Coffee And Tea: Yay Or Nay?

When considering what to drink on the carnivore diet, your first thought might have been whether or not you have to give up your favorite morning brew. Many people start their day with tea or coffee, and these beverages are some of the top choices for daytime socializing. 

So, can you drink coffee and tea on the carnivore diet? Naysayers put forth the argument that coffee and tea are considered plant foods. Typical coffee and tea alternatives such as chicory coffee or green tea are made from other plant foods.

​Are Coffee and Tea Plant Foods? 

To be fair, tea leaves and coffee beans are technically plant-based foods. 

Strict carnivores eliminate these drinks from their diet to avoid all plant toxins. However, if you’re accustomed to drinking these beverages, they may make it easier to stick to the carnivore diet. On a more lenient form of carnivore, you can enjoy unsweetened, black coffee or tea. 

On occasion, you may also enjoy an unsweetened cappuccino or latte-type drink made with heavy cream (an animal product, therefore carnivore-friendly). Butter coffee made with grass-fed butter is also a delicious carnivore diet dessert.

​Electrolyte Drinks/Sports Drinks?

If you’re trying to manage your weight by going to the gym, you’ll know the importance of staying hydrated. But if you’re drinking sports or ‘energy’ drinks during or after a workout,  you could unknowingly be doing yourself a disservice. 

Sports drinks are often filled with sugar. This will not help with weight loss. Many energy drinks are very high in caffeine, and laden with sugar. Stick to ordinary water, or choose electrolyte-infused water after more intensive workouts.

Looking for a good workout plan while on the carnivore diet? Check out our carnivore diet workout guides. 

​Why Sugary Drinks Can Be A Bad Idea

Overconsumption of sugary drinks can throw the blood sugar balance into chaos, a real no-no for diabetics. Research shows that avoiding them also helps diabetics lower their risks for cardiovascular disease.

Excessive sugar consumption is also a problem for people who don’t have diabetes. Studies show it is linked to inflammation and various chronic diseases. 

​Bone Broth — The Ultimate Carnivore ‘Beverage’

If you’re wondering what to drink on the carnivore diet on those cold, wintry days, bone broth is the answer. Bone broth is obtained by boiling animal bones and connective tissue in water, much like making stock for soups and stews. 

But although bone broth can be made with meaty bones as when making stock, it also contains ingredients like joints and bone marrow. It’s also usually cooked for longer than stock, allowing more nutrients to enter the water. 

​Health Benefits Of Drinking Bone Broth

The slight difference in its ingredients and cooking time ensures a higher nutrient content with some impressive health benefits. It provides vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and collagen that boost health and lead to healthier hair, skin, and nails. 

Bone broth’s amino acid content helps to support immune function and improve digestive health. Its collagen content also aids in joint and tissue health.

​Drinks To Avoid On The Carnivore Diet

While deciding what to drink on the carnivore diet, you need to know what to avoid. These are the top culprits that will conflict with your carnivore diet aims.

• Carbonated soft drinks and other beverages that contain sugar and a long list of additives.
• Fruit juice and fruit concentrates/cordials with their high sugar content.
• Alcoholic drinks derived from plant foods, especially those with high natural levels of sugar.
  

• Most sweetened milk or yogurt-based drinks: These often also contain fillers and other additives.

• Ready-made broths and drinking soups: These convenience foods are usually high in sodium and contain plant-based ingredients and/or starchy fillers.

• Malted barley beverages: These can trigger autoimmune responses in people with gluten sensitivity. They also typically contain sugar, other additives, and fillers.

​Final Thoughts

Stumped about what to drink on the carnivore diet? Water is always a safe choice. Sparkling or still, it will quench your thirst, keep you hydrated, and fill you up without the calories when you’re trying to lose weight. 

Water alone can be a bit hard to stick to when you’re socializing. Mix things up with some cold or warm milk, or the occasional coffee or tea. If you’re looking for a beverage for warmth and comfort on a cold winter's day, go for bone broth. It’s a nutritious drink perfectly suited to the carnivore diet.