Carnivore On A Budget: Is It Possible?
Shawn Baker MDPublished on April 23, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Dr. Shawn Baker argues that following a carnivore diet is feasible on a budget, costing under $10 a day. With smart shopping and meal planning, individuals can consume high-quality protein and nutrition without spending excessively.
Key Points
- A carnivore diet can be maintained for under $10 a day.
- Ground beef, eggs, and cottage cheese are affordable protein sources.
- A sample meal plan includes burger patties, eggs, and blended cottage cheese.
- The total protein intake can reach around 200 grams with this meal plan.
- Community support is available through platforms like Revero.
Can You Follow a Carnivore Diet on a Budget?
In today's economy, many people question whether a carnivore diet is feasible due to rising food prices. However, Dr. Shawn Baker argues that it is possible to maintain a high-protein, calorie-dense carnivore diet for under $10 a day. In this article, we will explore his insights on how to achieve this goal while still consuming nutritious foods.
Understanding the Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet focuses on consuming animal-based foods, primarily meat, fish, and animal-derived products. While some might assume that this diet is too expensive, Dr. Baker believes that with careful planning, it can be both affordable and nutritious.
Shopping Smart for a Carnivore Diet
During his recent visit to St. Petersburg, Florida, Dr. Baker visited local grocery chains, Aldi and Publix, to assess the prices of essential carnivore diet ingredients. Here are some highlights:
- Ground Beef: A pound of ground beef was priced at $5.49, which is slightly below the national average of around $6 per pound.
- Eggs: A 30-count carton of eggs was available for about 17 cents each, making them an affordable protein source.
- Cottage Cheese: Dr. Baker recommends choosing cottage cheese with minimal ingredients. He found a 24-ounce container of Daisy brand cottage cheese for approximately $3.99.
- Cheese: Adding sharp cheddar cheese to meals enhances flavor and nutrition.
- Butter: Used for cooking eggs, butter is another essential ingredient for the carnivore diet.
Sample Meal Plan on a Budget
Dr. Baker detailed a sample meal plan that consists of:
- Two half-pound burger patties made from ground beef.
- Eight eggs cooked in butter.
- Approximately 20 ounces of cottage cheese, blended for a creamy texture.
This meal plan totals around 2,500 calories, with about 200 grams of protein and 150 grams of fat, meeting the nutritional needs of most individuals.
Affordability and Nutritional Benefits
Dr. Baker emphasizes that following a carnivore diet can be budget-friendly. Spending around $10 a day translates to approximately $70 a week or $280 a month, which he considers reasonable for the quality of nutrition obtained, especially when focusing on high-quality protein sources.
Community Support and Guidance
For those seeking additional support in their health journey, Dr. Baker encourages joining communities like Revero, where individuals can find motivation, guidance, and accountability to achieve their health goals.
Conclusion
Eating a carnivore diet on a budget is not only possible but can also provide a high-quality, nutritious food source. With smart shopping and meal planning, individuals can enjoy the benefits of a meat-based diet without breaking the bank.