Carnivore on a Tight Budget: 10 Cheap Foods That Still Deliver Nutrition
KenDBerryMDPublished on July 31, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Dr. Ken Berry emphasizes that a carnivore diet can be affordable, highlighting budget-friendly meat options like ground beef, chicken thighs, and eggs. With strategic shopping, you can maintain good health without relying on expensive cuts of meat.
Key Points
- You can follow a carnivore diet on a budget without compromising your health.
- Focus on affordable cuts of meat like ground beef, chicken thighs, and whole chicken quarters.
- Eggs are a cost-effective protein source, especially when bought in bulk.
- Don't shy away from options like bologna or canned meats when finances are tight.
- Cooking oils like lard and butter can be inexpensive sources of healthy fats.
The Budget-Friendly Carnivore Diet: Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank
In today's economy, many people are struggling to make ends meet. When it comes to diet, the carnivore lifestyle can seem expensive, especially with premium cuts of meat like ribeye priced at $42 a pound. However, Dr. Ken Berry advocates for a budget-friendly approach to the carnivore diet, emphasizing that you can still achieve great health by choosing more affordable meat and animal products.
Making the Carnivore Diet Affordable
Dr. Berry stresses that you do not have to compromise your health due to financial constraints. In fact, you can adhere to a carnivore diet—even with limited income. He suggests that the key is to prioritize the best quality meat you can afford and to explore various options beyond just high-end cuts.
Affordable Meat Options
- Ground Beef: Priced around $8.97 per pound, ground beef is a versatile and nutritious choice. Buying in bulk (like 10 lb packs) can help you save more.
- Chicken Thighs: These are often available for approximately $1.17 per pound, and the bones can be used to make nutritious bone broth.
- Chicken Legs: At about $2.54 per pound, skin-on, bone-in chicken legs are an economical choice.
- Whole Chicken Quarters: Generally priced at $0.74 per pound, they provide a lot of meat for a low cost.
- Eggs: Buying a bulk pack of eggs can cost as little as $7.13 for 60 eggs (around 12 cents each), offering an excellent source of protein.
- Bologna: While not the healthiest option, it can be a budget-friendly source of meat at $1.93 per pound.
- Pork Chops: These can be found for around $3.38 per pound, making them affordable for everyday meals.
- Pork Steaks: Priced at $1.95 per pound, pork steaks are another economical option for carnivore dieters.
- Chicken Liver: This nutrient-dense superfood can be purchased for around $1.60 per pound.
- Canned Fish: Options like spam can be as low as $2.28 per can, providing a good source of protein.
Cooking and Supplementing
In addition to the above meats, Dr. Berry recommends cooking with lard (about $0.14 per ounce) or butter (around $0.39 per ounce) to incorporate healthy fats into your meals. If you're looking for a crunchy snack, consider pork rinds, which can be added to meals for texture without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways
- You can follow a carnivore diet on a budget without compromising your health.
- Focus on affordable cuts of meat like ground beef, chicken thighs, and whole chicken quarters.
- Eggs are a cost-effective protein source, especially when bought in bulk.
- Don't shy away from options like bologna or canned meats when finances are tight.
- Cooking oils like lard and butter can be inexpensive sources of healthy fats.
Conclusion
The carnivore diet doesn't have to be expensive. By being strategic about your purchases and focusing on affordable meat and animal products, you can improve your health without breaking the bank. Remember, it’s about comparing what you can afford and choosing the healthiest options available to you. With a little creativity and careful shopping, you can thrive on a budget-friendly carnivore diet.