The 40 Best Low-Carb Foods

There's more to low-carb life than chicken and broccoli. This list of satisfying, fitness-boosting foods will help keep your carbohydrates (and cravings) in check.

Matthew Kadey, MS, RD
August 03, 2021 • 3 min read

High-Protein Foods | Low-Calorie Foods | Low-Carb Foods | Healthy Snacks

If you're serious about dialing in your nutrition for your goals, you need a full arsenal of foods to choose from! Especially if you are practicing carb-cycling or tracking your macros, having lots of low-carb choices is extra important. And if you're doing the keto diet, they're essential!

These foods pair well with low-calorie options and high-protein foods to make a filling meal that's up to the task of powering your toughest workouts.

Low-Carb Vegetables

1. Mushrooms - 2 g carbs per cup

Mushrooms have a craveable umami flavor and add a dose of antioxidants to any dish. They also pair well with numerous meals—not just dinner!

2. Zucchini - 7 g per 1 medium squash

3. Cauliflower - 5 g carbs per cup

4. Swiss chard - 1 g carbs per cup

5. Celery - 1 g per stalk

6. Cherry tomatoes - 6 g carbs per cup

7. Spaghetti squash - 7 g carbs per cup

Low-Carb Fruits

8. Avocado - 9 g per 1/2 avocado

Full of fiber and healthy fats, the avocado is nature's ultimate fatty low-carb food. With only 9 grams of carbs per half avocado, you can feel confident eating this fruit (yes, it's a fruit) with any meal!

9. Apricots - 8 g carbs per 2 fruits

10. Strawberries - 11 g carbs per cup

11. Red grapefruit - 9 g carbs per 1/2 fruit

It's not easy getting enough fruits and veggies when going low-carb. That's where supercharging your smoothies with greens and superfood powders can help. VIEW ALL

Low-Carb Meats and Fish

12. Bison - 0 g carbs per serving

Pretty much all meats are low in, or completely devoid of, carbs, but they vary in terms of their micronutrient content. Bison is high in B vitamins, as well as zinc, selenium, and iron.

13. Catfish - 0 g carbs

14. Canned pink salmon - 0 g carbs per serving

15. Chicken drumsticks - 0 g carbs per serving

16. Ground turkey - 0 g carbs per serving

17. Pork tenderloin - 0 g carbs per serving

18. Top sirloin steak - 0 g carbs per serving

19. Roast beef - 0 g carbs per serving

Low-Carb Dairy and Eggs

20. Plain Greek yogurt - 9 g carbs per cup

Not all yogurts are low carb! Many have added sugar, so check the label. But high-protein Greek yogurt can help you bring your A-game to the gym. It's also a common "secret ingredient" in the best protein shakes.

21. Gruyere cheese - 0 g carbs per serving

22. Butter - 0 g carbs per serving

23. Eggs - 1 gram per 2 large eggs

24. Cottage cheese - 6 g carbs per cup

25. Goat milk - 11 g carbs per cup

Low-Carb Plant Proteins

26. Tofu - 3 g carbs per 3 oz.

Tofu is a plant protein that doubles as a low-carb food. It contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a full and complete protein. You can season and fry it, blend it into smoothies, make healthy desserts with it, or use it as a meat substitute.

27. Tempeh - 9 g carbs per 3 oz.

28. Canned pinto beans - 18 g carbs per 1/2-cup

29. Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) - 5 g carbs per 1 oz.

Low-Carb Snacks

30. Kale chips - 8-12 g per 1 oz.

Kale chips are popular for a reason: They're crunchy and will absorb the flavor of whatever they're seasoned with. Kale is also packed with vitamins and minerals, so don't be afraid to dig in.

31. String cheese - 0 g carbs per 3 oz.

32. Jerky - 3 g carbs per 1 oz.

33. Walnuts - 4 g carbs per 1 oz.

Low-Carb Grains and Flours

34. Almond flour - 6 g carbs per 1/4 cup

Dense in protein and low in carbs, almond flour delivers the goods—and it's one of the best-tasting alternative flours to boot.

35. Shirataki noodles - 0 g carbs per 3 oz.

36. Coconut flour - 9 g carbs per 1/2 cup

Low-Carb Drinks

37. Water with BCAAs 2-4 g per cup

You probably know that plain water, soda water, and herbal teas all have zero carbs, but what about when you want something sweet and nutritious? Most BCAA powder blends have almost no carbs and contain other workout-boosting ingredients like electrolytes—and the amino acids themselves.

38. Unsweetened iced tea - 0 g carbs per cup