21 Foods to Eat on the Keto Diet

Starting on a keto diet can be confusing as all you seem to hear is - you can’t have this and you can’t eat that! So what can you really eat on a keto diet? 

Rather than worrying about what foods you have to give up, focus on the wide range of foods you can have!

From nutrient-dense vegetables to savory meats and satisfying snacks, here are  21 delicious and keto-friendly foods that align with your nutritional goals. 

1. Berries

Most fruits are permitted on the keto diet. However, berries are the exception as they are relatively low in net carbs. Berries, such as strawberries and blackberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, 

Their fiber content supports digestive health and fiber. They are a healthy option for satisfying sweet cravings and add a burst of flavor to your keto meals or snacks.

Read more: Are Blueberries Keto-Friendly?

2. Avocado

Avocados are also a keto-friendly fruit choice as they are low in net carbs and high in healthy fats. This keto staple adds both nutritional value and creaminess to your keto dishes.

Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats, potassium, and vitamins. The combination of healthy fats and fiber in avocados promotes satiety and keeps you feeling full for longer. 

Read more: 10 Best Keto-Friendly Fruits

3. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli and cauliflower are excellent choices for maintaining ketosis. They are low in carbs and high in fiber. 

They are rich in vitamins  C, K, and folate. The sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

4. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are keto-friendly. Green bell peppers are even lower in carbs than their sweeter counterparts. They are rich in vitamin C. 

Their fiber content aids digestion and their vibrant colors indicate a wide range of phytonutrients that promote your overall well-being.

Read more: 15 Best Keto-Friendly Vegetables

5. Green Leafy Vegetables

Leafy greens are essential to a healthy keto diet as they are nutrient-dense, low in carbs, and rich in fiber. So add plenty of leafy veggies such as spinach and kale to your diet. 

These are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as, minerals such as iron and calcium. The antioxidants also offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

6. Nuts

Nuts are convenient and satisfying snacks on a ketogenic diet. Nuts, like almonds and walnuts, are low in carbs and high in healthy fats. 

Nuts also offer you many essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The combination of healthy fats and protein in nuts helps stabilize your blood sugar levels, promoting satiety and sustained energy. 

Read more: From Walnut to Almonds: The Best Nuts for Promoting Ketosis

7. Almond Milk

Plant-based milk such as almond, coconut, or soy milk are keto-friendly dairy alternatives. Unsweetened almond milk is low in carbs and high in fats. It is also a good source of protein. 

Almond milk has a light, nutty flavor that complements keto recipes. It is naturally lactose-free, making it a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance.

8. Seeds

Seeds, such as chia and flaxseeds, are low in carbs and high in fiber, making them a nutritious addition to a keto diet. 

These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, seeds. Their fiber content promotes digestive health. Seeds are versatile ingredients that can be easily added to various keto dishes.

9. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a staple for cooking and salad dressings in a ketogenic diet as it is carb-free and high in healthy monounsaturated fats. 

It contributes to heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties since it is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E. 

10. Coconut

Coconut is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making them quite suitable for a keto diet. It is rich in medium-chain triglycerides MCTs which are quickly converted to ketones, offering a quick energy boost.  

Coconut oil, coconut flour, and coconut milk are all delicious additions to keto meals.

Read more: MCT Oil vs. Coconut Oil: What's the Difference?

11. Butter

Butter is a flavorful and suitable cooking fat for a ketogenic diet. It is carb-free and high in saturated fats. Butter has vitamins such as A and E.

It provides satiety and flavor to meals. However, it is high in calories, so have it in moderation only.

12. Cottage Cheese

Many varieties of cheese can be included in the keto diet. Full-fat cottage cheese is low in carbs and high in protein.

It is a good source of calcium and supports bone health. The combination of protein and healthy fats in cottage cheese increases satiety and reduces food cravings.

Read more: X Best Types of Cheese for Keto Diet

13. Greek Yogurt

Yogurt is a keto-friendly choice, provided you choose the full-fat, un-sweetened versions. It’s great for your digestive health as it's rich in probiotics. 

Yogurt is also rich in protein and thus supports muscle maintenance. You can utilize its creamy texture to add richness to your keto-friendly recipes.

Read more: 5 Best Milk Substitutes on Keto

14. Cream

Heavy is another versatile ingredient for adding richness to keto recipes. It is high in fat, low in carbs, and provides fat-soluble vitamins such as A and D.

You can incorporate beaten or whipped cream into your keto meals to enhance flavor and contribute to a satisfying, well-balanced diet.

15. Eggs

Eggs are a foundational food item in a ketogenic diet. It is high-fat, carb-free, and a rich source of high-quality protein. It is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Eggs rank high among ideal keto-friendly foods as their combination of protein and healthy fats promote satiety and stable energy levels.

Read more: Top 10 Healthy Keto Fats

16. Seafood

Seafood, such as salmon and shrimp, is low in carbs. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. 

Seafood also contains high-quality protein and essential minerals like iodine and selenium. The omega-3 fatty acids have potent antioxidant power and support heart health.

17. Meat

Incorporating a variety of meats into your keto diet offers a well-rounded source of nutrients. Beef, pork, and poultry are all virtually carb-free. 

They provide the essential amino acids and fats needed for a healthy ketogenic lifestyle. They support energy metabolism and your overall health. Meat is nutrient-dense and contains heme iron, zinc, and B vitamins. 

18. Coffee

Adding milk or sugar to your coffee can kick you out of ketosis. However, black coffee is a good choice for those following a ketogenic diet. It is carb-free and contains beneficial antioxidants. 

Coffee can energize you, boost mental alertness, and improve mood. If you want rich, creamy coffee, then try adding high-fat cream or dairy alternatives such as almond or coconut milk to your coffee. Bulletproof coffee is especially popular with keto dieters. You can make this by adding butter, coconut oil, or MCT oil to your black coffee.

Read more: How to Make the Best Bullet Proof Coffee for Keto Diet

19. Tea

Not a coffee lover? Try tea instead. There are many varieties of keto-friendly tea you can experiment with. Just don’t add cow’s milk or sugar to it. Green tea is especially rich in antioxidants. Regular intake of green tea supports overall health and aids in weight loss.

You can also try chamomile tea, hibiscus tea, turmeric, or tulsi tea. Try adding spices such as ginger or cinnamon for an extra kick.

20. Broth

Dehydration and lack of electrolytes are the most two common causes of keto side effects such as muscle cramps and spasms. Homemade broth, especially bone broth, is low in carbs. It provides both hydration and electrolytes, making it a valuable addition to the keto diet. 

Broth contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. This supports your bone health and overall well-being. 

Read more: Keto Diet Side Effects and How to Minimize Them

21. Dark Chocolate

Looking for ways to satisfy your sweet cravings in a keto-friendly way? Dark chocolate is your answer! Just make sure there that your dark chocolate choices contain at least 70% cocoa. But do consume it in moderation. 

With its high cocoa content, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate is lower in carbs and sugar, making it a suitable treat on a keto diet. 

Read more: Is Dark Chocolate Keto-Friendly?

Conclusion

The list of foods you can eat on a keto diet - is rich, colorful, and flavorful. Warm buttery coffee with a swirl of fresh cream, strawberries dipped in dark chocolate, grilled chicken and veggies with a cheesy dip, and whatnot. 

Snack on Greek yogurt topped with nuts and berries when your food cravings strike. Add some dark chocolate shavings on top for that extra treat. Saute or even fry delicious treats using olive oil, coconut oil, or even butter! You are limited only by your imagination.

Keep hold this list of foods to eat on a keto diet for reference to enjoy a flavorful and fulfilling experience on your keto journey.