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Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
GET IT NOWI’m so excited to be sharing this low carb & keto food list with you today! I’ve been working on this for months. I wanted to make sure that I don’t miss anything and have the most accurate information. The nutrition information and carb counts for this list of keto foods came straight from the USDA Food Composition Database.
If you’re just getting started, make sure to also check my full guide about how to start a low carb or keto diet and calculate your macros using the low carb keto macro calculator. (Also, read up on keto flu symptoms and remedies so that you can avoid that hurdle.)
And if you want everything done for you, check out the weekly low carb keto meal plan app – it’s free to try it!
Over at our low carb & keto support group, people starting out with low carb or keto often ask about what foods they can eat. The truth is, a low carb or keto diet doesn’t have to be restrictive. There are plenty of options for what you can have, and you don’t have to feel deprived.
You can find my best low carb recipes in the recipe index here, but I thought it would also be helpful to create a complete low carb and keto food list for you.
After all, not everything you eat has to be a recipe. There are lots of easy low carb meals that don’t really even need a recipe at all. And, having a keto food list with everything in one place is so convenient.
So, here it is! The ultimate keto low carb food list. It’s divided into categories for convenience, and you can see the serving size and net carb count for each food. The servings are listed by both weight and unit, so you can decide what is easier for you to use.
If you want a low carb food list printable, I have you covered! I know this is something a lot of people have been asking for. Or if you want a shorter list of what to buy the first time you’re at the store shopping for keto, check out this keto grocery list as well.
So, I created a keto food list PDF version, too. That one even has little icons to help you identify which foods to double check for added sugar, and icons for foods under 1 gram net carbs, under 5 grams net carbs, or under 10 grams net carbs.
I offer my low carb food list printable for free to my email subscribers – and I promise no spam or strings attached. If you want the keto food list PDF, just fill out the form below and I’ll email it to you right away:

Get The Keto Food List PDF Here
GET IT NOWOtherwise, you can come back to this page anytime to see the keto food list online. The nice thing about this website version is that it’s searchable and sortable. And of course, it’s mobile device friendly, too. Yay!
You can use this low carb food list whether you are keto or low carb. It applies to both. If you are following stricter keto, you can skip some of the items having higher carb counts. Enjoy!

The Ultimate Low Carb & Keto Food List

Low Carb Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are the primary vegetables in a low carb diet. They are filling, packed with fiber and nutrients, and very low in both carbs and calories.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Arugula | 1 cup (20g) | 0.4 |
Beet greens | 1 cup (38g) | 0.2 |
Bibb lettuce | 1 cup (55g) | 0.6 |
Bok choy | 1 cup (70g) | 0.8 |
Broccoli rabe | 1 cup (40g) | 0.0 |
Butter lettuce | 1 cup (42g) | 0.5 |
Cabbage | 1 cup (89g) | 3.0 |
Chard | 1 cup (36g) | 0.8 |
Collard greens | 1 cup (256g) | 0.5 |
Endive | 1 cup (50g) | 0.1 |
Iceberg lettuce | 1 cup (57g) | 1.2 |
Kale | 1 cup (67g) | 3.4 |
Mustard greens | 1 cup (56g) | 0.8 |
Spinach | 1 cup (30g) | 0.4 |
Sprouts | 1 cup (33g) | 2.3 |
Romaine | 1 cup (47g) | 0.6 |
Watercress | 1 cup (34g) | 0.2 |

Low Carb Vegetables
Most vegetables are great for a low carb diet, with a few exceptions. This list includes a range from moderate to very low carb vegetables.
Learn more about keto vegetables here, including the best ones to eat, recipes, and which ones to avoid.
Serving size volumes vary depending on produce size and chopping style, if any. For exact measurement, go by weight.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Artichokes | 1/2 cup (84g) | 5.2 |
Asparagus | 1 cup (134g) | 2.4 |
Bamboo shoots | 1 cup (151g) | 4.6 |
Bell peppers | 1 cup (92g) | 3.6 |
Broccoli | 1 cup (91g) | 3.6 |
Brussels sprouts | 1 cup (88g) | 4.6 |
Cauliflower | 1 cup (107g) | 3.2 |
Celeriac | 1/2 cup (78g) | 5.8 |
Celery | 1 cup (101g) | 1.4 |
Chili peppers | 1 pepper (1.4g) | 1 |
Cucumbers | 1/2 cup (52g) | 1.6 |
Eggplant | 1 cup (82g) | 2.3 |
Fennel | 1 cup (87g) | 3.7 |
Garlic | 1 clove (3g) | 0.9 |
Green beans | 1 cup (100g) | 4.3 |
Jalapeno peppers | 1 pepper (14g) | 0.5 |
Jicama | 1 cup (130g) | 5.1 |
Kelp noodles | 4 oz. (113 g) | 0 |
Leeks | 1/2 cup (45g) | 5.5 |
Mushrooms | 1 cup (86g) | 2.2 |
Okra | 1 cup (100g) | 4.3 |
Onions | 1/2 cup (58g) | 4.3 |
Poblano peppers | 1 pepper | 1.9 |
Pickles | 1 large (135g) | 1.9 |
Pumpkins | 1 cup (116g) | 6.9 |
Radishes | 1 cup (116g) | 2 |
Rhubarb | 1 cup (122g) | 2 |
Rutabagas | 1 cup (140g) | 8.9 |
Scallions (green onions) | 1 cup (100g) | 4.7 |
Shallots | 1 cup (10g) | 1.4 |
Shirataki noodles | 1 cup | 0 |
Snow peas | 1 cup (98g) | 4.9 |
Spaghetti squash | 1 cup (101g) | 5.5 |
Turnips | 1 cup (130g) | 6.1 |
Zucchini | 1 cup (113g) | 2.4 |
Yellow squash | 1 cup (113g) | 2.6 |

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB & KETO FOOD LIST
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Low Carb Fruits
You can enjoy fruit in moderation on a low carb or keto diet. The following low carb fruits list includes the best ones to choose. Avoid high-sugar tropical fruits.
Serving size volumes vary depending on produce size and chopping style, if any. For exact measurement, go by weight.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Avocados | 1/2 fruit (100g) | 1.8 |
Raspberries | 1/2 cup (61.5g) | 3.3 |
Blueberries | 1/2 cup (74g) | 8.9 |
Blackberries | 1/2 cup (72g) | 3.1 |
Coconuts, flesh | 1/2 cup (40g) | 2.5 |
Cranberries | 1/2 cup (55g) | 4.6 |
Currants | 1/2 cup (56g) | 5.3 |
Strawberries | 1/2 cup (76g) | 4.3 |
Lemons | 1 lemon (58g) | 3.8 |
Limes | 1 lime (67g) | 5.2 |
Olives | 1/2 cup (67g) | 2.2 |
Tomatoes | 1 cup (180g) | 4.8 |
Watermelon | 1/2 cup (76g) | 5.5 |

Low Carb Fats
Healthy fats are crucial in a low carb & keto foods list! They keep you full and satisfied. If you are keto, they also help you stay in ketosis.
All pure fats/oils are 0 carb, but it’s recommended to avoid soy, corn, canola, “vegetable”, and cottonseed oils. These are usually GMO and highly processed.
When choosing fats for cooking, consider the smoke point to avoid exposure to carcinogens. Avocado oil and refined coconut oil have some of the highest smoke points. Any extra virgin oil, like extra virgin olive oil, will have a lower smoke point.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Avocado oil | 1 tbsp (14g) | 0 |
Butter | 1 tbsp (15g) | 0 |
Cocoa butter | 1 tbsp (13.6g) | 0 |
Coconut oil | 1 tbsp (13.6g) | 0 |
Ghee | 1 tbsp (13g) | 0 |
Lard, other animal fats | 1 tbsp (12.8g) | 0 |
MCT oil | 1 tbsp (14.5g) | 0 |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp (13.5g) | 0 |
Other nut & seed oils | 1 tbsp (~13.5g) | 0 |

Low Carb Meat & Poultry
Meat and poultry is the main source of protein on a low carb or keto diet. Especially for keto, choose fattier cuts of meat when you can. Grass fed, pasture raised meat and poultry is the healthiest choice, if possible.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Bacon & sausage | 4 oz (113g) | 0 |
Beef – ground, steak, roast, veal | 4 oz (113g) | 0 |
Deli meats – beef, chicken, turkey, ham, etc. (no sugar added) | 4 oz (113g) | 0-1.7 |
Game meats – bison, venison, etc. | 4 oz (113g) | 0 |
Lamb – ground, chops, etc. | 4 oz (113g) | 0 |
Liver & other organ meats | 4 oz (113g) | 0-4.4 |
Pork – ground, chops, loin, ham, etc. | 4 oz (113g) | 0 |
Poultry – chicken, turkey, duck, quail, etc. | 4 oz (113g) | 0 |

Low Carb Seafood
Fish and seafood are great sources of protein. Fish also provides an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fats. Watch for carbs in shellfish, which can be a little higher in carbs than other protein types.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Fish – cod, flounder, halibut, mahi-mahi, salmon, sardines, sea bass, snapper, tilapia, trout, tuna, etc. | 4 oz (113g) | 0 |
Shellfish – clams, crab, lobster, mussels, oysters, scallops, shrimp, squid, etc. | 4 oz (113g) | 0-3 |

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Low Carb Dairy & Eggs
For those that can tolerate dairy, it makes a great addition to a low carb keto food list. Choose full-fat dairy over fat-free or low-fat, which is higher in carbs.
Coconut cream is not dairy, but makes a great substitute and is included here. It’s thick and creamy, and often works instead of heavy cream, yogurt or even sour cream in recipes.
Eggs are also not dairy, but are listed in this section for convenience. They are found in the dairy section of the grocery store, but you can still enjoy them if you are dairy-free.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Cheeses, all kinds – blue, brie, cheddar, dubliner, feta, goat, gouda, gorgonzola, gruyere, jack, mozzarella, parmesan, swiss, etc. | 1 oz (28g) | 0-1.5 |
Coconut cream | 1 tbsp (15g) | 1.7 |
Cream cheese | 1 tbsp (14.5g) | 0.8 |
Eggs | 1 egg (56g) | 0 |
Half & half | 1 tbsp (15g) | 0.7 |
Heavy cream | 1 tbsp(15g) | 0.4 |
Mascarpone cheese | 2 tbsp (28g) | 0.6 |
Sour cream | 1 tbsp (12g) | 0.6 |
Whole milk Greek yogurt | 1 cup (100g) | 9.7 |
Whole milk cottage cheese | 1/2 cup (105g) | 7.1 |
Whole milk ricotta cheese | 1/2 cup (62g) | 3.7 |

Low Carb Nuts & Seeds
Enjoy nuts and seeds in moderation on a keto or low carb diet. They can be easy to overendulge on, so portion control is important. Still, they make great snacks or additions to keto recipes.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Almond butter | 2 tbsp (32g) | 2.7 |
Almonds | 1/4 cup (28g) | 3 |
Brazil nuts | 1/4 cup (33g) | 1.4 |
Chia seeds | 1 oz (28.35g) | 2.1 |
Coconut flakes | 3 tbsp (22.5g) | 3 |
Flax seeds | 2 tbsp (20.6g) | 0.4 |
Hazelnuts | 1/4 cup (34g) | 2.3 |
Hemp seeds | 3 tbsp (30g) | 1.4 |
Macadamia nuts | 1/4 cup (33g) | 1.7 |
Other nut butters – hazelnut, macadamia, pecan, walnut, etc. | 2 tbsp (~32g) | 0.5-3 |
Peanut butter | 2 tbsp (32g) | 4 |
Peanuts | 1/4 cup (36g) | 4.7 |
Pecans | 1/4 cup (36g) | 1 |
Pine nuts | 1/4 cup (36g) | 3.2 |
Pistachios | 1/4 cup (31g) | 5 |
Poppy seeds | 1 tbsp (8.8g) | 0.8 |
Pumpkin seeds | 1/4 cup (32g) | 3 |
Sesame seeds | 1 tbsp (9g) | 1 |
Sunflower seed butter | 2 tbsp (32g) | 5.7 |
Sunflower seeds | 1/4 cup (11.5g) | 1.3 |
Walnuts | 1/4 cup (30g) | 2 |

Low Carb Beverages
Whenever possible, drink water! It is by far the best beverage. You can change it up by adding lemons or cucumber slices.
That being said, there are other options that should be included in any complete low carb food list. Almond and coconut milk make great low carb alternatives to dairy milk that is high in carbs. Coffee and tea are perfectly fine, too.
Drinking alcohol can stall weight loss, but is okay to enjoy in moderation. Skip the fruity, sugar-laden drinks and beer; stick to either hard alcohol and dry wines.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Almond milk, unsweetened | 1 cup (240ml) | 1.5 |
Broth – chicken, beef, bone | 1 cup (241g) | 0-0.9 |
Broth – vegetable | 1 cup (221g) | 2 |
Coconut milk, canned, unsweetened | 1/2 cup (113g) | 3.2 |
Coconut milk, carton, unsweetened | 1 cup (240ml) | 1 |
Coffee | 1 cup (248g) | 0.5 |
Hard liquor | 1 fl. oz (27.8g) | 0 |
Tea | 1 cup (237g) | 0 |
Water | 1 cup (235ml) | 0 |
Wine, red or white, dry | 5 fl. oz (147g) | 3.1-3.7 |

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Low Carb Sweeteners
Here at Wholesome Yum, we recommend only natural low carb sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are more likely to spike insulin and have less known long-term effects. For a more detailed look, read the keto sugar substitute guide here.
All the sweeteners in this list have 0 net carbs, because they either do not get absorbed or do not metabolize well. Serving sizes can vary by brand, depending on blend/concentration.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Allulose | 1 tsp (4g) | 0 |
Chicory root | 1/2 cup (45g) | 0 |
Erythritol | 1 tsp (4g) | 0 |
Monk fruit | 1 tsp (4g) | 0 |
Stevia | 1 tsp (4g) | 0 |
Xylitol | 1 tsp (4g) | 0 |

Low Carb Flours & Baking
Who says you can’t enjoy baked goods on a low carb or keto diet? You can! Of course, they are still best in moderation, but it’s definitely doable and can help you stay on track.
Below is a list of common low carb flours and baking staples, such as thickeners and extracts. Always check labels to make sure no sugar or artificial additives are included.
Learning to bake with low carb flours takes time, because they behave differently from traditional wheat flour. Get started by following tried and true recipes. I have lots of low carb dessert recipes for you to try!
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Almond flour | 1/4 cup (28g) | 2 |
Cocoa/cacao powder | 1 tbsp (5.4g) | 1.1 |
Coconut flour | 2 tbsp (14g) | 2 |
Hazelnut flour | 1/4 cup (28g) | 2 |
Macadamia nut flour | 1/4 cup (28g) | 2.9 |
Peanut flour | 1/4 cup (15g) | 2.8 |
Flax seed meal (plain or golden) | 2 tbsp (11g) | 0 |
Gelatin | 1 tbsp (7g) | 0 |
Glucomannan | 1/2 tsp (2g) | 0 |
Protein powder(whey, collagen, etc.), unsweetened | 1 scoop (~30g) | 0 |
Pork rinds | 1/2 oz (14g) | 0 |
Psyllium husk powder | 1 tsp (4g) | 0 |
Pure extracts – vanilla, fruit | 1 tsp (4.2g) | 0.1 |
Sunflower seed meal | 1/4 cup (28g) | 4 |
Chocolate, unsweetened baker’s or w/sweeteners above | 1 oz (29g) | 2.9-3.4 |
Xanthan gum | 1/2 tsp (0.7g) | 0 |

Low Carb Herbs
All fresh herbs can be used as part of a keto or low carb diet. They are one of the best ways to add flavor to any dish!
Carbs listed below are based on *fresh* herbs, chopped. If using dried herbs, the conversion is 3:1. That is, 1 tbsp fresh = 1 tsp dried.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Basil | 2 tbsp (5.3g) | 0 |
Bay leaves | 1 tbsp (0.6g) | 0.3 |
Chives | 1 tbsp (3g) | 0.1 |
Cilantro | 1 tbsp (1g) | 0.1 |
Dill | 1 tbsp (0.6g) | 0.1 |
Marjoram | 1 tbsp (0.6g) | 0.2 |
Mint | 1 tbsp (1.6g) | 0.1 |
Oregano | 1 tbsp (3g) | 0.3 |
Parsley | 1 tbsp (3.8g) | 0.1 |
Rosemary | 1 tbsp (1.7g) | 0.2 |
Sage | 1 tbsp (0.7g) | 0.1 |
Savory | 1 tbsp (1.4g) | 0.4 |
Tarragon | 1 tbsp (0.6g) | 2.1 |
Thyme | 1 tbsp (2.4g) | 1.2 |

FREE PRINTABLE: LOW CARB & KETO FOOD LIST
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Low Carb Spices & Seasonings
Including spices and seasonings in your food makes it a lot more interesting. Most spices and seasonings are keto and low carb friendly, but watch for added ingredients. Some spices or mixes add cornstarch or sugar, so you will want to avoid those. Most seasoning mixes can be made at home without the weird ingredients.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Allspice, ground | 1 tsp (1.9g) | 1 |
Black pepper | 1 tsp (2.3g) | 0.9 |
Cardamom | 1 tsp (2g) | 0.8 |
Cayenne pepper | 1/4 tsp (0.5g) | 0.2 |
Celery seed | 1 tsp (2g) | 0.6 |
Chili powder | 1 tbsp (8g) | 1.2 |
Cinnamon, ground | 1 tsp (2.6g) | 0.7 |
Cloves, ground | 1 tsp (2.1g) | 0.7 |
Cream of tartar | 1 tsp (3g) | 1.8 |
Cumin, ground | 1 tsp (2.8g) | 0.4 |
Curry powder | 1 tsp (2g) | 0 |
Fennel seed | 1 tbsp (5.8g) | 0.7 |
Garlic powder | 1 tsp (3.1g) | 2 |
Ginger, ground | 1 tsp (1.8g) | 1 |
Mustard, ground | 1 tsp (2g) | 0.4 |
Nutmeg, ground | 1 tsp (2.2g) | 0.6 |
Onion powder | 1 tsp (2.4g) | 1.5 |
Paprika (regular or smoked) | 1 tsp (2.3g) | 0.4 |
Red pepper, crushed | 1 tsp (2g) | 0 |
Salt (sea salt, Himalayan, etc.) | 1 tsp (6g) | 0 |
Turmeric | 1 tsp (3g) | 1.3 |

Low Carb Condiments
There are plenty of condiments that you can enjoy as part of your keto food list. Just watch for added sugar where you might not expect it, and skip high-sugar ones like pre-made ketchup or sweet dressings.
For any store bought items below, the numbers are based on those without added sugar. If possible, it’s better to make your own using low carb ingredients, and sugar-free or no sweetener.
Food | Serving size | Net carbs (g) |
---|---|---|
Chimichurri sauce | 1 tbsp | 1 |
Coconut aminos | 1 tbsp (15ml) | 6 |
Dressings, oil or vinaigrette | 2 tbsp (~30g) | 2-3 |
Dressings, creamy (ranch, blue cheese, Caesar, etc.) | 2 tbsp (~30g) | 0-2 |
Horseradish | 1 tsp (5.6g) | 0.5 |
Hot sauce (sriracha, buffalo, red pepper sauce, etc.) | 1 tsp (6.5g) | 0.1 |
Lemon juice, lime juice | 2 tbsp (31g) | 0.7/2.5 |
Marinara sauce | 1/2 cup (132g) | 7.4 |
Mayonnaise | 1 tbsp (13.8g) | 0.1 |
Mustard | 1 tsp (5g) | 0.1 |
Pesto sauce | 1/4 cup (61g) | 2.8 |
Salsa | 2 tbsp (36g) | 1.7 |
Vinegar – white, apple cider | 1 tbsp (15ml) | 0 |
Vinegar – balsamic | 1 tbsp (16g) | 2.7 |

The Ultimate Low Carb & Keto Food ListPin It For Later!

1,100 Comments
ashley randell
1Great List
Steve
0One stop shop for keto information, good work!
t
0Looks like a great place to help get started…thank you!
LaShanna
0Great!
Hannah
0Love it!
Tracey
0This list covers everything, awesome ty.
heather
0thanks
donna
0Thank You!
Kathy
0Thank you for the list.
Eve
0Thanks!
Britney
0This is so helpful because it gave me so many new ideas for meals and to get creative!!!
Toni
0Thank you.
Tracy
0So helpful…. Can’t wait to start!!
Kerry
0👍
Alex
0Thank you for this list!
Carrie
0This is great. Thanks so much for putting it together.
Kris
0Can’t wait to print this out! Very helpful
Glenda morgan
0Good info thank you wish me luck
Nat
0Great
Barbara
0I have celiac. Is there anything special you can suggest?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Barbara, No specific items should be needed. All my recipes are gluten free.
Gigi
0This is a great reference guide!
Emily
0Thanks for the easy-to-read printables!
Paula
0This site is a life saver! Thank you so much!
Audrey
0Just a thank you for all you do.
Lauren
0Thank you for this comprehensive list!
Elise
0Thank you for this comprehensive list! It is very helpful whenever my mother says she can’t cook anything I will eat! LOL.
Beda
0Thank you!!
Yassine
0Thanks for the list so helpful
Yvette Spencer
0Is there a maximum number of carbs you can have daily?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Yvette, Everyone has different macros for the day, so make sure to use my free macro calculator to get your personal macros.
Jen
0Thank you for the Keto food list!
CELESTE
0Thank you for such a detailed, but simple list.
tracy
0Looking to get my weight down for comfort. I hope this helps.
Ann
0Thanks for all the valuable info and encouragement!
Debbie
0Like to stay on course and begin today!
Bonnie
0Looking forward to lots of low carb recipes to reduce our A1C and blood glucose levels that are starting to creep to the top of the acceptable ranges. NOT good for brain function!
Pauline
0Hi, Not sure if apples are Keto. If not, how many carbs are in one apple? Thanks.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Pauline, I have a whole post with all of this information about apples.
Tov
0pdf pls
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Tov, click here to go to the page, then click the big pink button that says “Get it now”. Enter your name and email to get the list sent to your inbox.
judy weir
0Would like to try this diet
Rachel
0I just want the free printable.
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Rachel, click here to go to the page, then click the big pink button that says “Get it now”. Enter your name and email and the list will come to your inbox.
Suzanne
0Good info.
Kelly
0How do you print this?
Wholesome Yum D
0HI Kelly, There is a print button at the top of the recipe card.