The Best Butter for Carnivore Diet: Health Benefits and Top Choices
Posted by FAISAL TOOR
The carnivore diet focuses on consuming animal-based foods like meat, fish, and animal fats, while completely avoiding plant-based foods. It is a nutrient-dense way of eating that emphasizes high-quality protein and fats to fuel the body.
Fats play a crucial role in the carnivore diet. They provide energy, support hormone production, and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Among the various fat sources, butter stands out as a favorite due to its versatility, nutrient density, and natural compatibility with animal-based eating.
In this article, discover the key benefits of butter, the essential nutrients it provides, and the best butter for a carnivore diet that aligns perfectly.
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is a way of eating that focuses exclusively on animal-based foods while eliminating all plant-based items. It is rooted in the idea that animal products provide all the essential nutrients the body needs to thrive, making plants unnecessary for optimal health.
Basic Principles of the Carnivore Diet
Why Animal-Based Foods Are Prioritized
Animal-based foods are nutrient-dense and bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb and utilize their nutrients more efficiently compared to plant-based sources.
Why Is Fat So Important on the Carnivore Diet?
Fat as the Primary Energy Source
On the carnivore diet, fat becomes the body’s primary energy source. With minimal carbohydrates, the body turns to fat for fuel, which is burned for energy through ketosis.
This process produces ketones, providing a stable and long-lasting energy supply, and helping to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day without the crashes commonly associated with carb-based diets.
Fat Supports Nutrient Absorption
Fat is essential for nutrient absorption, particularly for fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. These vitamins rely on fat to be absorbed and utilized effectively by the body.
Additionally, fat contributes to satiety, or the feeling of fullness, making it easier to control hunger.
By providing a long-lasting sense of satisfaction after meals, fat helps reduce cravings, allowing for better meal control and easier adherence to the carnivore diet.
What Is Traditional Butter?
Butter is a natural dairy product made by churning cream or milk to separate the fat (butterfat) from the liquid (buttermilk). Traditional butter is celebrated for its rich flavor and nutrient-dense fat profile, making it a staple in diets like the carnivore diet.
High-quality butter is prized for its simple ingredients and minimal processing, but commercial variations often include additives that can compromise its nutritional value.
The Basic Ingredients of Butter
Common Additives Found in Commercial Butter
Can I Have Butter on a Carnivore Diet?
You can have butter on the carnivore diet. Butter is one of the best fat sources for individuals following this way of eating.
It is also important to note that choosing pure butter is essential, particularly for strict carnivore eaters who aim to adhere closely to the principles of the diet.
Pure butter is made with minimal ingredients—typically just cream or milk and sometimes salt—and is free from additives, preservatives, or oils like canola or soybean oil.
This ensures that the butter aligns with the carnivore diet's focus on whole, animal-based foods without introducing unnecessary or non-carnivore-friendly ingredients.
Learn more: Can You Have Hot Sauce On the Carnivore Diet? The Complete Guide
Health Benefits of Butter on the Carnivore Diet
Butter is an ideal addition to the carnivore diet due to its nutrient density and high bioavailability. It delivers essential vitamins and healthy fats in a form that the body can easily absorb and utilize.
These nutrients support energy, immune function, and overall well-being:
With its impressive nutrient profile, butter delivers significant health benefits that align perfectly with the goals of the carnivore diet.
Potential Concerns of Butter on the Carnivore Diet
While butter offers numerous benefits, there are a few potential concerns to consider when including it in the carnivore diet.
Moderation and choosing high-quality butter can help address these issues:
How to Choose the Best Butter for the Carnivore Diet
When selecting butter for the carnivore diet, quality matters. The right choice will align with the diet’s focus on nutrient-dense, animal-based foods and avoid unnecessary additives or lower-quality fats.
Best Types of Butter: Which Are Carnivore-Friendly?
Grass-Fed Butter
Grass-fed butter is often considered the best option for carnivore dieters. Cows that graze on grass produce milk with a significantly higher nutrient density compared to grain-fed cows. Key benefits include:
These butters tend to have a richer flavor and offer superior health benefits compared to their conventional counterparts.
Conventional Butter
While conventional butter is widely available and typically more affordable, it has a lower nutritional profile than grass-fed butter.
However, conventional butter remains a cost-effective option for carnivore dieters who are looking for a simple, easily accessible fat source.
If you’re on a budget but still want to adhere to the carnivore diet, conventional butter can still provide the necessary fat and energy, though it may lack some of the additional benefits of grass-fed options.
Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Ghee is a type of clarified butter that has been heated to remove the milk solids and water, leaving behind pure butterfat.
Ghee is an excellent option for those who want the health benefits of butter without the potential digestive issues associated with dairy.
Cultured Butter
Cultured butter is made by fermenting cream with beneficial bacteria, which enhances its flavor and adds probiotics. It may support gut health, and the rich flavor may appeal to those who enjoy more complex, fermented tastes.
While cultured butter is often grass-fed and nutrient-dense, the fermentation process can introduce small amounts of lactose and casein, making it less ideal for those who are sensitive to dairy. So it should be used cautiously by those with severe dairy sensitivities.
Learn more: Beef Organ Supplements—100% New Zealand Grass-Fed
Top 10 Carnivore Diet Butter Brands & Their Nutritional Profile
#1. Kerrygold
Kerrygold is a popular brand known for its grass-fed butter, made from cows that graze on lush green pastures. It’s available in both salted and unsalted versions. Kerrygold is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and CLA, making it an excellent choice for carnivore dieters.
#2. Vital Farms
Vital Farms produces grass-fed butter from pasture-raised cows. Their butter is free from antibiotics and hormones and focuses on sustainable farming practices. Vital Farms butter is nutrient-dense and packed with vitamins A and K2, beneficial for overall health.
#3. Local Farm or Amish Butter
Local farm or Amish butter is often produced from grass-fed cows raised on small, sustainable farms. The quality of this butter can vary, but it generally comes from cows that are pasture-raised and free from antibiotics or hormones.
This butter is a great alternative for those seeking locally sourced options that offer high-quality fats and vitamins.
#4. Straus Family Creamery Butter
Straus Family Creamery Organic Unsalted Sweet European Style Butter is one of their flagship products, celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and high butterfat content.
The Organic Unsalted Sweet European Style Butter is a type of cultured butter.
#5. Organic Valley
Organic Valley offers grass-fed butter from cows raised without antibiotics or hormones. Their butter is known for its rich flavor and nutrient profile.
This butter is a great choice for organic and hormone-free options with superior taste and nutrients.
#6. Tillamook
Tillamook butter is made from pasture-raised cows and is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. While not always grass-fed, Tillamook butter is made without artificial growth hormones.
Tillamook is a good alternative for those seeking affordable, high-quality butter.
#7. Green Pasture
Green Pasture produces fermented cod liver oil butter blend, a unique combination of butter and fermented cod liver oil, providing both fats and omega-3s.
This product provides a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A, making it an excellent option for those seeking additional nutritional support.
#8. Lurpak
Lurpak butter is produced from European dairy farms and is available in salted and unsalted varieties. While not grass-fed, it is still made from high-quality cream. Lurpak is a solid choice for those looking for an easily accessible, high-quality butter.
#9. Purity Farms
Purity Farms Butter is best known for its Organic Ghee, a clarified butter made from certified organic, grass-fed butter.
It is part of the Organic Valley family of products and is popular among health-conscious consumers, including those following carnivore, keto, and paleo diets.
#10. Anchor - New Zealand Butter
New Zealand Butter is renowned worldwide for its high quality, rich flavor, and health benefits. It is primarily sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, making it a preferred choice for those seeking nutrient-dense dairy products.
Anchor Butter is a popular choice for cooking, baking, and spreading.
Homemade Butter Options for Carnivore Dieters
Ingredients for Homemade Butter
Steps to Make Homemade Butter
Step 1: Prepare the Cream
Start with heavy cream (at least 35% milk fat), chilled to 60°F. Use a container with enough headspace, or a mason jar if using an immersion blender.
Step 2: Blend
Whip the cream with an immersion blender until it thickens and separates into butter and buttermilk.
Step 3: Strain
Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the buttermilk from the butter.
Step 4: Wash
Place the butter in an ice bath and knead it gently, changing the water until it runs clear.
Step 5: Form and Enjoy
Shape the butter and enjoy!
Benefits of Homemade Butter
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Effective Methods to Preserve Butter
To keep butter fresh, store it properly using these methods:
Who Should Avoid Using Butter on a Carnivore Diet?
Practical Tips for Incorporating Butter into a Carnivore Diet
Use Butter as a Cooking Fat
Butter makes an excellent cooking fat, especially for frying steaks, eggs, and other meats. It adds rich flavor while providing healthy fats to your meal, enhancing both taste and nutritional value.
Learn more: Controversial Topic: Can You Drink Milk on a Carnivore Diet?
Add Butter to Coffee
For a carnivore-friendly "Bulletproof" coffee, blend butter with black coffee. This combination provides sustained energy and helps with satiety, making it a great addition to your morning routine.
Pair Butter with Meat
Melt butter over grilled or pan-seared steaks to elevate the flavor and nutrition of your meal. The added fat enhances the overall richness of the meat, making it more satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Eat It Straight
If you’re looking for a quick, energy-dense snack, eat small amounts of butter straight. It’s a simple way to boost your fat intake and keep you feeling full between meals.
Incorporate Ghee for High-Heat Cooking
Ghee, or clarified butter, is perfect for cooking at higher temperatures. With a higher smoke point than regular butter, it won’t burn, making it ideal for sautéing or stir-frying while still maintaining its nutritional benefits.
How Much Butter Should I Eat Daily?
Your daily butter intake depends on your caloric needs and goals. Typically, 2 to 4 tablespoons per day is recommended for most people on the carnivore diet.
If you're looking to maintain or gain weight, you may need more butter, while those aiming for weight loss might limit their intake. Adjust based on your overall calorie and fat needs.
What Do People Actually Think About Using Butter on the Carnivore Diet?
Carnivore dieters often choose butter, with Kerrygold being a popular option due to its flavor and browning qualities. Grass-fed butter is widely preferred, and some even make their cultured butter from raw milk, valuing high-quality ingredients.
Other brands like Aldi’s Kerrygold and Amish Roll butter are also mentioned. The importance of selecting grass-fed butter is emphasized, with organic being a suitable alternative if grass-fed is unavailable. The process of making cultured butter from raw milk is discussed, noting the small yield from cream and the use of byproducts like skim milk and buttermilk for feeding animals.
Kerrygold's sourcing is highlighted, with a small percentage of grain-fed butter due to winter forage limitations.
Is Butter Better Than Other Fats on the Carnivore Diet?
Butter vs. Tallow
Butter vs. Lard
Butter vs. Heavy Cream
Final Thoughts
Butter is a nutrient-rich fat that plays a key role in the carnivore diet, providing essential vitamins and healthy fats for energy, satiety, and nutrient absorption.
Whether you choose grass-fed butter, ghee, or conventional butter, it adds flavor and nutritional value to your meals. However, it’s important to consider any sensitivities and adjust intake as needed.
Ultimately, butter is a versatile and beneficial fat for enhancing a carnivore-based lifestyle.
The carnivore diet focuses on consuming animal-based foods like meat, fish, and animal fats, while completely avoiding plant-based foods. It is a nutrient-dense way of eating that emphasizes high-quality protein and fats to fuel the body.
Fats play a crucial role in the carnivore diet. They provide energy, support hormone production, and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Among the various fat sources, butter stands out as a favorite due to its versatility, nutrient density, and natural compatibility with animal-based eating.
In this article, discover the key benefits of butter, the essential nutrients it provides, and the best butter for a carnivore diet that aligns perfectly.
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is a way of eating that focuses exclusively on animal-based foods while eliminating all plant-based items. It is rooted in the idea that animal products provide all the essential nutrients the body needs to thrive, making plants unnecessary for optimal health.
Basic Principles of the Carnivore Diet
Why Animal-Based Foods Are Prioritized
Animal-based foods are nutrient-dense and bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb and utilize their nutrients more efficiently compared to plant-based sources.
Why Is Fat So Important on the Carnivore Diet?
Fat as the Primary Energy Source
On the carnivore diet, fat becomes the body’s primary energy source. With minimal carbohydrates, the body turns to fat for fuel, which is burned for energy through ketosis.
This process produces ketones, providing a stable and long-lasting energy supply, and helping to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day without the crashes commonly associated with carb-based diets.
Fat Supports Nutrient Absorption
Fat is essential for nutrient absorption, particularly for fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. These vitamins rely on fat to be absorbed and utilized effectively by the body.
Additionally, fat contributes to satiety, or the feeling of fullness, making it easier to control hunger.
By providing a long-lasting sense of satisfaction after meals, fat helps reduce cravings, allowing for better meal control and easier adherence to the carnivore diet.
What Is Traditional Butter?
Butter is a natural dairy product made by churning cream or milk to separate the fat (butterfat) from the liquid (buttermilk). Traditional butter is celebrated for its rich flavor and nutrient-dense fat profile, making it a staple in diets like the carnivore diet.
High-quality butter is prized for its simple ingredients and minimal processing, but commercial variations often include additives that can compromise its nutritional value.
The Basic Ingredients of Butter
Common Additives Found in Commercial Butter
Can I Have Butter on a Carnivore Diet?
You can have butter on the carnivore diet. Butter is one of the best fat sources for individuals following this way of eating.
It is also important to note that choosing pure butter is essential, particularly for strict carnivore eaters who aim to adhere closely to the principles of the diet.
Pure butter is made with minimal ingredients—typically just cream or milk and sometimes salt—and is free from additives, preservatives, or oils like canola or soybean oil.
This ensures that the butter aligns with the carnivore diet's focus on whole, animal-based foods without introducing unnecessary or non-carnivore-friendly ingredients.
Learn more: Can You Have Hot Sauce On the Carnivore Diet? The Complete Guide
Health Benefits of Butter on the Carnivore Diet
Butter is an ideal addition to the carnivore diet due to its nutrient density and high bioavailability. It delivers essential vitamins and healthy fats in a form that the body can easily absorb and utilize.
These nutrients support energy, immune function, and overall well-being:
With its impressive nutrient profile, butter delivers significant health benefits that align perfectly with the goals of the carnivore diet.
Potential Concerns of Butter on the Carnivore Diet
While butter offers numerous benefits, there are a few potential concerns to consider when including it in the carnivore diet.
Moderation and choosing high-quality butter can help address these issues:
How to Choose the Best Butter for the Carnivore Diet
When selecting butter for the carnivore diet, quality matters. The right choice will align with the diet’s focus on nutrient-dense, animal-based foods and avoid unnecessary additives or lower-quality fats.
Best Types of Butter: Which Are Carnivore-Friendly?
Grass-Fed Butter
Grass-fed butter is often considered the best option for carnivore dieters. Cows that graze on grass produce milk with a significantly higher nutrient density compared to grain-fed cows. Key benefits include:
These butters tend to have a richer flavor and offer superior health benefits compared to their conventional counterparts.
Conventional Butter
While conventional butter is widely available and typically more affordable, it has a lower nutritional profile than grass-fed butter.
However, conventional butter remains a cost-effective option for carnivore dieters who are looking for a simple, easily accessible fat source.
If you’re on a budget but still want to adhere to the carnivore diet, conventional butter can still provide the necessary fat and energy, though it may lack some of the additional benefits of grass-fed options.
Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Ghee is a type of clarified butter that has been heated to remove the milk solids and water, leaving behind pure butterfat.
Ghee is an excellent option for those who want the health benefits of butter without the potential digestive issues associated with dairy.
Cultured Butter
Cultured butter is made by fermenting cream with beneficial bacteria, which enhances its flavor and adds probiotics. It may support gut health, and the rich flavor may appeal to those who enjoy more complex, fermented tastes.
While cultured butter is often grass-fed and nutrient-dense, the fermentation process can introduce small amounts of lactose and casein, making it less ideal for those who are sensitive to dairy. So it should be used cautiously by those with severe dairy sensitivities.
Learn more: Beef Organ Supplements—100% New Zealand Grass-Fed
Top 10 Carnivore Diet Butter Brands & Their Nutritional Profile
#1. Kerrygold
Kerrygold is a popular brand known for its grass-fed butter, made from cows that graze on lush green pastures. It’s available in both salted and unsalted versions. Kerrygold is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and CLA, making it an excellent choice for carnivore dieters.
#2. Vital Farms
Vital Farms produces grass-fed butter from pasture-raised cows. Their butter is free from antibiotics and hormones and focuses on sustainable farming practices. Vital Farms butter is nutrient-dense and packed with vitamins A and K2, beneficial for overall health.
#3. Local Farm or Amish Butter
Local farm or Amish butter is often produced from grass-fed cows raised on small, sustainable farms. The quality of this butter can vary, but it generally comes from cows that are pasture-raised and free from antibiotics or hormones.
This butter is a great alternative for those seeking locally sourced options that offer high-quality fats and vitamins.
#4. Straus Family Creamery Butter
Straus Family Creamery Organic Unsalted Sweet European Style Butter is one of their flagship products, celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and high butterfat content.
The Organic Unsalted Sweet European Style Butter is a type of cultured butter.
#5. Organic Valley
Organic Valley offers grass-fed butter from cows raised without antibiotics or hormones. Their butter is known for its rich flavor and nutrient profile.
This butter is a great choice for organic and hormone-free options with superior taste and nutrients.
#6. Tillamook
Tillamook butter is made from pasture-raised cows and is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. While not always grass-fed, Tillamook butter is made without artificial growth hormones.
Tillamook is a good alternative for those seeking affordable, high-quality butter.
#7. Green Pasture
Green Pasture produces fermented cod liver oil butter blend, a unique combination of butter and fermented cod liver oil, providing both fats and omega-3s.
This product provides a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A, making it an excellent option for those seeking additional nutritional support.
#8. Lurpak
Lurpak butter is produced from European dairy farms and is available in salted and unsalted varieties. While not grass-fed, it is still made from high-quality cream. Lurpak is a solid choice for those looking for an easily accessible, high-quality butter.
#9. Purity Farms
Purity Farms Butter is best known for its Organic Ghee, a clarified butter made from certified organic, grass-fed butter.
It is part of the Organic Valley family of products and is popular among health-conscious consumers, including those following carnivore, keto, and paleo diets.
#10. Anchor - New Zealand Butter
New Zealand Butter is renowned worldwide for its high quality, rich flavor, and health benefits. It is primarily sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, making it a preferred choice for those seeking nutrient-dense dairy products.
Anchor Butter is a popular choice for cooking, baking, and spreading.
Homemade Butter Options for Carnivore Dieters
Ingredients for Homemade Butter
Steps to Make Homemade Butter
Step 1: Prepare the Cream
Start with heavy cream (at least 35% milk fat), chilled to 60°F. Use a container with enough headspace, or a mason jar if using an immersion blender.
Step 2: Blend
Whip the cream with an immersion blender until it thickens and separates into butter and buttermilk.
Step 3: Strain
Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the buttermilk from the butter.
Step 4: Wash
Place the butter in an ice bath and knead it gently, changing the water until it runs clear.
Step 5: Form and Enjoy
Shape the butter and enjoy!
Benefits of Homemade Butter
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Effective Methods to Preserve Butter
To keep butter fresh, store it properly using these methods:
Who Should Avoid Using Butter on a Carnivore Diet?
Practical Tips for Incorporating Butter into a Carnivore Diet
Use Butter as a Cooking Fat
Butter makes an excellent cooking fat, especially for frying steaks, eggs, and other meats. It adds rich flavor while providing healthy fats to your meal, enhancing both taste and nutritional value.
Learn more: Controversial Topic: Can You Drink Milk on a Carnivore Diet?
Add Butter to Coffee
For a carnivore-friendly "Bulletproof" coffee, blend butter with black coffee. This combination provides sustained energy and helps with satiety, making it a great addition to your morning routine.
Pair Butter with Meat
Melt butter over grilled or pan-seared steaks to elevate the flavor and nutrition of your meal. The added fat enhances the overall richness of the meat, making it more satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Eat It Straight
If you’re looking for a quick, energy-dense snack, eat small amounts of butter straight. It’s a simple way to boost your fat intake and keep you feeling full between meals.
Incorporate Ghee for High-Heat Cooking
Ghee, or clarified butter, is perfect for cooking at higher temperatures. With a higher smoke point than regular butter, it won’t burn, making it ideal for sautéing or stir-frying while still maintaining its nutritional benefits.
How Much Butter Should I Eat Daily?
Your daily butter intake depends on your caloric needs and goals. Typically, 2 to 4 tablespoons per day is recommended for most people on the carnivore diet.
If you're looking to maintain or gain weight, you may need more butter, while those aiming for weight loss might limit their intake. Adjust based on your overall calorie and fat needs.
What Do People Actually Think About Using Butter on the Carnivore Diet?
Carnivore dieters often choose butter, with Kerrygold being a popular option due to its flavor and browning qualities. Grass-fed butter is widely preferred, and some even make their cultured butter from raw milk, valuing high-quality ingredients.
Other brands like Aldi’s Kerrygold and Amish Roll butter are also mentioned. The importance of selecting grass-fed butter is emphasized, with organic being a suitable alternative if grass-fed is unavailable. The process of making cultured butter from raw milk is discussed, noting the small yield from cream and the use of byproducts like skim milk and buttermilk for feeding animals.
Kerrygold's sourcing is highlighted, with a small percentage of grain-fed butter due to winter forage limitations.
Is Butter Better Than Other Fats on the Carnivore Diet?
Butter vs. Tallow
Butter vs. Lard
Butter vs. Heavy Cream
Final Thoughts
Butter is a nutrient-rich fat that plays a key role in the carnivore diet, providing essential vitamins and healthy fats for energy, satiety, and nutrient absorption.
Whether you choose grass-fed butter, ghee, or conventional butter, it adds flavor and nutritional value to your meals. However, it’s important to consider any sensitivities and adjust intake as needed.
Ultimately, butter is a versatile and beneficial fat for enhancing a carnivore-based lifestyle.
