When it comes to fast food, most people picture burgers, fries, and shakes. But for those following a carnivore diet, the typical fast-food menu might seem off-limits. However, many fast-food chains offer protein-packed, meat-heavy options that fit perfectly into a carnivore lifestyle. Whether you’re craving juicy burgers, sizzling steaks, or crispy bacon, this guide dives into the best carnivore-friendly fast-food options to satisfy your meat cravings.
What Makes a Fast Food Option Carnivore-Friendly?
Carnivore-friendly fast food meals focus solely on animal-based ingredients—meat, cheese, eggs, and sometimes butter. These meals exclude plant-based ingredients like vegetables, bread, and sauces with added sugars. The best fast-food choices for carnivores are:
- High in protein and fat: Meat-based meals provide essential nutrients without unnecessary carbs.
- Simple and unprocessed: The fewer added ingredients, the better.
- Customizable: Many fast-food chains allow you to modify meals to fit a carnivore diet by removing buns, sauces, and side items.
Whether you’re in the mood for a no-carb burger or a plate full of bacon, here are the top carnivore fast-food options you need to try.
Top Carnivore Fast Food Picks
McDonald’s Bunless Burgers
McDonald’s offers a variety of bunless burger options for carnivore eaters. Their 100% beef patties make a satisfying meal, especially when stacked.
Why It’s Great:
- Order a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, no bun, no ketchup for a protein-packed meal.
- Customize your burger with extra beef patties, bacon, and cheese.
- Ask for extra butter on the side for added fat.
Five Guys Bunless Burgers & Bacon
Five Guys is a fantastic option for carnivores because of their high-quality beef and generous portion sizes.
Why It’s Great:
- You can stack multiple patties and add bacon, cheese, and extra butter for a hearty meal.
- Their burgers are cooked in peanut oil, making them juicy and flavorful.
- Order a burger bowl to keep it mess-free.
Chipotle Carnivore Bowl
Chipotle allows for full customization, making it easy to create a carnivore-friendly bowl.
Why It’s Great:
- Order a bowl with double steak, double chicken, or carnitas, no rice, beans, or veggies.
- Add extra cheese, sour cream, and guacamole for extra fat.
- Their meats are grilled fresh, providing high-quality protein.
Wendy’s Baconator (No Bun, No Sauce)
Wendy’s Baconator is a carnivore favorite, featuring multiple layers of beef and bacon.
Why It’s Great:
- Order a Baconator, no bun, no ketchup for a pure meat and cheese experience.
- Add extra bacon and patties for a more filling meal.
- Wendy’s fresh beef patties make for a better-tasting alternative to some competitors.
KFC Grilled Chicken
While fried chicken is off-limits due to the breading, KFC’s grilled chicken is a fantastic carnivore option.
Why It’s Great:
- Order grilled chicken pieces or a bucket of grilled chicken thighs for a fatty, protein-rich meal.
- Avoid dipping sauces with added sugar.
- Pair with melted butter for added flavor and fat.
Arby’s Meat Mountain
Arby’s takes meat seriously, and their Meat Mountain sandwich is one of the best carnivore-friendly fast-food options.
Why It’s Great:
- It features roast beef, chicken, turkey, ham, bacon, and cheese—all stacked together.
- Ask for no bun and no sauce for a pure meat experience.
- Perfect for meat lovers who want variety in one meal.
Burger King’s Whopper (No Bun, No Ketchup)
Burger King’s flame-grilled beef patties make their burgers a solid choice for carnivores.
Why It’s Great:
- Order a Whopper or Double Whopper with no bun, no ketchup.
- Stack it with extra beef, bacon, and cheese for a bigger meal.
- Flame-grilled patties give a unique, smoky taste.
In-N-Out “Flying Dutchman”
In-N-Out’s Flying Dutchman is a secret menu item perfect for carnivore eaters.
Why It’s Great:
- It consists of two beef patties with melted cheese between them—no buns, no veggies.
- Add extra patties and cheese for a bigger meal.
- Simple, delicious, and completely carnivore-approved.
Denny’s All-Meat Breakfast
Denny’s is great for a sit-down carnivore meal, offering a variety of high-protein breakfast options.
Why It’s Great:
- Order scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, sausage, and steak for a high-fat, high-protein meal.
- Their T-bone steak and eggs is another perfect carnivore-friendly option.
- Avoid hash browns, toast, and pancakes to stay on track.
Taco Bell Power Bowl (Modified for Carnivores)
While Taco Bell may not seem carnivore-friendly, their Power Bowl can be customized.
Why It’s Great:
- Order a Power Bowl with double steak, extra cheese, and sour cream, no rice, beans, or veggies.
- Their shredded cheese and meat provide a tasty mix of flavors.
- A great option for when you’re craving something different.
Maximizing Your Carnivore Fast Food Experience
Even though fast-food chains aren’t designed specifically for carnivore eaters, you can still make the most of your options with a few simple tips.
1. Customize Your Order
- Always remove the bun, ketchup, and any high-carb sauces.
- Double up on meat, cheese, and bacon for more protein and fat.
2. Add Extra Butter or Cheese
- Many places allow you to add butter, cheese, or extra bacon—take advantage of it for more flavor and satiety.
3. Stick to High-Fat Meats
- Opt for ribeye, steak, bacon, sausage, and dark meat chicken for the best nutrient profile.
4. Pair It with a Drink
- Go for water, black coffee, or unsweetened iced tea to keep your meal carnivore-friendly.
Is the Hype Around Carnivore Fast Food Justified?
If you follow a carnivore diet, fast-food options can be a lifesaver when you need a quick, meat-based meal. While not as fresh as home-cooked steaks, fast-food chains provide convenient and affordable ways to stick to your diet. With the right modifications, you can enjoy delicious, protein-packed meals without breaking your carnivore lifestyle.
FAQs
What is the best carnivore fast food meal?
The Wendy’s Baconator (no bun, no sauce) and In-N-Out’s Flying Dutchman are top choices for taste and simplicity.
Can I eat chicken nuggets on a carnivore diet?
No, because they contain breading and fillers. Opt for grilled chicken instead.
How do I order a carnivore-friendly burger?
Ask for no bun, no ketchup, extra meat, cheese, and bacon.
Are fast-food burger patties 100% beef?
Most chains, like McDonald’s and Wendy’s, use 100% beef patties, but always check the ingredients.
What should I avoid at fast-food restaurants?
Avoid buns, fries, sauces with sugar, and plant-based side items to stay carnivore-compliant.
