This keto grocery list provides a general idea for what to look for in the store, so you can get started with keto ASAP. If you need more in-depth info on foods in your keto shopping list, such as grams of net carbs and serving sizes, my printable list of low carb foods is a great resource to bookmark as well (that one is more comprehensive, whereas the one on this page is more useful to just get started). You can find the full keto food list for beginners in this post, or use the button below to get a printable version sent to you via email. Let’s go grocery shopping!
What To Put On A Keto Shopping List?
The main categories and store sections for a keto shopping list are meat, poultry, and fish; low carb vegetables; eggs and full-fat dairy; and healthy fats and oils.
Putting together a keto food list for beginners is similar to making any other grocery list — the main difference is the foods you’ll add. The focus of low carb diets is foods that are low in carbohydrates (ideally less than 5 grams of carbs per serving), which will help you stabilize blood sugar levels and reach the metabolic state of ketosis.
Take stock of your kitchen. Most people have several keto foods already on-hand. See what you have stored in your fridge and cupboards before you head to the store. Get recipe inspiration. Use these keto recipes as inspiration for using up the ingredients you already have. Or, use a customizable keto meal plan to plan ideas for the whole week in minutes. Build meals around what you have on-hand. If you have keto proteins, veggies, and fats on-hand, you already have the basic components of a keto meal! Add everything that remains to your keto shopping list. Write down what’s missing from the recipes you want to make this week, and just like that — your keto diet grocery list is ready!
I’ve also included pantry foods, snacks, and some links to keto-friendly foods you can order online. The main thing to focus on is low net carbs, but if your goal is weight loss, your intake of calories and other macros (these are carbohydrates, protein, and fat) will play a role as well.
Meat, Poultry & Seafood
Meat is a staple on a keto grocery list — it naturally contains zero carbs, and helps meet your daily protein needs in a delicious way.
Fresh Produce
Fresh produce, including keto fruit and low carb vegetables, is essential for a clean keto shopping list. Produce is packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that will keep your diet balanced. It can even help you avoid keto flu.
Leafy Greens
Non-Starchy Vegetables
A good rule of thumb is most veggies that grow above ground are okay, but there are some exceptions — get the full keto vegetables list here! Here are the most popular options:
Low-Sugar Fruits
Fresh Herbs
All fresh herbs are up for grabs — and make your food so flavorful! Here are some ideas to get:
Eggs & Dairy
If you’re looking to make a cheap keto grocery list, eggs are the perfect way to supplement your meat intake. The right kind of dairy products, including keto milk and cheese, will also add delicious fat, protein, and flavor to meals.
Fats & Oils
Keto requires more fat intake than many diets. On keto, fat helps you feel full and makes every dish delicious. It’s an essential component of any keto food list for beginners (and experts, too)!
Pantry Ingredients
Keto isn’t all focused on fresh foods… lots of shelf-stable ingredients can fit on a keto diet shopping list.
Snacks
Not everyone adds snacks to a keto grocery list for beginners, but it can make this lifestyle easier! Go with more natural options with no white flour or sugar and fewer fillers, when possible. Some of these are available at the grocery store, while others may be best to order online. You can now find more keto snack options than ever, including: You can also make a lot of homemade keto snack recipes, like keto crackers, easy peel boiled eggs, cheese crisps, kale chips, and keto granola bars.
What To Avoid On Your List
Now that you know what to put on your low carb shopping list, it’s just as important to be aware of what to avoid. Check labels and watch for these things to skip:
Grains – Including anything with wheat (and white flour!), rice, oats, and all other grains. Watch for flour and other starches added to many dry pantry items and even canned goods, like soups. Starchy Veggies – This includes corn, potatoes, most root vegetables, and legumes (most beans, except green beans are okay). The low carb vegetables list has a more detailed list of what to avoid with these. Most Fruit – Low carb fruits, like berries, are fine, but most fruits are too high in carbs for a keto diet. Regular Dairy Milk – Due to the lactose (a form of sugar) in it, milk is not keto. But, you can still enjoy cream, almond and coconut milk. Bread and Baked Goods – These will contain wheat or sugar, or both. Candy and Sweets – Again, these have sugar you’ll want to avoid. You can make your own using sugar substitutes. Processed Ingredients – Keto isn’t just about macros, it’s also about eating cleaner, real food. Watch for artificial preservatives, or as a rule of thumb, avoid most ingredients you can’t pronounce. Anything With Added Sugar – Read labels on anything that has a label. Condiments and things that come in a box are notorious for having sugar added.
Conclusion: Keto Grocery List For Beginners
Building a keto grocery list is easy, and it looks a lot like creating a regular one. Take note of keto foods you have on-hand, use them in upcoming recipes, and add all the missing components. Use the beginner keto food list above to get you started!
