Easy Carnivore Diet Lunch Ideas for Work and Travel
A carnivore diet is well suited to eating on the move—whether it's taking lunch to work or heading out on a long haul flight. Carnivore-friendly snacks and lunches can be simple, portable, and delicious, with or without refrigeration, when you’re away from home.
Here are some practical, nutrient-dense carnivore lunch ideas and snack ideas that are perfect for work or travel, along with tips to keep things fresh and convenient.
Portable Carnivore Lunch Ideas
Bacon or Pork Belly
How to Pack: Cook thick-cut bacon or sliced pork belly and let it cool. These can be stored in a container and eaten cold or reheated.
Why It Works: High in fat and protein, bacon or pork belly is satisfying and doesn’t require extra sides.
Meat Rolls
Ingredients: Sliced roast beef, turkey, or chicken (from a deli or homemade), and optional slices of raw cheese.
How to Pack: Roll up the meat slices with or without cheese and secure them with toothpicks. These make for easy, mess-free finger food.
Pro Tip: Use nitrate-free deli meats or thinly sliced leftover steak for a clean, non-toxic option.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
How to Pack: Boil a batch of eggs ahead of time, peel, and store them in a container. Add a small packet of sea salt for seasoning on the go.
Why It Works: Eggs are portable, high in protein, and satisfying—perfect for a quick energy boost.
Meat Patties
Ingredients: Cooked beef or pork burger patties.
How to Pack: Wrap patties in foil or a reusable container. You can eat them cold or warm them up if you have access to a microwave.
Pro Tip: Add a dollop of butter or beef tallow on top for extra flavor and fats.
Grilled or Roasted Chicken Thighs
How to Pack: Prepare thighs with skin on for maximum flavor and moisture. Store in an airtight container.
Pro Tip: Bring a small container of dipping sauce, like melted butter or bone broth jelly.
Jarred Fish
Ingredients: Fish such as tuna, sardines, or mackerel in glass jars.
Why It Works: Portable, no refrigeration required, and ready to eat. Skipping tinned or canned fish avoids BPA-lined cans.
Carnivore Snackable Lunch Ideas
Beef Jerky or Meat Sticks
How to Pack: Look for clean-label options made with grass-fed beef and minimal ingredients—avoid ingredients such as added nitrites or celery powder, smoke, and the catch-all "natural flavors." An air-dried snack such as Biltong is a great clean option.
Why It Works: Jerky is lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to stash in your bag.
Meat and Cheese Plates
How to Pack: Arrange sliced hard cheeses (like raw milk cheddar or gouda) with jerky, smoked salmon, or salami. Include a small container of pickled eggs or carnivore-friendly fermented foods if desired.
Pro Tip: Check labels to avoid nitrites and added sugars in cured meats.
Chilled Shrimp
How to Pack: Chill cooked shrimp and pack them with a side of clarified butter or aioli (if you’re including small amounts of condiments).
Pro Tip: Shrimp is a great source of protein and omega-3s, and it’s easy to eat on the go.
Lunch for Travel or Long Hours
Beef Tallow Chips
Ingredients: Thinly sliced beef or pork fried in beef tallow.
How to Pack: Store in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag for a shelf-stable snack.
Why It Works: Crunchy and portable, these chips keep you satiated for hours.
Bone Broth Thermos
How to Pack: Pour hot, homemade bone broth into a thermos before leaving. Sip throughout the day for warmth, hydration, and nutrients.
Pro Tip: Add a dash of sea salt for electrolytes and flavor.
Cold Roast Beef
How to Pack: Slice cooked roast beef thinly and pack it cold. Pair it with cheese or a small container of bacon fat as a spread.
Why It Works: It's beef.
Tips for Packing and Storing Carnivore Lunches
Invest in Quality Containers:
Use glass or stainless steel containers to keep your meals fresh and toxin-free. You can repurpose emptied glass jars for a no-cost non-toxic upgrade, or pick up a stainless steel bento box for a kid-friendly and shatterproof option.
Avoid plastic, as it can leach chemicals into fatty foods like bacon or cheese.
Plan Ahead:
Batch-cook meats at the beginning of the week to save time.
Pre-portion meals into containers for grab-and-go convenience.
Keep It Cool:
For perishable items like eggs, cheese, or cooked meat, use an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack.
Pack the Right Utensils:
Include a fork, knife, or reusable cotton napkin to keep things neat and simple. Camping silverware is typically lightweight and can help you avoid toxic plastic utensils—look for ones made from stainless steel or titanium.
Keep It Simple On the Go
Carnivore lunches don’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation and a few versatile staples, you can enjoy delicious, nutrient-dense meals wherever you are. From simple meat rolls to hearty burger patties, these ideas make it easy to stay on track with your carnivore diet, whether at work or on the go.
Have a favorite carnivore lunch tip or recipe? Share it in the comments and inspire others in the community to simplify their meals and embrace the carnivore lifestyle!