These are the top 10 keto foods you should include if you’re on the diet (2024)

Joanna Kriehn, MS, RDN, CDCES - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

Whether you are new to keto or a low-carb veteran, finding nutritious keto-friendly foods can take some effort. Here are our top 10 keto foods to include in your rotation.

These are the top 10 keto foods you should include if you’re on the diet (2)

The top 10 keto foods you should eat regularly if you’re on the keto diet

Just like any other diet plan out there, you are better off consuming a variety of foods (not just the foods on this list) over time. This will help ensure you eat a balanced diet and meet your nutrient needs.

1. Salmon

Whether wild or farm-raised, salmon is rich in fat, making it an essential ketogenic diet staple. Wild salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. It is also a good source of vitamin B12, potassium, iron, and vitamin D.

Looking for a different way to prepare this fish? Check out this quick and easy Garlic Chili Baked Salmon recipe from the MyNetDiary premium collection.

2. Eggs

This affordable protein and fat source is highly versatile. Look online for classic recipes like egg cups, quiche, egg salad, frittata, or a stand-alone hard-boiled egg.

This healthy keto food is also a good source of selenium, choline, phosphorus, and vitamin B 12.

Serve as a breakfast or lunch, this Keto Veggie Frittata won’t disappoint!

3. Cauliflower

If you are new to the low-carb scene, you’ll want to experiment with cauliflower. It is highly versatile and can be mashed in place of potatoes, blended into Cauliflower Rice, or made into pizza crust.

It is high in dietary fiber, B vitamins, and phytonutrients and has a more neutral flavor than broccoli.

4. Greens

Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are often hailed as some of the healthiest vegetables. They are rich in vitamins (A, C, E, K), minerals, dietary fiber, and phytonutrients and are very low in calories. All greens have less than 5g of net carbs per serving, making them very keto-friendly. Check out this tasty Pan Seared Scallops with Spinach.

5. Avocado

Avocados have a prominent place in the keto diet. They are rich in monounsaturated fats, and their lutein and zeaxanthin content promote healthy eyes. One half of a hass avocado contains 1 gram of net carb.

Mix avocados into smoothies, slice on top of a salad, or mash into guacamole. Here’s a quick and easy recipe for a Quick Keto Salad Dressing featuring avocado as a base.

6. Nuts

Pecans, Brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts are keto friendly because they are lower in net carbs than other nuts such as cashews and pistachios. They are a good source of mono and polyunsaturated fats, dietary fiber, and protein.

Brazil nuts are unique because they are a rich source of the trace element selenium. Enjoy pecans, brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts plain or ground into nut butter and spread on celery for a little crunch.

An important reminder about nuts: For some people, nuts can be a trigger food (a food that is difficult to eat in moderation). If you are following the keto diet for weight loss, you’ll want to pay attention to your portions of nuts as they are calorically dense.

7. Olive oil

If you are following a high-fat diet such as keto, you’ll want to make sure and stock up on extra virgin olive oil. It is a great source of monounsaturated fats and is rich in antioxidants.

Use as an ingredient in a keto sauce (such as in Keto Grilled Chicken with Avocado Pesto) or homemade salad dressing or to increase the fat content of a nutritious vegetable dish such as these roasted Tangy Brussels Sprouts.

8. Zucchini

Zucchini, or summer squash, is a low-carb vegetable that is rich in vitamin C and contains some potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese. It can be spiralized into zoodles (for a soup or an entree) or sliced and sauteed with eggs for a quick and tasty breakfast. Check out these tasty Parmesan Garlic Zoodles.

9. Snack bars

If you are on the go and unable to prepare a keto-friendly meal, grabbing a bar may be your best option. Dang bars are sugar-free, plant-based, and very natural. The toasted coconut bar has a dense consistency and a hint of sweetness from the stevia. One bar contains 210 calories, 16g of fat, 11g of carbohydrates, 9g of protein, and 6g of fiber.

10. Chia seeds

Remember these superfoods! Two tablespoons (~1 oz) contain 4g of protein, 11g of fiber, and 7g of unsaturated fat. They are high in ALA omega-3 fatty acids.

In addition, chia seeds are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. If you aim to formulate a healthy keto diet, look for ways to include these nutrient-dense seeds in your meals and snacks. This Keto Hemp Seed Hot Cereal makes for a filling and nutritious breakfast.

Plenty of processed foods and supplements on the market claim to be keto. Yet at the end of the day, eating whole foods such as unprocessed meats, seafood, healthy fats, low-carb veggies, and certain nuts and seeds will ensure you make healthier food choices when following a keto diet.