Low-carbohydrate foods form the base of ketogenic and low-carb diets. For people who do well on these approaches, knowing which whole foods fit the carb budget is essential.
Standard keto allows roughly 20–50g of carbs per day. Most cheeses, eggs, fish, meat, and leafy greens fit easily. Some vegetables and most fruits don't. The foods listed here all provide under 5g of carbs per typical serving. Whether a low-carb approach is right for you depends on individual goals and metabolic context — there's good evidence for short-term weight loss and improved blood sugar control, while long-term cardiovascular effects depend heavily on which fats replace the carbs.
📊 Low Carb & Keto-Friendly Foods — Nutrition Comparison
| Food | Low Carb & Keto-Friendly | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Cod 1 fillet (180g) | 0 g | 189 |
| Mahi Mahi 1 fillet (113g) | 0 g | 123 |
| Tuna 3 ounces (85g) | 0 g | 111 |
| Tilapia 1 fillet (87g) | 0 g | 111 |
| Sardines 1 can drained (92g) | 0 g | 191 |
| Mackerel 1 fillet (88g) | 0 g | 231 |
| Crab 1/2 cup flaked (60g) | 0 g | 61 |
| Sesame Oil 1 tablespoon (14g) | 0 g | 124 |
| Peanut Oil 1 tablespoon (14g) | 0 g | 124 |
| Canola Oil 1 tablespoon (14g) | 0 g | 124 |
| Avocado Oil 1 tablespoon (14g) | 0 g | 124 |
| Vegetable Oil 1 tablespoon (14g) | 0 g | 124 |
| Vinegar 1 tablespoon (15ml) | 0 g | 3 |
| Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tablespoon (15g) | 0.1 g | 3 |
| Parmesan Cheese 1 tablespoon grated (5g) | 0.2 g | 20 |
| Shrimp 3 ounces (85g) | 0.2 g | 84 |
| Mustard 1 teaspoon (5g) | 0.3 g | 3 |
| Gouda Cheese 1 ounce (28g) | 0.6 g | 100 |
| Blue Cheese 1 ounce (30g) | 0.7 g | 106 |
| Goat Cheese 1 ounce (28g) | 0.7 g | 102 |
All values shown are per serving. Nutrition data sourced from the USDA Food Data Central database. Tap any food name to see full nutrition details including vitamins, minerals, and a per-serving daily value table.