Carnivore Diet Ice Cream Recipes

One of the common misconceptions about the carnivore diet is that it’s highly restrictive, leaving no room for indulgent favorites such as desserts. While it’s true that this way of eating includes only animal-based foods, it doesn’t mean you have to give up everything you love—including ice cream.

 

With a few simple, high-quality ingredients, you can transform this classic treat into a nutrient-dense option that aligns perfectly with a Carnivore lifestyle. In fact, ice cream can even be considered a health food when made with wholesome, animal-based ingredients that provide essential nutrients, healthy fats, and zero processed sugars or harmful fillers.

 

Whether you’re craving a refreshing dessert in the summer heat, looking for a satisfying treat to share with family and friends, or want to create something special for kids, these carnivore diet ice cream recipes are perfect for any occasion. From rich and creamy classics to kid-approved flavors, there’s something for everyone.

 

Discover how easy it can be to enjoy ice cream guilt-free while staying true to your carnivore diet.

 

What Is the Carnivore Diet?

 

 

The carnivore diet, focusing on animal-based foods, has various adaptations to suit individual needs and health goals. Here’s a breakdown of each:

 

• Beef-Only Carnivore Diet: This approach focuses solely on beef, making it a popular choice for its simplicity and effectiveness in elimination diets. We recommend starting here if you have autoimmune or chronic health issues to support or put into remission. However, long-term adherence requires incorporating a variety of meats for nutritional balance.

 

• Lion Diet: A stricter form of the carnivore diet, the lion diet includes only ruminant meats, salt, and water. Often used as a starting point in elimination protocols, it allows for gradual reintroduction of other meats. This is also an excellent starting point for those with autoimmune and gut healing needs.

 

• Nose-to-Tail Carnivore Diet: This variation prioritizes consuming all parts of the animal, including organ meats, for comprehensive nutrient intake. However, caution is advised regarding liver and kidney consumption to avoid nutrient imbalances such as vitamin A toxicity, especially for those with liver conditions.

 

• Meat-Only Carnivore Diet: This diet includes all muscle meats but excludes organ meats, dairy, and eggs. Ideal for those looking for a foundational elimination diet, it suits individuals who tolerate all muscle meats.

 

• Zero-Carb Carnivore Diet: Focusing on foods with zero or minimal carbohydrates, this diet includes dairy, eggs, and all meats, centering on meat and animal fat. It’s suitable for those without autoimmune or chronic health issues and who can tolerate dairy and eggs. Seasonings may be included.

 

• Carnivore Keto Diet: Combining the ketogenic and carnivore diets, this low-carb, high-fat approach aims to mimic fasting effects while offering more dietary variety. It includes foods such as avocados and coconut oil, suitable for metabolically healthy individuals who have healed or mostly healed their chronic health issues.

 

• Carnivore-Ish Keto Diet: This flexible variation incorporates more ketogenic elements while maintaining a focus on animal-based foods. It includes keto sweeteners, nut products, and other keto varieties, ideal for those who are metabolically healthy, have healed, and don’t suffer from food addiction issues.

 

• Animal-Based Diet: More inclusive than the strict carnivore diet, it includes animal products as the core, allowing for fruit, honey, and raw dairy. In our clinical practice, only healthy individuals with high metabolic flexibility and elite athletes thrive on this diet. It is not recommended due to the risks of mixing high carbs and fats.

 

Like any diet, finding the right personalized carnivore diet for your wellness goals, health history, and personal preferences is key.

 

What Are the Benefits of the Carnivore Diet?

 

 

The carnivore diet is known for its many positive health benefits. Here, we explore some of the benefits of the carnivore diet and why individuals consider this way of eating.

 

Nutrient Density and Bioavailability

Animal products are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. Meats, especially organ meats, provide high levels of B vitamins, iron, zinc, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. These nutrients are highly bioavailable, meaning they are easily absorbed and utilized by the body, which can be more efficient than plant-based nutrients.

 

Reduction in Inflammation

The carnivore diet can significantly reduce inflammation. Many plant foods contain anti-nutrients such as lectins, oxalates, and phytates, which can cause digestive issues and inflammation in susceptible individuals. Eliminating these potential irritants can help reduce chronic inflammation, leading to improvements in conditions such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and general pain.

 

 

Improved Digestive Health

For individuals suffering from digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or leaky gut syndrome, the carnivore diet can offer relief. Eliminating fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can ferment in the gut and cause bloating, gas, and discomfort, allows many people to experience improved gut health and reduced symptoms.

 

Simplicity and Satiety

The carnivore diet is straightforward and easy to follow, focusing solely on animal-based foods. This simplicity can reduce decision fatigue and make meal planning and preparation easier. Additionally, the high protein and fat content of animal products provide a feeling of fullness and satiety, which can help with weight management and reduce the likelihood of overeating.

 

Mental Clarity and Mood Stability

Many individuals have found the carnivore diet to heighten mental clarity and improve mood. This is due to the stabilization of blood sugar levels, as the diet eliminates high-carbohydrate foods that can cause spikes and crashes in glucose. Additionally, the brain thrives on fats and proteins, and the reduction in inflammatory foods can also contribute to better cognitive function and emotional stability.

 

Weight Loss and Metabolic Health

The carnivore diet can be effective for weight loss and improving metabolic health. Reducing carbohydrate intake to nearly zero allows the body to enter a state of ketosis, burning fat for fuel instead of glucose. This metabolic shift can promote fat loss, particularly around the abdominal area. Additionally, many people see improvements in markers of metabolic syndrome, such as triglycerides and blood pressure.

 

Improved Athletic Performance

Athletes and physically active individuals may benefit from the carnivore diet. The high protein intake supports muscle repair and growth, while the steady energy from fats can sustain long-duration activities. Athletes have found it to provide faster recovery times and reduced muscle soreness.

 

Hormonal Balance

Hormonal health can improve on the carnivore diet due to the intake of high-quality fats and proteins, which are essential for hormone production. Diets low in fat can impair hormone function, leading to issues such as irregular menstrual cycles, low libido, and thyroid dysfunction. Ensuring an adequate intake of these macronutrients from the carnivore diet supports overall hormonal health.

 

 

Autoimmune Disease Management

The carnivore diet can be particularly beneficial for individuals with autoimmune diseases. By eliminating foods that can trigger autoimmune reactions, such as gluten, dairy, and certain plant compounds, many people experience a reduction in symptoms and, in some cases, complete remission.

 

Simplified Nutrition

With the carnivore diet, nutritional intake becomes more streamlined. There is no need to track micronutrients meticulously or balance complex meals. The focus is on consuming nutrient-dense animal products, making it easier to meet nutritional needs without the complexity of a varied diet.

 

You can learn more about the benefits of the carnivore diet here.

 

Fun Carnivore Ice Cream Recipes

Staying on a meat-based diet can be challenging for some without variety, which is why we’ve crafted these delicious ice cream recipes. Perfect for both adults and kids, these recipes range from strict carnivore to carnivore-ish, catering to different food tolerances and preferences.

 

Each recipe is designed for use in an ice cream maker. Ideally, we recommend using raw dairy if available, or high-quality, low-temperature pasteurized cream.

 

Classic Carnivore Ice Cream Recipe

 

 

This classic ice cream recipe can be made strictly Carnivore. Many individuals who have acclimated to this way of eating experience changes in how they perceive sweetness and find this strict Carnivore ice cream recipe to be sweet enough on its own. We recommend experimenting with all these ice cream recipes without any keto-sweetening alternatives before deciding if you want to add any additional sweetness.

 

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
Pinch of salt

 

Optional Add-ins:

1 tsp pure vanilla bean powder (optional for flavor)
2-3 tbsp allulose or your preferred keto sweetening alternative (optional)

 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Prepare the Yolks: While the cream is heating, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl until they are well beaten and slightly thickened. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the heated cream into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. This process is called tempering and helps to gradually raise the temperature of the egg yolks.
3. Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
4. Add Salt and Optional Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the pinch of salt. If using, add the pure vanilla bean powder and keto sweetening alternative, stirring until fully combined.
5. Chill the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
6. Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Freeze and Serve: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm. You can also enjoy the ice cream immediately after churning. Enjoy!

 

Pro-Tip: If you’re looking for a quicker recipe option, you can combine the heavy cream, yolks, salt, and any optional ingredients in a blender and skip the other prep steps. After all ingredients are combined, churn the ice cream and follow the remainder of the instructions. The flavor won’t be as rich but this alternative provides a more convenient, streamlined approach and can be applied to all the recipes below as well.

 

Carnivore-ish Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

 

 

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
1 tsp mint flavor or mint extract powder (alcohol-free)
1/4 cup cocoa nibs
Pinch of salt

 

Optional Add-in:

2-3 tbsp allulose or your preferred keto sweetening alternative

 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Prepare the Eggs: While the cream is heating, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl until they are well beaten and slightly thickened. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the heated cream into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. This process is called tempering and helps to gradually raise the temperature of the egg yolks.
3. Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
4. Add Optional Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the mint flavor or mint extract powder, pinch of salt, and if using, add the keto sweetening alternative, stirring until fully combined.
5. Chill the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
6. Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Add Cocoa Nibs: During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the cocoa nibs to the ice cream maker to ensure they are evenly distributed.
8. Freeze and Serve: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm. You can also enjoy the ice cream immediately after churning. Enjoy!

 

Carnivore Brown Butter Ice Cream Recipe

 

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
Pinch of salt

 

Optional Add-in:

1 tsp pure vanilla bean powder

 

Instructions:

1. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a rich golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Base: In another saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
3. Prepare the Eggs: While the cream is heating, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl until they are well beaten and slightly thickened. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the heated cream into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. This process is called tempering and helps to gradually raise the temperature of the egg yolks.
4. Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Add the browned butter, stirring until fully combined. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
5. Add Salt and Optional Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the pinch of salt. If using, add the pure vanilla bean powder, stirring until fully combined.
6. Chill the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
7. Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Freeze and Serve: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm. You can also enjoy the ice cream immediately after churning. Enjoy!

 

Carnivore-ish Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe

 

 

Pro Tip: If you’d like to make this recipe strict Carnivore, stick to unflavored beef isolate protein powder and skip the keto sweetener.

 

Ingredients:

For the Carnivore Cheesecake:

1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 lbs cream cheese, softened
5 large eggs
103 grams of beef isolate protein powder (flavored or unflavored depending on taste preference/tolerance)
4 oz water
Butter for greasing the pan

 

For the Carnivore Ice Cream:

2 cups heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
Pinch of salt
2-3 tbsp allulose or your preferred keto sweetening alternative (optional)

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a small baking dish or cheesecake pan.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixer or bowl with a hand mixer, combine the sour cream and cream cheese. Gradually incorporate one egg at a time, making sure to scrape down the sides. In a separate bowl, whisk the protein with water until fully combined. Add the protein mixture to the other bowl and mix for at least one minute.
3. Bake the Cheesecake: Grease your 9″ baking dish with butter. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
4. Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
5. Prepare the Eggs: While the cream is heating, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl until they are well beaten and slightly thickened. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the heated cream into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. This process is called tempering and helps to gradually raise the temperature of the egg yolks.
6. Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
7. Add Salt and Optional Sweetener: Remove from heat and stir in the pinch of salt. If using, add the keto sweetening alternative, stirring until fully combined.
8. Chill the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
9. Prepare the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, cut it into small chunks.
10. Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
11. Combine and Freeze: During the last 5 minutes of churning the ice cream, add the cheesecake chunks to the ice cream maker. Alternatively, you can fold the chunks into the ice cream after churning.
12. Freeze and Serve: Best enjoyed when served immediately after churning. You can also transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it for at least 2 hours or until firm.

 

Carnivore-ish Coffee Ice Cream Recipe

 

 

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup brewed mold-free coffee (such as Kion or Purity)
Pinch of salt
2-3 tbsp allulose or your preferred keto sweetening alternative (optional)

 

Instructions:

1. Brew the Coffee: Brew 1/2 cup of strong mold-free coffee using your preferred method. Let it cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
3. Prepare the Eggs: While the cream is heating, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl until they are well beaten and slightly thickened. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the heated cream into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. This process is called tempering and helps to gradually raise the temperature of the egg yolks.
4. Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Add the brewed coffee and stir to combine. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
5. Add Salt and Optional Sweetener: Remove from heat and stir in the pinch of salt. If using, add the keto sweetening alternative, stirring until fully combined.
6. Chill the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
7. Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Freeze and Serve: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm. You can also enjoy the ice cream immediately after churning. Enjoy!

 

Carnivore Crack Ice Cream Recipe

 

 

Ingredients:

For the Carnivore Crack:

1 stick butter
1-2 pieces of bacon, crumbled

 

For the Carnivore Ice Cream:

2 cups heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
Pinch of salt
1 tsp pure vanilla bean powder (optional)

 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carnivore Crack: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a rich golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn. Once browned, remove from heat and pour over a small, parchment-lined baking sheet. Add bacon crumbles throughout before transferring to the fridge to allow it to set for a couple of hours.
2. Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
3. Prepare the Eggs: While the cream is heating, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl until they are well beaten and slightly thickened. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the heated cream into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. This process is called tempering and helps to gradually raise the temperature of the egg yolks.
4. Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
5. Add Salt and Optional Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the pinch of salt. If using, add the pure vanilla bean powder, stirring until fully combined.
6. Chill the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
7. Prepare the Carnivore Crack: Break the set Carnivore Crack into small, bite-sized pieces.
8. Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. During the last 5 minutes of churning the ice cream, add the carnivore crack pieces to the ice cream maker to ensure they are evenly distributed. Alternatively, you can fold the pieces into the ice cream after churning.
9. Freeze and Serve: Transfer the combined ice cream and carnivore crack mixture to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm. You can also enjoy the ice cream immediately after churning. Enjoy!

 

Closing Thoughts on Carnivore Diet Ice Cream Recipes

As much as these carnivore ice cream recipes can be a fun and delicious addition to your diet, it’s important to recognize that not everyone is in the same place in their relationship with food. If indulging in treats such as these could lead to cravings for less-than-ideal foods or derail your wellness journey, it’s crucial to have the self-awareness to skip them for now. Knowing your triggers and maintaining boundaries with food is a key part of long-term success, especially if you’re still working on developing a healthier relationship with what you eat.

 

However, for those who have built a strong foundation, these ice cream recipes are wonderful options for special occasions, sharing with kids, introducing others to the carnivore way of eating, or simply adding some variety to your routine. Ice cream doesn’t have to be off-limits when it’s made with the right ingredients.

 

In fact, it can be a health food when crafted from nutrient-dense, animal-based sources. So, enjoy these recipes mindfully and in a way that supports your journey to better health.

 

Work With Our Trusted Carnivore Diet Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioners

The Nutrition with Judy practice is honored to be a trusted carnivore diet practitioner support serving clients from around the globe. We’re passionate about helping our clients achieve root-cause healing in order to lead the best quality of life possible that’s nearly symptom-free. Our team is dedicated to providing unique recipes to help make this way of eating sustainable. We welcome you to explore our free resources and are always available to support you through personalized protocols. Our Symptom Burden Assessment (SBA) is the perfect starting point for discovering your root cause and is required to work with our team— you can learn more in-depth about this powerful tool here.