CarnivorousIn this article
The rankingThe best value picksDo not forget fatWhere steak and seafood fitRecipes for the cheapest cutsThe ranking
U.S. average prices (August 2026), and what 100 g of protein costs once bone is taken out:
| Food | U.S. price | Per 100 g protein | Price data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (large) | $2.28 / dozen | $2.51 | BLS average |
| Chicken thighs & legs (bone-in) | $1.67 / lb | $3.07 | BLS average |
| Chicken livers | $2.99 / lb | $3.90 | Estimate |
| Chicken breast (boneless) | $4.17 / lb | $4.09 | BLS average |
| Beef liver | $3.99 / lb | $4.40 | Estimate |
| Pork shoulder (boneless) | $3.49 / lb | $4.42 | Estimate |
| Pork chops (boneless) | $4.53 / lb | $4.73 | BLS average |
| Ground pork | $3.99 / lb | $5.21 | Estimate |
| Tuna (canned in water, drained) | $6.03 / lb | $5.22 | Estimate |
| Cheddar cheese | $5.98 / lb | $5.28 | BLS average |
| Mackerel fillet | $6.49 / lb | $7.69 | Estimate |
| Beef brisket | $6.49 / lb | $7.78 | Estimate |
| Sardines in olive oil | $9.80 / lb | $8.64 | Estimate |
| Ground beef (80/20) | $6.92 / lb | $8.87 | BLS average |
| Chicken wings | $4.29 / lb | $10.01 | Estimate |
| Chuck roast | $9.45 / lb | $10.85 | BLS average |
| Bacon | $6.60 / lb | $11.20 | BLS average |
| Shrimp (raw, peeled) | $10.99 / lb | $12.12 | Estimate |
| Salmon fillet | $11.99 / lb | $13.21 | Estimate |
| Pork belly | $6.49 / lb | $15.39 | Estimate |
| Sirloin steak | $14.36 / lb | $15.59 | BLS average |
| Beef short ribs | $10.99 / lb | $21.67 | Estimate |
| Ribeye steak | $19.38 / lb | $22.14 | From BLS steak price |
| Lamb chops | $14.99 / lb | $24.95 | Estimate |
The best value picks
- Eggs ($2.28 a dozen): the cheapest protein in the store, ready in five minutes.
- Chicken legs and thighs ($1.67/lb): cheap even after the bone, and fatty enough to be filling.
- Liver (beef or chicken): very cheap and nutrient-dense. Keep it to about 200 g (7 oz) a week because of its vitamin A.
- Pork shoulder and pork chops: low price, easy to cook in bulk.
- Canned tuna: cheap, lean, no cooking.
- Ground beef 80/20 ($6.92/lb): not the cheapest protein, but cheap for beef, quick to cook and it brings its own fat.
Do not forget fat
On carnivore, fat is a main source of energy. Lean picks like chicken breast and tuna are cheap per gram of protein, but on their own they leave many people hungry. Pair them with eggs, butter or a fattier cut, or pick cuts that bring their own fat, like thighs, pork shoulder and 80/20 ground beef.
Where steak and seafood fit
Ribeye, lamb chops, short ribs and shrimp cost several times more per gram of protein than eggs or chicken. Nothing wrong with them, they just work best as a once-a-week meal. See what a carnivore week costs with and without them.
Recipes for the cheapest cuts
Get a carnivore plan for your budget
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Plan my week freeGeneral information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or take medication, talk to your doctor before changing your diet.
