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    Home / Best Nuts for Keto: What to Eat & What to Avoid

    Best Nuts for Keto: What to Eat & What to Avoid

    Cast Iron Keto
    by Cast Iron Keto
    Updated: Jul 10,2024
    Leave a Comment

    Welcome to your go-to guide on navigating the nutty waters of the keto diet! If you've been wondering which nuts are your allies in maintaining ketosis and which ones might be secretly sabotaging your efforts, you've come to the right place. In this best nuts for keto blog, we cover everything, from what to munch on to how much is too much.

    A variety of nuts arranged and displayed on a square wooden block.
    Jump to:
    • How to Choose Nuts for Keto?
    • How to Avoid Eating Too Many Nuts?
    • Which Nuts Should Be Avoided on a Keto Diet?
    • What Nuts Are Best for Keto (Lowest Carb Nuts)
    • Special Offer
    • Nuts with the most protein
    • Conclusion
    • Frequently asked questions

    How to Choose Nuts for Keto?

    Picking the best keto-friendly nuts isn't just about grabbing the tastiest bag off the shelf. Here’s what you need to consider: 

    • Carb content: This is your deal-breaker. Lower-carb nuts are your best friends here.
    • Added ingredients: Watch out for added sugars and salts. Natural is the way to go!
    • Shelf life: Opt for nuts that won’t go rancid quickly, ensuring you always eat fresh, nutrient-packed snacks.
    • Nutritional profile: Besides carbs, look at the fat and protein content. Higher fat and moderate protein levels are ideal.

    How to Avoid Eating Too Many Nuts?

    Nuts are delicious and easy to overeat, so managing your portions carefully is important. Here’s how to keep your snacking in check:

    • Use measuring tools: Always measure out servings instead of eating from the bag.
    • Know your limits: Familiarize yourself with the carb counts and portion sizes for each type of nut.
    • High-fat pairings: Eating nuts with other high-fat foods can help keep you fuller longer, reducing the temptation to overeat.
    • Stay hydrated: Drink water before snacking on nuts—it’s easy to confuse thirst with hunger.
    • Mindful eating: Eat slowly and savor each nut to increase satisfaction and prevent overeating.
    • Keep out of sight: Store nuts in cupboards or places where you won’t see them all the time to avoid unnecessary snacking.

    Which Nuts Should Be Avoided on a Keto Diet?

    • Tigernuts (63g per 100g): With a high carb count, tigernuts can significantly impact ketosis. While delicious, their carb content makes them a less-than-ideal choice for maintaining ketosis.
    • Acorns (41g per 100g): Their high carb count can quickly add up, leading to a significant intake of carbohydrates that may hinder ketosis. 

    Moderation is the key

    • Cashews (36g per 100g): Despite their delicious taste, cashews contain a significant amount of carbohydrates, which can add up quickly if consumed in large quantities. While they can still be enjoyed occasionally in controlled portions, it's important to be mindful of their carb content.

    What Nuts Are Best for Keto (Lowest Carb Nuts)

    Navigating the keto diet can feel like a balancing act, especially when it comes to snacking. Lucky for you, nuts are a great go-to, and some are especially low in carbs, making them perfect for staying in ketosis. Ready to explore more about these and other keto options? Let’s get cracking!

    Net Carbs in Nuts Chart

    A chart with the best nuts for keto with their net carbs per 100 grams.

    1. Pecans

    Pecans are highly regarded in the keto community for their low carb content and high fat, making them an ideal snack for maintaining ketosis. Their rich, buttery flavor enhances both sweet and savory dishes, offering versatility. Add these nuts to salads, make homemade pecan butter, or use them in keto-friendly baking recipes.

    Nutrient100gmServing Size: 1 oz (28g)
    Carbs (g)13.93.89
    Fiber (g)9.62.69
    Net Carbs (g)4.31.2
    Fat (g)7220.16
    Protein (g)9.172.57

    Wanna know how to incorporate them in keto recipes, check out these recipes:

    • Keto Pecan and Gouda-Crusted Salmon
    • Keto Pecan Pie
    • Keto Butter Pecan Ice Cream

    2. Brazil Nuts

    Brazil nuts are a great addition to the keto diet and their large size and creamy texture make them a satisfying snack. Add them to your morning yogurt for extra crunch, snack on them, or add chopped nuts to salads or keto granola.

    Nutrient100gmServing Size: 1 oz (28g)
    Carbs (g)11.73.28
    Fiber (g)7.52.1
    Net Carbs (g)4.21.18
    Fat (g)67.118.79
    Protein (g)14.34

    3. Macadamia Nuts

    Macadamia nuts are celebrated for their high-fat content and low net carbs, aligning perfectly with keto dietary goals. Their unique, creamy texture makes them a luxurious addition to any meal or snack.

    Nutrient100gmServing Size: 1 oz (28g)
    Carbs (g)24.16.75
    Fiber (g)7.62.13
    Net Carbs (g)16.54.62
    Fat (g)64.918.17
    Protein (g)7.792.18

    Do you want keto-friendly recipes with macadamia nuts? Try these delicious options!

    • Keto Chocolate Fat Bomb Nut Clusters
    • Keto Dutch Baby

    Special Offer

    As part of our commitment to bringing you the best, we've teamed up with House of Macadamias to offer you an exclusive 15% discount on our specially curated keto-friendly and low-carb products.

    Don't miss out on this perfect opportunity to enjoy premium products at a great price. Check out our bundle here and grab your discount today!

    CIK's partnership with House of Macadamias product display.

    4. Hazelnuts

    Hazelnuts boast a flavorful profile that can enhance keto dishes without adding too many carbs. They're particularly great in baked goods, lending a rich, nutty flavor.

    Grind these nuts into flour for baking, add them to homemade chocolate treats, or enjoy them roasted as a snack.

    Nutrient100gmServing Size: 1 oz (28g)
    Carbs (g)26.57.42
    Fiber (g)8.42.35
    Net Carbs (g)18.15.07
    Fat (g)53.514.98
    Protein (g)13.53.78

    5. Walnuts

    Walnuts are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, and their carb count is manageable for a keto diet. They add a wonderful texture and nuttiness to dishes. Add walnuts to keto-friendly yogurt or salads, use it in baking, or eat as a snack.

    Nutrient100gmServing Size: 1 oz (28g)
    Carbs (g)13.73.84
    Fiber (g)6.71.88
    Net Carbs (g)71.96
    Fat (g)65.218.26
    Protein (g)15.24.26

    Walnuts add the perfect crunch to keto meals—find out how with our recipes!

    • White Chocolate Keto Skillet Blondie
    • Cauliflower Walnut Taco Cups
    • Toll House Cookie Recipe

    6. Peanuts

    Their high protein content and healthy fats make them a hearty snack. Peanuts can be incorporated into the diet as natural peanut butter (without added sugars), added to low-carb dishes for a crunchy texture, or eaten as a snack.

    Nutrient100gmServing Size: 1 oz (28g)
    Carbs (g)16.14.51
    Fiber (g)8.52.38
    Net Carbs (g)7.62.13
    Fat (g)49.213.78
    Protein (g)25.87.22

    Peanuts can be more than just a snack! Try our delicious keto recipes featuring your favorite nut.

    • Keto Snickers Bars
    • Reese's Copycat Recipe
    • No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Keto Peanut Butter Ice Cream

    7. Pine Nuts

    Pine nuts, though higher in carbs than some nuts, add a burst of flavor and texture to keto meals, particularly in pesto sauces or sprinkled over salads. To incorporate pine nuts into a keto diet, use them sparingly as a garnish or in homemade pesto sauce.

    Nutrient100gmServing Size: 1 oz (28g)
    Carbs (g)13.13.67
    Fiber (g)3.71.04
    Net Carbs (g)9.42.63
    Fat (g)68.419.15
    Protein (g)13.73.84

    Tiny but mighty, our pine nut recipes pack a big flavor punch in our signature pesto sauce dishes.

    • Keto Grilled Chicken with Pesto Sauce
    • Keto Grilled Vegetables with Pesto Sauce
    • Baked Chicken Legs with Pesto Sauce

    8. Almonds

    Almonds are a keto favorite due to their versatility and balanced nutritional profile. They are perfect for smoothies, baking, and as a dairy substitute in coffee and cooking. Its mild flavor and creamy texture make it ideal for enhancing both sweet and savory dishes without adding unwanted carbs.

    Nutrient100gmServing Size: 1 oz (28g)
    Carbs (g)205.6
    Fiber (g)10.83.02
    Net Carbs (g)9.22.58
    Fat (g)51.114.31
    Protein (g)21.45.99

    Almonds are a keto favorite. Make the most of them with our recipes!

    • Keto Almond Flour Muffins
    • Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies
    • Keto Spinach Quiche with Almond & Coconut Flour
    • Keto Sausage Balls

    9. Pistachios

    Pistachios, with their higher carb content, should be consumed in moderation on a keto diet. However, their unique flavor and nutritional benefits make them a valuable occasional treat.

    Incorporate pistachios into your diet by adding them to salads for a pop of color and texture or enjoying a small handful as a snack.

    Nutrient100gmServing Size: 1 oz (28g)
    Carbs (g)27.77.76
    Fiber (g)71.96
    Net Carbs (g)20.75.8
    Fat (g)4512.60
    Protein (g)20.55.74

    Searching for keto recipes with pistachios, try these recipes!

    • Keto Pistachio Rose Chocolate Bark
    • Sugar-free Pistachio Butter
    • Keto Tirokafteri
    • Keto Nut Clusters

    10. Cashews

    Cashews are on the higher end in terms of carbs but can still be included in a keto diet in small amounts. Their creamy texture is perfect for making dairy-free cream sauces or adding a soft crunch to meals.

    Use cashews sparingly in recipes, such as blending them into smoothies or as a dairy-free creamy base for keto-friendly sauces and desserts.

    Nutrient100gmServing Size: 1 oz (28g)
    Carbs (g)36.310.16
    Fiber (g)4.11.15
    Net Carbs (g)32.29.02
    Fat (g)38.910.89
    Protein (g)17.44.87

    Cashews are great for keto—if you know how to use them. Try our recipes!

    • Keto Dark Chocolate Mousse
    • Keto Indian Butter Chicken
    • Keto Chicken Tikka Masala

    This detailed breakdown for each keto-friendly nut should help guide your choices and incorporation into a keto diet, ensuring you enjoy their flavors and health benefits while staying on track.

    Nuts with the most protein

    When it comes to boosting your protein intake with nuts, some varieties stand out more than others. Here’s a quick rundown of their protein content to help you make informed choices.

    1. Peanuts: 25.8g
    2. Almonds: 21.4g
    3. Pistachios: 20.5g
    4. Walnuts: 15.2g
    5. Brazil Nuts: 14.3g
    6. Pine Nuts: 13.7g
    7. Hazelnuts: 13.5g
    8. Cashews: 17.4g
    9. Pecans: 9.17g
    10. Macadamia Nuts: 7.79g

    Conclusion

    Choosing the right nuts is crucial for anyone on a keto diet, and we're confident we have highlighted the best nuts for keto. Pick nuts that are low in carbs but high in fats, which fits perfectly with keto guidelines. Just be mindful about portion sizes because it's super easy to overindulge. It's all about finding that sweet spot between enjoying the nutritional benefits of nuts and keeping your ketosis in check.

    Frequently asked questions

    Not all nuts are created equal, especially when it comes to carb content. While some nuts do have a higher carb count, many are low in net carbs, making them suitable for a low-carb or keto diet. The key is to choose nuts with lower net carbs and consume them in moderation to fit within your daily carb limit.

    The best nuts for a keto diet are those with the lowest net carb content and highest fat content. Nuts like pecans, Brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts are excellent choices due to their low carb counts and high healthy fat profiles, which can help maintain ketosis. Other good options include walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts, provided they are consumed in controlled portions.

    The recommended serving size for nuts on a keto diet typically ranges from 1 ounce (about 28 grams) to a small handful. This equates to roughly 20-24 almonds, 18-20 pecans, or about 10-12 macadamia nuts per serving. Since nuts are energy-dense and can be easy to overeat, it's important to measure out servings to avoid accidentally consuming too many carbs or calories.

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