Your Guide to Get You Excited about Keto (Again!)
Whether you’re new to the Keto diet or you’re starting to feel sick of the Keto diet (craving bread anyone?), Whole Foods Market is a great option to put some pep in your step with some healthy unique Keto foods.
You know the feeling. You’re hitting a rut in your Keto plan and craving something delicious but you don’t know quite what. For me, it’s sometimes needing something to get my mind off of the delicious garlic bread my husband is eating (thanks so much Evan!). Other times carbs are the furthest thought from my mind but I’m completely bored of my usual routine (aka a weeknight casserole, Cobb salad, and some fat bombs. Sound familiar?). You just want something AMAZING.
Lucky for you, I’ve got a list that is sure to knock your socks off! Today I went shopping for something new and fresh to keep my keto journey going and I can promise you, I am satisfied.
Why Shop for Keto Foods at Whole Foods Market?
Not only is Whole Foods, as the name suggests, focused on whole food, otherwise known as healthy, non-processed foods which fully aligns with the Keto diet, but it also offers a multitude of smaller family brands that offer an array of options for the low-carb seeking mama. Many larger chain grocery stores cater to national brands that perhaps aren’t always as health conscious or as diverse as what we would like.
Additionally, and this is icing on the cake (sorry for that sugar temptation!), Whole Foods Market is owned by amazon, meaning you score big if you’re an amazon prime member.
To start, you get an additional 10% discount off, which helps make up for the higher price tag that often accompanies healthy, organic or non-processed items. Simply scan your QR code at the register. You can also order your groceries to be delivered through the amazon Whole Foods app for $9.95 shipping, giving you some extra time back AND a convenient way to shop while you double-check those nutrition labels and do your mental math to calculate each item’s net carbs.
So Whole Foods, here we come!
My Favorite Keto Foods Under 5 Net Carbs
First, let me note one of the best parts of this list: all of these items are under 5 net carbs/serving. Many “Keto” lists I have seen out there have items that are well over 10 net carbs and if you’re sticking around the typical suggestion of under 26 net carbs per day, the majority of said Keto items will blow up your diet with just one meal… or leave you eating celery for the rest of the day.
I’ll note each item’s Net Carb count per serving for easy reference on anything packaged.
Additionally, this is not your average boring Keto list. You know what I’m talking about… those “best lists” that all highlight items you already know about like “guac” and “beef jerky.” We’re bored already!
This list compiles my favorite items that will transform your Keto-rut into something your tastebuds will be thanking you for for weeks to come and many of which you can use in many different ways to keep your menu evolving. Salivating with anticipation yet? Alright alright, let’s get to it:
#1 The Olive Bar
I always head straight here, that is, if I’m not distracted by the cheese. The olive bar is my absolute favorite place to start. It sets the tone for revamping your whole Keto diet. It’s fun to pick out your olive assortment and gets you thinking about how yummy your revamped charcuterie board will be once you add these to it.
The olive bar is pay by pound and offers several different options of plastic containers for you to fill. I personally like the 4 square option so the oils and flavors don’t mix.
I highly recommend grabbing some of the roasted red peppers (use on keto pizza’s/flatbreads, on flax seed crackers with goat cheese, or add to your salami board for some color and pazazz) and peppadews (fill these with goat cheese or whipped feta and I promise you will thank me).
Getting some array to your assortment is key in re-exciting you about your Keto journey. So have fun and fill up!
#2 Speciality Cheese
Now that you have got your snazzy olives, let’s add to the charcuterie inspiration and add some small portions of specialty cheeses. I like to get 2-4 of these to really differentiate the tastes in my meals and to have options for that late night cheese and salami snack I can’t seem to kick.
I highly recommend:
- A fancy goat cheese: make goat cheese jalapeno poppers, bake inside prosciutto cups, or add to keto lasagna
- A blue cheese: add into a Cobb salad, charcuterie board, or crumble on top of a steak or lettuce wrap hamburger
- A Hard cheese with bold nutty flavor: cut into cubes for a tasty quick snack that beats your every day string cheese
Another item I like from the Cheese section are the Perfectly Crisp Parmesan Crisps. These are a tad pricey ($6.29 for a 3oz box) but if you are not a DIY type of gal, these are so worth it. They are only 1 net carb/serving (about 3 crisps which is a generous serving size given how long they are) and serve as a perfect elegant cracker for your salmon mousse, artichoke dip or guacamole. Grab the Everything Bagel seasoned ones or the Garlic & Herb– trust me!
#3 Cheese Fondue
Carrying on in the name of cheese, I love to pick up an EMMI Fondue to help make food feel fun again. With 9 grams fat and only 2 net carbs for 1/4 cup, this is a super fun dinner that the kids and hubby can even enjoy! Great if you’re having friends over who are not on board with your Keto journey too.
Even if you don’t have a fondue pot, all you need is your stove and a pot to melt the cheese. EMMI makes it super easy to melt with instructions and tips right on the box. Trust me, this one is a Keto game changer!
- Net Carbs: 2 net carb per serving (1/4 cup)
- Best Uses: pair with veggies (red pepper, asparagus, artichoke) or seared steak
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $9.99
- Buy Here for Delivery: EMMI Fondue
#4 Cucina Antica Garlic Marinara
A good marinara is so important, whether you are on Keto or not, as it’s so incredibly versatile. Finding one that tastes good, your family likes, and is low in carbs can prove to be a challenge (many red sauces add in sugar or depending on the tomatos they use, naturally have a higher carb count).
I spent a solid 30 minutes my first time on Keto comparing labels to find one that looked good and wasn’t carb-heavy before giving up and getting one with 8 net carbs which resulted in me using very little of it. Sorry, not a solution… I am a sauce FEEN and limiting my sauce just doesn’t cut it.
That’s why I’m obsessed with Cucina Antica. It’s DELICIOUS, priced well, and comes in several different flavors. Bonus: Kids like it too.
And the best part? Most flavors are only 3 net carbs, high of 4… yes you heard that right! And that’s for 1/2 cup!!!! Unheard of. Most marinaras have 10+ net carbs for the same amount.
Tip: always think about serving size. A nutrition label may only show 3 net carbs it also shows a serving size is only 1/8 cup. Unfortunately some brands are tricky so make sure you understand how much YOUR serving will be to understand how many net carbs you’ll be consuming.
There are so many Keto recipes you can make with a good marinara so this will be a staple in your kitchen. Great for any pasta substitutes, or just last night I made keto garlic knots and used the Cucina Antica Garlic Marinara as a dipping sauce. YUM.
- Net Carbs: 3 net carbs per serving (1/2 cup)
- Best Uses: keto pasta, Keto pizza, dipping sauce
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $8.49 for 25 oz jar
- Buy Here for Delivery: Cucina Antica
Related: 20 Clean Keto Snack Recipes
#4 Moon Cheese
I wasn’t so sure about this one but decided to try it because, why not? I was pleasantly surprised. This tasty snack comes in three flavors: Cheddar and Parmesan (2 net carbs) and Gouda (1 net carb). It’s made of 100% real cheese and is a nice alternative to cubed or sliced cheese and gives you that CRUNCH you’re craving.
Eat them as a quick on the go snack (I keep a bag in my glove compartment for “emergencies”) or my favorite, add to a salad to make it feel extra special.
- Net Carbs: 1-2 per serving (serving is 6-7 pieces)
- Best Uses: as is snack, salad topper
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $5.29 for 2 oz bag
- Buy Here for Delivery: Moon Cheese
#5 Flackers: Flax Seed Crackers
These…are necessary! Flackers Flax Seed Crackers are the perfect replacement for crackers and an absolute must for any charcuterie board. All those yummy cheeses and dips and spreads you have (which are the saving grace to any Keto diet) and don’t know what to eat them with? This is your answer!
- Net Carbs: 1-2 per serving
- Best Uses: charcuterie board or quick snack with artichoke dip, slice of cheese, etc
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $6.49/5 ounce bag
- Buy Here for Delivery: Flackers Flax Seed Crackers
#6 Parm Crisps
I talked about my love for parmesan crisps from the cheese section of Whole Foods Market, but these bagged and bite size Parm Crisps are another great option and best for a hurried or on the go snack. Pick your flavor (Cheddar, Everything, Four Cheese, or my fav Sour Cream & Onion) or if you’re like me grab a couple, and you’ve instantly got an easy and crunchy snack. Just be careful, they’re addictive!
- Net Carbs: 1 net carb per serving (Cheddar flavor is 3 net carbs)
- Best Uses: quick snack
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $2.70/1.75 ounce bag
- Buy Here for Delivery: Parm Crisps
#7 Haxan Ferment Sauces
Love these. If you’re looking for a way to reinvent a meal, these are your ticket. I love a good sauce that you can easily simmer with veggies on the stove or top on to a chicken breast. The thing about getting you excited again about Keto is FLAVOR and this is just that. You can do your usual recipes or discover new ones with these, but either way you’re in for a treat.
This is brand is special because it’s made in small batches and from (near and dear to my heart) the Pacific Northwest. It’s not sold in many places other than Whole Foods (think Farmer’s Markets and specialty stores) so having it at Whole Foods is a real plus.
The Haxan Serrano Roasted Garlic is my favorite. It’s 3 of 4 on their heat chart so if you’re not into spice, skip this one. They have a fantastic cherry bomb sauce for you red sauce fans and a Smokey Coffee Mole (great for bbq) that are sure to make your tastebuds sing (found in stores).
- Net Carbs: 0 net carb per serving
- Best Uses: simmer with veggies and meat of choice, tacos, eggs, BBQ, and more
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $7.90 4 ounce jar
- Buy Here for Delivery: Haxan Serrano Roasted Garlic
#8 Palmini Lasagna Sheets
If you’re like me, giving up pasta is what kills me every time. Not only do I love eating it, it’s an easy, quick and kid-friendly dinner to make so not having it as an option while on Keto makes dinner time more taxing.
But thank God for Palmini’s Lasagna Sheets. Made from hearts of palms, this is the most delicious low-carb and low-cal alternative (gluten free too). Easy to make instructions are on the back (rinse, boil, make lasagna layers, bake). Make it with the Cucina Antica Marinara, add some feta and mozzarella (go fancy with kalamata olives and roasted peppers) and you have yourself a perfect pasta-esque meal.
- Net Carbs: 2 net carbs per serving
- Best Uses: simmer with veggies and meat of choice, tacos, eggs, BBQ, and more
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $4.99 per package
- Buy Here for Delivery: Palmini’s Lasagna Sheets
#9 HighKey Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies
I don’t have words for these other than THANK GOD for HighKey Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies! They are the perfect bite size so you don’t over indulge and taste nearly like the real thing. I literally have to hide them in my cupboard because my son will eat them all! These are the perfect treat to get you through your Keto-blues.
The extra plus on these is that though they are a “treat” they also give you a good punch of fat with 13 grams/serving. Many keto treats have low fat meaning it doesn’t aid in keeping you in ketosis or curbing your appetite.
- Net Carbs: 1 net carb per serving (a serving is 7 pieces!!! I typically only want 3)
- Best Uses: simmer with veggies and meat of choice, tacos, eggs, BBQ, and more
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $5.29
- Buy Here for Delivery: HighKey Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies
#10 Truff Hot Sauce
You may heard of this one. Truff Sauce blew up over social media a few years ago and is known for it’s truffle infused sauces and oils that are absolutely delicious. It’s so well loved they even offer subscriptions on their site. I became obsessed with Truff Hot Sauce when my husband got me the hot sauce gift set 2 years ago for Christmas. My personal favorite is the white truffle sauce; it’s a bit sweeter.
Unfortunately, Truff’s tomato sauces are higher in net carbs than I would recommend, but lucky for us their hot sauces are not. Truff’s top 3 recommendations for their hot sauce (and I couldn’t agree more) are adding to your [Keto] pizza, adding to avocado toast, adding to morning eggs.
- Net Carbs: 1 net carb per serving
- Best Uses: Keto pizza topping, avocado toast, egg topping, burritos, nachos
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $10.79
- Buy Here for Delivery: Truff Hot Sauce: Black Truffle or Truff Hot Sauce: White Truffle
#11 Epic Artisanal Bone Broth: Beef Jalapeno Sea Salt
Bone broth is a staple in many diets as it provides great hydration and nourishment through extracting the collagen, minerals and gelatin out of bones; all without the carbs or calories. It’s even allowed on most diets while you’re intermittent fasting.
This one is just…delicious. Epic Bone Broth is my go to before bed; it’s so easy to warm up in the microwave and then sip on while you wind down for night. It keeps me full and curbs any late night craving I’m having. The hint of jalapeno gives it a great flavor too (not too spicy!)
- Net Carbs: 3 net carb per serving (1 cup)
- Best Uses: drink as is or simmer with veggies and meats for added nutrition and flavor
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $7.99
- Buy Here for Delivery: Epic Artisanal Bone Broth: Beef Jalapeno Sea Salt
#12 Bhu Foods Organic Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
These are another great “treat” to curb any sugar cravings, especially for those of your that crave the cookie dough over the actual cookie. Lower in sodium (30mg) with still a decent amount of fat (10g), these are an excellent Keto go-to!
- Net Carbs: 1 net carb per serving (1 “bite”)
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $9.99 for 5.29 oz bag
- Buy Here for Delivery: Bhu Foods Organic Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
#13 Cucina & Amore Bruschetta Artichoke Dip
O.M.G. is this stuff amazing! I’m telling you, it’s a little pot of heaven. I use it in so many ways to get me excited about my Keto meals again. Lately my favorite has been topping 2-3 oz of Artichoke Dip on my chicken breast for dinner (I do really struggle eating plain chicken) or adding it on top of my Flackers Flax Seed Crackers. There’s so many ways to use artichoke dip, you really can’t go wrong.
- Net Carbs: 1 net carb per serving (1 oz)
- Best Uses: on chicken, as a dip for veggies or with cheese & Keto crackers
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $7.99
- Buy Here for Delivery: Cucina & Amore Bruschetta Artichoke Dip
#14 Miracle Noodle
Miracle Noodle offers an array of noodle types (think fettucini, angel hair, spaghetti, etc) for all you noodle craving people out there. I don’t know why, but I was really reluctant to try this one. Something about the clear noodle made me think the texture may be off?
But, my craving for phu was what drove me to try it… and I’m so glad I did! All of these plant based noodles are made of a healthy natural fiber called Glucomannan and because of it’s lack of flavor, they completely absorb the flavor of whatever you cook them with. I’ve really enjoyed the italian noodles with pasta sauce and meatballs or the asian noodles to include with soups, phu, or simmering in currys or asian sauces with veggies. Truly a game changer to switch up your at home menu!
- Net Carbs: 0 net carb per serving!
- Best Uses: noodle substitute for italian or asian recipes
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $4.29
- Buy Here for Delivery: fettucini, angel hair, spaghetti
#15 EPIC Pink Himalayan & Sea Salt Baked Pork Rinds
Pork Rinds are a common item on a Keto shopping list so I’m adding it last, but couldn’t NOT include Epic’s Pork Rinds. They’re not found at your typical grocery store so if you find yourself in Whole Foods, definitely grab a bag (or two). The company has a great philosophy focused on nourishment, sourcing grass-fed animals, and committing to global land restoration to ensure future generations will have healthy land to ranch off of.
- Net Carbs: 0 net carb per serving!
- Estimated Whole Foods Price: $8.79 for 5 oz bag
- Buy Here for Delivery: Epic Pork Rinds: Pink Himalayan + Sea Salt
And there you have it! Leave a comment below with how you use these items to spruce up your Keto meals or if there’s another great item we need to know about!
[…] Related: Best Keto Foods to Buy at Whole Foods […]