There’s just something special about strawberries. In season, out of season, the price tag doesn’t matter, those fruity red gems are always on my mind. But are strawberries keto friendly, and can you really enjoy strawberries on your keto diet without knocking yourself out of ketosis?
Understanding the Keto Diet and Strawberries
If you’re following a ketogenic diet, also known as the keto diet, it’s essential to understand which foods fit into your dietary plan. One question that often arises is: are strawberries keto? The answer is yes!
Fellow strawberry lovers, have no fear: Strawberries are indeed keto-friendly! You can add them into your huge keto food list and start incorporating strawberries and enjoying their added sweetness.
Including moderate amounts of fruit such as ripe juicy strawberries adds variety and flavor, making sticking to this eating style more enjoyable overall.
Nutritional Profile of Strawberries
KetoConnect verdict: We give strawberries a keto-friendly rating of ⭐⭐⭐(out of 5)
Strawberries and keto are a match made in heaven. At just 36 calories per 100g, there’s bound to be room in your keto diet for a few berries when you need a sweet tooth fix. Just remember, moderation is key when adding any fruit to your keto meal plan due to its natural sugar content.
Now that you can look forward to enjoying strawberries on your keto diet, let’s find out exactly where they land nutritionally.
How Many Carbs in Strawberries?
One cup of sliced fresh strawberries contains approximately 11 grams of total carbs and 3 grams of dietary fiber, making them one of the lower carb options among fresh berries at 8 net carbs per cup. This makes them a great choice for adding flavor to your meals while staying within your daily carb limit.
How Much Fat in Strawberries?
Fresh strawberries contain only 0.3g fat per 100g. While strawberries can’t top off your fat macros on their own, you can always incorporate them into delicious keto strawberry recipes like our keto cheesecake fat bombs if you find yourself a bit short on fat in your day.
How Much Protein in Strawberries?
Strawberries ring in at 0.6g protein per 100g. Need some more protein in your day AND a berry fix? Try this easy overnight keto chia pudding recipe topped with sliced fresh strawberries!
Health Benefits of Strawberries
Not only can these delicious berries fit into your daily carb limit, but they also come with numerous health benefits.
Boost Your Immune System
Strawberries are naturally high in vitamin C. In fact, just one cup of sliced strawberries provides more than 100% of the recommended daily intake for this important nutrient. Including strawberries into your diet can help boost your immune system, as the antioxidants present in fresh strawberries work together with vitamin C to strengthen the body’s defenses against illnesses and infections.
A Heart-Healthy Addition to Your Keto Diet
Fresh berries like strawberries have been shown to reduce several heart disease risk factors including inflammation, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood clotting. Incorporating them into your dietary regimen will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also contribute positively towards heart health – making adding strawberries a win-win situation!
Strawberries Keep Your Mind Sharp
If you want to keep your brain working in tip-top condition as you get older, start incorporating strawberries in your diet today! Antioxidants abundant in strawberries are associated with a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. In fact, one study found that people who consume berries more than twice a week delay cognitive aging by as much as 2.5 years!
Keto Alternatives to Strawberries
Strawberries aren’t your jam? No worries, you can still get your fruit fix with another tasty keto alternative. Consider these options:
Cranberries Galore!
If you only think of cranberries at turkey time, think outside the can! 1 cup of these low-carb fruits is packed with 3.6g fiber, only 8.4g net carbs, and endless tart, sweet flavor. Added bonus: This sugar-free cranberry relish recipe pairs perfectly with just about anything you can think of!
The Mighty Avocado
When it comes to the keto diet, there’s one fruit that stands out from the rest – the avocado. Packed with healthy fats and fiber, creamy avocados are a favorite among keto dieters for a good reason!
Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and lower your risk for heart disease. They’re also high in dietary fiber, making them perfect for those trying to stay within their daily carb limit on a ketogenic diet plan.
For a sweet keto avocado treat, try whipping up a batch of keto-friendly avocado fudge cookies!
Juicy Watermelon
A refreshing choice. Nothing says summer like watermelon!
Luckily, at just 11 grams of net carbs per cup, you can enjoy plenty of fresh watermelon and stay in ketosis. Find out more about eating watermelon on the keto diet here.
Delicious Keto-Friendly Strawberry Recipes
If you’re up for something a bit more adventurous than plain sliced berries, we’ve got you covered! Ready to whip up some keto magic?
Strawberry Keto Scones
These almond flour strawberry keto scones are a serious crowd-pleaser! Almond flour keeps the net carbs low, while strawberries kick the flavor into overdrive. If you have a major sweet tooth, the glaze is a must!
Keto Strawberry Cheesecake
This delightful recipe is a must-try. At just 5 grams of net carbs per slice, what’s not to like?
Strawberry Keto Smoothie
If you’re in a rush or don’t feel like baking, whip up a strawberry keto smoothie. With almond butter and avocado in the mix, you’ll stay full for hours after sipping this creamy concoction. Perfect for a hot summer day!
Keto-Friendly Strawberry Jam
Your kitchen awaits. The finale: A stunning keto-friendly sugar-free strawberry jam.
This jam requires only four ingredients, and it’s absolute perfection on keto protein pancakes. What are you waiting for? Get jammin’!
FAQs
Are strawberries OK for the keto diet?
Yes, strawberries are suitable for a keto diet due to their low net carb content. However, portion control is essential to avoid exceeding daily carb limits.
Are strawberries or blueberries better for keto?
Both fruits can fit into a keto diet but in terms of net carbs, strawberries are slightly better with fewer net carbs than blueberries per serving.
Are strawberries carb free?
No, strawberries contain carbohydrates but they’re relatively low-carb compared to other fruits. One cup contains around 11.5 grams of total carbs and 8.5 grams of net carbs.
Are strawberries keto-friendly?
Yes, keto dieters can enjoy the added sweetness of strawberries! On a ketogenic diet, you can certainly incorporate fresh fruit like strawberries, just make sure to keep an eye on portion sizes to stay in your daily carb limit.
Can you eat strawberries and raspberries on keto?
Absolutely. Both berries have low-net-carb counts making them excellent choices for those following the ketogenic diet when consumed in moderation.
Final Thoughts: Strawberries Are Keto Friendly
So, the keto diet isn’t all about bacon and eggs after all. It’s a versatile plan that allows for some sweet indulgences too.
The low net carb content of strawberries makes them an excellent addition to your ketogenic lifestyle. Incorporating these juicy red gems into your meals can bring a refreshing twist while keeping you within your daily carb limit.
And remember, it’s not just strawberries; there are other fruits out there with surprisingly low carbs ready to add variety to your plate. Satisfying those sugar cravings doesn’t mean straying from ketosis – fresh berries like strawberries could be the answer!
If you’re eager to dive deeper into this flavorful journey of keto-friendly foods and recipes, Keto Connect is here for you. We have tons of delicious strawberry-based recipes waiting for you!
So why wait? Embrace the sweetness in life while staying committed to your health goals. Try out some of the recipes on this page and let’s keep connecting through Keto!
Written by
Matt Gaedke
Matt is a former college basketball player turned computer engineer who discovered his passion for health and nutrition after cutting sugar from his diet in 2016. That year he founded KetoConnect with Megha in order to share their ketogenic lifestyle through recipes, videos, and educational content. Matt is always seeking to grow and try new things, a passion he shares with his wife and two amazing sons.
Expert Fact Checker
Kathryn Bubeck
Kathryn (Katy) Bubeck, RD, LDN is a Registered Dietitian with bachelor’s degrees in nutrition (University of Alabama) and health behavior management (University of Delaware). Originally from the Philadelphia suburbs, Katy has moved up and down the east coast for the past 20 years, and recently relocated to Baltimore, where she plans to eat ALL the seafood!
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