As diet trends evolve, the ketogenic diet, or keto, stands out for its focus on high-fat, low-carb eating. This approach helps your body enter a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Many find it an effective tool for weight management and overall health improvement.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of keto and provide tips on selecting the best ingredients for your keto meals, with expert advice from nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales. We’ve also curated a top 10 list of keto meal ingredients just for you—keep reading to find out more!
Quick List - Top Keto Meal Ingredients
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
In a nutshell, it is an LCHF or low-carb, high-fat diet. The principle behind this is if you replace your carbohydrate intake with fat, it puts your body in a state of ketosis. This makes your body burn fat quickly.
A lot of dieters have found that replacing carbohydrates with fat makes you full longer. This makes it easier for those who are on this diet to stop counting calories and instead focus on hitting fat targets.
The targets are usually calculated depending on your height and weight. The usual average is planning your meals around 70-80% of fat, 10-20% of protein, and 5-10% carbohydrate.
The ketogenic diet was applied clinically to help those with medical challenges such as epilepsy and seizures. A ketogenic diet gives emphasis to the amount of fat intake. This leads to ketosis, wherein fat (ketones) are used up as the energy source instead of carbohydrates. Based on studies, ketosis can have a positive effect on one's mood, weight loss, and even cognitive function.
Whether you're new to the ketogenic diet or a seasoned pro, finding the right ingredients can make all the difference. We’ve put together this buying guide to help you discover the best keto-friendly options that will keep your meals tasty and on track with your goals.
Not all fats are created equal! While keto is about eating more fat, it is still important to avoid trans fats - especially those that come from artificial sources. These are usually found in processed foods such as baked goods (cookies and cakes), snacks (chips, microwave popcorn), and fast-food.
Good fats usually come from fatty meat like beef, lamb, pork, and chicken; fatty fish like salmon; healthy oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and sesame oil; dairy products such as whole milk and cheese; and let's not forget avocado!
Eating a ketogenic diet includes high amounts of fat-rich foods such as chicken, eggs, butter, meat, fatty fish, coconut oil, MCT oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and a limited amount of carbohydrates from vegetables. When eating these high-fat foods, it's advisable to choose organic, antibiotic-free, or grass-fed meats whenever possible.
Sugars are 100% carbs, and is not allowed at all on a keto diet. However, sugar can be hidden in foods perceived to be healthy. It always helps to go through the label and check for different names for sugar which includes glucose, fructose, molasses, and sucralose among others.
Common sources of sugar include most fruits, protein bars, and asian sauces. Reading labels help a lot in successfully reaching ketosis.
When on a ketogenic diet, carbohydrate intake can only take up about 5% of the total calories. You can get sugars (carbohydrates) from grains such as oatmeal, rice, bread, pancakes, fruits, legumes, root vegetables like potatoes or beets, and beans aside from the sugar per se (ex. cane sugar). Likewise, when consuming processed foods, it's better to always read the ingredients list, and watch out for hidden sugar sources.
Food quality should always be your most important consideration. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if it comes in a box or is packaged in a factory, it is most likely not good for you.
In checking package labels, the lesser ingredients used is better than a long list that usually includes different chemicals and hidden sugars.
To be able to support your digestive health, immunity, and longevity, always choose real and whole foods. Eat foods closest to their original state. Try to make your food from scratch from real ingredients as much as you can to lessen or, better yet, avoid chemical-laden food products as well as hidden sugars and additives.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Serving Size | Total Carbs per Serving | Fat Content per Serving | Protein Content per Serving | Calories per Serving: | Added Sugar | |||||
1 | Little Retail Ph Shirataki Dried Rice | ![]() | Savor the Taste of Rice While on Keto Diet | Rice & Flour Alternatives | 25g | 6g | 0g | 0.5g | 29 | ||
2 | Little Retail Ph Chia Seeds | ![]() | Provides High Fiber Content and Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Seeds & Nuts | 12g | 0.0051g | 3.7g | 2g | 58 | ||
3 | Peter Paul Organic Virgin Coconut Oil | ![]() | Elevate Your Dishes With Superior Quality Organic VCO | Cooking Fats | 15g | 0g | 15g | 0g | 130 | ||
4 | Naturals Stevia Zero-Calorie Sweetener Sticks | ![]() | Add a Guilt-Free Sweet Touch to Your Meals | Sweeteners | 2g | 0g | 0g | 0g | 0 | ||
5 | Nescafé Gold Soluble Coffee | ![]() | Start Your Day Right With a Rich and Flavorful Keto-Friendly Coffee | Beverages | 2g | 0.8g | 0g | 18g | 6 | ||
6 | Keto Kusina Hazelnut Heaven Chocolate | ![]() | Indulge Guilt-Free With this 100% Sugar-Free, Low-Carb Treat | Proteins & Snacks | 30g | 1.3g | 17g | 1.6g | 160 | ||
7 | San Marino Chili Corned Tuna | ![]() | Adds a Spicy Kick While Boosting Your Protein Intake | Proteins & Snacks | 56g | 5g | 5g | 7g | 93 | ||
8 | Naturefood Roasted Almonds | ![]() | Convenient and Filling Keto Snack | Seeds & Nuts | 30g | 6.3g | 15.9g | 16.3g | 179.4 | ||
9 | Greenola Almond Flour|Extra Fine | ![]() | A Pantry Staple That's Packed With Nutrients | Rice & Flour Alternatives | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | ||
10 | Magnolia Gold Butter|Unsalted | ![]() | Budget-Friendly Butter With a Pure and Creamy Blend | Cooking Fats | 15g | 0g | 12g | 0g | 110 |
Type | Rice & Flour Alternatives |
---|---|
Serving Size | 25g |
Total Carbs per Serving | 6g |
Fat Content per Serving | 0g |
Protein Content per Serving | 0.5g |
Calories per Serving: | 29 |
Added Sugar |
Type | Seeds & Nuts |
---|---|
Serving Size | 12g |
Total Carbs per Serving | 0.0051g |
Fat Content per Serving | 3.7g |
Protein Content per Serving | 2g |
Calories per Serving: | 58 |
Added Sugar |
Peter Paul Organic Virgin Coconut Oil contains 100% pure, organic, and unrefined oil. It is cold-pressed, which helps retain its natural nutrients and benefits without heat or chemicals. Suitable for vegans and safe for all ages, it also offers versatility for both cooking and dietary supplementation.
One standout feature is its high content of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which make up 65% of the oil. Reviewers love the MCTs for supporting energy and weight management, especially on ketogenic or low-carb diets. The lauric acid also provides antibacterial and antiviral benefits for immune health.
Type | Cooking Fats |
---|---|
Serving Size | 15g |
Total Carbs per Serving | 0g |
Fat Content per Serving | 15g |
Protein Content per Serving | 0g |
Calories per Serving: | 130 |
Added Sugar |
Type | Sweeteners |
---|---|
Serving Size | 2g |
Total Carbs per Serving | 0g |
Fat Content per Serving | 0g |
Protein Content per Serving | 0g |
Calories per Serving: | 0 |
Added Sugar |
Type | Beverages |
---|---|
Serving Size | 2g |
Total Carbs per Serving | 0.8g |
Fat Content per Serving | 0g |
Protein Content per Serving | 18g |
Calories per Serving: | 6 |
Added Sugar |
Type | Proteins & Snacks |
---|---|
Serving Size | 30g |
Total Carbs per Serving | 1.3g |
Fat Content per Serving | 17g |
Protein Content per Serving | 1.6g |
Calories per Serving: | 160 |
Added Sugar |
Type | Proteins & Snacks |
---|---|
Serving Size | 56g |
Total Carbs per Serving | 5g |
Fat Content per Serving | 5g |
Protein Content per Serving | 7g |
Calories per Serving: | 93 |
Added Sugar |
Type | Seeds & Nuts |
---|---|
Serving Size | 30g |
Total Carbs per Serving | 6.3g |
Fat Content per Serving | 15.9g |
Protein Content per Serving | 16.3g |
Calories per Serving: | 179.4 |
Added Sugar |
Type | Rice & Flour Alternatives |
---|---|
Serving Size | Not Specified |
Total Carbs per Serving | Not Specified |
Fat Content per Serving | Not Specified |
Protein Content per Serving | Not Specified |
Calories per Serving: | Not Specified |
Added Sugar |
If you're looking for premium butter that won't break the bank, this might be it! Magnolia’s unsalted butter is made from high-quality butterfat and milk solids. Its smooth texture and slightly sweet undertone make it perfect for baked goods that delight those with a sweet tooth.
The aroma of this butter also makes your dishes even more tempting. It’s a favorite among bakers and cooks for how it improves the flavor and texture of their creations. Perfect for pastries, savory recipes, or low-carb meals, it offers the rich flavor and creamy consistency you need!
Type | Cooking Fats |
---|---|
Serving Size | 15g |
Total Carbs per Serving | 0g |
Fat Content per Serving | 12g |
Protein Content per Serving | 0g |
Calories per Serving: | 110 |
Added Sugar |
There are so many misconceptions on keto. We put together the most popular ones and explain why these are untrue!
Spoiler alert: the answer is no. While keto dieters are supposed to hit fat targets everyday, this does not translate to all the bacon you can eat.
In hitting these targets, unsaturated fat should be prioritized over saturated fat. Unsaturated fat usually come from plants (such as avocado, olive oil, most nuts and seeds) or other food rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids such as fatty fish, soybeans, and oysters.
Choose the right kind of fats. Bacon is a saturated fat that may increase your triglycerides or lipid profile when taken in excess amounts. Eat more omega-3 rich foods such as wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, cod liver oil, anchovies, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, just to name a few.
Another popular myth is that since fruits and vegetables are rich sources of carbohydrates, you can't eat them while on keto. This can't be further from the truth.
Fruits and vegetables play an important part in keeping the food moving in your digestive system - essential in fighting constipation, which is every keto dieter's worst nightmare. There are non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, and low-carb fruits such as berries - that are considered keto food.
Since the ketogenic diet is made up of 5% carbohydrates from total calories, only small amounts of leafy vegetables, onions, peppers, and fruits are permitted. These whole food ingredients support our gut health and immunity. Thus, limiting these food items may also affect our bodily functions over time. Currently, there is not enough research on the side effects of a long-term ketogenic diet.
As with any other diet or major lifestyle change, you should first consult with your doctor before taking the plunge. Just because you saw astounding weight-loss results from your friends does not mean that the same will apply to you.
As with other trendy diets, there is not enough research and information yet about this diet that can vouch for its long-term safety.
Again, the ketogenic diet was originally studied and prescribed for those with epilepsy. For most people, the ketogenic diet can be used short-term, primarily for weight loss, a boost of energy, or even mental clarity.
However, there is not enough evidence yet on the effects of the ketogenic diet on the body in the long run. The ketogenic diet is not safe for pregnant, lactating, those who had a history of eating disorders, pancreatic, kidney or liver diseases, type 1 diabetes, or high blood sugar issues.
Samantha Morales answers some of the internet's most asked questions in the section below!
As I have said above, it is originally intended as medical nutrition therapy for those with epilepsy/seizures. They will be the ones who will benefit most from the diet.
When your body is in ketosis, your body uses ketones as a source of its energy. Ketosis may vary per individual - it may happen quicker for some, results may differ, and even signs or symptoms may vary. Aside from weight loss, ketosis may improve your mood, cognitive ability, improve memory function, and may also enhance physical performance.
We compiled other ingredients you might want to consider adding in your keto pantry. Here are some of our suggestions.
Author: Laura Mercado
Re-editor: J. Ausa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Little Retail Ph|Shirataki Dried Rice
No. 2: Little Retail Ph|Chia Seeds
No. 3: Peter Paul|Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
No. 4: Naturals|Stevia Zero-Calorie Sweetener Sticks
No. 5: Nescafé|Gold Soluble Coffee
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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