The question often arises when starting a ketogenic diet, "Is garlic keto?" In our pursuit of health benefits, we frequently encounter such queries. In this blog post, we'll discuss the ins and outs of incorporating garlic into your ketogenic diet, so you can reap its benefits while maintaining your state of ketosis.
Is garlic keto?
Yes, garlic is keto-friendly. It is a low-carb food that contains no sugar or starch. One clove of garlic contains only 1 gram of net carbs. Garlic is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and selenium.

health benefits of garlic:
Health Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Boosting the immune system | Garlic contains compounds that can help to boost the immune system and fight off infection. |
Reducing inflammation | Garlic can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and heart disease. |
Fighting bacteria and viruses | Garlic has been shown to be effective against a variety of bacteria and viruses, including the common cold and the flu. |
Lowering blood pressure | Garlic can help to lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. |
Protecting against cancer | Garlic has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties, and it may be helpful in preventing certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer and stomach cancer. |
Improving heart health | Garlic can help to improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation, and preventing blood clots. |
Garlic is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. It is also a healthy food that can offer a number of health benefits.
Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be added to soups, stews, sauces, and stir-fries. Garlic can also be roasted, grilled, or sauteed and served as a side dish.
Understanding Garlic and Its Benefits
Garlic, part of the onion family, originated in Central Asia and has been used for centuries for its strong flavor and medicinal properties. It is packed with vitamins, notably vitamin C, and sulfur compounds like diallyl disulfide. These compounds, along with garlic's antioxidant properties, work together to benefit your immune system, potentially lower blood pressure, and regulate cholesterol levels.
Garlic is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help with digestive issues. However, one cannot overlook the notorious 'garlic breath' and bad breath which often follow the consumption of raw garlic.
Carb Content in Garlic: The Numbers
Let's get down to the basics. Each clove of fresh garlic contains roughly one gram of carbohydrates. This includes dietary fiber, resulting in about one gram of net carbs per clove. That's not a lot! In comparison, a teaspoon of garlic powder contains approximately two grams of net carbs. So, smaller amounts of fresh garlic or garlic powder can be included in your low-carb diet without disrupting your carb intake.
How to Incorporate Garlic into Your Keto Diet
When it comes to incorporating garlic into your keto meals, the best way is to use it as a flavor enhancer. Add it to your olive oil for a simple salad dressing, or sprinkle garlic salt or garlic paste on your favorite recipes for a boost of flavor.
One favorite keto-friendly recipe is keto garlic bread, made with almond flour and cream cheese. And let's not forget the rich, creamy garlic butter sauce – a great addition to any side dish. These dishes not only bring the authentic taste of garlic but also keep the amount of carbs within your daily limit.
Keto Garlic Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg and melted butter.
- Dip bread slices in egg mixture, then coat in almond flour mixture.
- Place bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 2g
This Keto Garlic Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make keto-friendly snack or side dish. It is made with only a few simple ingredients and is ready in just a few minutes. The bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the garlic butter topping is flavorful and satisfying. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or for a special occasion.
However, beware of store-bought garlic sauces and garlic supplements. They can have hidden carbs and may not offer the health benefits of the real thing.
helpful tips for incorporating garlic into your ketogenic diet:
- Opt for Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are low in net carbs and offer a more potent flavor and more health benefits compared to processed forms.
- Measure Your Portions: Keep track of your portions to ensure you don’t exceed your daily carb intake. A single clove of garlic contains about one gram of net carbs, so factor this in when planning your meals.
- Garlic Powder in Moderation: Garlic powder can be a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, but it contains more carbs. A teaspoon of garlic powder contains about two grams of net carbs.
- Infused Olive Oil: An easy way to incorporate garlic into your keto diet is by infusing it in olive oil. This adds a delicious garlic flavor to any dish, and it can be used in salad dressings, for sautéing vegetables, or drizzled over keto bread.
- DIY Garlic Paste: Making garlic paste at home is an easy way to add garlic flavor to your meals. Blend fresh garlic cloves with olive oil until you have a smooth paste. You can store this in the fridge and use it to flavor your keto meals.
- Create Keto-Friendly Garlic Dishes: From garlic butter sauce to keto garlic bread made with almond flour and cream cheese, there are numerous keto-friendly recipes where garlic can shine.
- Check Labels: Be wary of store-bought garlic sauces or garlic supplements, which may contain hidden carbs or added sugars. Always check the label before purchasing.
- Garlic for Health: Remember, garlic has several health benefits like boosting the immune system, potentially lowering blood pressure, and regulating cholesterol levels. Incorporating it into your diet can help support overall health.
- Experiment with Black Garlic: Black garlic is a fermented version of garlic with a sweet and tangy flavor. It can be a unique addition to your keto meals.
Remember, as with everything, moderation is key when incorporating garlic into your keto diet. Enjoy the health benefits and the flavor boost it can provide to your meals!
Can You Have Too Much Garlic?
While garlic has a multitude of health benefits, consuming high doses can lead to issues such as bad breath and high blood pressure. Therefore, consider using garlic in smaller amounts while ensuring you reap the health benefits without any potential setbacks.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
- Add the salt, pepper, and parsley to the butter and cook for 1 minute more.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the butter sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Net Carbs: 2g
This Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-make keto-friendly meal. It is made with only a few simple ingredients and is ready in just a few minutes. The shrimp are cooked in a garlic butter sauce that is flavorful and satisfying. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or for a special occasion.
FAQs
Q: Can I use garlic powder on a keto diet?A: Yes, but keep in mind that a teaspoon of garlic powder contains more carbs than a single clove. Try using a smaller amount like a 1/2 tsp of garlic powder.
Q: Is black garlic keto-friendly?A: Yes. Black garlic is just fermented garlic and retains the same amount of carbs.
Q: Can I have garlic supplements on a keto diet?A: Garlic supplements can be part of a ketogenic diet. However, always check the label for any added carbs and consult with a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
So, is garlic keto? The simple answer is yes. Garlic, when used in moderation, can be a part of your ketogenic diet. It not only enhances the flavor of your food but also provides numerous health benefits. Whether you're whipping up a creamy keto garlic bread using fathead doughs or trying new recipes with a whole clove of garlic, you'll find that this aromatic herb is a great addition to your low-carb lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
- Garlic is keto-friendly when used in moderation.
- A single clove of garlic contains about one gram of net carbs, and a teaspoon of garlic powder contains about two grams.
- Incorporate garlic into your meals by adding it to olive oil, keto bread, or as a spice.
- Be cautious with store-bought garlic sauces and supplements; they can contain hidden carbs.
- Too much garlic can lead to bad breath and high blood pressure, so moderation is key.
- Garlic provides numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system, potentially lowering blood pressure, and regulating cholesterol levels.
Remember, the best thing about the ketogenic diet is the flexibility and variety it offers, so enjoy experimenting with garlic and discover new flavors and recipes that complement your keto journey.

Hello, I'm Melissa, the founder and visionary behind Everyday Ketogenic. With more than 12 years of experience in content creation, recipe development, and blogging, I've cultivated this platform into a leading resource for anyone interested in the ketogenic lifestyle. Everyday Ketogenic is my canvas, where I paint with words and ideas, bringing the keto world to life.