CAKEID.DIET

Is Mongolian-style beef Keto?

No, Mongolian-style beef is generally not considered Keto-friendly. While it offers a savory, satisfying flavor profile, a closer look at the ingredient list reveals hidden sugars and starches that can easily disrupt ketosis. If you are strictly following a low-carb diet, this dish is likely one to skip or modify significantly.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the ingredient label. When analyzing this Mongolian-style beef, the primary issue for Keto dieters lies in the composition of the Mongolian Sauce. While the base protein—Grass-fed Beef—is an excellent, high-quality choice for a high-fat, low-carb diet, the sauce introduces significant obstacles.

The most glaring red flags are the sweeteners. The sauce contains both Coconut Sugar and Coconut Nectar. While coconut products are often touted as "healthier" alternatives, they are still forms of sugar that contain carbohydrates. On a Keto diet, your daily carb limit is typically very low (often 20-50 grams). The sugar content in this sauce alone could consume a large portion of that allowance, spiking insulin levels and potentially knocking you out of ketosis.

Furthermore, the sauce utilizes Tapioca Starch as a thickener. Tapioca is a pure starch derived from the cassava root, which is essentially pure carbohydrate. In food manufacturing, starches are used to give sauces that glossy, viscous texture we associate with takeout. For a Keto dieter, however, this is a non-nutritive filler that adds to the net carb count without providing any beneficial fats or fiber.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:
sugarstarch

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is a mixed bag. On the positive side, you are getting a significant amount of protein and fat from the Grass-fed Beef, which is superior to conventional grain-fed beef in terms of Omega-3 fatty acid content. The dish is also calorie-dense, which is usually a plus for those trying to maintain weight on Keto.

However, the Net Carbs are the dealbreaker. Even if the label lists a moderate amount of total carbohydrates, you must subtract the fiber to get the net carbs. Unfortunately, the sugar content from the Coconut Nectar and Prune Juice Concentrate does not provide enough fiber to offset the carb load. Additionally, the Coconut Aminos, while lower in sodium than soy sauce, still contribute a sweet, fermented flavor that adds to the total sugar tally. For a diet that relies on keeping blood sugar stable, the combination of concentrated fruit juice (prune) and added sugars makes this dish nutritionally incompatible with Keto goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mongolian-style beef contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredients provided, this product is dairy-free and does not contain gluten ingredients. However, always check for cross-contamination warnings if you have a severe allergy.

Is Mongolian-style beef good for weight loss?

It is high in calories and sugar. While the protein helps with satiety, the high sugar content can trigger insulin spikes that promote fat storage, making it counterproductive for weight loss.

Where can I buy Mongolian-style beef?

This specific formulation is available at major retailers like Costco, as well as online through Amazon and direct-to-consumer freezer delivery services.

Is Mongolian-style beef safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children. It does not contain caffeine or spicy heat levels that would be concerning, though the sugar content is quite high for a single serving.
Mongolian-style beef

Mongolian-style beef

Keto Analysis

The Verdict
Not Keto
Find Alternative

We recommend searching for certified Keto alternatives.

Pro Tip

Always double-check the label. Manufacturers change ingredients frequently without notice!