Keto Takeaway: The Best Low-Carb Options to Order in the UK

Think following a ketogenic diet means saying goodbye to Friday night takeaways? Think again. With strategic menu choices and simple modifications, you can enjoy delicious restaurant food while maintaining ketosis and staying within your daily carb limit.

The UK's diverse takeaway scene—from traditional fish and chips to curry houses, burger chains to Chinese restaurants—offers more low-carb options than you might expect. The key is knowing what to order, what to avoid, and how to customize your meals for maximum flavor with minimal carbohydrates.

This comprehensive guide reveals the best keto takeaway options across popular UK restaurants and cuisines. You'll discover exactly what to order at McDonald's, KFC, Nando's, your local curry house, and more—complete with carb counts, modification tips, and menu hacks that keep your macros on track.

Understanding Keto Takeaway Basics: Net Carbs and Macros

Before diving into specific restaurants and cuisines, it's essential to understand the fundamentals that make a takeaway meal keto-friendly.

What Are Net Carbs and Why Do They Matter?

Net carbs are the carbohydrates that actually impact your blood sugar and can potentially kick you out of ketosis. The calculation is simple:

Net Carbs = Total Carbohydrates - Dietary Fiber - Sugar Alcohols

For example, if a meal contains 20g total carbs, 8g fiber, and 2g sugar alcohols (like erythritol), the net carbs would be 10g (20 - 8 - 2 = 10).

On a standard ketogenic diet, aim to keep daily net carbs between:

• 20-30g net carbs: For strict keto and fastest ketosis induction
• 30-50g net carbs: For moderate keto with more flexibility
• 50-100g net carbs: For low-carb eating (not necessarily ketosis)

Learn more about achieving and maintaining ketosis in our guide on what ketones are and how they work.

The Keto Macro Ratio for Takeaway Meals

While carbs get most of the attention, your overall macronutrient ratio matters for successful keto:

For more detailed guidance on protein intake, read our article on protein on the keto diet.

The Golden Rules for Keto Takeaway Ordering

Fast Food Keto Options: Major UK Chains

Fast food doesn't have to derail your keto diet. Major UK chains offer surprisingly adaptable options when you know what to order.

McDonald's Keto Options

KFC Keto Choices

Subway Keto Adaptations

Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken

For more guidance on eating out while maintaining ketosis, explore our article on the pros and cons of the keto diet.

Indian Takeaway: Keto-Friendly Curry House Options

Indian cuisine offers surprisingly excellent keto options once you know which dishes to choose. The key is focusing on protein-rich curries with creamy, tomato-based, or spinach sauces while avoiding rice, naan, and breaded items.

Best Keto Indian Curry Choices

What to Absolutely Avoid at Indian Restaurants

Smart Indian Takeaway Ordering Strategy

Indian restaurants typically use ghee (clarified butter) and coconut oil for cooking, making them naturally higher in healthy fats perfect for keto.

Chinese Takeaway: Navigating the Menu

Chinese takeaways present unique challenges due to hidden sugars, cornstarch thickeners, and rice/noodle-heavy dishes. However, with careful selection, you can find suitable options.

Best Keto Chinese Food Options

Mexican & Burrito Bowl Strategy

Mexican restaurants and burrito chains like Chipotle, Tortilla, and Barburrito offer excellent customization options for keto dieters.

Building the Perfect Keto Burrito Bowl

Pizza: Can It Ever Be Keto?

Traditional pizza is essentially a carb bomb (30-40g per slice), but creative alternatives exist.

Keto Pizza Strategies

Wings, Pub Grub & Bar Food

British pubs and sports bars offer surprisingly good keto options when you focus on unbreaded proteins and skip the chips.

Traditional Buffalo Wings: The Keto Winner

Keto Snacks & Sides When Ordering

Smart side dish choices transform ordinary meals into satisfying keto feasts.

Best Low-Carb Sides to Order

Portable Keto Snacks

• String Cheese: 1g net carbs, 6g protein per stick
• Beef Jerky (sugar-free): 3-5g net carbs per serving
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: <1g carbs, 6g protein each
• Nut Butter Packets: 3-4g net carbs (almond or peanut)
• Pork Rinds: 0g carbs, pure protein and fat
• Nuts (portion-controlled): 3-5g net carbs per handful

For more convenient keto snack options, explore our range of keto bars and low-carb snacks.

Beverages: What to Drink on Keto

Liquid carbs add up quickly and often contain hidden sugars. Choose wisely to avoid unnecessary carb intake.

Keto-Friendly Drink Choices

Learn more about staying hydrated on keto and managing electrolyte balance for optimal results.

Common Takeaway Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even experienced keto dieters can fall into these common traps when ordering takeaway.

Mistake #1: Not Asking About Ingredients

Many sauces contain hidden sugars, cornstarch, or flour. Always ask:

• "Does this contain sugar?"
• "Is there cornstarch in the sauce?"
• "Can I get the sauce on the side?"
• "What's in the marinade/glaze?"

Mistake #2: Assuming "Grilled" Means Keto-Friendly

Grilled meats are often marinated in sugary sauces. Teriyaki, honey-glazed, and BBQ marinades add 10-20g carbs even to grilled items.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Portion Sizes

Restaurant portions are often 2-3x larger than standard servings. A "serving" of curry might actually contain 20-25g carbs if the portion is massive.

Mistake #4: Not Planning Ahead

Check menus and nutritional information online before ordering. Most chains publish detailed macro breakdowns on their websites.

Mistake #5: Being Too Restrictive

An occasional meal slightly over your carb limit won't destroy your progress. The 5 common keto mistakes include being too rigid and creating unsustainable habits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Takeaway

Conclusion: Enjoying Takeaway Without Compromise

Following a ketogenic diet doesn't mean sacrificing the convenience and enjoyment of takeaway meals. With strategic menu navigation, simple modifications, and knowledge of which foods to choose and avoid, you can maintain ketosis while enjoying diverse cuisines from burger chains to curry houses.

Remember the Core Principles:

• Skip the carb vehicles - No buns, rice, pasta, noodles, or tortillas (save 30-50g carbs)
• Focus on protein and fat - Meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and healthy oils form your meal foundation
• Load up on low-carb vegetables - Lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers add volume without carbs
• Watch the sauces - Request on the side and avoid anything sweet, glazed, or teriyaki
• Don't be afraid to customize - Most restaurants accommodate special requests willingly
• Plan ahead - Check menus and nutrition info online before ordering

Whether you're craving a juicy burger, spicy curry, or crispy wings, there's a keto-friendly option waiting for you. The key is making informed choices that align with your health goals while still enjoying the foods and social experiences that make life satisfying.

Now you're equipped with everything you need to order takeaway confidently while staying in ketosis. Enjoy your meals, make smart choices, and remember that sustainable healthy eating includes flexibility and enjoyment—not deprivation.