What’s The Difference Between Clean Keto And Dirty Keto?

The macronutrients of a keto diet typically consist of up to 60% fat, up to 35% protein, and up to 10% carbohydrates, according to StatPearls. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that in some versions of the keto diet, the fat percentage can be as high as 80%. The aim is to force the body to use fat as its primary energy source, triggering a biochemical process known as ketosis.

The difference between clean and dirty keto is straightforward, as the names suggest. Clean keto focuses on whole and natural foods, while dirty keto includes processed foods, as the focus is more on the macronutrient ratio (per U.S. News and World Report). 

According to WebMD, processed foods with more additives can increase susceptibility to heart diseases, obesity, and certain cancers. Generally, it’s safe to say that the main difference between clean and dirty keto is food quality, which gives the former a significant edge over the latter.