Paleo Diet Definition
The paleo diet is a way of eating that focuses on foods that prehistoric humans have eaten, including fish, lean meats, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables— but with a modern twist.
It excludes grains, refined and processed foods, dairy products, legumes, and artificial sweeteners. This makes it hard to find paleo-friendly snacks.
Fortunately, you can make your own paleo diet foods at home or enjoy a few store-bought ones.
Here are 25 tasty and easy-to-prepare paleo snacks.
1. Turkey sticks
Turkey is rich in B vitamins, protein, and minerals, such as selenium and zinc.
Snack sticks made with ground turkey, spices, and a collagen casing are available in many convenience and grocery stores.
Paleo-friendly brands that are made from pasture-raised turkey contain more beneficial omega-3s compared to other brands that are made from conventionally raised turkey.
2. Coconut yogurt parfait
Coconut yogurt diet makes an excellent paleo snack. Although it can be high in calories and fat, it is filling enough that even a small amount can satisfy your hunger.
Containing probiotics, coconut yogurt may help promote your digestive health.
Choose unsweetened yogurt and add unsweetened coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, fresh berries, and cacao nibs for a nutritious paleo parfait.
The paleo diet excludes dairy-based yogurt.
3. Ranch-flavored roasted almonds
Ranch-flavored roasted almonds is another nutrient-dense snack that anyone following a paleo diet can enjoy.
It’s very easy to make. Simply mix raw almonds (564 grams), nutritional yeast (1 tbsp), olive oil (4 tbsp), paprika, salt (1 tsp), garlic powder (1 tsp), onion powder (1 tsp), dried dill, dried parsley, and dried chives.
Bake at 163℃ for 20–25 minutes and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Cashew butter and blackberry chia pudding
Chia seeds are chock full of nutrients, including anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats, fiber, and the minerals phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium.
Combining chia seeds with nutritious ingredients like cashew butter and blackberries makes a healthier paleo snack. It boosts its health benefits even further.
To make your own, simply mix 2 tbsp of chia seeds with 125-ml non-dairy milk in a jar. Add vanilla extract or maple syrup to taste and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Scatter a tablespoon of cashew butter and fresh blackberries on top for a tasty paleo snack.
5. Paleo-friendly protein bars
There are a wealth of healthy, paleo-friendly protein bars available for on-the-go snacks, such as Patterbars and Primal Kitchen collagen bars. But it is also important to note that there are some that contain ingredients not allowed on the paleo diet. These include those that contain peanut or peanut butter.
6. Whole fruit
Whole fruits like bananas, pears, apples, and oranges make healthy, portable snacks for paleo dieters.
They are rich in potent plant compounds and fiber that help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing chronic diseases.
In addition, incorporating fruits into your diet helps maintain a healthy body weight and lose excess body fat over time.
Pairing them with other healthy, satisfying foods like nut butter, seeds, and nuts makes a great paleo snack when at work or at home or when running errands.
7. Avocado stuffed with egg salad
Avocados are known for their first-rate nutrient content and health benefits. It may help lower blood sugar levels, body weight, and heart disease risk factors, including bad cholesterol.
Eggs are also nutrient-dense. Eating eggs can reduce hunger, increase good cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar levels.
The combination of these two paleo healthful foods makes an excellent, filling snack for paleo dieters.
8. Banana boats with almond butter
Bananas are chock full of magnesium, manganese, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fiber.
Cutting a fiber-rich banana lengthwise and topping each half with protein-packed almond butter makes a delicious, satisfying snack.
To add a boost of flavor and crunch, you can also shower additional ingredients like cinnamon, cacao nibs, salted sunflower seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes, or paleo-friendly granola.
9. Homemade coconut-cashew bars
Making your own delicious paleo snack doesn’t need to eat a lot of your time. You can actually save time in the kitchen by just focusing on limited-ingredient recipes.
Coconut-cashew bars are easy to prepare. Simply mix 1 cup of raw cashew, 3/4 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes, 1.5 cups of pitted dates, and 1 tbsp of melted coconut oil. Pulse them in a blender until a coarse dough forms and press them into a pan with parchment paper.
10. Grain-free crackers with cashew cheese
The increasing popularity of grain-free diets have led many manufacturers to make grain-free crackers that are perfect for those following the paleo diet.
Crackers made from cauliflower, nut flour, and flax seeds are a great choice. Whip your crackers up with a dairy-free cheese dip by pulsing soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, pepper, salt, and spices of your preference with a bit of water in a food processor until it thickens.
11. Chicken salad on sweet potato chips
Chicken salad paired with crunchy sweet potato chips makes a protein-packed, paleo-approved snack.
Making your own sweet potato chips is very simple. Simply toss thinly sliced sweet potato with a bit of olive oil and bake at 218 ℃ for 20 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes. Once cool, top a spoonful of chicken salad to your crunchy sweet potato chips.
12. Paleo tortilla chips with guacamole
A paleo diet excludes tortilla chips made with grains like wheat or corn. However, there are some that are made with paleo-friendly ingredients like coconut flour, chia seed, and cassava.
Paleo tortilla chips paired with guacamole makes a savory, crunchy snack.
13. Apple and cashew-butter sandwiches
Apples are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. This fruit is also chock full of antioxidants, including phloridzin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and catechins—all beneficial for reducing risk of chronic conditions like certain cancers and neurodegenerative and heart diseases.
Apple and cashew-butter sandwiches also make a healthy, delicious paleo snack.
14. Sweet potato avocado toast
Sweet potatoes are not only packed with nutrients, but also loaded with plant compounds like beta-carotene—a pigment that can potentially reduce your risk of conditions like certain cancers and heart disease.
To make a nutritious and delicious substitute for grain-based toast, roast thin slices of sweet potato and top them with fiber-rich avocado, red chili flakes, and sea salt for a filling paleo snack.
15. Fresh veggie sticks with dairy-free dip
Fresh veggie sticks from celery, zucchini, bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots make a convenient, delicious snack for paleo dieters. Red peppers and carrots are known as powerhouse veggies, providing ≥ 10% of 17 different nutrients per 100-calorie serving.
These non-starchy, low-calorie veggies are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent paleo snack choice.
Pairing fresh veggie sticks with a dairy-free dip made from fresh dill, coconut yogurt, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, pepper, and salt is a great idea.
16. Canned salmon on greens
Salmon is nutrient-dense, providing excellent amounts of omega-3 fats, protein, selenium, and vitamin B12. But not everyone has the luxury of time to cook fresh salmon for a quick snack.
Fortunately, canned salmon is available in many grocery stores, as well as online stores. You can enjoy canned salmon on a bed of greens, including spinach, arugula, watercress, for a nutrient-dense, paleo snack combination.
17. Collard green spring rolls
Vegetable consumption is vital for your overall health. It is associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, and lower body weight.
Collard green spring rolls made with a variety of veggies, including cucumber, bell peppers, and red onions, make a fun, healthy, and paleo-friendly snack. Incorporating a source of protein like fish, shrimp, or chicken makes it more filling.
To complete the snack, dip your collard green spring rolls into paleo-approved sauces, such as guacamole, spicy mayo, or almond-butter sauce.
18. Hard-boiled eggs and veggies
Hard-boiled egg is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein, as well as antioxidants, including beta-cryptoxanthin, ovalbumin, and lutein, making it a perfect snack choice for paleo dieters.
Paring hard-boiled eggs and high-fiber crunchy veggie sticks can help keep you feeling full until the next meal, which can lead to weight loss.
19. Chicken and veggie soup
Chicken and veggie soup can also be a great snack choice for paleo dieters that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Making your own chicken and veggie soup at home helps ensure that the ingredients incorporated therein are 100% healthy and paleo-friendly. Plus, it is very easy to make.
20. Coconut cacao protein shake
Protein shakes make combining different nutrient-dense ingredients into one tasty paleo drink simple.
Simply mix and blend coconut milk, coconut butter, cacao powder, unsweetened chocolate protein powder, and frozen banana in a high-speed blender until it reaches a smooth consistency.
21. Plantain chips with dairy-free queso
Plantains are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
This fruit is a starchy relative of the banana used in tasty paleo recipes. It can be made into chips using paleo-friendly oils like avocado and coconut oils.
Plantain chips are also available online or at specialty grocery stores. They work well when paired with dairy-free queso made from cashews.
22. Tuna salad on pickle chips
A high-protein snack option, packaged or canned tuna salad can satisfy between-meal cravings. For a savory snack, spoon tuna salad made with chopped celery mayo and diced onion onto pickle chips.
23. Paleo energy cookies
Fortunately, there are nutritious, paleo-friendly energy cookies available for purchase online or at specialty food stores, or you can simply make them yourself.
There are also a lot of recipes for homemade paleo energy cookies using paleo-approved ingredients like nuts, bananas, pumpkin seeds, hemp heart, and raisins. You can mostly find these recipes online.
24. Paleo ‘oatmeal’
Traditional oatmeal made with oats is off-limits on a paleo diet, but you can make nutritious, grain-free oatmeal with paleo-approved ingredients.
To make paleo oatmeal, simply combine almond flour, coconut milk, coconut oil, unsweetened shredded coconut, ground flaxseeds, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a pot. Simmer until thickened and top with coconut yogurt, nut butter, fresh fruit, or cacao powder for extra flavor.
25. Egg salad stuffed tomatoes
Tomatoes carry an excellent amount of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease. They are also rich in potassium, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
When served cold, egg salad stuffed tomatoes make a healthy, delectable finger food for paleo dieters.
The Takeaway
Certain foods, including grains, dairy, and processed items, are off-limits on a paleo diet. Fortunately, you can buy or make your own healthy, tasty, paleo-friendly snacks using paleo-approved, nutrient-dense ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, filling proteins, nuts, and seeds.
If you’d like to add some flavor and variety to your diet, try out some of the abovementioned paleo diet foods.
