As you may know, the idea behind the Paleo Diet is that eating unprocessed foods more closely resembling those consumed by early humans may lead to improved health and weight loss. Since we don’t know exactly what our paleolithic ancestors ate, the Paleo diet is generally not seen as a strict diet with highly specific rules. There are, however, generally accepted guidelines that include avoiding processed foods and refined sugars. For more detailed information on the Paleo diet, check out our Beginner's Guide to Starting the Paleo Diet. In this post, we will focus on snacking.

Snacking on a Paleo Diet

For many newcomers to the Paleo diet, the most challenging parts of the day are those times in between meals when the snack cravings kick in. Unfortunately, being on the Paleo diet means that you can’t just reach for the chips or the packet of cookies. 

But that doesn’t make snacks off limits. It just means that you’re probably going to need to prepare some snacks ahead of time to make sure you always have something on hand when the cravings kick in.

When it comes to paleo snacking, keep these principals in mind:

• Whole Foods: Focus on natural, unprocessed foods. Avoid anything with additives, preservatives, or refined sugars.
• Nutrient-Density: Choose snacks that provide a good balance of macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
• Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, such as grass-fed meats, organic vegetables, and nuts without added oils or sugars.

Easy homemade paleo snacks ideas

There are plenty of simple and delicious Paleo snacks you can whip up at home with minimal effort. These snacks focus on natural, unprocessed ingredients which provide a good balance of macronutrients to keep your energy levels steady and your hunger at bay. 

• Apple Slices with Almond Butter: A perfect mix of carbs, fat, and protein. Apples provide carbohydrates and dietary fiber and are also rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. Almond butter complements apples perfectly by adding healthy fats and protein to the snack. To prepare this snack, simply slice a fresh apple into wedges and spread a thin layer of almond butter on each slice. 
• Baked Kale Chips: Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins (A, C, and K) and minerals. Baked kale chips are an excellent Paleo-friendly snack that combine great taste with numerous health benefits. To prepare, just spread some kale pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the chips are dry to the touch. 
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. A single egg contains about six grams of protein, making it an efficient source to help meet daily protein needs. Cook a few hard-boiled eggs whenever you have the time and keep them in the fridge. When a craving kicks in you can enjoy them with a sprinkling of salt and pepper for a convenient, protein-rich snack.
• Sweet-potato Wedges: Sweet potatoes are nutrient-rich, providing essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, and potassium. They are also high in antioxidants and are a great source of dietary fiber. And this paleo-friendly snack couldn’t be easier to prepare - slice the sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them with a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil, and season with Paleo-approved spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt. Bake them in the oven until crispy and golden brown, and voila - a healthy, tasty, paleo-friendly snack. 

Slightly more creative home-made, paleo snack ideas 

For those who enjoy spending a bit more time in the kitchen, there are plenty of creative Paleo snack options that are fun to make and taste delicious. These snacks go beyond the basics and incorporate a variety of flavors and textures to keep your taste buds excited.

• Beef Jerky: Beef jerky is a classic snack that is not only delicious, but also rich in high-quality protein. There are plenty of paleo-friendly beef jerky recipes (like this one) that you could follow to prepare enough homemade jerky for the week ahead. If you’d rather opt for store-bought jerky, make sure it’s free from added sugars and preservatives.
• Paleo Energy Balls: Paleo energy balls are another delicious snack option. The beauty of this snack is that, while a little more time consuming than some of the other options on this list, they’re super customizable based on your own preferences. Typically paleo energy balls consist of natural, whole ingredients like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners such as honey or dates. There are a bunch of great recipes online including this super-easy, four ingredient option.
• Paleo Chia Pudding: Chia pudding is a nutritious and versatile snack that can be customized perfectly into a Paleo diet. Made with chia seeds and a variety of other paleo-friendly ingredients, it offers a healthy and satisfying option for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Chia seeds are packed with nutrients, an excellent source of fiber and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They also pack a protein punch making them a great choice for supporting muscle repair and growth. Again, there are lots of great recipes online to inspire your creativity - like this Overnight Paleo & Keto Chia Pudding.
• Veggie Sticks & Paleo-friendly Dip: Veggie sticks are a versatile and easy-to-prepare snack that fits well into a Paleo diet. They provide a crunchy and flavorful way to increase your vegetable intake, while the dip can add a satisfying element of healthy fats and protein. Prepare a variety of colorful and crunchy vegetables - carrots, celery, cucumbers, zucchini and bell peppers are some classic choices. Add your favorite paleo-friendly dip (think guacamole, tahini, cashew cream, or even something a little more creative) for a delicious combination that makes for a balanced, nutritious, and delicious snack option.

Store-bought, paleo snack ideas:

Store-bought paleo snacks are also an option. However, the key is to be discerning and choose options that align with Paleo principles. Start by reading labels carefully. The fewer ingredients, the better. Look for whole foods and avoid anything with added sugars, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors. Ensure there are no grains, legumes, or dairy products in the ingredient list. If the snack is sweetened, it should be with natural sweeteners like honey or dates, not refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. Some excellent store bought snack options include:

• Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are a really simple paleo friendly snack option. They are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, and macadamia nuts are packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Seeds like chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are equally nutrient-dense and offer a variety of health benefits. Make sure to check the labels though - it’s best to consume nuts and seeds in their raw or lightly roasted forms without added sugars, salts, or unhealthy oils. 
• Paleo Bars: Though bars that are marketed as “paleo” can be convenient, it’s important to pay close attention to the ingredient list. You’ll find that some are still packed with non-Paleo ingredients and preservatives. Look for options with a short, recognizable ingredient list that aligns with your Paleo principles, like certain flavors of RXBAR.
• Olives: Perhaps a divisive option, but olives are an undeniably excellent Paleo-friendly snack, offering a variety of health benefits to go along with their unmistakable rich, savory flavor. They are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Paleo snacks from the Territory Foods menu:

Here at Territory, our menu offers a wide range of Paleo meals as well as a selection of delicious Paleo snacks. Take a look at some of the current options below. Bear in mind that our menu is constantly changing, so check it out here for the most up to date options. 

• Chipotle Sweet Potato Wedges by Evermade Foods LLC: Southwestern-Style sweet potato wedges with hints of lime and chipotle spice. Pair this family style side with one of our family style proteins or bulk up your entrees with extra veggies!

• Sesame Green Beans by Chef Damian: Steamed green beans tossed in sesame oil and garnished with sesame seeds. Delicious as a stand-alone snack or paired with proteins for an extra veggie kick.

• Paleo Fudge Brownies by Bakefully Yours: Rich, fudgy brownies made with Hu chocolate gems and without refined sugar, dairy, gluten or grains. This paleo sweet treat from Women Owned Bakefully Yours is one that can’t be passed up!
• Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies by The Grain Free Baker: Indulge in a guilt-free treat with these Paleo Grain Free Chocolate Chip Cookies! Made with wholesome ingredients such as tiger nut flour and organic panela, these cookies are free from the Top 8 Allergens, making them a great option for those with allergies.

• Chai Spice Cakes by Bakefully Yours: A paleo & vegan chai spice mini loaf from Bakefully Yours, using locally made organic spices. Sweetened with organic coconut sugar and no sugar added applesauce.
• Garlic Roasted Broccoli by Evermade Foods: Garlic roasted broccoli is a delicious and nutritious Paleo-friendly side dish or snack.It’s full of flavor, and packed with health benefits, making it a great snack or healthy addition to any meal.

Paleo Pro-Tip:

For the full benefits of the Paleo diet, focus on eating substantial meals that keep you full and energized, reducing the need for snacking. If you find yourself reaching for snacks often, it might be worth evaluating the size and nutrient density of your main meals.

Remember, snacking on Paleo is about making thoughtful choices that align with your nutritional goals. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy satisfying snacks that keep you on track with your Paleo lifestyle.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can navigate Paleo snacking with confidence, ensuring that each bite supports your overall health and well-being.

With an unrivaled selection of Paleo-friendly items on our nationwide menu, we're experts in Paleo meal prep - so you don't have to be. Read more about our nationwide Paleo meal delivery.

Want to know more about the Paleo diet?

Browse more Paleo diet insights and tips in our Paleo resources hub.

Note: Before making a significant dietary change, it’s important to consult with dietitians or nutritionists so that they can provide guidance on maintaining a balanced diet and address any specific health concerns you may have.