Going Paleo? Here Are 15 Delicious Snacks to Get You Started

By: Bob's Red Mill | January 26 2017
At first glance, sticking to a paleo diet can seem pretty intimidating. Ditching preservatives, additives, and processed foods may feel like a lot to take in all at once. Fortunately, with a little help and guidance, the paleo diet can be an incredibly rewarding lifestyle and reap a range of benefits. Some of the benefits people have experienced include reducing gluten reactions, maintaining a healthy body weight, and balancing blood glucose levels. When starting a paleo diet, many people focus so heavily on the meals they are eating, that eating becomes more of a routine rather than enjoyment. With any new diet, planning out healthy daily snacks is just as important as prepping for meals. Plus, it can make the transition easier. Having a list of enjoyable paleo snacks on hand will make this lifestyle feel like less of a chore and might just be the definitive factor in successfully sticking to the diet.a To take the research out of which snacks meet the paleo diets requirement, we’ve done the work for you and come up with a list of 15 of our favorite paleo snacks to make for any occasion!

Paleo Carrot Cake Energy Balls

[caption id="attachment_1106781" align="alignnone" width="770"]Carrot Cake Paleo Balls physicalkitchess.com[/caption] Energy balls are an easy, on-the-go snack that can be enjoyed from virtually anywhere. Not only do these Paleo Carrot Cake Energy Balls actually taste like cake, but they are also the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. The flaxseeds and egg white in these balls will provide you with enough energy to make it past that after-lunch slump and keep you motivated all day long. The carrots in this recipe not only add a punch of flavor, they also contain beta-carotene, which is known to improve eyesight, promote healthy skin, and even works as an anti-aging ingredient. Chrissa’s recipe from Physical Kitchness can be made with seven simple ingredients and in under 30 minutes!

Sunflower Crackers

Ditch the store-bought crackers and make your own with this 100% paleo recipe. This recipe uses sunflower seeds along with tapioca flour as a base for the perfect crunchy crackers. These crackers are also extremely fun to dip in just about anything. Pair them with hummus, nut butters , or even mashed avocado for a great afternoon treat. Sunflower seeds are loaded with magnesium which promotes heart health and can put you in a better mood. Whether you’ve got a lot on your mind, or are just stuck in a rut eating, sunflower seeds can help boost your mood and make your day better!

Fudge Protein Brownies

[caption id="attachment_1106844" align="alignnone" width="770"]Fudge Protein Brownies Gimmedelicious.com[/caption] The great thing about this treat is that it turns the usual dessert into a healthy snack. Brownies are hard to turn down normally, but when they're packed with protein and other important vitamins and minerals, it makes saying no nearly impossible. Layla from Gimme Delicious has created the perfect brownie for any lifestyle. Not only are these vegan, gluten free, and paleo, but they’re also made with only four ingredients. Aside from being free of allergens, they’re also free of refined sugar and preservatives. Friends and family won’t know the difference, plus their fudgy taste is even better than traditional brownies. Another great thing about these brownies is that they’re packed with protein powder, making them a guilt-free treat!

Hemp Macaroon Bars

Here’s a fun fact: hemp seeds aren’t actually seeds at all. While technically a part of the nut family, hemp seeds are high in essential fatty acids and amino acids that contribute to heart health. These Hemp Macaroon Bars are the perfect balance of healthy and delicious. Not only do bars work great as a quick grab and go snack, since they’re already cut into portions, they reduce the risk of over snacking!

Chia Pudding

[caption id="attachment_1106907" align="alignnone" width="770"] doyouevenpaleo.net[/caption] This Lemon Poppyseed Chia Pudding is the perfect snack when you need to relax and refresh. Whether enjoyed in the morning, afternoon, or at night, this chia pudding packs a punch that will wake up your senses and clear your mind. Practically overflowing with antioxidants, this pudding not only contains anti-aging ingredients, but it also promotes healthy digestion and weight loss. To make this pudding all you have to do is mix the ingredients together and refrigerate for two hours! This pudding can also be left to sit overnight and grabbed in the morning for an on-the-go treat.

Paleo Pecan Pie Muffins 

[caption id="attachment_1106971" align="alignnone" width="770"] jaysbakingmecrazy.com[/caption] If you’re having trouble deciding which you like more, pie or muffins, we’ve got good news. You no longer have to choose! These Paleo Pecan Pie Muffins combine the best of both worlds and provide you with the flavor of pie in the size of a muffin. Because muffins are so easy to grab on the run, this recipe can be made ahead of time and used as a snack for those days when you’re really in a rush. Besides being paleo, these muffins are also dairy and gluten free. Jessica from Jays Baking Me Crazy includes whole nuts in the recipe for an extra crunch of flavor that’s undeniably amazing. The natural molasses used to sweeten these muffins adds a rich taste which complements their thick texture. Jessica also uses coconut oil instead of hydrogenated oils to make this recipe paleo. Coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils, which provides a great source of energy and can even help you burn fat!

Avocado Cashew Dip

As amazing as guacamole is, sometimes you just want to mix things up! If you have a love for avocados and an even bigger love for chip dip, then this recipe is for you. This avocado cashew recipe is the perfect dip for any chip. The mild taste makes it the perfect treat to pair with just about anything. Plus, the thick consistency also works great when used as a spread to accompany your favorite sandwich. Avocados alone are incredibly delicious. They’re full of vitamins, contain more potassium than bananas (which is a lot!), and are full of good, heart-healthy fats. When combined with calcium-filled cashews, this dip becomes one of the healthiest around. Pair this dip with our sunflower crackers above for a truly delightful paleo snack. With this dip in your life, there’s no need to feel guilty about snacking any longer!

Paleo Trail Mix

[caption id="attachment_1107023" align="alignnone" width="770"] nurturemygut.com[/caption] High in healthy antioxidants and oils, trail mix is a great snack to ensure long lasting energy. Lately, trail mix has gotten a bad rap as many companies make it with processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and even candy. To make a healthy, 100% paleo trail mix, follow Ester’s recipe from Nurture My Gut. This ultimate paleo trail mix recipe contains an essential balance of fats, proteins, and salts perfect for individuals who are active or in search of a healthy snack. Since trail mix keeps for an extended amount of time, it’s easiest to make a large batch and it save for later use.

Paleo Nut Bars

While cavemen may not have had bars, they surely had access to seeds and nuts! These Paleo Nut Bars use all-natural, non-processed ingredients to form a perfect portioned sized bar. Whether you enjoy these bars as an afternoon snack or as an energy booster, they’re the perfect treat to have on hand. In order to keep the treat-like feel, Sommer from A Spicy Perspective added a chocolate-y drizzle to the top of the bars, giving them just enough sweetness to stop your sugar cravings. Making your own nut bars is also a great way to ensure that the ingredients meet your standards. Plus, it can save you loads of money. While nuts may be expensive to buy, buying just one nut bar can cost upward of $2. Sommer’s recipe makes 24 bars, making it a bargain!

Paleo Beef Jerky

[caption id="attachment_1107770" align="alignnone" width="770"] floandgrace.com[/caption] Beef jerky is a treat loved by many, yet the store prices often cause people to run in the other direction. Making your own beef jerky will not only allow you to customize the flavor, but it can also save you a lot of money. This easy, soy-free, gluten free, low fodmap and paleo beef jerky is the perfect snack to have on hand. With upward of 10 grams of protein per serving, beef jerky is a great snack to throw in your gym bag or to take on your next hike. Along with her incredible beef jerky recipe, Alexa from Flo and Grace also provides great tips on how to slice the meat beforehand and tips when talking to your butcher.

Paleo Almond Meal Bread

Almond meal bread is a great snack and can be served alongside other treats, sweetening your day instantly. While paleo bread making can be tricky, this recipe is incredibly simple. By following the six-step guide, you can be on your way to making the almond bread of your dreams in under 30 minutes. To avoid using grains in this recipe, swap regular flour for almond flour. The combination of healthy fats and nutrients in almond flour make it an incredible energy booster. For the ultimate afternoon snack, pair this almond bread with your favorite jam or nut butter! Dark chocolate chips can also be added to the recipe to sweeten the flavor and make it more of a dessert than a snack.

Cocoa Cinnamon Roasted Almonds

[caption id="attachment_1107665" align="alignnone" width="770"] beautyandthefoodie.com[/caption] Almonds are a great treat for anyone to enjoy. Not only do they taste great, but they also require very minimal effort to turn into a snack. Once purchased, the only thing you have to do is divide them up into portions, and you’re good to go! Snacking on almonds daily can have some pretty incredible health benefits. Like most other nuts, almonds are loaded with healthy fats and nutrients. These nutrients play a vital role in heart health and healthy cholesterol levels. Now if you’re not exactly a fan of the taste of almonds, have no fear. Stacy from Beauty and the Foodie has put an incredibly sweet spin on traditional almonds that have this treat tasting more like a dessert than anything else. This Cocoa Cinnamon Roasted Almond recipe is quick and easy to make. Plus they’re paleo, gluten free, vegan, and low carb. With just six simple ingredients, this treat can be made in as little as 12 minutes.

Nacho Cheese Dip

Game day just got even more exciting. No matter what sport you’re rooting for this nacho cheese dip is the perfect dish to snack on while you watch. The most surprising thing about this dip is that it actually doesn’t contain cheese at all. Nutritional yeast and cashews are used in this recipe to replicate the taste of cheese while avoiding dairy and lactose. If only cavemen had known to use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor to their favorite snacks!

Paleo Cookie Dough

[caption id="attachment_1107689" align="alignnone" width="770"]paleo cookie dough jaysbakingmecrazy.com[/caption] Think cavemen didn’t have the ability to make cookie dough? Think again. This Paleo Cookie Dough treat will have you questioning why you’ve never heard of it before. Every child’s dream is to be able to grab a handful of cookie dough and eat it on the spot without getting scolded. What was once a widely loved and taboo dessert is now a paleo treat that's safe for just about anyone to eat. This cookie dough will have you skipping the after dinner dessert and reaching for this recipe instead. Plus, you won’t have to feel guilty indulging in this snack knowing that all the ingredients are all natural and nutritious. To make this Paleo Cookie Dough, cashew butter, non-dairy milk, and pure maple syrup are used to create a cookie dough texture. To really sweeten up this recipe, add in some non-dairy chocolate chips and get the full cookie dough experience!

Chocolate Turmeric Truffles

[caption id="attachment_1107709" align="alignnone" width="770"]chocolate turmeric truffles paleohacks.com[/caption] Truffles are great to have on hand no matter what the occasion, however, these truffles also come with some surprising health benefits. Every ingredient in this truffles has incredible nutritional benefits. The top health-boosting ingredients in this recipe are turmeric, coconut oil, and raw honey, each of which is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. To make these truffles, follow Paleo Hacks’ five-step guide for truffles in under 50 minutes. Have any favorite paleo recipes? Share your best finds in the comments below.

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