15 Paleo Snacks You’re Going To Want To Eat Every Day

Photo credit: Paleo Leap
Photo credit: Paleo Leap

From Women's Health

Quick q: Did cavemen eat snacks? This might be a question you've asked yourself if you're on the paleo diet, which encourages fans to eat like a caveman (ahem, person).

That means this diet is big on things you could theoretically hunt and gather, like meat, fish, nuts, regional fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and seeds. Not so much with the pastas, dairy products, and cereals though. Same goes for packaged snacks (pretty sure cavemen didn't hit up CVS for Goldfish crackers on the reg).

"Snacks can seem like a challenge," when you go paleo, admits registered dietitian Sonya Angelone, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. That's why you should keep the ingredients for these quick and easy paleo snacks on hand. Because TBH, even if cavemen didn't eat snacks, well, they also wielded clubs on the regular, so things are just different now.


1.Best Homemade Oven Beef Jerky

Photo credit: A Spicy Perspective
Photo credit: A Spicy Perspective

This beef jerky doesn't contain any added sugar (score!) and consists of a delicious blend of spices, like oregano, garlic powder, chile powder, and paprika. It’s nice and chewy and high in protein with a whopping 20 grams per serving.

Per serving: 124 cal, 3 g fat (1 g sat), 2 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 750 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 20 g protein

Get the recipe from A Spicy Perspective.


2. Perfect Deviled Eggs (Paleo Approved)

Photo credit: One Lovely Life
Photo credit: One Lovely Life

Deviled eggs are a great paleo snack. Plus, this recipe offers 12 variations on the classic to bring in even more flavor options. Some toppings include smoked paprika, sriracha and lime, lemon and chive, curry, peppered bacon, and avocado.

Per serving: 55 cal, 4.4 g fat (1 g sat), 0.4 g carbs, 0.3 g sugar, 151.8 mg sodium, 0.1 g fiber, 3.2 g protein

Get the recipe from One Lovely Life.


3. Homemade Paleo Protein Bars

Photo credit: Food Faith Fitness
Photo credit: Food Faith Fitness

These protein bars are rich and filling, and they’re also gluten-, grain-, and dairy-free. With egg white protein and almond butter as main ingredients, they provide almost 11 grams of protein per bar. Add some delicious chocolate chips to make them feel indulgent and sweet, without compromising on nutrition.

Per serving: 221 cal, 10.4 g fat (2 g sat), 23.4 g carbs, 16.2 g sugar, 133.2 mg sodium, 3.9 g fiber, 10.7 g protein

Get the recipe from Food Faith Fitness.


4. Baked Paleo Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen


Craving chicken tenders? This healthier version of the crave-worthy crispy dish makes for a great paleo snack. By using almond flour, coconut flour, and almond milk for the batter-these protein-packed strips are way healthier than the original. But they’re still packed with flavor thanks to a tasty array of spices and the honey mustard sauce that pairs perfectly.

Per serving: 312 cal, 15.1 g fat, 9 g carbs, 0.9 g sugar, 4.6 g fiber, 33.6 g protein

Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.


5. Extra Crisp Cinnamon Toast Cereal

Photo credit: Gnom Gnom
Photo credit: Gnom Gnom

This cereal is gluten-free and paleo, so you can enjoy a few handfuls of cinnamon toast crunch cereal without packing on the carbs. There are two grams of net carbs a serving, and each bite is super-crunchy and flavorful, thanks to the Mexican cinnamon.

Per serving: 172 cal, 16 g fat (4 g sat), 4 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 234 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein

Get the recipe from Gnom Gnom.


6. Snickerdoodle Protein Balls

Photo credit: Paleo Crumbs
Photo credit: Paleo Crumbs

These snickerdoodle protein balls contain almond flour, cashews, and almond butter for a boost of protein. They also contain plenty of healthy fats thanks to those nutty ingredients-perfect for a mid-day snack. This recipe is ready in 10 minutes, and you can make a big batch at once to have for snacks throughout the week.

Per serving (2 bite): 180 cal, 8 g fat (1 g sat), 21 g carbs, 18 g sugar, 120 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 7 g protein

Get the recipe from Paleo Crumbs.


7. Simply Amazing Paleo Sweet Potato Fries

Photo credit: Paleo Crash Course
Photo credit: Paleo Crash Course

These sweet potato fries are paleo-approved and taste crispy and satisfying. Note: This recipe is designed to be a side, so just halve the serving to make it a snack. And if you’re making a bunch at once, don’t crowd them in the oven, as it can make the fries mushy.

Per serving: 247 cal, 7.6 g fat (6.2 g sat), 36.2 g carbs, 0.8 g sugar, 15 mg sodium, 7.6 g fiber, 2.5 g protein

Get the recipe from Paleo Crash Course.


8. Almond Flour Pancakes

Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Pancakes make for a fun and tasty a.m. meal, and they're also perfect for a grab-and-go snack. The best part of these protein-packed, paleo pancakes-there are only five (yes, five) ingredients. Just mix almond flour, eggs, baking powder, coconut milk, plus vanilla, and you're good to go. Jazz them up with your fave toppings or mix-ins, like blueberries or walnuts.

Per serving: 334 cal, 27.9 g fat (3.9 g sat), 11.2 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 5 g fiber, 14.4.5 g protein


9. Apple and Almond Butter Bites

Photo credit: Paleo Leap
Photo credit: Paleo Leap

These paleo-friendly apple and almond butter bites are easy to eat (no silverware required). Choose your apple and nut butter of choice and have some fun with toppings, like nuts or shredded coconut. For a lighter snack, halve the serving size.

Per serving: 476 cal, 24 g fat (16 g sat), 66 g carbs, 50 g sugar, 132 mg sodium, 9.9 g fiber, 4.5 g protein

Get the recipe from Paleo Leap.


10. Cauliflower Hummus Paleo + Low Carb

Photo credit: Sweet As Honey
Photo credit: Sweet As Honey

This cauliflower hummus is rich and creamy but low in carbs and perfectly paleo approved. It uses tahini, lemon, and smoked paprika for a flavorful dip with a spicy kick-and it tastes great as a filling for lettuce cups, or as a dip with veggie crudité.

Per serving: 119 cal, 10.9 g fat (4.8 g sat), 4.8 g carbs, 1.1 g sugar, 1.8 g fiber, 2.3 g protein

Get the recipe from Sweet as Honey.


11. Crock Pot Chunky Monkey Paleo Trail Mix

Photo credit: Cotter Crunch
Photo credit: Cotter Crunch

This yummy paleo trail mix includes dried banana slices, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and nuts-like cashews, walnuts, or almonds-for a sweet, decadent-tasting recipe that’s actually really good for you. To lighten it up, use half a cup of chocolate chips.

Per serving: 250-260 cal, 20.2 g carbs, 3.5 to 4 g sugar, 18.6 to 22 g fiber, 12.5 to 13 g protein

Get the recipe from Cotter Crunch.


12. Healthy Lemon Bars (gluten-free, dairy free & paleo)

Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These lemon bars are tasty and decadent, but they’re under 200 calories each. They're also made with healthier ingredients than the classic recipe-like almond flour, honey, and coconut oil. The crust is nice and crispy and the lemon filling is super-rich and creamy.

Per serving: 189 cal, 11.5 g fat (4.9 g sat), 18.9 g carbs, 15.2 g sugar, 1.5 g fiber, 4.9 g protein

Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.


13. Turmeric Stove Top Paleo Granola

Photo credit: A Saucy Kitchen
Photo credit: A Saucy Kitchen

This easy, 15-minute granola recipe is packed with anti-inflammatory spices, like turmeric and cinnamon, and it has a wonderful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Each snack serving is under 200 calories, and it has lots of good fats and protein from the coconut, seeds, and nuts. For a more substantial snack, add to a plain Greek yogurt.

Per serving: 191 cal, 16 g fat (8 g sat), 9 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 6 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 3 g protein

Get the recipe from A Saucy Kitchen.


14. Paleo Ranch Dressing & Dip

Photo credit: The Real Food Dietitians
Photo credit: The Real Food Dietitians

This creamy, rich ranch dressing by is paleo-approved and makes a mean dip when paired with veggies or paleo-friendly crackers. What’s more, you can use it as a dressing for salads, stuffed in low-carb sandwiches or lettuce cups, and drizzled over chicken or steak. The best part? It takes only five minutes to whip up.

Per serving: 120 cal, 14 g fat, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 200 mg sodium, 0 g fiber

Get the recipe from The Real Food Dietitians.


15. Paleo Zucchini Bread Bars

Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These zucchini bread bars are perfect when you're craving something a little sweet. These tasty squares will totally hit the spot, and they're filled with better-for-you ingredients like zucchini (duh), cashew butter, coconut flour, and eggs. Plus, they're sweetened naturally with the help of banana and a touch of maple syrup. Go ahead, treat yo-self!

Per serving: 154 cal, 9.2 g fat (2.8 g saturated fat) 16.6 g carbs, 7.7 g sugar, 4 g fiber

Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

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