26 Paleo-Friendly Snacks That Are Quick, Healthy and Delicious

The Paleolithic — or Paleo — diet has exploded in popularity in the last decade. This method imitates the diet of Stone Age cave dwellers and includes eggs, fish, fruits, meat, nuts, and vegetables. People who follow the Paleo diet avoid consuming dairy products, grains, processed food, salt, soft drinks, and sugar. These restrictions may seem strict, but you can still enjoy plenty of delicious Paleo snacks. Here are 26 quick and healthy Paleo-friendly foods to satisfy your every craving. 

1. Carrot fries 

Carrot fries are a crispy, sweet alternative to traditional French fries. This snack is an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes healthy eyesight. You can make carrot fries by cutting carrots into thin spears and roasting them in canola oil. 

2. Celery and almond butter 

Spreading creamy almond butter on celery sticks is a fast and easy snack that requires no cooking. Almonds are packed with protein and provide many health benefits. For example, studies have shown that almonds decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. 

3. Cherry tomatoes 

Cherry tomatoes are an easy and portable snack. One cup of cherry tomatoes contains only 27 calories. Cherry tomatoes are also an excellent source of many essential minerals and vitamins, including potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin K. 

4. Dill pickles 

If you're craving a salty snack, crispy and tart dill pickles may fit the bill. One dill pickle spear only contains approximately six calories, so you can munch away without guilt. One spear also provides 45 mg of potassium. 

5. Fresh vegetables with Paleo-friendly dip 

Cut up raw bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, and other vegetables for a colorful Paleo snack. Combine your veggies with an easy, homemade, yogurt-free bean dip for a delicious refreshment. 

6. Plantain chips 

Baked plantain chips are a Paleo-friendly replacement for processed potato chips. You can make this snack at home or purchase a bag from your local grocery store. 28 plantain chips contain 160 calories and 210 mg of potassium. 

7. Seaweed chips 

Seaweed chips are another tasty potato chip substitute. Seaweed is an excellent source of many crucial minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. 

8. Sweet potato chips 

You can also satisfy your chip craving by making homemade sweet potato chips. Slice the potatoes thinly, coat them in a tablespoon of cooking oil, and season them with your favorite flavors. Roast the potato slices for 20 minutes and enjoy your crispy snack. 

9. Apple and nut butter

Dip apple slices in creamy nut butter for a refreshing snack. To stick with Paleo guidelines, avoid processed nut butter with added preservatives. 

10. Coconut flakes

Unsweetened coconut flakes are a crispy and sweet food that provides fiber and iron. However, coconut flakes are high in fat, so monitor portions carefully. 

11. Fresh berries

Add some sweetness to your day by noshing on half a cup of fresh blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Berries are a great source of fiber, manganese, and vitamin C. 

12. Fruit smoothie 

A fruit smoothie is a yummy and filling food you can make using whatever fruits you have on hand. Combine the fruits with unsweetened almond or coconut milk for a Paleo-approved drink. 

13. Unsweetened dried fruit 

Unsweetened dried fruit makes a great alternative to processed candies. Avoid dried fruit with added preservatives and limit your consumption to only a few pieces to ensure you aren't consuming too much sugar. 

14. Whole fruits 

Pack a whole apple, banana, or orange in your bag for a highly portable snack. Whole fruits provide numerous health benefits, including aiding weight control and decreasing the risk of depression. 

15. Dark chocolate

You can indulge in a few squares of dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth. Chocolate contains heart-healthy flavanols that improve blood flow and cognition. 

16. Bacon-wrapped asparagus 

Wrap slices of bacon around asparagus spears and roast them in the oven for a crispy snack. One bundle contains 10% of the daily recommended iron intake. 

17. Canned tuna 

Canned tuna is an affordable and popular food that provides essential nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. 

18. Hard-boiled eggs

A hard-boiled egg is a simple but tasty food you can enjoy on the go. This affordable food is an excellent source of calcium, iron, protein, and vitamin A. 

19. Paleo protein bars 

Many health stores now sell Paleo protein bars containing almonds, sunflower seeds, and other protein sources. You can stash the bars in your desk drawer or purse for an extra energy boost. 

20. Prosciutto 

Prosciutto is a chewy ham that you can eat straight out of the package or wrap around asparagus and other vegetables and bake. 

21. Meat jerky 

You can buy commercially-produced jerky or make your own version at home. Jerky is packed with nutrients like protein and vitamin B. 

22. Roasted almonds 

Roasted almonds are an earthy, salty snack that provides a good source of fiber and vitamin E. 

23. Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a nutrient-rich food that provides many essential minerals. A 32-gram serving of pumpkin seeds provides almost 400 mg of phosphorus and 261 mg of potassium. 

24. Paleo bread 

The Paleo diet excludes most bread, but you can make delicious, gluten-free Paleo bread using almond flour, coconut flour, and other ingredients. 

25. Paleo muffins 

You can create gluten-free chocolate muffins using cocoa powder, unsweetened peanut butter, raw honey, and other Paleo-friendly ingredients. 

26. Paleo lemon bars

Bake delicious lemon bars using coconut flour, cashew butter, coconut oil, and other Paleo-approved foods.