10 Simple Paleo Snacks

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10 Simple Paleo Snacks You Can Make at Home

Paleo eating is rooted in simplicity and nourishment—choosing foods that support your body the way nature intended. By focusing on whole, minimally processed ingredients, the Paleo approach emphasizes quality proteins, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense carbohydrates that help stabilize energy, support digestion, and keep blood sugar in check.

Meals often feel straightforward once you get the hang of it, but snacks can be a little trickier. Grocery store shelves are packed with bars, chips, and treats labeled “paleo-friendly,” yet many still contain hidden sugars, seed oils, or unnecessary additives. The good news? Paleo snacks don’t have to be complicated. Simple, homemade options are often more affordable, more satisfying, and far better at keeping you full between meals.

Before diving into the recipes, here’s a quick refresher on what Paleo eating is really about—especially when it comes to snacking.


Paleo Basics to Keep in Mind

  • Focus on whole foods
    Choose foods that look close to how they come from nature—meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

  • Prioritize quality protein
    Protein helps keep you full and supports muscle, metabolism, and blood sugar balance—especially important for snacks.

  • Embrace healthy fats
    Think avocado, olive oil, coconut, nuts, seeds, and grass-fed animal fats for satiety and sustained energy.

  • Skip grains, legumes, and dairy
    Paleo eliminates foods that can be inflammatory or harder to digest for some people.

  • Limit added sugars and processed foods
    Even “paleo-approved” packaged snacks should be enjoyed occasionally—not as daily staples.

  • Keep snacks simple and balanced
    Aim for a mix of protein + fat (and sometimes fiber-rich carbs) to avoid energy crashes.


 
 



Here are 10 paleo snack ideas you can actually make at home. They’re portable, satisfying, and keep you fueled with real food.

1. Homemade Beef Jerky

Ingredients

  • 1 lb grass-fed beef (top round or flank steak), thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

  • Optional: black pepper or red pepper flakes

Directions

  1. Slice beef thinly against the grain (partially freezing it first makes this easier).

  2. In a bowl, mix coconut aminos and spices.

  3. Toss beef slices in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

  4. Arrange slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

  5. Bake at 170°F for 3–4 hours, flipping halfway, until dried but slightly pliable.

    • Alternatively, use a dehydrator according to manufacturer instructions.

2. Paleo Energy Balls

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted dates

  • 1/2 cup almond butter

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

  • 2 tbsp cacao powder

  • Pinch of sea salt

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor.

  2. Blend until a sticky dough forms.

  3. Roll into bite-sized balls.

  4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

3. Roasted Spiced Almonds (or Any Nut)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups raw almonds (or cashews, pecans, or walnuts)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp dried rosemary (or thyme)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Toss nuts with olive oil and spices.

  3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.

  4. Roast for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway, until lightly golden.

  5. Cool completely before storing (they’ll crisp as they cool).

4. Guacamole + Veggie Sticks

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe avocados

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

  • Pinch of sea salt

  • Sliced cucumber, celery, and bell peppers

Directions

  1. Mash avocados in a bowl.

  2. Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and salt.

  3. Serve with fresh veggie sticks for dipping.

5. Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • Optional: paprika or cinnamon

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

  2. Toss sweet potato slices with olive oil and salt.

  3. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.

  4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

  5. Cool slightly before serving.

6. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Avocado Mash

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 ripe avocado

  • Sea salt and paprika

Directions

  1. Hard-boil eggs, cool, and peel.

  2. Mash avocado with a pinch of salt.

  3. Slice eggs in half and top with avocado mash.

  4. Sprinkle with paprika and serve.

7. Paleo “Trail Mix”

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw almonds

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews or pecans

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

  • 1/4 cup dried unsweetened cherries or cranberries

  • 2 tbsp cacao nibs

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

  2. Mix well and store in an airtight container.

  3. Portion into small servings for easy grab-and-go snacks.

8. Homemade Kale Chips

Ingredients

  • 1 large bunch kale, stems removed

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

  • 1–2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F.

  2. Tear kale into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.

  3. Toss with olive oil, salt, and nutritional yeast.

  4. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.

  5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until crisp but not browned.

9. Paleo Banana “Cookies”

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas

  • 1 cup almond flour

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Mash bananas in a bowl.

  3. Stir in almond flour and cinnamon.

  4. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden.

10. Coconut Chia Pudding Cups

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk

  • 1/4 cup chia seeds

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1–2 tsp raw honey (optional)

Directions

  1. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.

  2. Divide into jars or containers.

  3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thickened.

  4. Stir and enjoy as-is or topped with berries.

Whole30 Approved as-is:

If you’re doing Whole30, the following options from this list are Whole30 compliant with minor tweaks.

  1. Homemade Beef Jerky (as long as marinade uses compliant ingredients — no added sugar, soy, or non-compliant sauces).

  2. Roasted Spiced Almonds (or Any Nut)

  3. Guacamole + Veggie Sticks

  4. Baked Sweet Potato Chips (watch portioning; Whole30 can be cautious about “chip behavior,” but baked at home in moderation is fine).

  5. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Avocado Mash

  6. Homemade Kale Chips

  7. Paleo “Trail Mix” (use only compliant dried fruit — no added sugar — and skip cacao nibs if you want to be 100% strict).

Tips for Paleo Snacking Success

  • Batch prep ahead: Roast nuts, bake chips, or roll energy balls once a week so snacks are ready to grab.

  • Keep it balanced: Pair protein (jerky, eggs, nuts) with healthy fats (avocado, coconut) and fiber (veggies, fruit) for steady energy.

  • Upgrade your pantry: Stock staples like almond flour, coconut oil, and cacao nibs to make DIY snacks easier.

Store-bought paleo snacks can be convenient, but nothing beats homemade when it comes to freshness, nutrition, and cost savings. With just a little planning, you can snack paleo-style with foods that truly nourish your body — no long ingredient list required.

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