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101 (more!) paleo snack ideas

After the popularity of my previous post on paleo snack ideas, I've put together a new, extended list of snack ideas.

After my last list, I got a lot of people telling me “DAIRY IS NOT PALEO” (yep, I think they were shouting), so just to clear it up, some of the snack ideas listed below do have dairy options. I'm not in the paleo police, so if you tolerate dairy and take more of a lacto-paleo approach (and can find a good quality source) – go for it. If you fare better dairy free, avoid it!

The list below has a good range of snacks suitable for work (where there often aren't good facilities for keeping things cool or warming them up), travel, children as well as snack ideas that are quick enough for you to grab and go.

101 More Paleo Snack Ideas – Recipes, Suggestions, and Primal Inspiration

I'd love to hear your feedback – – what's your go to paleo snack? Or do you find you don't need to snack so often any more?

  1. A can of (high quality) tuna
  2. Make your own beef  jerky
  3. A bag of nuts and seeds
  4. A couple of squares of super dark high quality chocolate
  5. Make your own cherry ripe bars
  6. Coconut flesh in a bag (dehydrate it to make it last longer!)
  7. Keep a small jar of coconut oil or coconut manna to hand – and a spoon!
  8. Cheese cubes served with cut apple
  9. Use a melon baller to prepare spheres of fruit – and serve in cream (dairy or coconut)
  10. Roll up avocado, radish, cress & asparagus in ham wraps
  11. Coat chicken with an egg and almond flour mix to create Paleo chicken nuggets
  12. Melon & ham slices
  13. Simple – avocado slices
  14. Pre-boiled, peeled hard boiled eggs
  15. A jar of olives
  16. A tin of coconut milk served over fresh berries
  17. Your favourite fruit
  18. A coconut
  19. Make your own pork scratching (AKA pork rinds or crackling)
  20. Have you tried coconut yoghurt yet?!
  21. A bag of your favourite nuts (activate them, then season them)
  22. How about spicy almonds?
  23. Seaweed is a good option that stores well
  24. Coconut flakes
  25. A berry and coconut mix
  26. Dry some berries and fruit
  27. Last night’s meatballs 
  28. Pigs in blankets
  29. Almonds, pecans and berries served in coconut milk
  30. No-Oatmeal
  31. Full fat plain Greek yoghurt (if you do dairy)
  32. Salmon
  33. Smoked meat and salami
  34. A selection of cheeses
  35. Almond Butter
  36. A sealed packet of nuts and seeds
  37. A jar of pickles (make sure it isn't full of sugar)
  38. Home made egg muffins
  39. Make your own Paté
  40. A tin of sardines
  41. Oysters
  42. Simple – cut up some leftover meat and veg
  43. Devilled eggs
  44. Precooked bacon pieces
  45. Dehydrated banana slices
  46. Kale chips
  47. Diced Steamed chicken and avocado
  48. Leftover meat and mayo
  49. Paleo sushi with nori, veg, avo and fish
  50. Mini omelettes
  51. Veg sticks and nut butter
  52. Salmon and tuna on sliced cucumber
  53. Carrot sticks with a home made spicy salsa
  54. Capsicum (Bell Pepper) strips with a guacamole dip
  55. Make sandwiches with bacon “bread” and an avo filling
  56. Ham, tomatoes and fresh basil
  57. Left over roast veggies with a ranch sauce
  58. Home made sauerkraut
  59. Ever tried chocolate covered bacon bites?Coat almonds and coconut flakes in chocolate
  60. Dip fresh berries in chocolate
  61. For a special treat paleo cookies
  62. Frozen grapes
  63. Frozen banana slices mixed with fresh cream
  64. Baked pears with coconut cream and a dash of cinnamon
  65. A flask/ thermos of bone broth
  66. Soup
  67. A bottle of a freshly made green smoothie
  68. Zucchini Chips
  69. Spicy pumpkin seeds
  70. Homemade fruit leather
  71. Sweet potato, coconut oil fries
  72. Stuffed mini bell peppers (capsicum)
  73.  sliced peaches & cottage cheese
  74. Baba Ghanoush with vegetable sticks
  75. Ginger sesame Chicken wings
  76. Monkfish & sweet potato skewers
  77. Sweet potato & chocolate chip muffins
  78. Refilled sweet potatoes 
  79. Spicy nuts 
  80. Maple & cayenne roasted almonds
  81. Celery sticks and pesto 
  82. Spicy coconut king prawns
  83. Crunchy cashew fish sticks
  84. Indian Eggs 
  85. Kimchi
  86. Mini Paleo Pizza’s
  87. Sliced deli meat
  88. Chicken drumsticks
  89. Coconut Milk Kefir
  90. Plantain chips
  91. Roasted Chestnuts
  92. Cauliflower Popcorn – who needs that other stuff when you can make this?!
  93. Collard wraps – put your favourite veggies and leftover meat in a collard leaf and wrap!
  94. Coleslaw
  95. Prosciutto wrapped asparagus
  96. Pickled Gherkins
  97. A glass of (unsweetened)Almond Milk
  98. Prawns with Paleo Cocktail Sauce
  99. Carrot sticks with Paleo Hummus
  100. Strawberry & coconut ice cream
  101. Raw Chocolate Maple and Pecan Fudge

How to Choose the Right Paleo Snack for Your Lifestyle

With so many Paleo snack ideas to choose from, the key is finding options that work for your routine. If you’re on the go all day, opt for shelf-stable choices like jerky, activated nuts, coconut flakes, or tinned fish. These require no prep and are easy to store in your bag or car.

If you're at home and have a few more minutes, why not make a small batch of egg muffins, Paleo sushi rolls, or even sweet potato fries cooked in coconut oil? These snacks can double as mini-meals and help you stay full for longer.

For anyone following a low carb or keto-leaning Paleo diet, focus on snacks with a higher fat content like avocado, olives, boiled eggs, pâté, and nut butters. These will help stabilise energy levels and reduce hunger between meals.

And if you're looking for family-friendly or kid-approved Paleo snacks, there are plenty of fun ideas in the list — from frozen banana slices to mini Paleo pizzas and zucchini chips.

Snacking isn’t essential on Paleo if your meals are nutrient-dense, but let’s be real — life gets busy, and it helps to have a plan. Keeping a few go-to Paleo snacks on hand can prevent unhealthy choices when you're tired or in a rush.

Do you have a favourite Paleo snack not on the list? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to keep adding to this ultimate Paleo snack resource.

More Creative Paleo Snack Ideas to Keep You Inspired

If you're looking to add even more variety to your Paleo snack game, the ideas below bring together flavour, convenience, and nutrition — all with minimal fuss. Whether you're after savoury, sweet, or something in between, there's something here to keep your snack drawer exciting and Paleo-compliant.

  • Boiled quail eggs – A bite-sized alternative to chicken eggs, they’re perfect with a sprinkle of sea salt.
  • Avocado boats – Halve an avocado and fill the seed hollow with salsa, sauerkraut, or tuna salad.
  • Apple slices with sunflower seed butter – A great nut-free option for those with allergies or sensitivities.
  • Jicama sticks – Crisp, hydrating, and excellent with lime and chilli for a Mexican-inspired snack.
  • Dehydrated zucchini chips with paprika – Make a big batch in your dehydrator or low oven to have crunchy snacks on hand.
  • Mini meatloaf muffins – Bake individual meatloaves in a muffin tray and keep them in the fridge for a satisfying protein fix.
  • Frozen coconut bites – Mix shredded coconut, a little honey, and coconut oil, then freeze into silicone moulds.
  • Stuffed dates – Try dates filled with almond butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon (great for a natural energy hit).
  • DIY trail mix – Combine your favourite activated nuts, coconut flakes, freeze-dried berries, and cacao nibs.
  • Spiced cauliflower bites – Roast small florets in olive oil and turmeric for a warm, satisfying snack.

Snack Timing and Portion Tips for Paleo Success

Snacking on Paleo shouldn’t feel like a chore — nor should it become an all-day grazing habit. The goal is to support your energy and nutrient needs without mindless munching. Here are a few tips to make the most of your snack time:

  • Pre-portion snacks in small containers to avoid overdoing it, especially with nuts and dried fruits.
  • Time your snacks strategically — a mid-morning bite can bridge breakfast and lunch, while an afternoon snack might keep you from reaching for the biscuit tin at 4pm.
  • Always include protein or fat – pairing carbs (like fruit) with protein or fat helps slow absorption and keeps you fuller for longer.

Make-Ahead Paleo Snack Prep Ideas

If you set aside just 30–45 minutes on a Sunday, you can prepare a week’s worth of easy Paleo snacks. Here’s a sample prep list to get started:

  • Boil a dozen eggs and peel them ready for grab-and-go protein.
  • Cut veggie sticks (carrot, celery, cucumber, and capsicum) and store them in water-filled containers in the fridge.
  • Pre-make a batch of Paleo kimchi or sauerkraut to add gut-friendly crunch to any snack.
  • Whip up some almond pate or chicken liver pate to enjoy with veggie sticks or seed crackers.
  • Roast a tray of seasoned nuts or spiced seeds for a savoury fix.

Snacking Mindfully on Paleo

Lastly, it’s worth tuning into why you’re snacking. Is it because you’re genuinely hungry, or are you tired, bored, or distracted? One of the less talked-about benefits of eating Paleo is how it can help you reconnect with your natural hunger signals.

Try sitting down, even for just a minute, when you snack. Put your food on a plate. Chew slowly. Appreciate the flavours. That awareness can help turn snacks from a guilty grab into a satisfying pause in your day.

What Are Your Latest Go-To Paleo Snacks?

The Paleo community is full of ingenious foodies, and I’d love to hear from you. What have you been snacking on lately? Any weird and wonderful creations? Let me know in the comments — and if I get enough replies, I’ll do a reader-curated follow-up post!

YOUR Quick 20-Minute Paleo Dinner Ideas

I recently asked the followers of the Paleo Network's Facebook page for their favourite quick paleo dinner meals and got some great replies (and only one “McDonalds” comment!) – here are 70 of them…

Steak & beef ideas

This was by far the most popular meat people use for a quick dinner, here are some of the responses:

  • Reheated beef stew that I make sure I have frozen
  • Steak and salad
  • Steak, eggs and broccoli.
  • Steak and salad
  • Steak and steamed veggies
  • Steak with a side order of steak
  • Sautéd kale & cherry tomatoes w garlic, onion & olive oil, sweet potato rosti & BBQ grilled steak – quick, easy & yummy
  • Steak and sweet potato
  • Grass fed beef broiled topped with egg. Sweet potato coins, Raw red onion slices on top of fresh spinach, grated carrots, sliced avocado with fresh lemon juice and thinly sliced elephant garlic. Yummy!
  • Bbq steak sliced placed on a large salad topped with a soft boiled egg and crumbled blue vein. Yummo!
  • Steak with Morton Bay bugs, Sweet Potato Mash and steamed beetroot and zucchini…..exactly what I'm having tonight!!
  • Steak or pork chop, pan fried with cumin seeds … then cabbage, kale spring onions and broccolini all sauteed in the pan juices…. super quick and absolutely delicious!
  • Steak on the BBQ on salad. That's what we are about to have.
  • Bison burgers with caramelized onions and grilled zucchini slices.
  • Steak and broccoli

YOUR Quick 20-Minute Paleo Dinner Ideas fast no time recipes-min

Fish & Seafood

Another popular choice:

  • Salmon cooked on the sandwich press and steamed veg
  • Shrimp
  • Coconut salmon and green salad!
  • Tuna and salad
  • Steamed shrimp with broccoli/cauliflower!
  • Salmon with lemon, parsley and garlic, spinach and kale
  • Salmon and salad, bacon & eggs, ham & salad
  • Oven Grilled salmon or any other fish and greens or salad to go with it.
  • Baked Salmon vegies and dip
  • Half an avocado with fresh prawns
  • Grilled salmon with green veg
  • Salmon steak on a bed of English spinach with avocado and mango and drizzled with fresh lime….nom nom nom!!!!

Lamb Dinner

Lamb chops are so quick to cook, I thought a few more people would have suggested this:

  • Lamb chops, cauliflower rice and sweet potato mash
  • Lamb chops and sweet potato mash
  • Lamb tagine
  • Lamb chunks braised in onion garlic and ginger cooked with prunes
  • Sliced cold lamb roast with salt and fruit/veggie juice.

Chicken & Turkey

Lots of great ideas here too:

  • Chicken broccoli and kumara gets boring but fast and effective haha
  • Baked chicken with kumara all in one tray
  • Grilled chicken breast and sweet potato mash with steamed veggies.
  • Paleo turkey nuggets pan fried in coconut oil. Yum!
  • Baked chicken thighs with green beans & shallots sautéed in coconut oil.
  • Chicken breast meatballs with herbs, sundried tomatoes, onion, garlic and Parmesan served with walnut salad. Or poached chicken breast and steamed veggies.
  • Ground turkey, kale, Brussels Sprouts, bone broth fried over mashed parsnip
  • Chicken (scrambled eggs with onion, spinach, bacon)
  • Chicken Red curry on a bed of grated zucchini
  • Salad & coconut chicken
  • Salad and chicken Sandwich using lettuce instead of bread! Mmmm
  • Chicken thigh marinated in my garden herbs and a big salad
  • Spiced grilled chicken tenderloins on a mango, avocado, lettuce, tomato salad. With orange balsamic dressing… yummo…
  • Chicken breast, grape tomatoes and shallots. Cook in oil of choice in a pan and any spices you like on top of stove. Easy peasy.

Eggs

I use eggs a lot when I need to prepare something to eat in a hurry, as do you by the looks of it:

  • Eggs and almond butter
  • Bacon and eggs
  • spinach and mushrooms sautéed in ghee with soft boiled eggs= Heaven. It's the perfect meal.
  • Eggs and shrimp for my daughter, eggs and salami for my son… lol. Add chicken broth to it and stir, microwave if you are in a rush. Cook over a pan if you have more time. Quick and easy. You can also add in frozen/non-frozen veggies, herbs, etc. Apple slices, Clementine, other fruit on the side.
  • Squashed avocado with boiled eggs and steamed carrot and broccoli- all together it's DA BOMB
  • Eggs and anything or everything.
  • Eggs and sautéed sweet potatoes!
  • Omelette!!
  • Omelette filled with veggies, or meat and a big salad.
  • Onion, sweet potato, mushrooms, turkey bacon, all fried up with two whole and two egg whites cracked on top

And the rest

A few paleo versions of non-paleo favourites cropped up to:

  • Taco salad.
  • Paleo fajitas.
  • A salad with whatever meat I have cooked in the fridge.
  • Jamaican curry
  • Soup, salad, raw veggie tray, stir fry…
  • Cabbage and bacon
  • Fajitas and a great salad.
  • Meat & veg. Who knew?
  • A frittata loaded with veg, a chicken stir fry or Thai curry, grilled chicken and salad, or chicken thigh fillets marinated in coconut milk, ginger and chilli then grilled and served with steamed Chinese greens. So many quick, delicious, and stupidly easy meals to make!!
  • Paleo chilli con carne
  • Paleo bratwurst & sauerkraut
  • Leftover spaghetti squash with 3 over easy eggs…salt and pepper of course.
  • I make a stir fry….ANYTHING!! use eggs, meat, veggies, coconut aminos and spices…. The great thing about paleo….you can make dinner quickly and it is ALWAYS great!!! I keep my veggies cleaned…ready to cook or make salad. Always have a meat ready to cook…whether it is beef, chicken, fish or deer meat.
  • Whatever animal is unlucky and slow enough to be near my chompers

Why Quick Paleo Dinners Work So Well

One of the best things about eating Paleo is how fast real food can be. With no processed sauces, grains, or complicated prep, a nutrient-packed dinner can hit the plate in 20 minutes — sometimes even less. Whether it's steak and sweet potato, a chicken stir-fry, or a veggie-packed omelette, Paleo makes it easy to whip up meals that are both satisfying and simple.

In Australia, access to fresh meat and seasonal produce makes quick Paleo cooking even easier. With a bit of prep — like keeping your veggies chopped and your proteins ready to go — there’s no reason to rely on takeaway or processed food.

If you’re just starting out or short on time, don’t overthink it. Pair a protein with veg, add healthy fats like avocado or olive oil, and season generously. Done.

Got a go-to fast Paleo dinner that’s not listed above? Share it in the comments — let’s keep the inspiration (and the dinners) coming!

So over to you. Please share your answer in the comments below: “You've got 20 minutes to put dinner together – what's your favourite quick paleo meal to make?”

75 Paleo Snack Ideas

Once you've perfected your Paleo meals, you might need to work on making sure you have a few Paleo snack ideas in your repertoire, to fit it with your Paleo diet. Here is the list of Paleo snacks you've been waiting for!

If you're looking for even more ideas and recipes for Paleo snacks – you'll be pleased to hear my Paleo Snack recipe ebook has just been launched! You can find it here.

Ideally, if you have a good Paleo breakfast and lunch, you’ll often find you don’t feel hungry and don’t need to snack. If you do find yourself hungry between meals, try eating more at meals (are you consuming enough satiating fat in your meals?). Also, check out the recipe book I've just written with loads of Paleo Breakfast recipes to inspire you.

There are always occasions where it’s good to have some healthy Paleo snacks prepared, or in mind. This way when hunger strikes, you won’t ruin your Paleo diet. There are hundreds of great Paleo and Primal snack ideas and 75 ideas in the list below. With a bit of preparation, there will never be any need to hit the vending machine or go for an unhealthy option.

Some of these ideas are more Primal/ Lacto-Paleo with the inclusion of dairy. If you tolerate dairy, get the best quality full-fat you can. Raw dairy is even better.

Brace yourself – this is a long list. Most of the ideas are quick and easy – so there’s no excuse not to keep in Paleo!

75 paleo snack ideas suggestions inspiration recipes-min

Paleo Snack Options For Work

It’s a great plan to have an emergency Paleo kit in your desk at work. This way whether your caught sort, or don’t have time for lunch, you always have a fast Paleo snack at your fingertips. If you’re buying pre packages tins and packets, make sure you check the ingredients and get the best quality available. These options should store and keep well for a while in your desk; perfect for an emergency stash!

1. A tin of tuna or salmon
2. A good quality packet of beef jerky (or make your own)
3. Put together a trail mix of your favourite nuts and seeds
4. Some dark chocolate
5. Larabars are a good emergency option
6. Coconut flakes will also store well
7. A jar of coconut oil and spoon will provide some good fat when you need it most

Kids Paleo Snack Options

Children tend to eat more fruit than adults, but these ideas will be good for adult snacks too.

8. Apple & cheese slices
9. Fruit balls (made with a melon baller) in coconut milk
10. Turkey roll-ups with cucumber, tomato, grated carrot and avocado inside
11. Make “chicken nuggets” coated in coconut flour and egg
12. Wrap melon in ham

 

Simple Snacks

It doesn't get much easier than these snack ideas

13. An avocado and a spoon
14. Peeled, hard-boiled eggs
15. Black and green olives
16. Fruit in coconut milk
17. Seasonal fruit on it’s own
18. A young fresh coconut
19. Pork rinds/ crackling (ideally home-made, if not, make sure it’s good quality with minimal ingredients!)
20. Coconut yoghurt

Movie Snack Ideas

Instead of a bucket of popcorn and soda, you can easily keep it Paleo with these movie snack ideas

21. Activate, dry roast and season some cashews, pecans and walnuts
22. Spicy almonds
23. Dried seaweed (make your own, or buy – checking the ingredients!)
24. Coconut flakes are a great ready to eat snack
25. A medley of berries (i.e. strawberries, cherries and blueberries) with coconut flakes
26. A dried fruit mix
27. Meatballs
28. Pigs in blankets

Midnight Snacks

Late night, bedtime and midnight snacks seem to be a common habit for a lot of people. Here are some Paleo supper ideas you can try before bed, that won’t ruin a day of great nutrition.

29. Make up some almonds, walnuts and berries in a bowl of coconut milk
30. A bowl of Paleo granola or No-Oatmeal
31. Some full fat yoghurt
32. Smoked salmon

Airport and Flying Paleo Snack Options

Given the unhealthy options available at airport and on most flights, it’s a great plan to come prepared with your own Paleo snacks. Check the security requirements at the airports you’re travelling through to determine which of the following options will be allowed on your airplane. Hopefully with unopened packets, you should have no problems, but do check first!

33. Smoked meat and high quality salami (this should store well)
34. Good quality cheese
35. Coconut Butter
36. A sealed packet of nuts and seeds
37. A jar of pickles (check the ingredients!)

On the Go & Travel Paleo Snack Ideas

When you have to travel for work, or don’t have time, these options will work well on the go.

38. Make up a batch of egg muffins to store in the fridge and grab as required
39. Paté
40. Sardines
41. A tin of smoked oysters
42. Diced meat and veg
43. Make up some devilled eggs ready to go
44. Keep some bacon pieces in the fridge
45. Dehydrate some apple slices
46. Make veggie chips with sweet potatoes, kale, brussel sprouts, pumpkin or zucchini to take with you
47. There are a few Paleo Packs on the markets idea for travelling with

Pre and Post Workout Paleo Snacks

Before and after a workout your nutrition requirements are different; here are some ideas to give you a good protein boast.

48. Protein Shakes; whilst not exactly “whole foods” there are some great Primal protein powders available
49. Chicken and avocado is a great snack to take to the gym
50. Make some primal energy protein bars
51. Leftover meat and mustard (or try making a Paleo mayonnaise)

Weight Loss Paleo Snack Suggestions

When you have weight to lose, snacks are dangerous territory! Some snacks, such as nuts and fruit are easy to overdo and can sabotage your weight loss efforts. If you’re constantly hungry, make sure your meals are sufficient and try adding more fat. These low-calorie snack ideas are going to be a better bet for weight loss on a Paleo diet

52. Make some rice-less Sushi using nori wraps, lengths of veggies, avocado, egg and fish
53. Make a small omelette with your favourite vegetables
54. Carrot and celery sticks with an almond and cashew butter dip
55. Fresh salmon on cucumber slices
56. Cucumber sticks with a guacamole dip
57. Capsicum (Bell Pepper) strips with a homemade spicy salsa
58. Mini bacon & guacamole “sandwiches”
59. Cherry tomatoes and ham
60. Roast vegetables with a ranch dipping sauce
61. Sauerkraut
62. Make up some nori “chips” in the oven with coconut oil and seasoning with spices

After Dinner Paleo Snack Ideas

Instead of a dessert or pudding, these snack ideas should fulfil the need for “something” sweet, without going overboard!

63. Keep it simple with some squares of very dark chocolate
64. Try chocolate coated bacon pieces, unusual, but delicious
65. Make some chocolate coated almond and coconut bites
66. Dip strawberries and blueberries in chocolate
67. Make some “Paleo Cookies” using almond meal
68. Make coconut flour berry muffins/ “cakes”
69. Coconut flour pancakes
70. Frozen grapes
71. Baked apples with cinnamon and coconut cream
72. A simple fruit salad

Drink Your Paleo Snack

With a flask or thermos and some preparation, you can have a drinkable snack with you wherever you go.

73. Bone broth
74. Soup
75. A green smoothie (remember to add in a fat source like avocado or coconut milk from your favourite recipe)

Has your snacking frequency changed since you've been following a Paleo diet? What are your favourite snacks? I’d love to hear more suggestions to add to the list of Paleo snack ideas; let me know in the comments below! And don't forget to check out my Paleo Snack recipe ebook for full recipes and even more Paleo snack ideas!