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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.

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?

A can of (high quality) tuna
Make your own beef jerky
A bag of nuts and seeds
A couple of squares of super dark high quality chocolate
Make your own cherry ripe bars
Coconut flesh in a bag (dehydrate it to make it last longer!)
Keep a small jar of coconut oil or coconut manna to hand – and a spoon!
Cheese cubes served with cut apple
Use a melon baller to prepare spheres of fruit – and serve in cream (dairy or coconut)
Roll up avocado, radish, cress & asparagus in ham wraps
Coat chicken with an egg and almond flour mix to create Paleo chicken nuggets
Melon & ham slices
Simple – avocado slices
Pre-boiled, peeled hard boiled eggs
A jar of olives
A tin of coconut milk served over fresh berries
Your favourite fruit
A coconut
Make your own pork scratching (AKA pork rinds or crackling)
Have you tried coconut yoghurt yet?!
A bag of your favourite nuts (activate them, then season them)
How about spicy almonds?
Seaweed is a good option that stores well
Coconut flakes
A berry and coconut mix
Dry some berries and fruit
Last night’s meatballs
Pigs in blankets
Almonds, pecans and berries served in coconut milk
No-Oatmeal
Full fat plain Greek yoghurt (if you do dairy)
Salmon
Smoked meat and salami
A selection of cheeses
Almond Butter
A sealed packet of nuts and seeds
A jar of pickles (make sure it isn't full of sugar)
Home made egg muffins
Make your own Paté
A tin of sardines
Oysters
Simple – cut up some leftover meat and veg
Devilled eggs
Precooked bacon pieces
Dehydrated banana slices
Kale chips
Diced Steamed chicken and avocado
Leftover meat and mayo
Paleo sushi with nori, veg, avo and fish
Mini omelettes
Veg sticks and nut butter
Salmon and tuna on sliced cucumber
Carrot sticks with a home made spicy salsa
Capsicum (Bell Pepper) strips with a guacamole dip
Make sandwiches with bacon “bread” and an avo filling
Ham, tomatoes and fresh basil
Left over roast veggies with a ranch sauce
Home made sauerkraut
Ever tried chocolate covered bacon bites?Coat almonds and coconut flakes in chocolate
Dip fresh berries in chocolate
For a special treat paleo cookies
Frozen grapes
Frozen banana slices mixed with fresh cream
Baked pears with coconut cream and a dash of cinnamon
A flask/ thermos of bone broth
Soup
A bottle of a freshly made green smoothie
Zucchini Chips
Spicy pumpkin seeds
Homemade fruit leather
Sweet potato, coconut oil fries
Stuffed mini bell peppers (capsicum)
sliced peaches & cottage cheese
Baba Ghanoush with vegetable sticks
Ginger sesame Chicken wings
Monkfish & sweet potato skewers
Sweet potato & chocolate chip muffins
Refilled sweet potatoes
Spicy nuts
Maple & cayenne roasted almonds
Celery sticks and pesto
Spicy coconut king prawns
Crunchy cashew fish sticks
Indian Eggs
Kimchi
Mini Paleo Pizza’s
Sliced deli meat
Chicken drumsticks
Coconut Milk Kefir
Plantain chips
Roasted Chestnuts
Cauliflower Popcorn – who needs that other stuff when you can make this?!
Collard wraps – put your favourite veggies and leftover meat in a collard leaf and wrap!
Coleslaw
Prosciutto wrapped asparagus
Pickled Gherkins
A glass of (unsweetened)Almond Milk
Prawns with Paleo Cocktail Sauce
Carrot sticks with Paleo Hummus
Strawberry & coconut ice cream
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!

The Primal Meal Plan Explained

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What is a typical day of paleo meals for you? Have you got stuck in a meal plan rut?

Once you get a few favourite recipes under your belt, it’s easy to have the same meal over and over, which can get very boring. Eating repetitively is also depriving your body of nutrients that can be obtained from having a varied diet.

I was really interested to see Mark Sisson, over at Primal Blueprint, has started a primal meal plan program! Every Tuesday, he sends everyone who has signed up an email containing a brand new meal plan, shopping list and recipes for the entire week.

Every day is planned in full, with breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack – the shopping list means you can print it out and can easily make sure you aren't missing any of the key ingredients. The recipes also make good use of the ingredients, meaning you won’t be buying a huge pumpkin – and wasting ¾ of it!

The meal plans provide about 50 – 100 grams of carbs a day (veggies and fruit, with the occasional use of a small amount of raw honey) and about 25% protein.

It’s easy to multiply up the shopping lists and recipes, meaning if you’re cooking for a big family – or like to cook up a big batch to give you extra to freeze and enjoy later – this will be easy to manage.

This seems like a great was to refocus and get some new recipes and ideas into your cooking repertoire. If you’re new to a Paleo diet, this is a great way to get a full introduction to eating primally, with the confidence that all of the foods are 100% approved! It’s also great to give you some inspiration about what to eat at meal times.

If you want to find out more about the Primal Meal Plans – check them out here!

Have you tried a paleo meal plan program? I’d love to hear your thoughts, in the comments below.

Why Rotating Your Paleo Meals Matters

If you’ve ever found yourself relying on the same five meals week after week, you’re not alone. Falling into a food rut is incredibly common, especially when you’re trying to keep things healthy, fast, and familiar. But variety is one of the keys to long-term success on a Paleo diet — not just to keep things interesting, but to ensure you’re meeting all your micronutrient needs.

Each vegetable, cut of meat, herb, and fat source offers a different nutritional profile. By rotating what’s on your plate, you get a more diverse intake of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and beneficial fats. For example, lamb liver offers a completely different nutrient makeup than salmon or chicken thigh. Similarly, beetroot contains different antioxidants than zucchini or broccoli. Over time, lack of diversity can contribute to minor deficiencies, digestive stagnation, and even increased food sensitivities.

Seasonal Eating: A Natural Way to Introduce Variety

One of the easiest ways to shake up your meal planning is to align your meals with the seasons. In summer, focus on lighter fare like grilled meats, leafy salads, berries, and cold-pressed juices. As autumn rolls in, root vegetables, slow-cooked stews, and warming spices take centre stage. In winter, bone broths, roasts, and fermented vegetables help support immunity. Spring is ideal for detoxifying greens, asparagus, and herbs.

Not only does this approach prevent boredom, but it’s also how our ancestors ate — in harmony with nature and what was locally available. Seasonal eating supports digestion, reduces the cost of groceries, and maximises nutrient density.

Batch Cooking with a Twist

Batch cooking is often hailed as a lifesaver on a Paleo diet, but doing it without variety can leave you dreading your leftovers. One strategy is to prepare a neutral base — for example, shredded slow-cooked beef — then repurpose it across several meals with different seasonings and sides:

Serve it over mashed sweet potato with sautéed spinach and garlic
Toss it into a lettuce wrap with avocado and fermented salsa
Top it with a fried egg and roasted zucchini for a breakfast hash

This method keeps your prep time low but your meals exciting and different. The same goes for roasted vegetables. Roast a tray of root veg and use some for a side dish, add some to a salad the next day, then blend the rest into a soup or dip.

Introducing New Proteins and Cuts

When was the last time you cooked duck, goat, or kangaroo? Most people rotate between beef, chicken, and salmon, occasionally tossing in pork. But the world of protein is vast, and expanding your options helps ensure you’re getting a variety of amino acid profiles and micronutrients. Even within a single animal, different cuts offer different benefits — heart, liver, and kidney are all incredibly nutrient-dense and underutilised.

If organ meats are new territory, try blending a small amount into your mince or slow-cooked meals. You’ll barely notice the difference in taste, but your body will reap the rewards of extra B vitamins, iron, and fat-soluble vitamins.

Don’t Forget About Herbs and Spices

Using a variety of herbs and spices not only keeps meals flavourful but also adds powerful health benefits. Turmeric, for example, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. Rosemary may support cognitive function. Garlic is antimicrobial. Cilantro helps the body eliminate heavy metals. Swapping out spice blends or experimenting with fresh herbs is a simple way to give repeat meals a whole new spin.

Paleo Meal Planning Tips for Busy People

If you love the idea of meal planning but struggle to stay organised, here are a few strategies to make the process easier:

Plan once, repeat monthly: Create four weekly plans, then cycle through them each month, adjusting slightly for seasonal produce.
Double cook and freeze: Make double portions of stews, casseroles, and sauces, and freeze them in individual servings.
Theme your days: For example, “Meatball Mondays,” “Taco Tuesdays,” or “Stir-fry Saturdays” to simplify decision-making.
Prep raw ingredients ahead: Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and pre-mix spice blends to save time during the week.

Meal planning isn’t about restriction — it’s about giving yourself structure so you’re free to enjoy meals without stress, guesswork, or impulsive food choices.

Getting Inspired with Meal Delivery and Planning Services

If you find planning from scratch overwhelming, services like the Primal Blueprint Meal Plan offer a gentle way in. With a ready-made plan, you get exposure to new recipes, balanced macros, and a reliable grocery list. You may even discover ingredients or methods you’ve never considered using before, giving your own meal planning a fresh direction.

And if you prefer to stay in control, you can always use the meal plans as a base and swap out a few meals for your favourites or seasonal picks.

Reignite Your Paleo Creativity

If Paleo eating is starting to feel a bit repetitive, it might be time to take a step back and look at it through new eyes. Find a new cookbook, browse a farmers market for inspiration, or set a weekly goal to try one ingredient or dish you’ve never made before. Share your discoveries with friends, family or an online community for added motivation.

Ultimately, variety is what keeps your food both exciting and nourishing. Your body, mind and tastebuds will thank you for mixing it up.

Win! I Quit Sugar Cookbook

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Sarah Wilson's I Quit Sugar Cookbook is a beautiful ebook, to follow-up to I Quit Sugar Program. Fancy winning your own copy?

The I Quit Sugar Program is an eight week plan to give up sugar – with guidance and advice throughout the process. This is a great first step into Paleo, as initially giving up sugar can seem very daunting.

The follow up recipe book has over 100 recipes, most of which are Paleo. There are breakfast recipes, dinners, snacks, sauces, smoothies and lots of recipes to help a sweet tooth – but of course, without sugar!

Sarah Wilson has generously given two of her ebooks to be won in this giveaway! So if you would like a new cookbook and some new recipe inspiration, enter now!

How To Enter:

If you haven't already, sign up to my newsletter below
Like the Paleo Network Facebook page
Leave a comment below – make sure you include your email address in the comment form (won't be displayed publicly), so I can contact you if you win!

I'll pick two winners at random. Entry closes midnight AEST 14th October and winners will be contacted and announced shortly afterwards. Entry open to all regardless of country. One entry per person.

Why Quitting Sugar Aligns Perfectly with a Paleo Lifestyle

One of the biggest challenges people face when transitioning to a Paleo lifestyle is breaking their dependence on sugar. Whether it's hidden in sauces, disguised in “health” snacks, or baked into afternoon cravings, sugar has a way of infiltrating even the most mindful diets. That’s what makes Sarah Wilson’s I Quit Sugar series such a powerful tool — it targets one of the most addictive and damaging parts of the modern diet and offers practical, whole-food alternatives.

Going Paleo often starts with removing processed grains, legumes, and seed oils, but tackling sugar addiction can be the true game-changer. When sugar is eliminated, many people report clearer skin, better sleep, improved energy, and fewer mood swings — benefits that are also closely tied to the outcomes of a successful Paleo diet. Sarah’s cookbooks make that transition smoother and far more enjoyable, without relying on overly complex recipes or hard-to-find ingredients.

Favourite Recipes That Satisfy Without the Sugar

If you’re wondering what kind of meals you’ll find in the I Quit Sugar Cookbook, you’ll be pleased to discover that many of the recipes are comfort food classics with a nourishing twist. Think zucchini and haloumi fritters, grain-free muesli bars, and slow-cooked lamb shanks. The desserts are particularly impressive — with ingredients like coconut, cacao, almond meal, and cinnamon doing all the heavy lifting to create indulgent treats that don’t spike your blood sugar.

Sarah’s recipes are especially valuable for those who struggle with late-night cravings or afternoon energy dips. Instead of grabbing a biscuit or a sugary yoghurt, having a few prepped snacks from the cookbook in your fridge can be the difference between staying on track and spiralling into a sugar binge.

Smart Sweeteners and Natural Flavour Boosters

One of the things Sarah does well in her recipe development is choosing better sweetener alternatives. While strict Paleo avoids sweeteners entirely, the occasional use of natural options like stevia, monk fruit, or small amounts of rice malt syrup (which is fructose-free) can help people transition away from processed sugars without feeling deprived.

Her recipes also lean heavily on ingredients that enhance flavour without sugar, such as citrus zest, vanilla bean, cacao, cinnamon, and coconut. These not only make the food more enjoyable but also retrain your palate to appreciate more subtle, natural flavours. Over time, your cravings change, and overly sweet processed food begins to taste artificial and overpowering.

Meal Planning and Batch Cooking with I Quit Sugar

If you like to batch cook or meal prep, you’ll find this cookbook incredibly helpful. Many of the dinners and breakfasts can be cooked in large quantities and stored in the fridge or freezer. This makes it easier to avoid convenience foods during a busy week. Recipes like frittatas, grain-free granolas, and one-pot stews can be made on a Sunday and enjoyed over several days.

This approach saves time, reduces decision fatigue, and helps you stick to your Paleo or sugar-free intentions, even when life gets hectic. It’s especially beneficial for families or households trying to make healthier eating a sustainable lifestyle rather than a short-term experiment.

How Sugar Affects the Body (and Why You Should Avoid It)

It’s no secret that sugar is linked to a whole host of health issues — from obesity and insulin resistance to inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and hormone imbalance. Even for those who aren't trying to lose weight, cutting out sugar can improve mood stability, mental clarity, and skin health. The I Quit Sugar program addresses these issues with evidence-based advice and accessible meal plans, making it a great companion to a Paleo framework focused on healing from the inside out.

Sarah Wilson also explores how sugar feeds chronic inflammation, making it especially problematic for those with autoimmune conditions, thyroid issues, or digestive distress. By removing it from the diet, many people experience noticeable improvements in bloating, joint pain, and mental health — often within just a couple of weeks.

Making Sugar-Free Living a Family Affair

One of the challenges parents face is reducing their children’s sugar intake without making them feel excluded or punished. The good news is, many of the recipes in this cookbook are family-friendly and designed with kids in mind. From homemade ice blocks to savoury muffins and smoothie bowls, the recipes are fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Getting your children involved in the kitchen is a great way to encourage healthier food choices. Let them help pick recipes, stir ingredients, or assemble their own grain-free pizzas or tacos using Sarah’s sugar-free sauces and bases. By involving them in the process, you teach valuable skills and give them ownership over their food choices.

Beyond Recipes: The Lifestyle Aspect of Quitting Sugar

What sets this cookbook apart from others is the holistic lifestyle guidance that accompanies the recipes. It’s not just about what to cook — it’s about how to reframe your relationship with food, habits, and nourishment. Sarah touches on mindful eating, kitchen organisation, and the psychology of cravings — all essential tools for those on a long-term health journey.

Paired with a Paleo mindset, the guidance in this book creates a robust foundation for a health-first life. It’s not about strict rules, but rather, about learning to listen to your body, fuel it well, and avoid falling back into a cycle of processed, high-sugar foods.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake without sacrificing flavour, this book is a fantastic resource. Whether you’re transitioning into Paleo, doing a Whole30, or simply wanting to feel better every day, the I Quit Sugar Cookbook offers practical support and delicious inspiration. The recipes are nutrient-dense, accessible, and designed to help you feel good — not restricted.

And with two copies up for grabs in the giveaway, there’s no better time to join the movement and take control of your health, one sugar-free bite at a time.

Paleo Pizza Recipe: Grain-Free and Dairy-Free

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Everyday Paleo

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I was really pleased to receive a few new Paleo books last week – I've got quite a lot of reading to do! I thought I'd start with Everyday Paleo, which, as a longtime reader of Sarah Fragoso's blog, I've been looking forward to.

I hadn't realised how inclusive this book was going to be – it covers everything, including what the idea of Paleo is and how you can start from scratch. One of my favourite topics sleep is also covered, as well as stress. There is also a big section about fitness (understandable, given that the author is a trainer) and a lot of recipes.

There is a big family and children focus with the book too, which I'm sure would be a great help for families looking to make the move to Paleo. There is lots of advice on introducing Paleo to children and even Paleo lunchbox suggestions.

The recipe ingredients look like they will convert quite well to Australian availability – but I'll be trying a few out myself later this week. I'm particularly looking forward to cooking up the Albondigas Soup and the Meaty Pumpkin Souffle.

Why Paleo Cookbooks Are Still Essential in a Digital Age

With endless free recipes available online, you might wonder whether investing in a physical Paleo cookbook is still worthwhile. But there’s something powerful about having a tangible guide you can flick through, dog-ear and scribble notes on. A thoughtfully curated cookbook like Everyday Paleo offers more than just meals — it delivers structure, inspiration, and lifestyle context all in one place. For those new to Paleo or looking to recommit, this kind of immersive guide can help establish strong, sustainable habits.

Sarah Fragoso’s cookbook stands out because it blends practical tips with family-friendly meals and foundational knowledge. Rather than overwhelming you with complex protocols or exotic ingredients, it gently walks you through what it means to live Paleo — not just eat that way. From resetting your pantry to managing stress and sleep, books like this are about building a holistic, realistic approach to ancestral health.

Practicality and Simplicity for Busy Lives

One of the standout features of Everyday Paleo is how approachable the recipes are. Designed with families in mind, they focus on wholesome, everyday ingredients and quick prep times. For those juggling work, school drop-offs and general life chaos, this makes the transition to a Paleo lifestyle far less daunting.

Meals like Albondigas Soup and Meaty Pumpkin Soufflé are hearty, nourishing and perfect for batch cooking. They freeze well, are budget-friendly, and — importantly — satisfy fussy eaters. The ability to cook one meal for the whole household without needing “special” alternatives is a massive win for any parent attempting to bring their family along on the Paleo journey.

How Everyday Paleo Supports Beginners

Unlike many cookbooks that dive straight into the recipes, Everyday Paleo spends time laying out the “why” behind the lifestyle. This helps readers make informed decisions and stay committed long-term. The introductory chapters guide you through cleaning out your pantry, shopping efficiently, and even handling social situations or skeptical relatives — all key pain points for those transitioning to real food living.

Sarah’s personal voice comes through clearly in the writing. It’s relatable, encouraging and non-judgmental, which is especially valuable for those who may feel overwhelmed by big lifestyle shifts. There’s also attention given to managing cravings, building new habits, and dealing with challenges like eating out or travelling — practical advice that makes the book more than just a collection of meals.

Integrating Paleo into Family Life

For families, one of the biggest barriers to trying Paleo is figuring out how to get everyone on board — especially children. This book addresses that head-on. With clear advice on how to make gradual changes, involve kids in cooking, and explain the “why” in age-appropriate ways, it becomes a manual for household transformation.

Lunchbox suggestions, kid-approved dinners, and advice on navigating picky eating make this an ideal book for parents. Whether your child is a toddler or a teenager, the strategies Sarah shares can help you create a home environment where healthy eating is the norm — not a battle.

What Makes a Great Paleo Cookbook?

As more Paleo cookbooks have hit the market, the quality varies widely. The best ones, like Everyday Paleo, do several things well:

Accessible ingredients: No need for obscure or expensive items.
Clear instructions: Great for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Visual appeal: High-quality photos that inspire and guide.
Lifestyle integration: Goes beyond food to cover mindset, movement, and stress.
Meal planning support: Helps you build a weekly rhythm without burnout.

If you’re building a small but mighty Paleo library, it’s worth choosing books that meet all these criteria. Having a handful of go-to references that you genuinely use is better than collecting dozens of books that gather dust.

Adapting Recipes for Australian Kitchens

Although written in the US, Everyday Paleo translates well for Australian readers. Most ingredients can be found easily at local supermarkets or health food stores. If a particular cut of meat or vegetable isn’t available, substitutions are usually straightforward — for example, swapping US-style pork sausage for preservative-free chipolatas or using butternut pumpkin where another squash is mentioned.

For measurements, it’s easy to convert US cups to metric or use visual approximations. Over time, you’ll get a feel for portions and ratios that suit your household, making the recipes even easier to follow. Plus, with the emphasis on whole food ingredients rather than processed products, you're already ahead when sourcing locally.

Exploring More Paleo Cookbooks and Authors

Once you’ve worked through Everyday Paleo, there are several other authors worth exploring who bring unique perspectives to the ancestral health space. From the precision of Robb Wolf and the science-rich content of Chris Kresser to the family-friendly flair of Danielle Walker and the Aussie-focused approach of Quirky Cooking, there’s a Paleo book for every stage of your journey.

When choosing your next title, consider what your current challenge is — whether it’s time-saving meals, gut healing, hormone balance, or entertaining — and find a book that meets that specific need. The right resources can motivate you, re-inspire your cooking, and help you stick with Paleo even when life gets busy.

Stay Curious, Keep Cooking

Diving into a new Paleo cookbook is about more than just expanding your recipe collection — it’s a chance to reconnect with your health goals and inject variety into your meals. Even if you only take away a few new techniques or meal prep tricks, each book adds something to your toolkit.

As I work my way through the rest of the books I received, I’ll be sharing more reviews and highlighting the recipes that become staples in my kitchen. If you’re reading something new or have a favourite Paleo cookbook I should know about, I’d love to hear your recommendations too.

Make It Paleo

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I was very excited to receive a copy of “Make it Paleo” yesterday. I met Bill & Hayley at the AHS and they really were just as lovely as they seem from their blog. I've used quite a few of their recipes, so have been immensely looking forward to receiving the book. I took the book down to the park this morning to have a read through, whilst topping up my Vitamin D levels in the sunshine.

I hadn't realised how big the book was going to be! It's the size of my old Chemistry textbook – but much more enjoyable to read. As with the Primal Palate site, the book is full of beautiful photos and well over two hundred recipes. You could cook something different everyday for months on end! There's a great introduction about Bill & Hayley and lots of information about Paleo; which ingredients are good to use, different cuts of meat, useful kitchen equipment and cooking tips. I think these sections will make the book a great Christmas present for friends who have expressed an interest in Paleo, but may be a bit hesitant about diving in.

Initially, I was a bit confused at first as to why the book had so many recipes for entrées – then I remembered; that is the American word for main course!

Tomorrow is the first beach Barbecue of the Sydney Paleo meet-up group, so I've decided to make up a few things from the book to take along with me. What better testers than more Paleo people? There are lots of dips and sauces that look really good in the book, so I'm going to make up a few to dip vegetables in, and to go with the meat. I'm also going to try the Fennel & Orange salad, which I hope will be as good as it looks, I'm very curious to try that one. I'll probably make up a few other side dishes, and possibly something from the treats/ cheat section too! I bought some beautiful organic grass fed steak to put on the barbecue, so it should be a good feast.

Most of the ingredients in the book are very abundant here in Australia. I did have to visit four shops to find the Fennel, despite it usually being easy to find. I also had lots of trouble locating Chipotle, which I eventually found out is in fact American for coriander leaves (at least, I hope it is, as that is what I'll be using!) There are a couple of other ingredients I've noticed in the recipes, that might be more challenging to find in Australia, such as Jicama (which appears to be a root vegetable) and spaghetti squash; but I'm sure these can be substituted – or perhaps if you've seen them over here, you can let me know where, in the comments below?

I usually try to make something different for dinner every evening, so it's great to have a new collection of recipes to try. I'm especially looking forward to trying the Chicken & Vegetable “lo mein”, as I rarely eat Chinese food anymore (I find it usually has very un-Paleo ingredients). I very rarely cook seafood at home too, so I will take the opportunity to cook a few dishes from the seafood section. Whilst it's not strict Paleo, it's great to have a chapter on cheats and treats! The natural, grain free ingredients are a million miles away from their conventional purchased and home-made equivalents – a far better alternative for birthdays and the odd special occasion.

The recipes look straight forward and well explained. I've chosen my dishes, gathered the ingredients – but not yet tested any of the recipes. So, I need to get cooking for the Paleo barbecue tomorrow… I'll post a write up and photos of the end results! Fingers crossed for sunshine!

Make it Paleo is released next week – If you only have room for one Paleo cookbook, I don't think you'd go wrong with this one. Amazon UK currently has free shipping to Australia with orders over £25 – a great deal for a book this big.

Why ‘Make It Paleo' Is a Must-Have Cookbook for Australians

If you're following the Paleo diet in Australia, Make It Paleo stands out as one of the most comprehensive and inspiring cookbooks available. With a beautiful layout, full-page photography, and over 200 recipes, it caters to everyone – from complete beginners to seasoned Paleo foodies looking to refresh their weekly meal rotations. What makes this cookbook so relevant for Australians is how easily most ingredients can be sourced locally, despite its American origin.

Everyday Cooking with Make It Paleo

One of the strengths of this cookbook is its approachability. You won’t find complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed to prepare the meals. The recipes are simple, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in whole, unprocessed foods. Whether you're meal prepping for the week, cooking dinner for the family, or planning a backyard barbecue with friends, there’s something in this book for every occasion.

Australian Ingredient Swaps and Shopping Tips

While most ingredients translate easily into the Australian pantry, a few American-specific items may need substitutions. For example, if you can’t find spaghetti squash, try spiralised zucchini or roasted pumpkin as a low-carb substitute. Chipotle chillies might be tricky, but smoked paprika combined with chilli flakes makes a good stand-in. Jicama, while rare here, can be swapped for crisp apple or even cucumber in salads for that same crunch.

Top Recipes to Try First

Fennel & Orange Salad – A refreshing summer dish perfect for Aussie barbecues.
Chicken & Vegetable “Lo Mein” – A brilliant way to enjoy a Chinese-style dish minus the MSG and soy sauce.
Beef Stroganoff – Comfort food at its finest, using clean Paleo ingredients for a creamy, satisfying dish.
Paleo Brownies – Found in the treats section, these are perfect for birthdays or special occasions when you want a grain-free indulgence.

Meal Prepping with the Paleo Diet

Make It Paleo also lends itself well to batch cooking and weekly meal prep. With easy-to-follow instructions and familiar ingredients, you can easily prepare several meals in one cooking session. Australians with busy schedules will appreciate how adaptable many of the recipes are – portions can be doubled, ingredients swapped, and leftovers stored for quick lunches or dinners.

Outdoor Eating and Entertaining, Paleo-Style

Given our outdoor lifestyle and love for beachside cookouts, the grilling section of the book is especially appealing. Recipes like citrus-marinated chicken skewers and grilled portobello caps with garlic ghee are ideal for warm weekends or holiday entertaining. With Paleo dips, marinades, and side salads included, it’s easy to pull together a full spread that even non-Paleo guests will enjoy.

Paleo Cooking for Families

If you're trying to transition your whole household to a healthier lifestyle, this book is a valuable ally. The recipes are familiar enough for fussy eaters, yet nutritious and nourishing for adults. There are plenty of one-pot meals, slow-cooker ideas, and crowd-pleasers to help ease family members into a grain-free, dairy-free way of eating – without making separate meals for each person.

Supporting Your Local Producers

The Paleo philosophy encourages sourcing fresh, local produce – and this aligns perfectly with Australia’s thriving farmers markets and grass-fed meat suppliers. Whether you're shopping at Harris Farm, a local butcher, or your neighbourhood organic co-op, many of the ingredients listed in Make It Paleo are readily available and often better quality than what's accessible in the US. Use this book to support your local economy while fuelling your health journey.

Gift Ideas for Paleo Beginners

If you have friends or family curious about Paleo but unsure where to start, Make It Paleo makes a thoughtful gift. The introductory sections explain the basics clearly and offer helpful kitchen setup advice. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t intimidate the reader – on the contrary, it invites you into the Paleo lifestyle gently, one recipe at a time.

Final Word

From my first flick through Make It Paleo in the sunshine to cooking its recipes for the Sydney Paleo barbecue, this book continues to be a go-to staple in my kitchen. It delivers on flavour, simplicity, and practicality, and remains one of the most accessible Paleo cookbooks for Australians. If you’re looking to expand your Paleo repertoire with dishes that truly work down under, this is the book to own.

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