25 Mouthwatering Paleo Snacks To Satisfy Your Mid-Afternoon Craving

Kaitlin Vogel

Woman reaching for a Paleo-friendly pepper in refrigerator.

Picture it: it’s 3 pm and you’re getting that mid-afternoon craving. What do you reach for? If you said junk food, don’t beat yourself up. You’re definitely not alone. When we’re hungry, many of us focus less on what’s healthy and more on what’s quick and convenient.

The good news is there are many nutritious and delicious snack options to choose from. And the Paleo diet offers a wide variety. A Paleo diet involves consuming fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, lean meats and fish. It eliminates grains, legumes, dairy products and highly processed foods.

The next time you’re feeling hungry (or hangry!) during the day, have one of these delicious, expert-approved snacks on hand:

25 Best Paleo Snacks

1. Nuts and nut butters

Almonds and cashews are excellent Paleo snacks. Roasted almonds are rich in good fat and contain protein and fiber, a perfect combo to feel full, says Lisa R. Young, Ph.D.

Almonds also contain calcium. which is good for the bones. Cashew butter with sliced apple is another healthy and delicious option.

2. Fruits

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Fruits are filled with phytonutrients, fiber, provitamin A and vitamin C. Registered dietitian Summer Yule recommends trying to get lots of different colors of fruit in your diet for a larger range of phytonutrients. This very simple recipe for apple chips is a great way to use up bruised apples.

Related: Nutrition Experts Spill 7 Surprising Ways To Eat More Fruits and Veggies

3. Meat bars

Yule suggests using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce in this Ground Turkey Jerky Recipe for an easy Paleo meat bar option. Meat bars are an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamin B12, zinc, phosphorus and other essential nutrients.

4. Vegetables with almond-based cream cheese

There are tons of dairy-free cheese options available now, which are great for dipping your favorite veggies, says Amy Davis, RD, LDN. She recommends carrots and cucumbers for this cream cheese.

Related: Paleo vs Keto: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?

5. Paleo trail mix

This nut-free trail mix is great if you need a high-energy and portable snack! This recipe from Yule has no added sugar and is packed with healthy fats from seeds and phytonutrient-rich berries.

6. Seaweed chips

It may sound strange, but seaweed sheets can give you a satisfying crunch if you've got a craving for chips, Davis says. Plus, seaweed is a great source of iron and magnesium.

7. Coconut yogurt with fresh berries

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A Paleo diet would recommend unsweetened coconut yogurt instead of traditional dairy yogurt, Katrina Hartog, RD, clinical nutrition manager at Lenox Hill Hospital, explains. Adding some flax seeds and fresh berries will provide some different textures and natural sweeteners from the fruit.

Related: 20 Delicious Paleo Breakfast Ideas

8. Veggie sticks and guacamole

Calling all guac lovers!

With a base of avocados, you are consuming heart-healthy fats linked to lowering LDL “bad” cholesterol, says Hartog. Avocados are also full of fiber, which can keep you feeling full longer.

For this snack, pair it with fresh-cut carrots, jicama or celery.

9. Strawberries drizzled with balsamic vinegar

This decadent snack recommended by Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, offers a unique flavor and satisfying taste.

“Strawberries are packed with beneficial antioxidants and nutrients including potassium, folate and fiber, eating them at snack time offers some major health benefits,” Manaker says.

As an added bonus, one cup of strawberries has all the vitamin C you need for the day.

10. Chomps meat sticks

Maggie Michalczyk, RD, recommends these certified Paleo and Whole30-approved meat sticks, made from grass-fed beef. They contain 9 to 10 grams of protein, no added sugar and are free from the top eight allergens.

Chomps meat sticks are great on the go and pair well with a piece of produce.

Related: 26 Easy Paleo-Friendly Chicken Recipes

11. Avocado slices wrapped in nori seaweed sheets

Avocados are loaded with key nutrients to keep you healthy and satisfied. Eating them provides healthy fats and fiber for a stick-to-your-ribs snack that satisfies, says Manaker. Wrapping them in nori sheets gives these snacks a bit more of an interesting flavor with even more nutrients.

12. Hard-boiled eggs

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Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein, Michalczyk explains. One large egg contains 6 grams of protein and many important vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and choline.

“Hard-boiling a batch at the beginning of the week makes for a great snack you can take on the go and pair with other things,” she says.

13. Lesser Evil Paleo puffs 

Made with just a couple of Paleo ingredients, Michalcyzk says these puffs are a good snack option, particularly for those on the Paleo diet who might be missing more traditional "snack type" foods.

Plus, since they contain fiber, you can get a lot of puffs for one serving size!

14. Paleo 'Rice Krispie' treats

This recipe from Danielle McAvoy, MSPH, RD, Senior Manager of Nutrition at Territory Foods is a healthier take on traditional Rice Krispie treats.

Instead of melted butter and marshmallows, use melted almond butter and honey. Mix in your favorite Paleo cereal (she loves Forager Grain-Free O’s for this) until coated and then press into a pan to cool. You could also use cashew butter or maple syrup.

15. Raw pumpkin seeds

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Pumpkin seeds make for a great portable snack on their own or added to a homemade Paleo trail mix with nuts, Micalcyzk explains. They're a good source of fiber, protein, zinc and magnesium which is essential for muscle contraction and relaxation—especially important for active bodies.

16. Veggies and Paleo ranch

There are a few brands of Paleo ranch, but it’s also easy to make with coconut milk, Paleo mayo and spices, McAvoy says. Use carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, broccoli and celery for dipping.

17. Banana with almond butter

Most of us are not getting enough potassium, so munching on a banana with a heaping helping of crunch almond butter is certainly satisfying, says Bonnie Taub Dix, RDN, creator of BetterThanDieting.com.

“The banana provides energy and when paired with almond butter, the protein and fat in the nut butter helps to keep blood sugar levels stable and keeps you feeling fuller longer,” she says.

To turn this into a super snack, Taub-Dix recommends adding the banana, nut butter and Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk with three ice cubes in a blender. This creates a delicious smoothie packed with calcium, vitamin E and vitamin A.

18. Shelled walnuts dipped in Paleo-friendly dark chocolate

This decadent treat is loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein. Since daily intake of walnuts has been linked to a healthier microbiome, this satisfying snack is a perfect Paleo nosh for busy days, Manaker explains.

19. Avocado with crushed walnuts

This can also be a meal—all you have to do is slice up an avocado and sprinkle with crushed-up walnuts. Dr. Nicole Avena, nutrition consultant says the fat from the avocado and walnuts is great for you and the walnuts also will give you a nice crunch.

20. Paleo bread and seed butter smear

Since there are tons of options for Paleo-friendly bread, Dr. Avena suggests checking your frozen section in the grocery store. Make sure that your nut and seed butter is Paleo and doesn't contain any peanuts or sugar—both are a no-no for Paleo!

If you’re looking for a specific brand, she recommends NuttZo, which makes a Paleo nut and seed butter that comes in a few different varieties.

21. Kale chips and a hint of cayenne

You can make these at home, but don't buy the store-bought versions, as they aren't always Paleo-friendly, Dr. Avena explains. Just tear up some kale, spread it on parchment and sprinkle with cayenne to your liking.

Bake at 325 degrees for about 15 minutes or until it is still (not brown) and you're all set with a delicious, crunchy snack!

22. Chocolate Paleo mug cake

Mug cakes are super easy and a great way to indulge your sweet tooth while keeping calories and portion sizes down, says nutritionist Heather Hanks, RD. You can use almond or coconut flour, raw cacao powder, eggs, maple syrup, a banana and fresh fruit.

23. Avocado dip

This flavor-filled recipe from Kat Burris, MS, RDN, takes only 10 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocados or 2 cups of frozen avocado (thawed)—Burris recommends Pitaya

4 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 clove of garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor

Process until smooth and creamy

Serve with fresh veggie sticks, grain-free crackers or sweet potato fries

24. Chocolate almond chia protein pudding

If you’re feeling the urge to snack, this smooth and creamy pudding from nutritionist Melissa Kathryn, RD, definitely hits the spot. She says to make it in batches and serve chilled. This can also be a dessert if you want something sweet after dinner.

Ingredients:

1.5 cups Almond Milk (recommends Silk)

1/3 cup Chia seeds

Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener

1 Tbsp Raw Cacao Powder

1/2 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder

1/4 tsp Sea salt

2 Tsp Cocoa Nibs

2 Tsp Slivered Almonds

Instructions:

Put the almond milk, chia seeds, sweetener, protein powder and salt in a container with a lid and stir well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

When ready to serve, eat as is, chilled and sprinkle with cocoa nibs and slivered almonds on top or mix throughout.

25. High-protein strawberry banana mousse

Kathryn recommends this strawberry banana mousse since it’s fruit-based and high in protein. This recipe can be made in large batches or prepared for individual servings.

Ingredients:

2 egg whites (1/2 cup liquid egg white)

1 Tbsp. Stevia

2 oz. frozen banana

1 ¾oz. frozen strawberry

Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions:

Blend the egg whites and Stevia until the egg whites are firm (1-2 minutes). You should be able to hold the blender upside down without the egg whites falling out.

When the egg whites are firm, add the banana and berries and blend until the consistency is smooth and everything is pink.

Serve in a bowl with a few fresh berries or use as a side

Enjoy!

Next, read 15 Paleo Dinners the Whole Family Will Love.

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