Tasty Paleo Products

It’s been a while since I shared recommendations for some of my favorite paleo products. (Remember this epic list?) I get samples from paleo-friendly companies all the time, and I was introduced to some tasty new options at PaleoFX this year, too. It’s time to let you see what I’ve been noshing.

Here’s the deal on my recommendations: In some cases, I  received free samples of the products to try, but I didn’t agree to give them a positive review just for plopping a bite in my mouth. If something is listed here, it’s because I genuinely like it and hope you will, too. I’ve provided links to the companies’ web sites so you can get more details and buy ’em, if you’re interested. In some cases, I’ve also included a link to Amazon; when you use that link, I make a little kickback. Tasty!

Some of these products are what I consider functional food, like protein powder and snack bars. A few of them fall into what I consider “treat” territory; they’re made from healthy, high-quality ingredients, but I still eat them only as a once-in-a-while additions to my meals. You do what works for you. Where I can, I’ve noted if a product is Whole30 compliant.

Tasty Paleo Products

1. Be Nutty Tortillas
These tortillas are shockingly good. I lived in Austin, Texas — a.k.a., Land of the Breakfast Taco — for 13 years, and I can honestly say these stand up to the breakfast taco tradition. They’re tender, flavorful, and have just the right amount of chewiness. The nutrition profile is pretty good, too! Each tortilla provides 120 calories, with a nice balance of fat (7g) and carbs (10g) and protein (4g). It’s very exciting to have a tortilla with protein in it, right?!

2. Jilz Gluten-Free Crackerz
Confession: Back in the day, I did some damage to sesame sticks from the bulk department of the grocery store. Serious. Damage. I still look at sesame sticks (or is it stix?) with longing as I’m scooping out organic almonds or raisins from the bulk bins. Happily, these little crackers taste remarkably like sesame sticks to me. This is the beautiful ingredient list: almond flour, organic sesame seeds, organic chia seeds, organic flax seeds, organic tapioca starch, organic apple cider vinegar, purified water, seasonings. I don’t snarf a whole pile of them sitting in front of the TV the way I used to with sesame sticks, but a few crackers next to a pile of tuna salad (like this or this or this or this) makes lunch a little more special. (Amazon)

3. Organic Gemini Tigernuts*
These things are crazy — in a good way! Like, crazy-good! First, they’re not nuts; they’re tubers. That means they’re loaded with nutrients and fiber, but not the allergens that can make nuts a problem for a lot of people. All of that aside, they taste good! But weird. But good. I think they taste like Cap’n Crunch cereal; Dave thinks I’m a screwball. They’re mildly sweet, crunchy, and chewy, all at the same time. You can eat them straight out of the package, or soak them in water to soften ’em up — add almond or coconut milk for a “bowl of cereal.” They also have crazy-cool tigernut flour (experimenting with a chapati recipe right now) and horchata. (Amazon)

4. Natural Delights Dates*
If I eat a Larabar, I eat half because a whole bar is too much sugar yummy whooo-hoo SUGAR and nuts I LOVE nuts givememore — and then there’s that annoying half bar lying around. I la-la-love these dates because it’s like eating 1/3 of a Larabar, only even better because they’re less sweet; they come rolled in coconut, almonds, or pistachios; and they’re the perfect size for portion control. One of these as a finisher on a meal is the perfect treat, without going overboard on sugar and nuts. Plus, you can find them in most grocery stores. Easy-peasy.

5. Primal Mayo*
I’m 100% committed to making homemade mayo all the time. Always. Forever. But I work at home, for myself, with a totally flexible schedule that pretty much allows me to do what I want when I want. I acknowledge that not everyone has the luxury of free time, and that’s where this delicious mayo comes in super handy. It’s from Mark Sisson, so you know it’s good, and it’s made from avocado oil, cider vinegar, pastured eggs, and primal love. I’m pretty sure primal love is listed in the ingredients. (Amazon)

6. Guru Nanda Ghee*
Ghee falls into a similar category for me: I’m a DIYer. But not everyone loves to play around with lava-hot, molten butter (although when I put it that way, doesn’t it sound irresistible?!) I was recently introduced to Guru Nanda Ghee, and it’s very good. Plus, groovy, probably because of the California grass-fed cows. (Amazon)

7. RxBars*
My favorite thing about RxBars, besides the delicious taste, is the little illustration on the back of the package that shows the ingredients; you can see it here.  These are truly Real Food bars, and unlike Larabars, they have a solid amount of protein. Along with Primal Pacs, these are my preferred “emergency food,” and I always take them along when we travel or have outdoor adventures — anytime we might need a nutrition band-aid. (Amazon)

8. Simple Squares
But I also like these a lot, too! The bonus with Simple Squares is that they’ve broken out of the paleo realm and can be found in retail stores all over the place. I first spotted them at JFK in New York; very exciting! The other reason to love them? They incorporate herbs and spices; it’s like they read my diary and know my secret wishes: Please, oh please, can’t someone make a sort of savory snack bar?! Plus there are only five ingredients and a good dose of protein. YES. (Amazon)

9. Vital Proteins*
My (awesome) coach at KDR Fitness (love it) and I are experimenting with my diet. I’m still eating within the paleo framework, but we’re playing around with my macronutrients. Right now, I’m trying to get more protein without increasing the amount of fat I’m eating. That means I’ve had to get creative, and I’ve been relying on Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. It’s pretty cool! It’s clean, pure protein from grass-fed cattle that can be mixed into hot or cold things. I made protein-infused protein this week: ground chicken taco meat, amped up with a scoop of Vital Proteins powder. Yes, that’s a slightly weird thing to do, but I’m on a mission to lose excess body fat and more protein might be the answer. For you, this protein might be helpful if you’re into smoothies or want to add a jolt of protein to carb-y things. This stuff is also bang-up in bone broth. (Amazon)

10. Paleo Meals to Go
I would rather stick bamboo under my fingernails than go camping, but I do like outdoor adventures (so long as I get to sleep in an enclosed, climate-controlled room when I’m done). But for those of you who love camping, I’ve got something awesome for you! Tasty, freeze-dried paleo meals like beef stew, savory chicken, and pineapple mango you can toss in your backpack for epic adventures. Just add water, stir, and eat! You could also throw these in your suitcase for food emergencies during business trips (or vacations, too!). It can be hard to find good food on the road, and all you need to make these into a meal is water. Bonus awesomeness: all of the backpacking meals except Summit Savory Chicken are nightshade free to comply with the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) and both the beef and chicken look to be Whole30 compliant. (Amazon)

Turn it up to 11. US Wellness Meats Duck Fat*
I’m fine with the fact that in our house, treats — paleo or otherwise — are few and far between. I prefer delicious foods I can eat every day, and the best gift I’ve given myself this year is a giant tub of duck fat (plus one in the freezer for backup). Just a teaspoon of this magical stuff turns ordinary vegetables, bone broth, and safe starches into manna from Heaven. Seriously. This morning, it was like I ate kale candy for breakfast, it tasted so food. Duck fat is luxurious, rich, satisfying, and a little bit goes a long way. Luscious. (And while we’re on the subject of luscious things to eat, a little truffle salt along with the duck fat is just about the best thing you can do to plantains, potatoes, parsnips, and eggs.)