Paleo Diet Food List L-Z


Is It Paleo? Can I Eat It? 

Here are the most popular foods from L-Z.
La Croix – By their account, La Croix would be Paleo because it only includes extracts of fruit with no added sugar or sweeteners. Of course that takes a leap of faith to trust they’re being 100% transparent about what goes into it.
Lamb – Lamb is a meat that can be enjoyed on Paleo, the same as other meats like chicken and beef.
Lard – Lard is a suitable Paleo fat that comes from pigs. While you won’t see lard included on many other diet programs, that’s what makes Paleo special, it goes against modern conventional wisdom.
Lentils – Lentils are part of the legume family, and thus not a food to eat on Paleo.
Liquid Smoke – As long as you go with a brand that is simply smoke, without additives, it can be considered Paleo.
Liverwurst – There are many variations of liverwurst, but most will conform to Paleo guidelines. Be sure to check the ingredients or the recipe to see if there is anything that’s not Paleo friendly.
Lobster – Lobster is a Paleo meat, and can be enjoyed with other seafood like shrimp, clams, and mussels.
Mango – Mango is a Paleo fruit that you can eat directly or use in your cooking. It provides plenty of vitamins and nutrients as well as antioxidants.
Maple Syrup – 100% pure maple syrup is one form of sweet that you can have on Paleo. It doesn’t get much more natural than a sweetener that comes from a tree, and it’s not a stretch of the imagination to think that Paleo man would have stumbled on this source.
Mayo – The basic ingredients of mayo, oil and eggs, are both Paleo as long as you’re using a Paleo-friendly oil. The problem is that most conventional mayo is made from oils that aren’t allowed on Paleo.Go with this homemade Paleo mayo recipe to easily make your own from scratch.
Milk – Milk is not allowed on Paleo, as it is definition of dairy. Raw milk is a point of discussion, with some Paleo followers allowing it because it is closer to its natural state, and others saying that it is still not permissible.
Millet – Millet is a grain, and even though it doesn’t contain gluten it is not a Paleo food.
Molasses – Molasses is a sweetener that can be used on Paleo, just be sure to keep the amount at reasonable levels.
Muesli – Due to the grains found in muesli, it’s not Paleo. There are plenty of Paleo friendly cereals to choose from though.
Mushrooms – Mushrooms are allowed on the Paleo diet. You can easily picture a gathering caveman/woman fortuitously finding a patch of wild-growing mushrooms.
Mustard – Mustard can be eaten on Paleo because its basic ingredients are mustard seeds, vinegar, and The same goes for dijon mustard, just be sure to scrutinize the ingredients or make your own.
No Xplode – Most Paleo followers will avoid supplements like this because of their artificial ingredients and the unnatural effect they have on the body.
Non Dairy Creamer – Most non dairy creamer is not going to be Paleo because they use vegetable oil, sugars, and other additives to replicate the texture and taste of cream.
Nori – Nori is dried seaweed, so as long as it’s made with sea salt it can be considered Paleo. Check the ingredients to see that it doesn’t include an unauthorized oil.
Nut Butter – Nut butter can be eaten on Paleo, as long as it’s not peanut butter. Peanuts are legumes and therefore peanut butter is not allowed. But you can enjoy almond butter, cashew butter, etc. as long as there aren’t added ingredients like sugar, oil, or salt.
Nutella – The first ingredient of Nutella is sugar, so no, it’s not Paleo. You can make your own Paleo friendly Nutella at home though, since hazelnuts are Paleo.
Nutritional Yeast – Even though they weren’t making nutritional yeast in the time of the caveman, there’s no reason why they couldn’t if they knew how. That’s why many Paleo followers give the green light to nutritional yeast for its healthy, gut assisting properties.
Nuts – Nuts are encouraged on the Paleo diet because of their healthy fat content. Enjoy cashews, almonds, pecans, macadamias, walnuts, and more.
Oatmeal – Grains are not allowed on Paleo, so oatmeal gets the boot. This includes rolled oats and steel cut oats.
Okra – Okra makes the list of Paleo vegetables that you’re encouraged to eat.
Olive Oil – This is one of the recommended oils while on Paleo.
Olives – Raw olives make the grade, but the most ubiquitous kinds you find in stores will not because of the way they’ve been prepared. They generally contain too much sodium from the curing process.
Onions – Onions are one of the preferred Paleo vegetables.
Orange Chicken – The Orange Chicken that you’ll get from most Chinese restaurants, including fast food places like Panda Express, is not going to be Paleo friendly. Make your own Orange Chicken at home with almond flour as the breading.
Orange Juice – Avoid prepared juices because of the added sugar they contain. Juicing your own orange juice would be Paleo friendly.
Oranges – Oranges are a Paleo fruit and a great way to top up your Vitamin C levels.
Pad Thai – The rice noodles in Pad Thai make it a no-go.
Pasta – Traditionally prepared pasta is not allowed on the Paleo diet. There are several suitable alternatives, including using spaghetti squash or a Paleo friendly flour.
Peanut Butter – Peanut butter is not allowed on the Paleo diet because peanuts are a legume, not a nut. Use almond butter as a suitable substitute.
Peas – Technically peas are a legume, and not allowed on the Paleo diet. Many Paleo followers will allow them in limited amounts because they don’t share the same characteristics as other legumes. This appears to be a personal preference, as long as peas don’t give you digestive trouble they appear to be relatively good for you.
Pesto – Traditionally prepared pesto uses garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and basil, which are all Paleo friendly. Making your own is your best bet that there aren’t any unauthorized additives or ingredients.
Pickles – Store bought pickles are probably not Paleo, but if they’ve been fermented the old fashioned way only using salt they are a go.
Pineapple – Pineapple is an authorized Paleo fruit.
Pistachios – Pistachios are allowed as a nut on Paleo.
Pork – Pork is allowed on Paleo, this includes all varieties, including pulled pork. Just keep the fattier pork to reasonable amounts.
Pork Rinds – These can be considered Paleo, but look out for pork rinds that have been cooked up in any other than pork fat.
Porridge – Most porridge is made from a grain of some sort, and can’t be considered Paleo.
Pot Protein Shakes and Powders – Most protein shakes would get the no-go from a Paleo standpoint because they’re not something a cavemen would have whipped up after a hunt. But modern man is privy to many luxuries that they didn’t have back then. That being said, protein powders are generally frowned upon because of what’s in them besides the protein. Whey Protein would be one protein powder to avoid if you are a Paleo stickler, as it’s derived from cow’s milk, is heavily processed, and uses low quality ingredients if you bargain shop for it.
Pumpkin – A big yes! Pumpkin is a recommended vegetable on Paleo, full of fiber and nutrients.
Qdoba – A naked burrito can be Paleo, as long as you stick to Paleo toppings and pass on the cheese and sour cream when they ask you.
Quiche – Following a traditional quiche recipe is a bad idea. Luckily there are plenty of Paleo quiche recipes to follow that will keep you on track.
Quinoa – Quinoa is a bit of gray area, with the consensus being that it should be avoided while on Paleo. Proponents say it’s OK for Paleo because it is gluten-free and contains many health benefits like providing the entire array of essential amino acids. Like any gray area Paleo food, the ultimate decision rests with you and what you consider Paleo friendly.
Raisins – Raisins can be enjoyed in reasonable quantities, as long as you go with an organic brand.
Ranch Dressing – Store bought Ranch dressing is a no-go, even the organic kinds. Here is our in-house recipe for Paleo Ranch Dressing.
Ribs – Definitely a Paleo food, both beef ribs and pork ribs.
Rice – Rice is a grain and therefore not Paleo. This includes varieties like brown rice, wild rice, white rice, jasmine rice, as well as different forms of rice like rice cakes and rice flour.
Rutabaga – Yes, rutabagas are allowed on Paleo.
Salami – Most salami that’s available for purchase includes additives like sugar and MSG in some form, and should be avoided.atoes – Potatoes are not allowed on Paleo. Use sweet potatoes instead
.Salsa – Salsa is considered Paleo as long as it is made up of Paleo friendly ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, etc., and does not contain added sugar. Making your own salsa is the best form of quality control.
Salt – You generally want to avoid salt and salty foods while on Paleo. Many processed foods contain added salt, and this industrial-grade salt is what you want to avoid. Use sea salt if you’d like to add a bit of salt to your food.
Sausage – Sausage is not the preferred way to get your meat on Paleo, because of its higher fat content, but can be enjoyed in moderation. Find all-natural sausage, preferably uncured, or try making your own at home. This includes kielbasa, bratwurst, pepperoni, chorizo, turkey sausage, and others.
Shakeology – Most Shakeology shakes contain too many non-Paleo ingredients to be considered Paleo, including grains like oat, wheat, and kamut.
Soda – These beverages need to be avoided while on Paleo. Across the board they contain too much sugar, usually High Fructose Corn Syrup, and offer nothing in the way of nutrition.
Sour Cream – No dairy on Paleo, and that includes sour cream.
Soy – Soy is not allowed on Paleo because it is a legume. This includes soy milk, soy sauce, and anything else made from soy.
Spaghetti Squash – This is a vegetable that is definitely Paleo approved, and is often used as a replacement for traditional spaghetti noodles.
Stevia – Unprocessed stevia leaves: Yes. Refined stevia most commonly found in stores: No.
Sunflower Oil – Can be used at low heat and for baking. Check to see that
Sushi – Sushi should not be eaten on Paleo because of the rice it typically contains. Sashimi makes a better choice, as long as it is simply a slice of raw fish, and not resting on a pillow of rice.
Sweet Potatoes – Yes. Sweet potatoes are a recommended vegetable on the Paleo diet and provide fiber and antioxidants.
Tapioca – You’ll often see tapioca flour used in Paleo baked goods as a substitute for all-purpose flour. It is generally considered OK for Paleo, although it doesn’t bring much nutritional value to the table.
Tea – Herbal tea: Yes. Regular tea: No. It’s a matter of the processing that the tea goes through. Herbal teas can be prepared with little to no processing. Tea sold in stores has been processed to the point of not being Paleo.
Tofu – Tofu is made from soybeans, soybeans are a legume, and legumes are not allowed on Paleo.
Tomatoes – Tomatoes are allowed and recommended on Paleo, including tomato sauce, and fresh tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes helps unlock their stored lycopene. Tomato soup is allowed, but make it yourself for quality control, or check the ingredients list to make sure there isn’t any added dairy.
Tuna – Even though Paleolithic man wasn’t fishing deep sea waters, tuna is still an accepted meat on Paleo. Canned tuna is also considered Paleo.
V8 – Too heavily processed to be considered Paleo. Eat whole foods whenever possible and juice your own veggies for vegetable juice.
Vanilla – Vanilla extract is often seen in Paleo baking and dessert recipes, and is considered Paleo friendly. The alcohol is burned away during the cooking process, leaving just the vanilla flavor from the extract intact.
Vegemite – Vegemite is derived from grains, and processed. Not the best choice for a Paleo eater, sorry mate.
Vegenaise – Vegenaise is not Paleo because it contains multiple soy-based products and rice syrup.
Vegetable Oil – This is an oil that should be avoided on Paleo, and is found in many packaged foods.
Vinegar – Strictly speaking, vinegar is not Paleo because of the processing it goes through. Many Paleo followers allow it in their cooking because it finds its way into so many recipes.
Vitamin Water – No, it’s sugar water. Just drink plain water.
Watermelon – Watermelon is an approved Paleo fruit. It contains antioxidants and is a great fruit to help get you through a hot summer.
Wheatgrass – While technically considered Paleo, many question whether it’s worth consuming because there are far better vegetable choices in regards to vitamins, minerals, and taste.
Worcestershire Sauce – Traditionally prepared worcester sauce is not Paleo due mostly to the sugar it contains. If you love the taste you can find Paleo versions that leave out the unhealthy ingredients.
Xanthan Gum – Not recommended, as it is was invented in the last half century, and definitely not something consumed by cavemen.
Xylitol – This is a heavily processed sugar alcohol and not a Paleo item by any means.
Yakult – Yakult is made from skim milk and is not Paleo.
Yogurt – Yogurt is dairy and dairy is not allowed on Paleo.
Tomatoes – Tomatoes are allowed and recommended on Paleo, including tomato sauce, and fresh tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes helps unlock their stored lycopene. Tomato soup is allowed, but make it yourself for quality control, or check the ingredients list to make sure there isn’t any added dairy.
Tuna – Even though Paleolithic man wasn’t fishing deep sea waters, tuna is still an accepted meat on Paleo. Canned tuna is also considered Paleo.
V8 – Too heavily processed to be considered Paleo. Eat whole foods whenever possible and juice your own veggies for vegetable juice.
Vanilla – Vanilla extract is often seen in Paleo baking and dessert recipes, and is considered Paleo friendly. The alcohol is burned away during the cooking process, leaving just the vanilla flavor from the extract intact.
Vegemite – Vegemite is derived from grains, and processed. Not the best choice for a Paleo eater, sorry mate.
Vegenaise – Vegenaise is not Paleo because it contains multiple soy-based products and rice syrup.
Vegetable Oil – This is an oil that should be avoided on Paleo, and is found in many packaged foods.
Vinegar – Strictly speaking, vinegar is not Paleo because of the processing it goes through. Many Paleo followers allow it in their cooking because it finds its way into so many recipes.
Vitamin Water – No, it’s sugar water. Just drink plain water.
Watermelon – Watermelon is an approved Paleo fruit. It contains antioxidants and is a great fruit to help get you through a hot summer.
Wheatgrass – While technically considered Paleo, many question whether it’s worth consuming because there are far better vegetable choices in regards to vitamins, minerals, and taste.
Worcestershire Sauce – Traditionally prepared worcester sauce is not Paleo due mostly to the sugar it contains. If you love the taste you can find Paleo versions that leave out the unhealthy ingredients.
Xanthan Gum – Not recommended, as it is was invented in the last half century, and definitely not something consumed by cavemen.
Xylitol – This is a heavily processed sugar alcohol and not a Paleo item by any means.
Yakult – Yakult is made from skim milk and is not Paleo.
Yogurt – Yogurt is dairy and dairy is not allowed on Paleo.

BY JESS (PALEO GRUBS) IN TIPS