If you’ve embarked on the Paleo journey, you know how empowering it can be. You feel more in tune with your body, more energetic, and you’re eating foods that nourish you on a deeper level. But let’s be honest: cravings happen. Whether it’s for something salty, crunchy, or sweet, your old favorites can come calling when you least expect it. The good news? You can conquer those cravings without falling off the Paleo wagon. Here are some smart and simple Paleo food swaps that will satisfy your cravings and keep you on track.
Understanding Cravings on the Paleo Diet
First things first: cravings are natural. When you make a significant change to your diet, your body needs some time to adjust. The good news is, there are plenty of delicious Paleo options to satisfy your cravings without compromising your health goals. The key is to swap traditional processed foods for nutrient-dense alternatives that align with Paleo principles.
1. Craving Bread? Swap It With Paleo-Friendly Breads and Wraps
Bread is often the hardest thing to give up. You may miss that chewy texture for sandwiches, burgers, or morning toast. Thankfully, there are Paleo-friendly bread options out there that can help.
Consider using Simple Mills Almond Flour Bread Mix, which is made with natural ingredients like almond flour, flaxseed meal, and arrowroot powder. It’s a popular choice on Amazon, with many users praising its bread-like texture and clean ingredient list.
If you’re more into wraps, Siete Foods Almond Flour Tortillas are a fantastic option. They’re grain-free and offer that pliable texture you crave in a tortilla wrap without the processed carbs.
You can also make your own using a simple recipe: blend almond flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt to create a batter. Cook it in a pan like you would a pancake, and you’ll have a soft, pliable wrap ready to fill with your favorite veggies and proteins.
2. Missing Pasta? Embrace Zoodles and Spaghetti Squash
Pasta is another big one. Whether it’s mac and cheese or a hearty lasagna, noodles often have a nostalgic and comforting appeal. Instead of turning to processed wheat, try spiralized zucchini, often called “zoodles,” as a fantastic substitute. They’re easy to make using a spiralizer, or you can buy them pre-made at the grocery store. Pair them with a rich marinara sauce or a creamy Paleo-friendly pesto for a satisfying meal.
If you’re looking for something a bit more hearty, spaghetti squash is perfect. Roasted and fluffed with a fork, this vegetable turns into tender, spaghetti-like strands. It’s ideal with any Paleo-approved sauce, and because of its naturally sweet flavor, it pairs beautifully with garlic and herb toppings.
For a quick and easy option, check out Palmini Pasta on Amazon, made from hearts of palm. This popular item is a convenient, shelf-stable way to satisfy your pasta cravings.
3. Craving Crunchy Snacks? Go Nuts!
If you’re used to reaching for chips or pretzels, that salty crunch can be hard to let go of. Luckily, there are plenty of Paleo-friendly swaps that bring the crunch without the junk.
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews are a perfect option for something crunchy and filling. You can lightly roast them yourself, adding some spices for a flavor kick. Just be mindful of portion sizes since nuts are calorie-dense.
Another popular option is pork rinds. Epic Artisanal Pork Rinds have a crunchy texture similar to chips and come in several flavors. They’re grain-free, gluten-free, and Paleo-approved.
For something a little more chip-like, Siete Grain-Free Tortilla Chips are an Amazon favorite. Made from cassava flour and seasoned with sea salt, these chips are a fantastic way to enjoy some crunch along with your favorite guacamole.
4. Wanting Dairy? Try Creamy Paleo Alternatives
Cheese and other dairy products often get missed when going Paleo, but there are plenty of rich and creamy substitutes you can enjoy.
To replace milk, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk are excellent options. Coconut milk, in particular, is a great substitute in recipes that call for cream, as it adds a silky texture and a hint of sweetness.
When it comes to cheese, you can make a creamy “cheese” sauce with soaked cashews. Blend them with some nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices, and you’ve got yourself a convincing cheese sauce perfect for dipping or drizzling.
Another great cheese alternative is Miyoko’s Creamery Vegan Cream Cheese. This cashew-based cream cheese has a creamy consistency that is ideal for spreading on Paleo bread or adding a dollop to roasted vegetables.
5. Missing Sweet Treats? Paleo Desserts to the Rescue
Let’s face it: sweet cravings can be the toughest of all. But the Paleo diet doesn’t mean you can’t indulge now and then—it just means you do it differently.
Dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao) is often Paleo-approved and perfect for satisfying a sweet craving. Many people on Amazon love Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate Bars, as they are made with no refined sugar, no dairy, and no soy lecithin—just clean, simple ingredients.
Another option is dates. These naturally sweet fruits can be used as a base for many Paleo desserts, from brownies to energy balls. You can blend dates with nuts and a touch of cocoa powder to create a quick, fudgy treat.
For baking, consider Simple Mills Almond Flour Baking Mixes. Their cake and cookie mixes are made with natural ingredients and allow you to whip up a delicious treat without refined sugars and grains.
If you’re craving ice cream, you’re not out of luck. Brands like Cado make ice cream with avocado as the base, and they use natural ingredients that align well with the Paleo diet.
6. Wanting Mashed Potatoes? Cauliflower to the Rescue
If you miss the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes, cauliflower is here to save the day. Mashed cauliflower is easy to make and can mimic the texture and flavor of mashed potatoes surprisingly well.
To make it, steam or boil cauliflower until tender, then blend it with a bit of coconut milk, salt, pepper, and garlic. You’ll end up with a fluffy, creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or roasted chicken.
For a quick option, you can find Caulipower Cauliflower Mash on Amazon, a highly-rated option that takes the prep work out of the equation.
7. Craving Cereal? Make a Paleo Breakfast Bowl
Cereal is another comfort food that many people miss when transitioning to Paleo. Instead of sugary boxed cereals, consider making a Paleo breakfast bowl. You can use a combination of nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit to create something that feels like a satisfying bowl of granola.
Wildway Grain-Free Granola is a popular Paleo-friendly product available on Amazon. Made from nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, this granola delivers crunch and flavor without the grains or added sugars.
For an extra boost of healthy fats, add a dollop of nut butter. Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter is a great choice, made with just one ingredient—raw almonds.
8. Missing Pizza? Try Cauliflower Crust
Pizza is definitely one of those comfort foods that are hard to resist. Fortunately, you don’t have to! Cauliflower crust is an amazing way to still enjoy pizza without compromising your Paleo lifestyle.
You can buy Cali’flour Foods Cauliflower Pizza Crust on Amazon, which is highly rated and easy to use. Just top it with a sugar-free tomato sauce, plenty of veggies, and your favorite Paleo protein (like chicken or prosciutto).
If you want to go the homemade route, simply mix cauliflower rice with almond flour, an egg, and some Italian herbs. Flatten it out into a crust and bake—top it with your favorite ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious pizza that’s Paleo-approved.
9. Craving Sugar-Filled Sodas? Opt for Sparkling Waters
If you’re missing the fizziness of soda, try sparkling water instead. Sparkling water gives you the bubbles without all the sugar and artificial ingredients.
Brands like LaCroix and Spindrift offer natural flavors without added sweeteners. For an even more flavorful option, you can add a splash of pure fruit juice or some freshly squeezed lemon or lime to plain sparkling water.
Another fantastic option is Zevia Soda, which is sweetened with stevia and comes in a wide range of flavors—perfect for when you want something a little sweeter.
10. Want Something Sweet and Crunchy? Try Coconut Chips
If you’re craving something sweet and crunchy like caramel corn or sugary granola, coconut chips are an excellent Paleo-friendly alternative. Bare Snacks Toasted Coconut Chips are a popular choice and can be found on Amazon. They have that sweet, toasty crunch without any added refined sugar.
Another option is to make cinnamon roasted almonds. Just coat raw almonds with a bit of coconut oil, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup, then roast them until golden and fragrant. These make a great snack or even a topping for Paleo-friendly desserts.
11. Craving Sandwiches? Use Lettuce Wraps
Sandwiches are quick, easy, and satisfying, and there’s no reason you can’t still enjoy something similar on the Paleo diet. Lettuce wraps are a great option to replace bread. Crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves work perfectly to wrap around fillings like turkey, avocado, and tomato.
For an even sturdier option, collard greens make fantastic wraps. Just blanch the leaves quickly in boiling water to make them more pliable, then fill them with your favorite sandwich ingredients.
12. Want Fries? Swap to Sweet Potato or Veggie Fries
French fries are a classic craving, especially when you’re in need of some comfort food. Luckily, sweet potato fries are a perfect Paleo swap. You can make them at home by slicing sweet potatoes into thin strips, tossing them in olive oil, and baking them until crisp.
For more variety, try parsnip fries or carrot fries. Simply cut the veggies into fry shapes, season with your favorite spices, and bake. These veggies crisp up nicely and deliver a similar satisfaction to traditional fries, but with more nutrients and fiber.
13. Missing Peanut Butter? Try Almond or Cashew Butter
Peanut butter may not be allowed on the Paleo diet, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up that creamy, nutty spread altogether. Almond butter and cashew butter are excellent alternatives that provide all the creaminess you crave without the legumes.
Justin’s Classic Almond Butter is a great product available on Amazon. It’s smooth, creamy, and made with simple ingredients that fit within Paleo guidelines.
Another fantastic option is Artisana Organics Raw Cashew Butter. It’s rich and creamy, perfect for spreading on apple slices or mixing into smoothies.
Concluding Thoughts: Satisfying Your Cravings, Paleo-Style
Switching to a Paleo diet doesn’t mean you have to feel deprived or unsatisfied. There are countless ways to make smart swaps that keep you happy and full while still adhering to your health goals. By replacing processed foods with nutrient-rich, whole ingredients, you’ll not only crush those cravings but also fuel your body in the best possible way.
Whether it’s sweet, salty, crunchy, or creamy—there’s always a Paleo-friendly option waiting for you. Remember, eating well is about making choices that nourish both your body and your mind. The next time a craving strikes, you’ll be ready with a delicious and healthy alternative that makes you feel great.
Happy swapping, and enjoy your Paleo journey!