Paleo Grocery List for Beginners: What to Buy (and What to Skip)
Your stress-free guide to shopping clean, whole, Paleo-friendly foods
🥥 Why Having a Paleo Grocery List Matters
Starting or recommitting to the Paleo lifestyle can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re standing in the middle of a grocery store wondering what’s “Paleo-approved.” The truth is: success starts with your shopping cart.
This beginner-friendly Paleo grocery list will help you shop smarter, eat cleaner, and stay aligned with your health goals, all while avoiding hidden processed foods and sneaky additives.
âś… Paleo Grocery List Essentials
Here’s a breakdown of core Paleo categories and the top clean picks in each—plus convenient affiliate links so you can shop trusted brands directly.
🥩 Proteins (Quality First)
Focus on grass-fed, pasture-raised, and wild-caught options for the cleanest sources of protein.
- Grass-fed beef, bison, lamb
- Pasture-raised chicken and turkey
- Wild-caught salmon and sardines
- Eggs (pasture-raised is best)
đź›’ Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Eggs - Grass-fed jerky or meat bars
đź›’ CHOMPS Grass-Fed Beef Sticks
đź›’ EPIC Chicken Sriracha Bars
🥦 Vegetables (Your Base)
Prioritize non-starchy, nutrient-dense veggies—organic when possible.
- Leafy greens: kale, spinach, arugula
- Cruciferous: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage
- Roots: carrots, beets, sweet potatoes
đź›’ UNLEASH’D Organic Sweet Potato Powder for smoothie boosts
🍓 Fruits (Low-Glycemic Preferred)
While fruit is Paleo-friendly, choose options lower in sugar and eat in moderation.
- Berries: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
- Apples, pears, citrus
- Bananas (especially for pre/post-workout)
Dried fruit? Only if unsweetened.
đź›’ Terrasoul Organic Medjool Dates
🥑 Healthy Fats (Key to Feeling Full)
Fat fuels your Paleo lifestyle—just make sure it’s the good kind.
- Avocados and olives
- Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil
đź›’ Chosen Foods Avocado Oil
đź›’ Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil - Nut butters (unsweetened, no seed oils)
đź›’ Artisana Organic Almond Butter
🌰 Nuts & Seeds (Snack Smart)
Stick with raw or dry-roasted versions, free from canola oil or sugar.
- Almonds, walnuts, pecans, macadamias
đź›’ Kirkland Signature Organic Raw Almonds - Chia seeds and flaxseed
đź›’ Viva Naturals Organic Chia Seeds
🥣 Paleo-Friendly Pantry Staples
The right basics make cooking easier and help avoid sneaky ingredients.
- Almond & coconut flour
đź›’ 365 by Whole Foods Almond Flour
🛒 Anthony’s Organic Coconut Flour - Bone broth
đź›’ Kettle & Fire Bone Broth - Coconut aminos (soy sauce alternative)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Raw honey or maple syrup (minimal use)
🥤 Protein & Supplements (Clean Fuel)
Post-workout or meal replacement? Choose protein that’s free of dairy, soy, and additives.
đź›’ Top Picks:
Probiotics and enzymes can also support digestion.
đź›’ NOW Super Enzymes
đź›’ Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra Probiotic
🍫 Snacks (Paleo-Approved & Portable)
Skip processed bars with rice syrup and soy protein. Choose real-food options with clean ingredients.
đź›’ Recommended:
đźš« What to Skip
Even in the “healthy” section, be cautious. Avoid:
- Grains (rice, oats, wheat)
- Legumes (peanuts, beans, soy)
- Dairy (unless doing Primal/Paleo-ish)
- Refined oils (canola, soybean, corn)
- Added sugars and artificial sweeteners
- Packaged goods with unrecognizable ingredients
🛍️ Pro Tip: Shop the Perimeter
The freshest, cleanest items are usually around the outer edges of grocery stores—produce, meat, eggs—while processed foods tend to live in the aisles.
🧡 Final Thoughts: Set Yourself Up for Success
With this Paleo grocery list, you’ll spend less time reading confusing labels and more time creating meals that support your energy, digestion, and overall vitality.
Want to simplify things even more? Check out our favorite Amazon Paleo Pantry Picks to get clean staples delivered to your door.