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  • 10 Best Paleo Cookbooks in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Paleo Cookbooks in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Paleo Cookbooks in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Paleo Cookbooks in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Paleo Cookbooks in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Paleo Cookbooks in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)

Are you interested in trying the paleo diet? Or perhaps you already follow this popular diet, but you need some new recipes? The paleo diet is one of the most popular diets because it provides many health benefits! But it can be tough to find a paleo cookbook that both meets your dietary needs and has recipes you'll enjoy.


In this article, we've provided useful suggestions on what needs to be considered when buying a paleo cookbook in our buying guide reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. We've also scoured the internet to find the best cookbooks! The Defined Dish by Alex Snodgrass is our top-ranking cookbook because it covers a variety of international recipes, uses paleo-friendly ingredients, and provides suggestions for ingredient substitutions. Read on for more choices and our buying guide!

Last updated 09/26/2023
Andrea Marincovich
Expert
Registered Dietitian
Andrea Marincovich

Andrea Marincovich (aka The Realistic Dietitian), is a registered dietitian and macros nutrition expert. She helps individuals reach their weight, body composition, and specific health goals through nutrition. Andrea specializes in altering diets in order to meet the needs of each client, such as: macro-centered, keto, paleo, Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, diabetic, renal, cardiovascular, IBS/IBD, and GERD diets.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Paleo Cookbooks

Check out our tips and suggestions on how to choose a paleo cookbook that meets your needs. We've done all the research so you don't have to!

1

Carefully Check the Ingredient List

Unfortunately, not all paleo cookbooks contain recipes that are truly paleo. Some of them use alternative ingredients to improve the taste and make dishes fit modern lifestyles.

Make Sure All Ingredients Are Paleo-Approved

Make Sure All Ingredients Are Paleo-Approved

The paleo diet focuses on eating similar foods to humans who lived in the paleolithic period, which is about 2.5 million years ago. The basic concept is to eat whole foods and avoid processed foods!


You have many meat choices, like chicken, pork, beef, lamb, bison, and wild game meat. However, it should be lean, grass-fed, or antibiotic-free meat.


Wild-caught fish, like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sustainably-caught seafood, like shrimp, clam, oyster, lobster, and crab, are good options for paleo recipes because they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids and nutrient-dense


Although fruits, vegetables, nuts, and, seeds are good for paleo, not all of them are paleo-friendly. Organic green, leafy vegetables can be consumed in an unlimited amount


Bananas and starchy vegetables like beets and squash should be consumed in moderation since they’re high in carbs and sugar, which can affect blood sugar levels and your diet plan. When browsing recipes, make sure you allow for this!

Grains, Legumes, or Dairy Shouldn’t Be Listed in Recipes

Grains, Legumes, or Dairy Shouldn’t Be Listed in Recipes

Make sure all of the recipes don’t include ingredients like oats, wheat, barley, beans, lentils, peas, peanuts, dairy products, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, or highly processed foods.


Be aware of white potatoes, too! They're not considered paleo by most authorities because they have a high glycemic index. We suggest substituting white potatoes with sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of fiber, vitamin A, beta carotene, potassium, and are low on the glycemic index.

2

Make Sure the Recipes Suit Your Lifestyle and Cooking Skills

Make Sure the Recipes Suit Your Lifestyle and Cooking Skills

If you’re a beginner, we suggest to look for easy recipes with no more than five ingredients and just a few steps. A cookbook that has step-by-step pictures and instructions will be easier for you to understand.


If you have a busy schedule, then time is the most important factor that you should consider. It’s better to look for recipes that require no more than 30 minutes of prep and cooking; however, this can be adjusted depending on how much time you have. 


If you have time, basic cooking skills, or want to make some new dishes, we suggest a cookbook with a variety of tasty recipes. Look for a variety of categories like appetizers, beverages, soups, salads, main dishes, breads, and desserts.


No matter what cooking skill or lifestyle you have, always remember to choose a cookbook that has straightforward recipes that you'll enjoy making and eating! 

3

Choose One That Offers Extra Tips and Suggestions

Choose One That Offers Extra Tips and Suggestions

Some cookbooks include advice, like how to choose the best cuts of meat and prepare them. This will help you gain more knowledge while you cook!


Other cookbooks may include guides on how to choose paleo-friendly ingredients, templates for making a weekly meal plan, charts to help you track your progress, suggestions for how best to use leftovers, or even tips to decorate your plate. 

4

Consider a Cookbook That Provides Alternative Ingredients

Consider a Cookbook That Provides Alternative Ingredients

A cookbook with alternative ingredients is always a plus, especially for people with many food allergies. Although fish, seafood, nuts, and eggs are good ingredients for paleo, they’re also common food allergies and food sensitivitiesfor both kids and adults.


Some people are sensitive to one food, while others are allergic to many. People who have less obvious symptoms can feel bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, whereas serious allergic reactions can cause a closing of the throat, difficulty of breathing, rashes, or anaphylactic shock (which can lead to death).


If you feel uncomfortable every time you eat a certain food, it's better to avoid it. However, you know best what's good for your body! So, just try to choose ingredients that you can feel good about


You don't need to worry if you're allergic to eggs because there are many paleo cookbooks that include egg substitutes. These substitutions include chia seeds, flaxseeds, grass-fed gelatin, almond butter, bananas, applesauce, or sweet potatoes.

5

Do Some Research About the Author

Do Some Research About the Author

A lot of people overlook the importance of the author's biography. It helps you learn more about the author’s interests, cooking experience, lifestyle, or awards. This information will make it easier to know whether or not the cookbook is right for you. 


For example, an author might be a nutrition consultant and a mother of three children with a very busy lifestyle. You can probably guess that this cookbook will contain healthy recipes that require minimal cooking time. If you find the author relatable or interesting, there's a good chance you'll enjoy their cookbook! 

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10 Best Paleo Cookbooks Ranking

Here are the best Paleo Cookbooks, ranked according to 10 Best Paleo Cookbooks (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Alex Snodgrass

The Defined Dish

Alex Snodgrass The Defined Dish 1

$15.00

Mid

A Variety of Recipes from Popular Cuisines Around the World

2

Arsy Vartanian & others

The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook

Arsy Vartanian & others The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook 1

$20.70

High

The Only Paleo Cookbook You'll Ever Need

3

Danielle Walker

Against All Grain Celebrations

Danielle Walker Against All Grain Celebrations 1

$17.79

High Mid

Enjoy Your Holiday Meals With No Regrets

4

Kenzie Swanhart

Paleo in 28

Kenzie Swanhart  Paleo in 28 1

$15.99

Mid

A Great Beginner's Guide to the Paleo Diet

5

Diane Sanfilippo

Practical Paleo, 2nd Edition

 Diane Sanfilippo Practical Paleo, 2nd Edition 1

$17.99

High Mid

30-Day Paleo Meal Plans With Updated Recipes

6

Vanessa Barajas

Clean Eating with a Dirty Mind

Vanessa Barajas Clean Eating with a Dirty Mind 1

$17.81

High Mid

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With These Dessert Recipes

7

Melissa Joulwan

Well Fed Weeknights

Melissa Joulwan Well Fed Weeknights 1

$14.69

Mid

Well-Balanced Recipes With Many Tips and Suggestions

8

Jennifer Robins

The Paleo Kids Cookbook

Jennifer Robins The Paleo Kids Cookbook 1

$5.92

Low

Healthy Meals for Your Little Ones

9

Brittany Angell

Every Last Crumb

Brittany Angell Every Last Crumb 1

$10.99

Low Mid

Make a Wide Variety of Baked Goods

10

Natalie Perry

The Big Book of Paleo Slow Cooking

Natalie Perry   The Big Book of Paleo Slow Cooking 1

$16.84

Mid

Nutrient-Dense Meals That Suit the Whole Family

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Alex SnodgrassThe Defined Dish

The Defined Dish 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$15.00
Mid
Reference price
$15.00
Mid

A Variety of Recipes from Popular Cuisines Around the World

This paleo cookbook is our top pick for many reasons. First, all of the recipes are free from grains, dairy, and gluten. It also covers meals for 30 days and provides healthier ingredient substitutions, like using lettuce wraps instead of taco shells. This is a good book for beginners who wants to explore the diet before going fully paleo.


Additionally, it includes many well-known dishes from around the world. You'll find rosemary-lemon shrimp for an Italian-American classic, red curry shrimp and Mongolian beef stir-fry for Asian cuisines, and pineapple salsa and crispy carnitas for Mexican flavors. 


Most reviewers said that this cookbook includes diverse recipes, and they liked getting to try new dishes from different parts of the world. The book is made with quality material and has beautiful photos too, which inspired them to cook. 


They said that every recipe is fast to make, easy to follow, and ends up being delicious. The author also includes recipe modification tips and suggestions, which benefit other types of diets as well as people with food allergies. 

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No.2

Arsy Vartanian & othersThe Ultimate Paleo Cookbook

Reference price
$20.70
High

The Only Paleo Cookbook You'll Ever Need

If you plan to make a variety of recipes, this cookbook covers over 900 recipes from 10 paleo practitioners! It offers easy dishes, slow cooker dishes, budget-friendly options, and kids' meals. Plus, these recipes suit all cooking skill levels.


This wide variety of recipes is worth a buy because it's an all-in-one cookbook that includes everything, like soups, salads, main dishes, desserts, snacks, and drinks. 


Some reviewers found this cookbook quite boring because it lacks pictures and is black and white. However, if recipes are your main concern, this book is definitely worth buying!


Many reviewers like the fact that it has many food ideas that include breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as snacks. The recipes are easy to follow and reliable. Most ingredients are easy to find, so they find it very convenient, too.

No.3

Danielle WalkerAgainst All Grain Celebrations

Reference price
$17.79
High Mid

Enjoy Your Holiday Meals With No Regrets

This cookbook covers recipes for 12 different celebrations, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, and Valentine's Day. Thus, it's perfect for both kids and adults. All the recipes exclude dairy products, grains, and refined sugar, and a few recipes are made without the top eight allergens. 


It includes all the recipes you need to enjoy a full-course meal with your loved ones. Some recipes are curry pumpkin soup, persimmon prosciutto salad, butternut sage carbonara, braised short ribs with parsnip puree, red velvet cake, and gingerbread lattes. 


Some reviewers pointed out that some ingredients may be difficult to find; however, they like the fact that the author includes ingredient substitutions. They also said that the recipes are straightforward, easy to follow, healthy, allergy-friendly, and turned out incredibly delicious! 


They can enjoy traditional meals without feeling guilty. The cookbook also has many beautiful pictures and includes tips for making cooking much easier. This cookbook also makes a perfect gift for your friends and family, too!

No.4

Kenzie Swanhart Paleo in 28

Reference price
$15.99
Mid

A Great Beginner's Guide to the Paleo Diet

This is a highly-recommended cookbook for someone who is new to the paleo diet. It includes 130 recipes, a guide to the paleo diet, a 4-week meal plan, a paleo shopping list, and ideas for using leftovers. Additionally, most recipes require only five ingredients and less than 30 minutes of prep and cooking time. 


Some reviewers claimed that the recipes are tasteless and uninspiring while others said the instructions should have more details with pictures. 


On the other hand, most reviewers said the recipes are simple, delicious, fast to make, and easy to understand. They recommend this cookbook for beginners and people with a busy lifestyle. It also provided them with a better understanding of what paleo eating means and the benefits of the paleo lifestyle, too!

No.5

Diane SanfilippoPractical Paleo, 2nd Edition

Reference price
$17.99
High Mid

30-Day Paleo Meal Plans With Updated Recipes

This second edition of "Practical Paleo" has more than 150 recipes, including 40 new recipes updated from the first edition. It gives you tips and suggestions on how to create a healthy meal plan that works best for you. It also explains how to navigate social events while maintaining a paleo lifestyle


Additionally, it explains how food can impact your health. This cookbook offers meal plans for someone who has hormonal imbalances or wants to detox their liver!


Most reviewers said it's a useful educational cookbook and that they've learned about the whole paleo lifestyle. It suits beginners well and gets them started on the right track. 


The cookbook comes with high-quality paper, colorful pictures, and many creative recipes. A lot of people said they feel more energized and healthier after following these recipes for 30 days. Some recipes help to improve their thyroid function as well as their gut and digestive health, too!

No.6

Vanessa BarajasClean Eating with a Dirty Mind

Reference price
$17.81
High Mid

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With These Dessert Recipes

Do you want to satisfy your sugar cravings while maintaining a healthy diet? If so, you can't miss this cookbook! It's filled with over 150 paleo-friendly recipes of sweet and savory foods. 


Some dessert recipes may require many ingredients and steps, which may not suit beginners. But, they're worth trying because they're very tasty! You can't even tell the difference between these paleo-style desserts and normal ones. 


Some reviewers liked how information-rich the cookbook is. It explains what paleo is, what ingredients to use, what to avoid, baking terminology, how to choose the right kind of flour and sweetener, and the different types of kitchen tools. 


Although some recipes require more time and extra steps, it's worth the effort! Reviewers said that every recipe came out delicious and used paleo-approved ingredients. For example, they use almond flour, coconut sugar, and coconut oil instead of wheat flour, white sugar, and processed oils. 

No.7

Melissa JoulwanWell Fed Weeknights

Reference price
$14.69
Mid

Well-Balanced Recipes With Many Tips and Suggestions

The recipes from this cookbook were inspired by food trucks, take-out classics, and popular dishes from around the world, so you'll get to try a wide variety of foods. It includes 128 paleo-friendly recipes, and each recipe takes no more than 45 minutes.  


All recipes are complete meals (protein and side dishes) and come with step-by-step instructions with many color photos. Thus, it can save you the step of planning meals! Additionally, the author also includes cooking tips and suggestions on how to maintain a paleo diet while you're eating out, too.


Some reviewers claimed that the book has a bad binding that made pages fall out! Additionally, most recipes require many ingredients and cooking steps and are time-consuming. Thus, this cookbook suits someone who has some cooking skills and experience.


However, other reviewers liked that the recipes are varied and use clean, paleo-friendly ingredients. The recipes come with beautiful pictures and easy-to-follow instructions. They note that every recipe came out delicious and was very filling. 

No.8

Jennifer RobinsThe Paleo Kids Cookbook

Reference price
$5.92
Low

Healthy Meals for Your Little Ones

Many people say this cookbook is a lifesaver for parents, especially when your kids are picky eaters! All recipes are made from whole foods and are free from dairy, grains, and gluten. 


Additionally, it covers classic kid food, such as chicken nuggets, pizza pockets, french toast sticks, and chocolate cake. 


A few reviewers pointed out that some ingredients are difficult to find. Others said few ingredients, like potato starch, aren't paleo, so they have to replace the ingredient. They also said most recipes are more like finger foods rather than main dishes. 


However, most reviewers agreed that this cookbook is full of kid-friendly recipes and made their life so much easier. It comes with many pictures, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Some creative recipes got their kids involved in cooking, too! 

No.9

Brittany AngellEvery Last Crumb

Reference price
$10.99
Low Mid

Make a Wide Variety of Baked Goods

You can't miss this cookbook if you like bread! It covers most types of bread, baked goods, and snacks. You can make sandwich bread, naan, tortillas, donuts, muffins, pancakes, cookies, brownies, bagels, chips, and pretzels, just to name a few!


These recipes use almond flour, coconut flour, or sweet potato flour as a substitute for wheat flour, so you don't need to worry that the recipes will contain grains. 


Most reviewers liked this cookbook because it includes all kinds of bread and desserts. The author also provides a clear explanation of each baking step with beautiful photographs. All of the recipes turned out perfectly! Many people said it's a must-buy cookbook for someone who likes baking and people with many allergies


Although some recipes may contain dairy, which is not paleo, the author offers alternative ingredient recommendations. Thus, this cookbook is not only a great choice for people who follow the paleo diet, but it can also be adapted to other types of diets, like veganism or low-carb. 

No.10

Natalie Perry The Big Book of Paleo Slow Cooking

Reference price
$16.84
Mid

Nutrient-Dense Meals That Suit the Whole Family

This cookbook covers 200 recipes made with real ingredients. It suits someone who has a big family since each recipe serves between six to eight people


Additionally, the author also provides a pot conversion chart on her website, which means you can replace a crockpot with an instant pot for your cooking tool, too!


Reviewers liked that it comes with a variety of recipes with beautiful photographs. All of the recipes are delicious and simple to cook. They also said the instructions are clear and the required ingredients are also easy to find. Many people said this is a must-have cookbook for busy families!

Looking for Recipes for Different Types of Diets?

Are you interested in other popular types of diets, like a ketogenic, Mediterranean, or vegetarian diet? Each type of diet has different rules, which results in a wide range of recipes. Check out some of our favorite cookbooks that can help you create delicious, healthy meals! 

Buying Guide Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Andrea Marincovich

Andrea Marincovich
Registered Dietitian
Andrea Marincovich

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Paleo Cookbooks

No. 1: Alex SnodgrassThe Defined Dish

No. 2: Arsy Vartanian & othersThe Ultimate Paleo Cookbook

No. 3: Danielle WalkerAgainst All Grain Celebrations

No. 4: Kenzie Swanhart Paleo in 28

No. 5: Diane SanfilippoPractical Paleo, 2nd Edition

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