The best Paleo cookbooks are great resources whether you’re a beginner or verteran Paleo enthusiast. People consider trying out the Paleo diet for many different reasons.
Some are looking to lose weight, be healthier, or optimize their food intake. Others are looking for a simple plan to follow to streamline their life. The Paleo diet is a great tool to incorporate as a part of a healthy lifestyle.
While the first mention of the Paleo diet goes back to the 1970s, in 1988 Dr. S Boyd Eaton formalized it in his book “The Paleolithic Prescription.” Today, there are all kinds of books out there for you to choose from.
However, finding a great resource can be tricky. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you to identify the 10 best Paleo diet cookbooks out there.
The Paleo diet is easy to follow with the proper guidance. You can make all kinds of dishes from healthy breakfasts to meals in crockpots to satisfying desserts. You can even make bread with the right ingredients—try this delicious Paleo Banana Bread Recipe for a breakfast treat.
Contents
Recipe Variety & Interesting Cuisines
Whether you like to cook homestyle food, Mediterranean cuisine or want to experiment with new flavors, there’s a cookbook on this list for you. Going grain, dairy and gluten-free isn’t easy. However, there’s a lot of information out there to help you make the switch.
Lastly, we’ve thought about price, flavors, recipe lists, budget and ease of use in choosing these top 10 paleo cookbooks. We hope this list will help you pick the best book for your kitchen.
Paleo Cookbook Comparison Table
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Our Reviews: Top 10 Paleo Cookbooks
You’ll be cooking Paleo recipes in no time with one of these Paleo recipe cookbooks. You should think about your cooking style before choosing the best one for your needs.
For instance, if you’re new to the Paleo diet you should consider selecting a beginner’s guide to Paleo cooking. There are several on this list. Additionally, a cookbook with a guide to the Paleo diet will make it easier to transition into your new, healthy lifestyle.
If you’ve been doing Paleo for a while, you might want to consider a cookbook that has a lot of unique and exciting recipes to shake up your usual routine meals. We hope one of these many options will be just the right thing to spice up your kitchen.
1. Best Pick - Practical Paleo, 2nd Edition (Updated and Expanded)
This book is called “The Paleo Bible” by many which makes it our top pick for this list. It’s a 2nd edition book and chock full of tips, tricks and recipes for being successful with Paleo eating. Whether you’re just jumping into the Paleo cooking or wanting to expand your knowledge, this is a great choice.
The first edition of this book spent 97 weeks on the bestseller list. The author is a certified nutrition consultant so you can rest assured you’re getting great information from a source that’s well-loved. Additionally, you get a guide to the reasons the Paleo diet is so successful for so many along with your cookbook.
Science, Nutrition and Lots of Recipes
If you’re into science and facts, you’ll really appreciate this book. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the ways gluten and sugar can affect your body. For example, she explains how this diet applies to those with all kinds of different chronic illnesses like diabetes or autoimmune conditions.
You get almost 200 pages of recipes and cooking tips in this book. In addition, there are meal plans you can use to help you get started. You can also flip through and find your own favorites. Most importantly, you don’t have to give up dessert on Paleo—there’s a whole section on sweets.
You’ll have an excellent primer on hand with this book in your kitchen. If you’ve already done the work to learn about paleo and just need to add more recipes to your collection, you may want to choose another book on this list though.
Pros
- Includes science and nutrition information about the Paleo diet.
- Almost 200 pages of recipes.
- Includes info about tailoring diet to support healthy living with chronic illness.
Cons
- Might be too much science information for some.
- Pricier option.
- Not ideal for everyday meal planning.
2. Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans
This is a lighthearted cookbook full of recipes written to make you laugh while you’re cooking. The authors compiled this book after finding a lot of success on their website. This book is a New York Times bestseller and was nominated for the James Beard Award.
If you’re looking for a bit of humor in the kitchen, this is a fantastic choice. The husband and wife team created this book to make it fun to cook Paleo. They bring humor and light heartedness to their recipes, designs and writing so you’ll have an enjoyable kitchen experience.
Lots of Photos with Instructions
You’ll find 100 recipes and 900 pictures. If you’re the type that likes step by step photo instructions when you cook, this will be a great addition to your cookbook library. You’ll find recipes for condiments, soups, desserts and even chicken nuggets. In short, there’s a lot to love in this compact book.
This book has some great simple recipes in it alongside more complicated ones. Whether you’re just getting started in the kitchen or you’re a veteran at cooking paleo, there’s something for you. Additionally, the tips and tricks the authors provide will help you save time in the kitchen. You’ll find recipes you can make in just a couple of minutes.
Pros
- Humorous writing and graphic style.
- Great choice for beginner Paleo cooks.
- 900 step by step photos.
Cons
- Some may prefer fewer photos.
- Highly stylized writing style may not be for everyone.
- Not ideal for more advanced cooks.
3. Danielle Walker's Against All Grain
The author of this book was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition at a young age. She used the Paleo diet to support her journey back to health. This book is a fantastic option for those who need help with meal planning. If you like to outsource this task, this is a great choice for you.
Detailed, Diverse Meal Plans
This book makes it easy to get started cooking Paleo with over 8-weeks worth of meal plans . Other books may only provide a couple of weeks. You’ll definitely feel supported for the long term with this paleo cookbook. Additionally, this book also works like a regular cookbook. You can pick and choose what you cook as you go if you prefer.
This book is full of homestyle recipes like chicken and rice casserole. However, it also has recipes that may be new to you like Peruvian-style Chicken. If you like to do make-ahead meals, there’s plenty to choose from in this book. Each recipe comes with nutrition facts, making it easy to count calories.
Whether you’re just starting out or need some help getting on a plan, this book can help. It’s got all kinds of great recipes to keep you living a healthy, Paleo lifestyle.
Pros
- 8 weeks of detailed meal plans.
- Diverse recipes for every palate.
- Nutrition facts included with every recipe.
Cons
- May be too basic for some.
- Not ideal for those looking to remove nightshades from their diet.
- Heavy reliance on coconut flour—not a great choice for those with a coconut allergy.
4. Well Fed: Paleo Recipes for People Who Love to Eat
This book is a giant, well-loved resource for those looking to add a Paleo cookbook to their library. It’s a paperback book that lays flat, making it easy to reference as you cook. It’s designed for quick, easy cooking. The authors make it simple for you to cook and eat healthy food.
Recipes in this book include dishes like Chocolate Chili, Moroccan Meatballs, and Pad Thai. You won’t get bored with the diverse set of choices the author has put together. She’s spent the last decade following the Paleo diet to support her active lifestyle as a roller derby athlete, Crossfit participant, and yogi. You can rest assured these recipes were written to help you stay as healthy as possible.
A System of Healthy Eating
If you don’t mind doing a little prep work on the weekends, this book is ideal for you. You’ll know what recipes are great for weeknights and which ones might need a bit more time. There are over 115 recipes included in this book. You’ll learn how to do a “weekly cookup” which is prepping for a week’s worth of recipes and snacks in an afternoon. If you follow their guide, you’ll be eating healthy food every time you get hungry.
This is not just a recipe book. It’s a guide to creating systems in your kitchen that work. Therefore, this book will not only help you eat Paleo but it will also help you stay organized.
Pros
- Offers systems for making healthy eating easy.
- 115+ diverse recipes to choose from.
- Lay-flat design ideal for referencing as you cook.
Cons
- May be more organization-focused than some need.
- Only a few dessert recipes included.
- Prep time may take longer than noted in the recipes.
5. Best Budget Pick-The Frugal Paleo Cookbook
Cost is a common problem for those looking to start the Paleo diet. Some are concerned that ingredients like bison or grass-fed beef will be too expensive to purchase. Others worry that they might not be able to find all the ingredients they need in a rural area. This cookbook addresses those concerns.
You get over 100 recipes designed to be budget friendly with this book. So you’ll be able to follow the Paleo diet without worrying that it will be too expensive. Most importanly, this book makes it easy to eat healthy, simple Paleo recipes without breaking the bank.
Savory, Budget-Friendly Recipes
This is a great book for those familiar with the Paleo diet. It gets right to the recipes and assumes you already know about the benefits of the Paleo lifestyle. It avoids exotic ingredients and spices. If you’re looking for an introduction to the Paleo diet along with your recipes, try another, more comprehensive choice on this list.
This book has a lot of great, tasty veggie recipes. If you’re looking for a way to feed vegetables to picky eaters, this book may work great for you.
If you love using your crockpot, this book has recipes for you too. Lastly, this book is just a great all-around recipe book for lots of tastes and any budget.
Pros
- Great for those following a frugal lifestyle.
- Crockpot recipes included.
- Straightforward recipes without a lot of fuss.
Cons
- Does not include meal plans.
- Pictures are not the highest quality.
- May be too simple for more advanced cooks.
6. Easy Paleo Meals
This Paleo cookbook was written by a mom of three kids. She’s designed her recipes to be family friendly, fast and simple. There are over 150 recipes to choose from in this cookbook—everything from fast recipes to make-ahead meals.
The author shares her story of trying to keep her family healthy. She tells how she helped her girls get healthier simply by switching to the Paleo diet. As a result, she and her husband found that they got healthier too. She shares her journey and tells you how to follow in her footsteps. If you love a good story, try this cookbook.
Quick, Easy & Family Friendly Recipes
If you’re looking to test out Paleo for the first time and are worried about giving up bread, this might be a great choice for you. There are recipes for pizza dough, muffins and all kinds of bread treats in this book.
They are all gluten and dairy-free just like our Perfect Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies. You’ll learn how simple it is to make tasty bread on the Paleo diet, even on time-crunched weeknights.
This book is more than just a cookbook. It’s a guide to streamlining your meal prep and kitchen organization. In addition, it’s full of tips and tricks to maximize your time and get the most out of every ingredient.
Pros
- Lots of Paleo bread recipes.
- Optimized for those cooking for families.
- Includes lots of tips and tricks for getting organized.
Cons
- Bread recipes rely on tapioca and arrowroot starch—not ideal for those who avoid starch.
- Some recipes require more expensive ingredients.
- May be too basic for some.
7. The Homegrown Paleo Cookbook
If you’re interested in farm to table living and following a Paleo lifestyle, this is an ideal book for you. It details lots of things you need to know about raising animals and growing your own food. There are all kinds of seasonal recipes that go along with the tips and tricks for living the farm-to-table lifestyle. If you have land or want to plan for this lifestyle in the future, this is a great beginner’s guide.
The Paleo recipes in this cookbook are great even if you’re not growing your own food. Eating seasonally is an excellent way to ensure you’re eating fruits and vegetables at their peak freshness. If you’re a fan of farmers markets or buying local produce, this is a great guide to eating what you find throughout the year.
The How-To-Farm-Everything Book
This book doesn’t just show you how to garden, it walks you through all kinds of farming tips. Whether you need to learn how to slaughter an animal or pickle a vegetable, this book has you covered. It has guides for raising animals, arranging gardens and all kinds of other specialized knowledge.
It’s a beautifully crafted book that gives interested readers an inside look at farming. In addition, the recipes in this book are great for everyone. You may need a bit of extra time on your hands for many of the 100+ recipes in this book. So if you like taking your time to create beautiful meals, this book will be a great choice for you.
Pros
- Detailed information about living a farm-to-table and Paleo lifestyle.
- Gorgeous book.
- Over 100 delicious, seasonal Paleo recipes.
Cons
- May be too detailed for those uninterested in running a farm.
- Recipes may require extra time.
- Some seasonal ingredients can be difficult to find when they’re out of season.
8. The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet
This book is ideal for those exploring the Paleo diet for the first time. It includes a 4-week meal plan to get you started, but its primary focus is on education. You’ll learn everything you need to know about the science behind this diet—why it’s such a widely used plan to promote weight loss and healthy living.
You’ll get a lesson on hormones, digestion and nutrition. It’s designed to give you a great Paleo education from background knowledge to practical advice. Additionally, the author also provides workout tips.
Paleo & Weight Loss Education
Many people have had a lot of success losing weight on the Paleo diet. If you’re choosing the Paleo diet for weight loss, this is a great book that will really help you understand how it works. Many who follow this plan report higher energy, quick weight loss in the beginning and higher alertness.
This is a standard hardcover book that will be easy to pick up and read like a normal book. If you just want a book that gives you recipes, you should choose another book from this list. But if you’re looking for a guide to the Paleo diet, this will be a good option for you.
Pros
- Lots of great scientific detail.
- Comprehensive guide to a Paleo lifestyle.
- 30-day meal plan.
Cons
- May be too much information for some.
- Fewer recipes than some choices on this list.
- Some find the author’s writing style a bit difficult to read.
9. The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook
This book has the largest number of recipes in it among all the cookbooks on this list. Although it’s full of tried and tested recipes from blogs and other websites, this cookbook is chock full of original recipes too.
Each author collected about 80 recipes for this book. So you’re adding a whole lot of variety to your recipe library if you choose this cookbook.
Comprehensive Cookbook Resource
A great thing about this book is the way it’s organized. You’ll find easy recipes, budget recipes and slow cooker recipes. You’ll be able to flip through chapters with ease. There’s lots of variety to choose from even within subcategories like budget and simplicity.
Due to the variety of authors on this list, you can trust that the research has been done to ensure each recipe is great. Most importantly, this book does not contain a lot of fluff—just a whole lot of quality recipes.
This cookbook also includes a lot of recipes that don’t require many ingredients. If you want just one resource for Paleo cooking on your shelf, this is a great choice. Lastly, you’ll have plenty of variety to keep you testing new recipes for years to come.
Pros
- Specialized chapters make finding new recipes easy.
- Wide variety of flavors and styles.
- Replaces the recipe content of many cookbooks with just one book.
Cons
- Some find the index a bit hard to follow.
- Some may find it has too many recipes that include sugar.
- Not many pictures included.
10. The Paleo Approach Cookbook
If you have an autoimmune condition then this cookbook was designed for you. If you’re considering the Paleo diet as part of living healthy with a chronic illness, you’ll get a lot of value from this book.
The author focuses on choosing recipes that reduce inflammation in the body. It’s also great for the beginner cook—full of tips like how to use a pressure cooker safely and knife tricks.
If you’re concerned about the cost of eating Paleo, you’ll find this book will help you stay within your budget. Recipes in this cookbook won’t break the bank. It tries to keep things simple and cost-effective.
Recipes for the Adventurous Eater
This is a great recipe book if you’re interested in nose-to-tail eating. If you’re an adventurous cook and on board with that lifestyle, this book will be great for you.
It has recipes for everything from stuffed heart to pig’s feet as well as more typical sounding recipes. If you’re a bit squeamish, you might want to try a different cookbook on this list.
Shopping lists and meal plans are included in this book to make the transition to Paleo eating easy. All the planning work is done for you with this guide. You just need to follow the plan.
Pros
- Great for those interested in nose-to-tail eating.
- Includes shopping lists and meal plans.
- Well-researched guide to the science of the Paleo diet.
Cons
- Relies heavily on less commonly used ingredients.
- Autoimmune disorder information will not apply to all readers.
- Some recipes can be a bit time-consuming.
Paleo Cookbook Buyer’s Guide
It can be tough to choose the right book with so many great choices out there. Going Paleo for the first time can be tricky. There’s a lot to learn about the Paleo diet.
There’s science to learn, foods to avoid and new techniques to master. It even takes some experimenting to learn what tastes good. Then there are considerations like budget, who wrote it, format, flavors, style and number of recipes.
As you consider the best cookbook to add to your kitchen, here are a few things to consider.
What is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo diet is a way of eating that tries to recapture the diet eaten by Paleolithic, or early, humans. The idea is that by going back to the way we used to eat, we can help our bodies function at their best.
Some people think Paleo means just eating a lot of meat, like the Atkin’s diet. Yes, many people who follow the Paleo lifestyle do eat a lot of meat, but vegetarians and vegans can be paleo too.
Also, many get concerned about eliminating dessert from their diet. However, there’s plenty of sweet things to eat on the Paleo diet. These Perfect Paleo Brownies are a great example!
Paleo Foods
Surprisingly, you can eat a variety of food on this diet. Paleo eating is about getting back to the foods that hunter/gatherers are presumed to have eaten. Therefore, you’ll eliminate things like refined sugars, dairy, grains and gluten on this diet.
There’s some flexibility among Paleo eaters about what’s allowed on the diet. Some people choose to limit their fruit intake severely while others don’t mind a bit of refined sugar every now and then.
Additionally, some people on the Paleo diet choose to limit their intake of quinoa while others eat more of it. Quinoa is popular among some Paleo eaters because it’s a seed that provides a complete protein—it’s one of the few plant-based foods that does.
One great thing about Paleo is that spices are always on the grocery list. Feel free to experiment with all different kinds in your recipes.
You can also grind them yourself to really enhance the freshness and flavor profile of all your dishes. Check out our articles “7 Best Coriander Substitutes” or “5 Cumin Substitutes” for inspiration on how to stock your spice rack.
How you eat Paleo is up to you. You may be looking for a cookbook to simply add more healthy meals to your weekly diet. Or you may be interested in committing to the diet completely. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a cookbook on this list for you.
Health Benefits
People like the Paleo diet for all kinds of reasons. Many choose it as a weight loss solution. Studies show that the Paleo diet can help you lose weight quickly. Adding just a few Paleo meals a week to your diet can help jumpstart your health.
If you’re looking to make the switch to Paleo, try one of the cookbooks on our list that teaches you how to do Paleo. Practical Paleo, Well Fed, and The Paleo Solution are all great guides that will help you get started on your Paleo journey. Each author has done their research. They’ll give you the science behind the diet, explain the benefits in detail and provide you with plenty of recipes to get you going.
If you’re interested in the benefits of Paleo for those with autoimmune conditions, you’re not alone. Many people try this diet to support a healthy lifestyle while living with chronic illness.
Try Against All Grain or The Paleo Approach Cookbook to learn more about what Paleo might be able to do to help with autoimmune conditions.
You may just want to try adding Paleo foods to your diet or want to add a new Paleo cookbook to your collection. If so, try Nom Nom Paleo, Easy Paleo Meals or The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook.
Organization and Lifestyle
There are several great choices on this list if you’re primarily interested in cookbooks that will help you organize and sort your cooking lifestyle. The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook has lots of chapters on different varities of recipes.
The Frugal Paleo Cookbook will help you stay on a budget as you cook. The Homegrown Paleo Cookbook will help those interested in a farm-to-table lifestyle eat seasonally or get started farming.
Some cookbooks provide great meal plans. If that’s what you’re looking for, try the Paleo Solution, The Paleo Approach Cookbook, Practical Paleo and Against All Grain. Each of these books will have a meal plan to help you get started cooking Paleo fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best Paleo diet cookbook?
A: We think the best Paleo diet cookbook is Practical Paleo, 2nd Edition. This book is not just a cookbook, it’s an all-around fantastic guide to starting the Paleo diet lifestyle. There’s plenty of science, research, explanations, recipes and even meal plans to get you started. Whether you’re new to the Paleo diet or just wanting to learn more, there’s something in this book for you.
Q: What are the benefits of the paleo diet?
A: Many people find that the Paleo diet helps them lose weight. Others report higher energy, more alertness, and better overall health. Some people try the Paleo diet to help support healing with autoimmune conditions. Whether you’re in peak health or trying to get healthier, the Paleo diet offers a plan for eating good, whole foods. Lots of people find it helps them live their best, healthiest life.
Q: What fruits can I eat on Paleo?
A: You can eat all kinds of things on the Paleo diet. Fruits are typically limited, especially if you’re choosing Paleo for weight loss. If you eat fruits, avoid starchy ones like bananas. Also avoid potatoes. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to how to eat Paleo, Practical Paleo and Well Fed are both excellent guides.
Q: Can I lose weight on the Paleo diet?
A: Many people do lose weight eating Paleo. The Paleo diet emphasizes healthy foods, many of which are low calorie. As with any diet, it’s still possible to overeat your daily calories. Paleo is a great way to get you focused on cooking nutritious whole foods that support healthy living. Everyone’s results are different. Listen to your body, and your doctor, to figure out what’s best for you.
Q: Can I drink alcohol on the Paleo diet?
A: There’s a lot of debate over this among Paleo experts and dieters. The short answer is—whether you drink alcohol or not is up to you! The Paleo diet recommends you limit your sugar intake, and alcohol is a sugar. If you’re going to drink but want to be very careful about your sugar intake, stick to low sugar drinks like dry wine and distilled liquors. Add lemon, lime and low sugar fruits for flavor. For example, try this Skinny Summer Cocktail by the pool this summer.
Conclusion
Paleo cookbooks come in all kinds of formats and styles. If you’re looking for a cookbook that will help you get started, try Practical Paleo, Well Fed or the Paleo Solution. Each of these cookbooks will get you on the road to Paleo eating fast and armed with great info.
If you’re exploring new lifestyles like farm-to-table, frugal living or nose-to-tail eating, check out The Paleo Approach Cookbook, The Homegrown Paleo Cookbook and the Frugal Paleo Cookbook. These cookbooks will show you how to incorporate Paleo alongside your values.
Bonus—even if you’re not a farmer or a frugal-living family, these cookbooks can give you an inside look at those lifestyles. They’ll help any family add variety to their Paleo kitchen.
If you’re interested in a wide variety of recipes, try The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook. With 900 recipes to choose from, you’ll never get bored! Nom Nom Paleo will keep you laughing through your recipes and give you all kinds of new things to try. Easy Paleo Meals also has a large number of recipes that will be simple to create.
If you want to use Paleo to support your health through autoimmune disorders or chronic illness, All Grain is a great choice. This cookbook is specifically geared toward supporting those with these conditions.
We hope your new cookbook gets you experimenting with new recipes, losing weight, or feeling better, whatever your goal. Eating Paleo is a great way to maintain your health and wellness.
We hope that after reading our detailed paleo cookbook reviews and comprehensive buying guide, you’ll have all the information you need to select the best paleo cookbooks for your kitchen.
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