Here are some suggestions for shopping on the Paleo Diet. Keep in mind that your main objective is to shop preservative-free, focusing on foods in their natural forms, so we encourage you to “shop the perimeter”.  Avoid the processed foods most often find in the middle aisles of the store, and you will naturally gravitate towards the foods below. 

Refrigerated departments (or buy from specialty stores):

Organic Fruit 

Organic Vegetables

Fresh meat – preferably grass fed  (without nitrates) such as turkey, pork, chicken, beef, lamb, nitrate free sausages, shrimp, salmon, etc

Fish and shellfish  - preferably wild caught 

Eggs – look for grain and soy free 

Store Interior:

Coconut milk (try for Thai Kitchen or alternate brand without preservatives)

Tuna – preferably low sodium or other canned fish in olive oil or water, no salt added

Tomato paste/sauce (must not have flavorings or natural flavors, nor salt)

Unsweetened applesauce (“natural”)

Spices - cumin, oregano, rosemary, sea salt, pepper, thyme, basil, cinnamon, mustard seeds, turmeric

Green tea (I love loose leaf tea at the local health food store or tea shop) 

Organic coffee

Seeds

Nuts  - raw, unsalted if possible 

Nut butters

Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, cherries, dates, etc.)

Organic fruit and vegetables

Unsweetened coconut flakes

Honey (optional, raw unfiltered only)

Oils: 

Coconut oil

Olive oil, preferably first cold press

Nut flours (almond, pecan, and chestnut)

You can also click here to print out Robb Wolf’s shopping list in a one page format to take with you to the store. LOVE cheat sheets!