Paleo-Friendly Drinks and Beverages

Paleo-Friendly Drinks and Beverages

The Paleo diet is all about keeping it natural—returning to the basics of what our ancestors ate to stay healthy. But you might be wondering: what about drinks? Staying paleo isn’t just about what you eat, it’s also about what you drink. And if you’re anything like most people, you need something more exciting than just plain water to keep you satisfied. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about paleo-friendly drinks and beverages that can keep you hydrated, happy, and on track with your goals.

1. Why Paleo-Friendly Drinks Matter

When you’re on the paleo diet, it’s essential to avoid the processed sugars, preservatives, and artificial additives that sneak their way into most modern beverages. Sure, you’re already used to skipping soda, but the truth is, there are plenty of other great choices out there that meet the Paleo requirements while giving you a flavorful experience. We’ll take a close look at drinks that fit into your caveman-style eating plan without compromising on flavor or fun.

2. Water: The True Paleo Staple

Let’s start with the basics—water. It’s no surprise that water is as paleo-friendly as it gets. It’s hydrating, zero calories, and free of anything artificial. But let’s make your water a bit more exciting:

• Infused Water: Add slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or even a handful of fresh mint or berries. These simple infusions make your water much more enjoyable, and you can mix and match to find a combination you like best. Try a combo like lemon, mint, and cucumber for a refreshing twist.
• Sparkling Water: If you love fizzy drinks, sparkling water is a perfect solution. Brands like Perrier and LaCroix are widely available and provide that bubbly fix without any artificial ingredients. On Amazon, Spindrift Sparkling Water, which uses real fruit juice for flavor, is a favorite—it’s highly rated, natural, and has just enough taste to make your water feel like a treat.

3. Herbal Teas: A Soothing Alternative

Another great way to stay paleo and enjoy a warm, comforting beverage is with herbal teas. Herbal teas come in a wide variety of flavors—think chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus.

• Peppermint Tea: This classic is naturally caffeine-free and helps with digestion, making it an ideal drink after dinner.
• Rooibos Tea: Rooibos is another herbal tea that’s paleo-friendly, caffeine-free, and full of antioxidants. It has a natural sweetness, so you won’t even need to add any honey.

If you want to try a mix of herbal teas, consider Traditional Medicinals Herbal Tea Sampler. It has tons of flavors to explore and is available on Amazon with thousands of great reviews.

4. Black Coffee: Keep It Simple

You might be wondering if coffee is allowed on the paleo diet. The answer is yes, but with a few caveats.

• Plain Black Coffee: Coffee, in its purest form, is paleo-friendly. It’s a natural source of antioxidants and provides a much-needed energy boost.
• Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil: It’s essentially a blend of coffee with grass-fed butter and MCT oil or coconut oil. The idea is to create a rich, creamy drink that provides lasting energy. To make it at home, you can use Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil, which is highly rated and available on Amazon.

Just be sure to avoid adding sugar or non-paleo creamers. If you want to add a little sweetness, go for a natural sweetener like a touch of raw honey.

5. Coconut Water: Nature’s Sports Drink

When you need to rehydrate after a workout, consider coconut water. It’s a natural source of electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which makes it a perfect alternative to sugary sports drinks.

• Coconut Water: Look for brands without added sugar or preservatives. Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water is a popular choice that’s 100% pure and available on Amazon. It’s slightly sweet, refreshing, and loaded with nutrients that your body will thank you for.

6. Nut Milks: Almond, Coconut, and More

While dairy milk is not considered paleo, nut-based milks are great alternatives. You can find a variety of nut milks that are paleo-approved, but you need to watch for added sugars and preservatives.

• Almond Milk: Make sure to buy unsweetened almond milk. Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk is a great choice that contains only simple ingredients and has a creamy texture that works well for smoothies or just by itself.
• Coconut Milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy touch to your coffee or tea, or be used in smoothies. You can find Native Forest Organic Coconut Milk on Amazon—it’s BPA-free and has thousands of positive reviews.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even make your own almond or cashew milk at home! All you need are some raw nuts, water, a blender, and a nut milk bag to strain it.

7. Fresh Juices: Keep It Natural

When it comes to juice, fresh is always better. Store-bought juices are usually packed with sugar and preservatives, making them a no-go for paleo. But you can make your own fresh juices at home:

• Green Juice: Juice a mix of vegetables like cucumber, celery, and kale, and add a touch of apple or lemon for sweetness. This way, you’re getting all the vitamins and none of the artificial junk.
• Citrus Juice: Freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice is perfect in moderation. Just be mindful not to go overboard, as fruit juice is naturally high in sugar.

Consider investing in a Breville Juice Fountain for an easy at-home juicing experience. It’s highly rated and makes creating fresh juices a breeze.

8. Kombucha: A Fizzy Probiotic Punch

Kombucha is a fermented tea that’s rich in probiotics, which support a healthy gut. It’s slightly fizzy, tangy, and can come in a variety of flavors—perfect if you’re looking for something different from water.

• Store-Bought Kombucha: Just be careful with store-bought varieties, as some can contain added sugar. GT’s Organic Raw Kombucha is a popular brand available on Amazon that keeps it simple and healthy. It’s great if you’re just starting with kombucha, as the flavors are mild yet satisfying.

9. Smoothies: Paleo-Approved Blends

Smoothies are a delicious way to stay hydrated and sneak in a bunch of nutrients at once. Stick with ingredients that are paleo-approved, and avoid any store-bought smoothie mixes that may contain hidden sugars or additives.

• Green Smoothie: Blend spinach, kale, unsweetened almond milk, a banana, and a scoop of almond butter. Add some ice to keep it cool, and you’ve got yourself a healthy, nutrient-packed beverage.
• Berry Smoothie: Blend frozen mixed berries, coconut milk, and a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber.

To add protein, you can use Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel (available on Amazon). It’s a paleo-approved protein powder that comes in flavors like chocolate and vanilla, and it’s perfect for a post-workout boost.

10. Bone Broth: Nourishment in a Cup

Bone broth might sound a little unconventional as a beverage, but it’s a true paleo staple. Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, bone broth is a nourishing drink that can help support your joints, skin, and overall health.

• Bone Broth Brands: If you don’t have time to make your own, Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein Powder is a great option. It’s made from high-quality bones, is slow-simmered, and has rave reviews on Amazon. You can sip it warm as a savory treat or use it in your cooking.

11. Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Drinks to Watch Out For

While there are plenty of paleo-friendly drinks, there are also a lot of pitfalls. Here’s what to avoid:

• Soda: Regular and diet sodas are loaded with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and sweeteners.
• Fruit Juices with Added Sugar: If it’s not fresh-squeezed, it’s likely not paleo. Added sugars and preservatives make most fruit juices off-limits.
• Alcohol: Most alcohol is not paleo-friendly, but if you want to indulge occasionally, dry wines and certain spirits (like tequila) are better choices. Just keep it to a minimum.

12. Sweeteners: What’s Allowed?

If you’re looking for a bit of sweetness in your drink, stick to natural sweeteners that are paleo-approved:

• Raw Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener, but use it sparingly, as it’s still high in sugar.
• Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is also allowed but, like honey, it should be used in moderation.

13. Final Thoughts: Stay Hydrated, Stay Paleo

You’ve got plenty of options to keep your hydration levels up without feeling deprived while on the paleo diet. From herbal teas to sparkling water, and even fresh smoothies, the key is to stick to natural, minimally processed options that help you feel your best. And remember, when in doubt, go for water or a freshly prepared option that you can control yourself.

By keeping these options in mind and avoiding sugary, processed drinks, you’ll stay true to your paleo lifestyle while keeping things fun and flavorful. So go ahead, mix up a refreshing herbal iced tea or blend a creamy smoothie—and stay happily hydrated!