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Recommended Food Suppliers and Brands

Alrighty, here goes. I get quite a few emails and Facebook questions regarding things like, “Where do I find grass fed meat in my area?” or, “What brand of coconut oil or coconut milk do you recommend?” To save me some time answering each question individually, hopefully this post will answer a bunch of your questions all at once and fill in some gaps for a few of you new to this whole paleo thing.

*Please note, none of the companies or products  mentioned in this post asked me or paid me to write this blog post, these are all items that I use and trust personally and feel happy to recommend all on my own doing in hopes that this helps all of you!

Grass Fed/Pasture Raised Meats and Eggs:

US Wellness Meats

TX Bar Organics (Yes, it says “organic” but this beef is grass fed AND finished!!)

Grass Fed Traditions (Soy Free Eggs and Grass Fed Meat Options)

EatWild.com (search your area for local suppliers)

Coconut Oil, Jarred Tomato Product, Spices, Skin Care, etc…

Tropical Traditions

Hands down best coconut oil I have ever tried and if you look at the sidebar on the left and do some exploring you’ll find organic strained tomatoes, tomato paste, sun dried tomatoes, spices, coconut flakes, lotions, soaps and much more!

I love using their tomato products as they all come in glass jars and I can avoid cans!!  I am in no way a freak about always avoiding BPA and will still use canned tomatoes here and there as well as canned coconut milk (more on that later) but it’s nice to have options.  If you read this article, I mirror her sentiments on the subject of BPA.

Penzeys Spices (Always fresh and tons of options!!)

Simply Organic (Lots of selection and good quality!)

Canned Full Fat Coconut Milk

Native Forest (Claims to not use BPA in their cans but more than that, I just like the stuff)

Thai Kitchen (Love how thick and creamy this brand is and it’s easy to find in most major grocery stores!)

Chaokoh (Like Thai Kitchen, yummy, fatty, coconut goodness)

Soy Sauce Replacement

Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos

Bragg Liquid Aminos (Yes, it’s soy based but it’s gluten free and fermented soy does not tend to be as problematic for folks, unlike other soy products. Overall, I highly recommend to avoid soy but a couple occasional tablespoons of fermented soy like Bragg Liquid Aminos for most folks is fine. BUT, like with anything else, if you can’t tolerate it, don’t eat it! Read this article for more information soy in general in which Mark also talks about fermented soy.)

Fish Sauce

Red Boat Fish Sauce (The awesome blogger over at NomNom Paleo turned me on to this stuff and I never looked back!  I use it religiously to season my stir fry and curries.)

Kids Lunch Containers 

Planet Box (Jaden’s all time FAVORITE lunch box.  It’s sturdy, cute, and doesn’t spill all over the place. HIGHLY recommended for your school age kiddos)

Lunch Bots (I use these to pack Rowan’s snacks in for on the go!)

Klean Kanteen Insulated Thermos (Really and truly keeps hot stuff hot and cold stuff cold for HOURS!!)

Beef Jerky

Steve’s Originals (I simply would die without it. Period.)

US Wellness Meats (Their Beef Snack Sticks are yummy!!)

Community Shared Agriculture

GRUB (Where I get my veggies in good ol’ Chico CA)

Local Harvest (Where you can find a CSA near you and any farmer’s markets in your area!)

Almond Butter

Ammin Nut Company (a local Chico family making the best darn almond butter I have EVER had in my life. I have to make myself stop from eating the whole jar with a spoon. Consider yourself warned.)

Olive Oil

Bionaturae (Another one to add to the shopping cart thanks to Tropical Traditions)

Isern & Sons

Bacon, Sausage & Deli Meats

US Wellness Meats

Niman Ranch

Applegate Farms

So that just about wraps it up.  I’m sure I have left something off so post to comments your questions about anything I may have missed and we will round this post out by filling in any blanks by YOU!  What are YOUR favorite go to paleo supplies?

Sarah Fragoso

Sarah Fragoso is an international best selling author of 6 books, co-owner of the Chico, CA based gym JS Strength and Conditioning, and founder of the Everyday Paleo franchise. Sarah is the co-host of the popular Sarah and Dr. Brooke Show podcast and she also conducts workshops and retreats on the subjects of nutrition, lifestyle and fitness.

Her message is from the heart and she carries a genuine desire to help other families looking for guidance. These attributes have contributed to her successes and provide the drive to keep the discoveries coming.

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41 Comments

  1. Lindsay says:

    for olive oil Kasandrinos Imports (http://kasandrinos.com/) is pretty amazing! Also Sophia’s Survival Food (http://grassfedjerkychews.com/) has excellent grass-fed beef jerky.

    1. Sarah says:

      Thank you Lindsay!! Great additions!!

    2. I second Sophia’s Survival Food. We just took a few bags on a long road trip and it helped keep my family Paleo (and not buy junk at the gas stations).

    3. Thanks so much Lindsay

  2. Pumpkin? (can’t live without it)
    Apple chips?
    Refrigerated coconut milk?

    1. Sarah says:

      I like to cook my own pumpkin when it’s in season but otherwise, look for organic canned that is only pure pumpkin and not “pumpkin pie filling.” I like Trader Joe’s canned pumpkin if you have a TJ’s in your area. Apple chips, looks like someone else answered, and refrigerated coconut milk is a tough one because they all have a bunch of additives but if we do ever buy it, I like the So Delicious brand. I prefer almond milk now and then because it’s usually just almonds and water.

      1. Rachael says:

        Do you have a almond milk brand that you like? I have not been able to find any that does not have a lot of additives. I have had to make my own but it would be nice to have a fall back.

        1. Sarah says:

          Unfortunately, I really haven’t. Not that this will help you but there is a woman at my farmers market that makes her own and sells it and all it is is almonds. Maybe look locally for a source such as this but otherwise, I haven’t found anything on the shelf that I love.

  3. Thank you for posting this-great list!! I have been wondering what brands you use. We just discovered Niman Ranch bacon & holy cow it’s delish!

    As for person that asked apple chips, you can make them yourself in no time.

    Turn oven on to 275F and core your organic apples. Slice them thin & lay on a covered baking sheet. Sprinkle cinnamon on them, then put the apples in the oven for about an hour or more. That’s it! Cheap & easy! My 18 month-old loves these 🙂

  4. Jeannine says:

    These “wraps” are amazing, & have provided my 4 year old a “sandwich” option that he loves. They are NOT cheap. I buy online & in bulk to avoid s/h fees, but totally worth it, IMO. I stuff them with eggs & bacon, Applegate Farms meats, leftovers, whatever I have around: http://thepurewrap.com/
    The only coconut oil I buy is the one gallon “buckets” of gold label at Tropical Traditions. 75% of my meats come from US Wellness, best no-sugar added pork bacon around, and the ground beef is awesome! My fav green olives based on taste as well as no addition of “non-Paleo” ingredients: Santa Barbara Olive Company Garlic Stuffed Olives. Fav chicken & beef stocks (does have added honey I think): Kitchen Basics. Read labels, that is my best advice, don’t just grab & assume something like diced tomatoes is only tomatoes, so many grocery items include non-Paleo ingredients.

    1. Sarah says:

      We love these too, but you are right, they are NOT cheap and if I have them we blow through them so fast it’s crazy. Hoping the price on these will go down or even better, we start seeing them in stores! Thanks for all of your other suggestions as well Jeannine!

    2. I keep Pure Wraps in my cabinet! But, no, they are not cheap at all. My local independent health food store sells them.

  5. I’ve become a big fan of Wild Planet for my canned fish needs (http://www.wildplanetfoods.com/). I’m too lazy to cook fish post-workout, so their canned tuna/salmon comes handy. FYI, they sell them at my local store but I usually get them off Amazon for a lot cheaper.

    1. Sarah says:

      Yes, good call! I love their stuff too!

  6. Awesome list -thank you so much. I just received my first order from US Wellness yesterday. My husband was very excited to see the beef sticks. 🙂

  7. Heidi says:

    There is a little asian market not too far from us that carries the Chaokoh brand canned coconut milk for only $2 per can!!! Love that stuff 🙂

  8. Margaret says:

    May I add: EATWELLGUIDE.ORG

    Thanks!

  9. Janet says:

    WOW. Thanks. Been Paleo since first of January and feeling (and looking) terrific so now I am ready to consider better meats. Got 3 local meat suppliers within 20 miles by going to Eat Wild website you listed. Even my small town in Northern Illinois has a Farmer’s Market now, going into second year. I am pumped. I have gone down nearly 3 jeans sizes just since January. I have your cook book and it already has food spatters on it and notes I put on each one I try–especially if hubby likes it. I am trying to move him into Paleo via the MEAT and no complaints so far. He didn’t even miss the no potato last night with the crusted fish and garlic/butter sauted asparagus. Tee hee.

  10. Eva says:

    I am looking for a good place to order organic meat/veggies. The problem is: I live in Alaska. We have an awesome, bustling organics scene in the summer with a Farmer’s Market and local “homegrown” store, but during the winter, especially when the stored carrots run out, things start looking a bit blah around here. I need to find a company I can order from that will SHIP to ALASKA. Anyone have any leads? THANK YOU!

    1. Marie says:

      Can you have things shipped to a friend in the Lower 48 and then have them re-ship it to you? It is more expensive, but sometimes it is the only option

  11. Zico coconut water is great too! Especially for rehydrating after a good work out! 🙂

    1. Alex says:

      I read that Zico’s stuff is made from concentrate. How’s that compare to coco water that’s not from concentrate?

  12. Elle says:

    Sarah mentioned Penzey’s Spices, and I second that. They have about 7 types of curry powders, and they are the best. My favorites are the “Sweet Curry Powder” (no sweeteners in it), and Balti Curry Powder. Either are great for any dish using curry powder but I especially love using them for deviled eggs, and egg salad.

  13. Sarah, can you point me to a resource/blog/site that discusses, in plain language, exactly WHY grass fed is better than grain fed?!! Maybe it seems very obvious to everyone else, but I am still a little unclear. So much of what I read is very technical. I thought maybe you could break it down? or…point me in the right direction.

  14. Alex says:

    How about poultry like duck and chicken?

  15. Jenny says:

    Hey for the Braggs Liquid Aminos it states “Not fermented or heated and gluten free.” Am I reading that wrong?

  16. There’s this new company called itsumo that has the most AMAZING sashimi grade tuna jerky! They have a Paleo one too. Love it and my kids devour it!! They also use only sustainable fishing methods which I am proud to support too! Super friendly staff and all crossfitters. Highly recommend checking them out!

  17. Laura says:

    Awesome list! I need to try some of these, like Tropical Traditions and Steve’s Originals.

    I also want to add that I have found the most amazing local farm for pork, chicken/turkey, eggs and beef products. Best tasting meat I have ever eaten, seriously. They didn’t come up on Eat Wild though. I found them by shopping at a health food store which sold their meat (at a waaay marked up price!) Now I go directly to the farm, meet the farmers, and enjoy pastured, organic, 100% grass fed, local meats. So my advice here is, shop around, ask around and keep your eyes and ears open, you never know what gems may be hiding right under your nose!

  18. Michelle says:

    For Coconut Milk I always use the Mae Ploy Brand. The coconut Milk has a fresher flavor and is thicker than other milks i have tried. It is the best in curries and all thai cooking applications where Coconut milk is called for. When cooked yo ucan still taste a light coconut flavor that never tasted metallic like i have noticed in other milks.

  19. Oh wow… those Planet Box lunch boxes are totally new to me and look AWESOME! Since you have a little guy, can I ask if Rowan is able to handle the latches on the box? My son is nearly 4 and I need something he can unlatch easily at preschool (lunchbots are too hard for him to open on his own).

    Also, Steve’s Originals beef sticks are a definite thumbs up! Yum!

    1. Sarah says:

      Yes, that’s what GREAT about this lunch box also is that it stays closed but is not at all hard to open!! : )

  20. Sophia says:

    Ariston olive oil is my absolute favorite. It’s first pressed, pure, so delicious. And you can keep the bottles and refill at area supermarkets and liquor stores, so it’s ‘green’ too.

  21. Amanda says:

    In your book you mention Trader Joe’s organic gluten & soy free beef jerky as being on you recommend. I shop at TJ’s pretty regular since their prices are tough to beat! I’ve found organic gluten free jerky there but it does have soy sauce in it. Is that okay? I don’t have any negative side effects(that I’m aware of) but I wanted to double check if it’s okay to eat or not. Thanks in advance! You’re great about responding and I GREATLY appreciate that! 🙂

    1. Sarah says:

      Most people tolerate fermented soy fairly well but since writing my book, I have found an AMAZING source for beef jerky! Check out http://stevesoriginal.com/ all totally paleo friendly ingredients and hands down the best beef jerky we have ever tasted. Our family loves it.

  22. I recently had a moment when I opened a can of Native Forest coconut milk. I just started eating it. I called my husband saying this is the best damn coconut milk I have ever had! We took a picture of the can just in case we forgot what it looked like. I loved it for its pure creamy-ness…but so cool I was right and it actually IS that amazing!
    Thanks for this list! Things like this really help!

  23. Amanda says:

    Great, thanks! I’ll check the site out.

  24. Jen Sanchez says:

    I am a huge consumer of Local Chico food and I have not yet come across that almond butter. Where do you get it? My kids like Massa farms but it’s $13/jar and they can go through it within a week!!

  25. mmcda104.tumblr.com says:

    Try Caveman Bob’s for paleo BBQ sauce!!! Its awesome and completely sugar-free! It is a must have for pulled pork!

  26. We just launched an Uncured No Sugar Hickory Smoked Bacon – Natural, Paleo Friendly Bacon! We’d love to know what you think! http://pedersonsfarms.com/2013/04/paleo-girl-finally-gets-her-bacon-yeeehaw/

  27. Hi, I wanted to recommend our newest product – The Cattaneo Bros. Fuel Kit! It is a mix of 100% all naturally US beef jerky – no sugar, preservatives or gluten – and nuts & dried fruit. We are a gourmet beef jerky and sausage company located on the Central Coast, this product is sold in a lot of the CrossFit gyms in our area, but can also be found on our website http://www.cattaneobros.com/ . We also have our Grass Fed line of beef jerky launching at The Cross Fit Games in July! I hope you check it out and we would love to know what you think!

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