We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Paleo Muffins?

By Jeremy Laukkonen
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,965
Share

Paleo muffins are a type of baked good that can be consumed by people who follow a paleolithic diet. These muffins are made without wheat flour, or other grain products, so various types of nut meals and flours are typically used instead. Many types of paleo muffins are based on either almonds or pecans, though there are a number of variations that use other nuts. Some recipes call for gluten-free wheat flour, though many people who follow strict paleolithic diets stick to nut-based muffins. Other ingredients can vary depending on the specific recipe, though they must be limited to foods that were eaten by hunter-gatherers during the paleolithic time period.

The paleolithic, or caveman, diet is based on the way people probably ate prior to the widespread introduction of agriculture. Hunter-gatherers in the paleolithic period subsisted primarily on meat, nuts, berries, and other whole foods that could be obtained without the need for cultivation or domesticated animals. A very strict interpretation of this type of diet does not allow for paleo muffins, and other foods that are constructed from nut flours, since those products were unlikely to have existed in the paleolithic era. These foods technically conform to the basic idea of the diet though, and many people enjoy them occasionally for the sake of variety.

There are a number of different types of paleo muffins, though most recipes call for some type of nut meal or flour. Almond flour is one common base, though pecan meal is also popular. It is also possible to grind up almonds or other nuts at home if nut flour is not available locally. Since nut flour and wheat flour are substantially different substances, paleo muffins typically lack the familiar consistency and texture of regular muffins. Some recipes use butter, oil, and eggs, which can result in muffins that are relatively moist and fluffy, though they typically will not rise the same as products that are made with wheat flour.

In addition to the basic ingredients of nut flour, oil, and eggs, there are many other foods that can be included in paleo muffins. Any type of vegetable or fruit that is acceptable under a paleolithic diet can be included, so the different types of paleo muffins can be quite diverse. Additional nuts that have been crushed or sliced are often added for texture, and various types of berries can provide a little sweetness. Bananas are sometimes added for sweetness as well, though they can also function as a substitute for eggs to create vegan muffins.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Felthat — On Apr 02, 2014

I am somewhat following a Paleo lifestyle. It is actually a plan for autoimmune disease grounded in the Paleo philosophy. Some refer to this as the Autoimmune Diet or AIP (Autoimmune Protocol). After a year of going gluten, dairy, and soy -free, I decided to try eliminating some additional foods: all grains, legumes, nightshade plants are some of the big ones. Going gluten-free, I spent a year perfecting my muffins and breads using things like quinoa or garbanzo beans and then I needed to start from scratch yet again! I have had success using zucchini, coconut flour, almond flour, bananas, and dates in my baking. Trial and error but largely successful!

Paleo is mistakenly known as the Caveman Diet or the Meat Lovers Diet. This isn’t really correct. It stresses whole, natural food sources like fruits, vegetables, wild caught seafood and grass-fed pastured meat and poultry. I do find that some Paleo folks overcompensate in the meat department for my taste. I generally eat meat only at dinnertime and am pretty much a Vegan for the rest of the day.

It may seem difficult and perhaps completely undoable at first, but if you are motivated, you make the changes. Additionally, your body begins to really crave the nutrients you are providing it in the form of whole, natural foods. With this, your palate changes and you truly begin to enjoy these foods.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-paleo-muffins.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.