Paleo Grains Guide
29 items classified under standard Paleo guidelines.
Paleo classifies foods based on whether the food fits pre-agricultural categories. Of the 29 grains evaluated, 0 are classified as Allowed, 0 as Limited, and 29 as Not Allowed.
Under Paleo guidelines, every item in the grains category is classified as Not Allowed. The reason is consistent across the category: each item is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. The nutrition data below is still useful for comparing alternatives or understanding what these foods contribute when eaten on other dietary frameworks.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Amaranth | Not Allowed | 23kcal |
| Arrowroot Powder | Not Allowed | 65kcal |
| Bagel | Not Allowed | 264kcal |
| Barley | Not Allowed | 352kcal |
| Buckwheat | Not Allowed | 343kcal |
| Burrito | Not Allowed | 219kcal |
| Corn Flakes | Not Allowed | 44kcal |
| Cornmeal | Not Allowed | 398kcal |
| Cornstarch | Not Allowed | 381kcal |
| Croutons | Not Allowed | 407kcal |
| English Muffin | Not Allowed | 227kcal |
| Fried Rice | Not Allowed | 174kcal |
| Granola Bars | Not Allowed | 471kcal |
| Millet | Not Allowed | 378kcal |
| Naan | Not Allowed | 311kcal |
| Nachos | Not Allowed | 265kcal |
| Pancakes | Not Allowed | 282kcal |
| Pasta | Not Allowed | 371kcal |
| Pita Bread | Not Allowed | 457kcal |
| Pizza | Not Allowed | 280kcal |
| Rice Cakes | Not Allowed | 392kcal |
| Rice Crackers | Not Allowed | 416kcal |
| Rice Noodles | Not Allowed | 364kcal |
| Rye Bread | Not Allowed | 338kcal |
| Sourdough Bread | Not Allowed | 272kcal |
| Spelt | Not Allowed | 127kcal |
| Tacos | Not Allowed | 170kcal |
| Tapioca Starch | Not Allowed | 358kcal |
| Waffles | Not Allowed | 309kcal |
Classification Breakdown
29 Not Allowed — These are a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes.
Paleo excludes by category rather than by macro: grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, and seed oils are out regardless of preparation.
Not Allowed Grains (29)
Amaranth
Not AllowedWith 23kcal calories per 100g, Amaranth earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Among the 29 items in this category, amaranth sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Corn Flakes at 44kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Arrowroot Powder
Not AllowedArrowroot Powder is classified as Not Allowed on Paleo, with 65kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Among the 29 items in this category, arrowroot powder sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Spelt at 127kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Bagel
Not AllowedWith 264kcal calories per 100g, Bagel earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. It also contains 10.6g protein and 422mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between English Muffin and Nachos for calories, ranking 9 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Barley
Not AllowedWith 352kcal calories per 100g, Barley earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, barley also provides 9.9g protein and 15.6g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Buckwheat and Tapioca Starch for calories, ranking 18 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Buckwheat
Not AllowedWith 343kcal calories per 100g, Buckwheat earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, buckwheat also provides 13.2g protein and 10g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Rye Bread and Barley for calories, ranking 17 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Burrito
Not AllowedWith 219kcal calories per 100g, Burrito earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. It also contains 11.1g protein and 8.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 29 items in this category, burrito sits at the low end for calories — next closest is English Muffin at 227kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Corn Flakes
Not AllowedWith 44kcal calories per 100g, Corn Flakes earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Among the 29 items in this category, corn flakes sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Arrowroot Powder at 65kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cornmeal
Not AllowedAt 398kcal calories per 100g, Cornmeal falls into the Not Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, cornmeal also provides 10.4g protein and 5.4g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Rice Cakes at 392kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cornstarch
Not AllowedAt 381kcal calories per 100g, Cornstarch falls into the Not Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Millet at 378kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Croutons
Not AllowedAt 407kcal calories per 100g, Croutons falls into the Not Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.9g protein and 6.6g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Cornmeal at 398kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
English Muffin
Not AllowedAt 227kcal calories per 100g, English Muffin falls into the Not Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8.9g protein and 3.5g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Burrito and Bagel for calories, ranking 8 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Fried Rice
Not AllowedWith 174kcal calories per 100g, Fried Rice earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. It also contains 387mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 29 items in this category, fried rice sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Burrito at 219kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Granola Bars
Not AllowedAt 471kcal calories per 100g, Granola Bars falls into the Not Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, granola bars also provides 10.1g protein and 19.8g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Pita Bread at 457kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Millet
Not AllowedWith 378kcal calories per 100g, Millet earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, millet also provides 11g protein and 8.5g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Pasta at 371kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Naan
Not AllowedNaan is classified as Not Allowed on Paleo, with 311kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.1g protein and 7.3g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Waffles and Rye Bread for calories, ranking 15 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Nachos
Not AllowedNachos is classified as Not Allowed on Paleo, with 265kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.6g protein and 15.9g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Bagel and Sourdough Bread for calories, ranking 10 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pancakes
Not AllowedAt 282kcal calories per 100g, Pancakes falls into the Not Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, pancakes also provides 7.4g protein and 12.1g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Pizza and Waffles for calories, ranking 13 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pasta
Not AllowedWith 371kcal calories per 100g, Pasta earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. It also contains 13g protein and 3.2g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Rice Noodles and Millet for calories, ranking 21 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Pasta (cooked) | 157kcal | 5.8g | 0.9g | 30.6g | 1.8g |
| Whole Wheat Pasta (cooked) | 159kcal | 5.8g | 1.5g | 31.5g | 4.6g |
Pita Bread
Not AllowedPita Bread is classified as Not Allowed on Paleo, with 457kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.8g protein and 15.2g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Rice Crackers at 416kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pizza
Not AllowedPizza is classified as Not Allowed on Paleo, with 280kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.7g protein and 12.6g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Sourdough Bread and Pancakes for calories, ranking 12 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Rice Cakes
Not AllowedWith 392kcal calories per 100g, Rice Cakes earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, rice cakes also provides 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Cornstarch at 381kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Rice Crackers
Not AllowedRice Crackers is classified as Not Allowed on Paleo, with 416kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. It also contains 10g protein and 233mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Croutons at 407kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Rice Noodles
Not AllowedWith 364kcal calories per 100g, Rice Noodles earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. It also contains 6g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Tapioca Starch and Pasta for calories, ranking 20 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Rye Bread
Not AllowedWith 338kcal calories per 100g, Rye Bread earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, rye bread also provides 10.3g protein and 15.1g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Naan and Buckwheat for calories, ranking 16 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sourdough Bread
Not AllowedWith 272kcal calories per 100g, Sourdough Bread earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, sourdough bread also provides 10.8g protein and 2.2g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Nachos and Pizza for calories, ranking 11 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Spelt
Not AllowedWith 127kcal calories per 100g, Spelt earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, spelt also provides 5.5g protein and 3.9g fiber per 100g. Among the 29 items in this category, spelt sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Tacos at 170kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tacos
Not AllowedWith 170kcal calories per 100g, Tacos earns a Not Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Beyond the primary classification, tacos also provides 6.7g protein and 9.2g fat per 100g. Among the 29 items in this category, tacos sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Fried Rice at 174kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tapioca Starch
Not AllowedAt 358kcal calories per 100g, Tapioca Starch falls into the Not Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. This means it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Within this category, it falls between Barley and Rice Noodles for calories, ranking 19 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Waffles
Not AllowedWaffles is classified as Not Allowed on Paleo, with 309kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a grain, legume, dairy product, refined sugar, or industrial seed-oil product — categories paleo excludes. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.4g protein and 9.5g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Pancakes and Naan for calories, ranking 14 of 29.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central