Deciphering Labels – Paleo or Not?

Dear Nell,

I can't tell if some of the foods I'm buying are Paleo because I don't recognize some of the ingredients on the label.  For example, I'm not sure what guar gum and sorbitol are. Are they Paleo?

Thanks,

Debbie, Kansas City

Excellent question, Debbie!  

Easy answer- first off- in a true Paleo Diet, you're not really going to be eating anything that comes in a package, with few exceptions, so that makes it really easy!  

Those few exceptions are the one-off items that you might have on hand for what I call a 'Plan B' snack- something to keep in your desk or car in the event of an emergency, like a non-peanut flavor LARABAR.  (Have a look at that ingredient panel- it will say something like: "cashews, coconut".  That's it.  FOOD that you can identify!)

Neither guar gum nor sorbitol are paleo. Guar is a thickening agent derived from a bean and sorbitol is a binding agent, and low calorie sweetener which is also indicated for use as a laxative.  (Nice, considering it's not only in many chewing gums and mints, but also many sports nutrition products!).

As much as you can- buy FRESH, and, if you do find yourself in a situation where you do need to purchase something packaged, make sure you can identify ALL the ingredients as foods (paleo foods!) that you know!