Are Sweet Potatoes Paleo? The Quick Answer

Yes. Sweet potatoes are considered to be paleo.

Why Are Sweet Potatoes Paleo?

Foods must fulfill some pretty tough nutritional requirements to be considered paleo-friendly:

• High in protein
• Low in carbs
• Low on the glycemic index
• High in fiber
• Moderate to high fat content (mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats)
• High in potassium
• Low in sodium
• Net dietary alkaline load (to balance out dietary acid)
• High in vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes pass the test because they are low on the glycemic index, they contain high amounts of fiber, potassium, vitamins (particularly vitamin A and beta carotene), and minerals, and low amounts of sodium.

Even though sweet potatoes are starchy vegetables that are high in carbs, their benefits outweigh the negative. Yes, sweet potatoes contain sugars and so they do have an effect on blood sugar levels but this effect happens slowly and steadily.

Do Some People Say Sweet Potatoes Aren’t Paleo?

Yes. Some paleo eaters and people opposed to the paleo diet think that sweet potatoes are too high in carbs and that they affect blood sugar levels too drastically to be appropriate for the paleo diet.

Critics say that all starchy vegetables should be off-limits on paleo because of the sugar they contain. This includes most tubers (vegetables that grow underground), including beets, carrots, potatoes, and radishes, as well as butternut squash and acorn squash. Many strict paleo followers believe that any disturbance to blood sugar levels is not worth it.

Sweet Potatoes Are Paleo

If you follow a strict paleo diet, you might want to give sweet potatoes a miss because of the carbs and impact they’re likely to have on your blood sugar levels. Otherwise, you’ll probably be fine with the odd tuber here and there, though keep an eye on the amount you consume if you’re looking to lose weight.

Our Favorite Sweet Potato Recipes

Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole

Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Beets

Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet

Sweet Potato and Chicken Curry

How To Know What Is And Isn’t Paleo

Check out is Paleo.io, the mobile app that answers the question, “is __ paleo?”. Paleo.io comes with the most comprehensive paleo diet food list out there, so no matter which food you’re confused about, you’ll always be able to find out whether or not it’s paleo. 

Photo credit: Steve Johnson