Paleo is NOT Expensive. Exhibit A: Almond Flour
13. Feb, 2010 
8 Comments
“I can’t eat Paleo because it’s too expensive.”
Man-oh-man, do I hear this statement a lot. In fact, it’s part of the reason that we created this website. At TLSP, we wanted to show you that not only can eating Paleo be inexpensive; it doesn’t have to be time-consuming, bland, or boring either.
Today, I want to talk about almond flour. Almond flour is a staple in the diet of many Paleo-ers. It’s a favorite alternative to flour amongst those who have a keen interest in baking (think Lyssa and Lisa here at TLSP), and it also works as combiner in entrees like meatloaf, salmon cakes, and meatballs.
Now, if you buy pre-made almond flour, it’s a little pricey (to the tune of about $9.22/lb). If, however, you buy a bag of raw almonds and then grind your own flour, you’re looking at a price of approximately $3.82/lb. That’s a substantial savings!
And it doesn’t stop there. I grind all kinds of nut flours from pecan to walnut and even macadamia. In addition to their many other uses, nut flours make great batters for fish and chicken.
But wait, I know what you’re going to say next: ”That’s too difficult and it takes too much time! I don’t have the proper equipment!” The answer: it’s as easy as dumping a bag of almonds in your food processor, flipping on the ‘on-switch’, and less than a minute later voila! You’ve got your very own, homemade almond flour!
If you don’t have a food processor, I whole-heartedly recommend that you buy one. Like a crock-pot, it’s a must in any well-equipped kitchen. Better yet, I implore you to invest in a Vita-Mix. I bought mine seven years ago on the recommendation of my mother (a fabulous cook) who has had hers for almost twenty years (yes…the SAME one). The reasons I recommend the Vita-Mix are these:
- You get two machines in one (It comes with a ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ container, and can be used as BOTH a blender and food processor).
- It has an incredibly powerful motor, resulting in finely ground nut flours.
- It’s highly versatile (I’ve used mine to grind flours, make soup, guacamole, smoothies, salsa, and the list goes on).
For those of you who are wondering why I recommend a $500 machine, let me just ask you this: how many times have you had to replace your $25 blender? A VitaMix is an investment. Although expensive on the front-end, it will cost you less per day as it will last substantially longer than your run-of-the-mill blender or food processor. Furthermore, you’re getting two machines in one! (Believe it or not, I’m not being paid by VitaMix but I think I should be, don’t you?!! 
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My husband convinced me about 5 years ago to get a Vita Mix. We went ahead and got one and I LOVE it. I use it daily,in fact I just threw in raw almonds in the dry container the other day. It’s so easy to clean! I highly recommend a Vita Mix. I cannot imagine going back to anything else.
While I agree with your post, V, I did chuckle a bit when I re-read the post title after the pitch of a $500 investment. Over the life of the machine, you’re absolutely correct and it’s worth every penny. Every penny! However, just want to throw out there for my fellow cash poor paleos, for now, the cheapest blender/processor is working fine for most jobs. Not all jobs can be accomplished with my mini-magic-bullet knock off, but enough can.
Other budget friendly suggestion: Tell everyone in your family and all of your friends that for the Holidays/Birthday/Anniversary coming up you want them to band together and get you a food processor or crock pot. This worked magic for me over the holidays and the family was super excited that everyone could donate a simple 10 or 20 spot to the cause. I’m now the proud owner of my first food processor (Thanks Mom & Ed) and TWO crockpots (Thanks to the stepbrother & my BFF).
Other idea: hit up those early morning garage sales. The garage sale season is almost upon us & most of us early morning Crossfitters are up anyway. Hit those sales & don’t be afraid to bargain!
Hey Georgia,
Thanks for outlining a few more options. I realized when I wrote the article that my VitaMix suggestion might appear contradictory; however, as you point out, I was looking towards the long term.
In fact, the majority of the strategies that I use to save money on my grocery bill require more money up front. With planning and creativity, this is not an obstacle, but an advantage. Another example of this strategy is to save money on beef by buying a whole cow directly from a farmer. By paying for the cow in full, you end up paying less per pound. One could even lessen the up-front cash requirement by splitting the cow amongst a group of friends. Also, it never hurts to ask the producer if he/she can cut you a special deal. They just might say yes.
I understand that $500 is a lot of money, especially in these times, so here are a few ideas to make the purchase a little easier:
1. Look online. You might be able to find a newly used model that works just as well. In addition, you probably won’t have to pay tax and you can likely find free shipping.
2. Set aside a section of your monthly budget to savings toward the purchase of said item. As the saying goes, ‘the best things come to those who wait’. I’m averse to credit cards and believe that it is just sound financial policy to save the purchase of expensive items rather than buying them immediately on credit. In the meantime, buy a $25 machine to get yourself through the interim.
3. Do as Georgia suggests and ask your family to contribute to one (or a couple) of big-ticket items. GREAT idea Georgia!
In conclusion, the reason that I recommended the VitaMix is this:
Although many food processors will do an adequate job, I have not encountered any consumer model that is as efficient, well-made, or versatile as the VitaMix.
Another reason to grind your own is that almonds are loaded with easily oxidized polyunsaturated fat. As whole nuts, the oil is pretty well protected from oxidation, but as soon as the nuts are ground into fluffy, well aerated flour, the fat starts going rancid. It’s better to eat freshly ground almonds than packaged almond flour that has been sitting around for weeks or months.
Paleo ain’t cheap huh? How about next time you cite another example how it ain’t, instead of an overused oversimplified example. I get to save on my almond flour, great! Thank god I got that base covered since I eat it 6x a day…
Organic nuts cost money, quality canned tuna costs money, the kind of meat you should be eating costs money. And don’t forget the organic Vegggg.
I obviously hate how some try to convice others paleo is cheap, it AINT.
GB,
I do hate to see that I’ve offended you so. First things first, I never said that Paleo was ‘cheap’. I said that it didn’t have to be expensive, and that’s very true. As my profile used to state, “I’m a golden mean type of gal”, and I think Primal/Paleo falls into that golden mean on the spectrum of cheap to expensive.
Secondly, you’re assuming that I recommend buying organic. Well, I don’t. I recommend buying local, in-season produce. Sure, there are some things that I will splurge on–like wild caught fish and free-range meat. But, guess what? I also occasionally buy some farmed fish (i.e. responsibly raised tilapia), and I get my meat directly farm the farmer and in bulk. What does that equate to? BIG SAVINGS.
By the way, the almonds that I use (the ones pictured above) aren’t organic. As a ‘golden mean type of gal’, I understand where to splurge and where to save. Organic nuts aren’t one of the places where I splurge.
So, put a smile on your face and open your mind. Perhaps then you’ll be able to see the limitless dollar-saving possibilities.