When you are on the paleo diet, following the dietary restrictions may be a challenge at times. This is because you are only able to eat what is naturally sourced, whole, and unprocessed. In other words, what were the cavemen able to gather and hunt all those years ago? While fruits and vegetables were easily gathered, often there are added ingredients to prepared produce that you need to be aware of. While some of these ingredients are also naturally sourced, many are not. What, if any, rutabagas can you include in your paleo diet?
Rutabagas are paleo-friendly because they are a great source of nutrition and could have been gathered by people thousands of years ago. Rutabagas are most commonly bought fresh, but it is important to note that a few exceptions are not paleo-friendly due to artificially added ingredients. Other paleo alternatives include Kroger Turnip Greens and Del Monte Sliced Carrots.
Let’s go ahead and learn more about rutabagas, what brands to keep an eye out for, and what possible alternatives you have!
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What Are Rutabagas?
Rutabagas are not a very common vegetable to be in someone’s kitchen, but they can add a lot to a meal! They have brown skin while being yellow in the center and are root vegetables. Rutabagas are sometimes also referred to as yellow turnips, and they can be an addition to stews, casseroles, and more!
Raw rutabagas taste bitter with a slightly sweet undertone, although the overall flavor tends to fade once being cooked. Like parsnips, carrots, or potatoes, they can be boiled and mashed, especially if you want to combine them with other veggies.
Are Rutabagas Healthy?
If you are needing a vegetable that is nutrient-dense and low-calorie, rutabagas are an excellent option! They are very high in fiber, with one whole rutabaga containing nine grams! This promotes overall bowel health and feeds your healthy gut bacteria. The high amount of fiber combined with the lack of calories per serving can also help with weight loss. Foods that are high in fiber keep you feeling full longer, which helps prevent overeating. Adding a good amount of rutabagas to your lunch or dinner plate daily will help you keep your meals low-calorie and delicious!
Rutabagas are also high in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin E. Vitamin C and vitamin E are amazing sources of antioxidants that protect your cells and play a key role in keeping your immune system healthy. The potassium content helps regulate fluid balance, maintain blood pressure, and lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and more!
Rutabagas Nutrition Facts (Paleo)
Wegman’s Fresh Rutabagas
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 50
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 11g
- Total sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
These are the ingredients in the Wegman’s Fresh Rutabagas:
- Rutabagas
Wegman’s Diced Rutabagas
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories:30
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 7g
- Total sugars: 5g
- Protein: <1g
These are the ingredients in the Wegman’s Diced Rutabagas:
- Rutabagas
McCall Farms Rutabagas
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 25
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 6g
- Total sugars: 4g
- Protein: 1g
These are the ingredients in the McCall Farms Rutabagas:
- Rutabagas
Seabrook Farms Rutabagas
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 25
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 6g
- Total sugars: 3g
- Protein: 1g
These are the ingredients in the Seabrook Farms Rutabagas:
- Rutabagas
Ratto Bros Fresh Rutabagas
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 50
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 11g
- Total sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
These are the ingredients in the Ratto Bros Fresh Rutabagas:
- Rutabagas
Lakeside Organic Gardens Rutabagas
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 25
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 5g
- Total sugars: 4g
- Protein: 1g
These are the ingredients in the Lakeside Organic Gardens Rutabagas:
- Rutabagas
Levin and Company Fresh Rutabagas
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 50
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 11g
- Total sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g
These are the ingredients in the M. Levin and Company Fresh Rutabagas:
- Rutabagas
Southland Farms Rutabaga-Yellow Turnips
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 94
- Total fat: 0.5g
- Total carbohydrate: 21g
- Total sugars: 14g
- Protein: 3g
These are the ingredients in the Southland Farms Rutabaga-Yellow Turnips:
- Rutabagas
Arctic Gardens Diced Rutabagas
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 35
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 7g
- Total sugars: 3g
- Protein: 1g
These are the ingredients in the Arctic Gardens Diced Rutabagas:
- Rutabagas
Allen’s Sunshine Diced Rutabagas
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 30
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 7g
- Total sugars: 2g
- Protein: 1g
These are the ingredients in the Allen’s Sunshine Diced Rutabagas:
- Rutabagas
- Water
- Salt
- Calcium chloride (to help maintain firmness)
Rutabaga Products That Are Not Paleo-Friendly
Margaret Holmes Diced Canned Rutabagas
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 25
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 5g
- Total sugars: 3g
- Protein: 1g
These are the ingredients in the Margaret Holmes Diced Canned Rutabagas:
- Rutabagas
- Water
- Salt
- Erythorbic acid (to promote color retention)
- Calcium chloride (as a firming agent)
Healthy Paleo Alternatives to Rutabagas
Kroger Turnip Greens
Substitute rutabaga greens for turnip greens in a salad!
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 18
- Total fat: <1g
- Total carbohydrate: 4g
- Total sugars: <1g
- Protein: <1g
These are the ingredients in the Kroger Turnip Greens:
- Turnip greens
Great Value Chopped Turnip Greens
These frozen greens are easy and quick to prepare!
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 30
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 3g
- Total sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
These are the ingredients in the Great Value Chopped Turnip Greens:
- Turnip greens
Bird’s Eye Southland Yellow Turnips
Add this southern classic to spice up a recipe!
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 70
- Total fat: 3g
- Total carbohydrate: 11g
- Total sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g
These are the ingredients in the Bird’s Eye Southland Yellow Turnips:
- Yellow turnips
SB Cut Turnips
Try this delicious and nutritious side dish!
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 30
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 7g
- Total sugars: 4g
- Protein: 1g
These are the ingredients in the SB Cut Turnips:
- Turnips
Kroger Radishes
These radishes are a great low-calorie choice!
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 9
- Total fat: <1g
- Total carbohydrate: 2g
- Total sugars: 1g
- Protein: <1g
These are the ingredients in the Kroger Radishes:
- Radishes
Del Monte Sliced Carrots
Try these canned carrots for an amazing-tasting vegetable packed with nutrients!
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 18
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 7g
- Total sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
These are the ingredients in the Del Monte Sliced Carrots:
- Carrots
- Water
- Sea salt
- Calcium chloride
Mother Earth Products Dried Carrots
These are a great nutritious snack alternative!
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 100
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 23g
- Total sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
These are the ingredients in the Mother Earth Products Dried Carrots:
- Carrots
Floria Dried Carrot Crisps
With no salt or sugar added, this snack is a healthy option!
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 140
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 26g
- Total sugars: 22g
- Protein: 2g
These are the ingredients in the Floria Dried Carrot Crisps:
- Dried carrots
Libby’s Sliced Carrots
These carrots have a naturally sweet taste in every bite!
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 20
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrate: 4g
- Total sugars: 2g
- Protein: 0g
These are the ingredients in Libby’s Sliced Carrots:
- Carrots
- Water
- Salt
- Calcium chloride (firming agent)
Kroger Cut & Peeled Baby Carrots
Eat these baby carrots straight or with a dip!
Here is some important nutrition information to note (per serving):
- Calories: 25
- Total fat: <1g
- Total carbohydrate: 6g
- Total sugars: 3g
- Protein: <1g
These are the ingredients in the Kroger Cut & Peeled Baby Carrots:
- Organic carrots
Final Thoughts
While rutabagas are not the most common root vegetable, you should consider adding them to your paleo diet! They are high in many nutrients and can help with weight loss due to their high fiber content and lack of calories per serving. In addition, most brands that carry rutabagas do not add any ingredients, making this veggie an easy and straightforward choice. However, if you need a replacement, you can try turnips, radishes, or carrots.
Related Questions
Are Rutabagas Keto?
Rutabagas are not very keto-friendly because they contain too many carbohydrates per serving.
Are Rutabagas Good For Diabetics?
Rutabagas are good for people with diabetes because they don’t have as many carbohydrates as vegetables like potatoes. Therefore, they cause less chaos when it comes to glucose and insulin levels in the body.
Are Rutabaga Greens Edible?
The leaves of the rutabaga are edible and can be added to a salad!
Are Rutabagas Anti-Inflammatory?
Rutabagas contain high amounts of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation.