A paleo diet, also known as the “caveman” diet, is based on foods that humans ate when they first roamed the planet. You eliminate processed and high-fat ingredients, and stock up on lean meat, fish, and lots of fruits and vegetables.
By following this whole-foods diet and adding paleo protein powders to the mix, you can reduce your risk of common diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
These powders can be a great addition to your daily diet, especially when eaten at breakfast time. It can give you the nutrients and protein that your body needs to tackle the day ahead. Our number one choice would be the PaleoPro Protein Powder, but check out the others on our list.
What Makes a Protein Powder Paleo-Friendly?
A true Paleo diet centers around fresh foods, but sometimes you would like something a bit extra. Here’s the way to find a protein powder that enhances, not wrecks, your diet.
Many of the identical Paleo guidelines that apply to food also apply to protein powders. You’ll want to check for high-quality protein sourced from grass-fed animals or organic plants. You’ll also want to avoid chemicals, fillers, and allergens.
If you see any of those ingredients listed on the label, skip it:
- Whey or other dairy products,
- Emulsifiers, like soy lecithin
- Bulking agents, like Xanthan gum
- Vegetable oils
Top 10 Paleo Protein Powders
We did loads of research to come up with the top 10 paleo protein powders on the market. Check out the highlights below to find out which is best for you.
1. PaleoPro Protein Powder – Best Overall
At PaleoPro they’re committed to making “real food” paleo powders that taste delicious. Their dedication and passion to the health and performance of a paleo lifestyle can be seen in the product that they produce.
This powder is keto-friendly too, containing 26 grams of grass-fed, cage-free protein. It contains no dairy, grains, gluten, soy, hormones, artificial ingredients, preservatives, or antibiotics.
Aside from the protein count, each serving contains 1 gram each of carbs and fat and zero grams of sugar equating to 120 calories in total.
Ingredients include: isolate beef protein, egg white protein, extract of monk fruit, lecithin from sunflowers, naturally occurring flavors.
There are five flavors to choose from including Aztec vanilla, Mayan mocha, ancient cacao, mocha mint, and plain naked. Add one serving to 12-16 ounces of water, mix well and enjoy.
Pros
- A protein supplement, not a meal replacement.
- 26 grams of protein per serving.
- Good nutritional profile.
- Contains native collagen.
Cons
- Sweet taste.
- Sticky texture.
2. Julian Bakery Paleo Thin Protein Powder – Best for Flavor
There’s no such thing as too much chocolate, and the team at Julian Bakery believes this is true for their low-fat paleo protein powder. The double chocolate flavor is super chocolaty and guilt-free. It comes in a 2-pound pack.
This protein powder isn’t only paleo-friendly but works for keto diets, too. It’s easily digestible, low carb, and free from gluten and GMOs. There aren’t any hormones or antibiotics, artificial ingredients or preservatives, either.
The ingredients include: grass fed hydro beef protein, sea salt, alkalized cocoa powder, chocolate extract, vanilla and organic Stevia leaf extract.
Each serving gives you 25 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fat and zero sugar. It also contains vitamins A and C. All for just 108 calories.
It’s easy to make, too. Mix one scoop of powder with 4-8 ounces of water, or your favorite nut milk (coconut or almond). You can bake with this product, too.
Pros
- Tastes great.
- Good value.
- Take as a drink or for baking.
Cons
- Difficult to mix.
- Turns lumpy if you store a readymade shake.
3. Paleo Protein Powder from Dr. Amy Myers – Best for Healthy Gut
Dr. Amy Myers is known for her best-selling book “The Autoimmune Solution” and touts her supplements/products as suitable for fighting inflammation. They might help with weight loss too.
This paleo protein powder is rich in collagen-specific amino acids, coconut MCT, silicon dioxide, glycine, proline, and glutamine. Other more recognizable ingredients include grass fed hydrolyzed beef protein, sea salt, cocoa powder and extract from the Stevia leaf. The double chocolate flavor is a popular option.
There are only 100 calories in each serving and zero sugar. You get 21 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fat.
It’s paleo and keto approved, and made with non-GMO protein products with no hormones or antibiotics added. You won’t find any dairy, gluten or soy in this powder.
Mix one scoop in 8 ounces of water or another drink of choice. It’s recommended to use a blender to ensure it mixes well.
Pros
- Curbs sugar cravings.
- Helps to support a healthy gut.
- Developed by Dr. Amy Myers.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Foamy texture.
4. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Vanilla Powder – Best Plant-Based
This is an organic, vegan protein powder that serves as a great meal on the go or for an energy boost post workout.
Each protein powder scoop comes with a whopping 44 superfoods including veggies, greens, grains, fruits, and seeds. There are organic sprouts from brown rice, amaranth, chia seed, sesame seed, garbanzo bean, lentil, adzuki bean, flax seed, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, buckwheat, millet, and quinoa.
You’ll also get a hearty dose of pea protein and cracked cell wall chlorella. The powder is recommended as a complete serving of protein for vegans or vegetarians.
It’s easy to digest (thanks to the probiotics and enzymes at 3 billion CFU) and makes for an excellent source of soluble fiber. Overall, it’s a whole lot of garden in a glass!
There are lots of vitamins and minerals in the protein powder, too, including vitamins A, D, E and K. You’ll get 22 grams of protein in each serving, 2 grams of carbs, 2.5 grams of fat and zero sugar.
It’s delicious with almond milk or any other milk alternative, water is suitable, too. Mix one level scoop (scoop included) with 10 ounces of liquid.
Pros
- Mixes well.
- Works with vegan and vegetarian diets.
- Probiotics and enzymes for a healthy digestive system.
Cons
- Strange flavor for some.
- High in sodium.
- Big tub but fewer servings than others.
5. 310 Plant Protein Powder and Meal Replacement Shake – Best Meal Replacement
You can use the 310 plant protein powder as a meal replacement option as manufacturers designed it for weight loss and muscle building.
This product includes a variety of superfoods, vitamins, and minerals, 17 of them, in fact. Maca, spirulina, pea, rice, and hemp, to name a few. Also included in the 310 powder are probiotics and enzymes to help ease digestion. It’s free from gluten, soy, sugar, and GMOs.
There are only 90 calories in each serving, along with 15 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of fat and zero sugar. The carb count is higher than other powders at 7 grams per serving.
To make the drink, mix one scoop of powder with a cup of water, almond milk, soy milk or coconut water.
Pros
- Low in calories.
- Nutrient rich.
- Suppresses your appetite.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Chalky taste.
6. JJ Virgin Chocolate Paleo-Inspired All-in-One Shake – Best Weight Loss
JJ Virgin is a celebrity nutrition and fitness expert whose mission is to help people not only lose weight but keep it off. The All-in-One shake is a convenient way to get your protein and nutrients in one place while keeping hunger at bay.
This powder contains pure beef protein that’s 97 percent hydrolyzed. You’ll also receive naturally-occurring BCAAs to support healthy skin, ligaments and cartilage. It’s free from dairy, gluten, eggs, soy protein and corn protein and has no artificial flavors or sweeteners added. There’s dextrin, silicone dioxide and Stevia for flavor.
It’s a great grain-free powder source with 21 grams of protein, 11 grams of carbs, 1.5 grams of fat and less than 1 gram of sugar in each serving. There are 130 calories overall.
This powder mixes best in a blender. Throw in two scoops and 8 ounces of water or any other of your favorite beverages.
Pros
- Great flavor.
- Good for weight loss.
- Free from allergens.
- From New York Times Bestseller & Celebrity Nutritionist JJ Virgin
Cons
- Trouble mixing in a shaker.
- Stevia aftertaste.
7. Equip Beef Paleo Prime Protein Powder – Good for Muscle Building
The Prime protein powder comes from 100 percent pure grass-fed cattle and includes natural gelatin and collagen for bones, muscle, cartilage and skin. It’s made with natural ingredients and doesn’t feature any artificial components, additives or preservatives.
You won’t find any gluten soy, dairy, or whey inside of this powder, either. The ingredients include vitamins C and B12, vanilla, coconut milk, and Stevia extract, to name a few.
Drink this powder as a shake by mixing one scoop in 8-10 ounces of water. Alternatively, it’s also suitable for baking.
A single serving equates to 120 calories, 24 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat and less than 1 gram of carbs and sugar.
Pros
- Paleo approved.
- 100 percent grass-fed beef.
- Clean and simple ingredients.
Cons
- Strange aftertaste.
- Clumps, difficult to mix.
8. Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein Powder – Best Bone Broth Paleo Protein Powder
This company launched in 2016 and claims to be the original bone broth protein supplement. The concentrate comes from cage- and cruelty-free chickens in the United States, and contains powerful nutrients including glucosamine and chondroitin.
In addition to the above, the ingredients are alkalized cocoa powder, gum (xanthan and guar), extract of monk fruit, and Stevia leaf extract. Overall the powder is free from GMOs, hormones, and nasty chemicals.
This protein powder comes in four flavors: pure natural, vanilla, chocolate, and turmeric. To drink it, mix one heaping scoop in 13 ounces of water or nut milk. You can also use this powder in soups, sauces or for baking.
There are only 90 calories in each serving and 20 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fat, and zero grams of sugar.
Pros
- No artificial ingredients.
- Promotes healthy joints.
- Good for digestion.
Cons
- Slight chicken flavor.
- Unpleasant, meaty smell.
9. KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder – Best Texture
This company wants you to know they care. With every purchase made, they give a meal to someone in need. Aside from this uplifting note, the powder promotes weight loss and long-term weight management.
All ingredients are responsibly sourced, organic, and free from gluten, dairy, and soy. Included is a patented blend of digestive enzymes called DigeSEB. The protein powder also includes pea, flaxseed, chia seed, quinoa, and pumpkin seed.
Furthermore, you’ll find coconut milk and sugar, natural cocoa powder, natural chocolate flavoring, extract of monk fruit, inulin dietary fiber, acacia gum, Stevia leaf, other fruits, vegetables, and Himalayan pink salt.
The calories are higher than other powders at 170 calories per serving. There is 20 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fat, and 2 grams of sugar. It also includes vitamins and minerals.
Mix two scoops in 8-12 ounces of cold water or other non-dairy drink and shake or blend using a machine for the best results.
Pros
- Organic.
- Contains vitamins and minerals.
- Good taste.
Cons
- Gritty texture.
- Higher calorie.
10. Left Coast Bone Broth Protein Powder – Best for Collagen
Made with a simple, gut-friendly recipe, this bone broth protein powder is great for building and repairing body tissue. The collagen component also supports your skin, hair, and nails.
Protein in this powder is sourced from cattle that is grass fed and non-GMO. The bones are slow cooked to extract all the nutrients. It has no artificial flavors or sweeteners added and is free from dairy.
To drink this powder, mix one scoop in water or nut milk. It can also be used in baking or added to soups and sauces.
One serving has just 90 calories, 21 grams of protein, less than 1 gram of sugar and zero carbs or fat. It also contains a whopping 16 grams of collagen.
The company is so confident that they offer a full refund if you aren’t happy with their product.
Pros
- Contains no additives or preservatives.
- Good source of collagen.
- No overpowering flavor.
Cons
- Unpleasant smell.
- Clumps and doesn’t mix well.
What to Look for in a Paleo Protein Powder
Paleo protein powders function as a protein supplement that’s compatible with the paleo diet. They typically don’t include artificial flavorings or other unhealthy ingredients like GMOs.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the paleo diet is a great way to lose weight and feel better overall.
There are so many paleo protein powders on the market that it might be difficult to choose the right one for you. It’s crucial to know what to look for before you buy.
What Should Be in It and What Shouldn’t?
When choosing a protein powder, it’s important that you check out the label. Not all are paleo-friendly and include ingredients such as dairy, grains or sugar. You should also make sure that they’re suitable for your other dietary requirements. Are you vegan or vegetarian? Do you have allergies?
You want the most natural product as possible when choosing any kind of supplement. Common, and safe, ingredients include seeds, protein isolates, Stevia, vegetable powders and cacao, among other things.
Things to avoid include added sugars and sweeteners, artificial flavors and preservatives, bulking agents, GMOs, dairy, soy, gluten and whey.
Don’t hesitate to email the producer to seek out more about the ingredients or the processes involved in manufacturing the specific product. you may also consider the sources of the ingredients (e.g., GMO, organic and local) and even how sustainable the packaging is.
Typically, I select mildly flavored or unflavored protein powders because I find them more versatile.
Where Does My Protein Come From?
Some of the most commonly found protein sources in paleo protein powders include the following:
Egg White Protein
This is a great source of protein that’s been around for years. It gives you all the amino acids that you require and it’s low in carbs. However, you should avoid this if you’re sensitive to eggs or are following an autoimmune diet.
Beef Protein Isolate
This is a pure animal protein that is paleo-friendly, especially when grass-fed. The beef is boiled down to extract the concentrated amino acids and remove the fat and carbs from it.
It can take some getting used to as it can be difficult to digest at first. However, the benefits gained from this protein far outweigh any negatives. Avoid this protein if you’re vegan or vegetarian, of course.
Plant Based Proteins
The most typical plant-based proteins come from pea, rice, hemp, or quinoa. These options are lower in amino acids than beef protein isolate or egg white protein.
However, the superfoods, vitamins, and minerals offered in these protein powders can contribute to a healthier lifestyle, and are paleo-friendly. These are great for vegan or vegetarian diets.
What Does Paleo Protein Powder Do for Me?
There are great claims out there from the companies producing paleo protein regarding how their protein powder will change your life. This may be a slight exaggeration.
However, these powders do come with some benefits.
Aging and Strength
As your body ages, you lose muscle mass and strength. Extra protein can help slow this process and allow you to retain some muscle mass. It can also aid in bone density to strengthen your bones and prevent fractures.
For those that work out heavily, regardless of age, protein powders can also help build and repair the muscles.
Weight Loss
Protein keeps you fuller for longer. You’ll be less inclined to overeat when using paleo protein powder as a supplement or meal replacement.
The muscles that you’re building alongside this will boost your metabolism and help to burn off extra calories.
How Should I Use My Paleo Protein Powder?
Paleo protein powder is a convenient way to get additional protein in your daily life.
Like any kind of powder, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when using this type of protein.
First of all, it is extremely important to make sure that you are using a quality brand. Many companies use cheap protein isolates to produce low-quality products, and they can certainly do more harm than good. The cheapest protein on the market may be OK for someone who needs it, but it certainly isn’t going to provide nearly as robust of an effect as a higher quality product will.
When looking to use this kind of powder, you will also want to keep a few things in mind. As with any kind of protein, you should make sure that you are getting enough of it. If possible, try to eat at least 10 ounces each day. This helps ensure that your body receives all of the essential amino acids. It can also help you to get all of the vitamins and nutrients that are commonly found in meats. But you should always consult your needs with your nutritionist and your doctor.
Here are some ways to consume paleo protein powder:
Drink It
You can add paleo protein powder to almost any drink, as long as it fits in with your paleo diet. Make a smoothie with your favorite nut milk. Add it to your morning juice. Or as an extra kick, add it to your first coffee of the day.
Baking
You can add your protein powder to baked goods for extra flavor and goodness. It’s great in pancakes and waffles or you can add it to your muffin and brownie recipes. This will give you a healthy snack that feels just a little bit naughty.
Different Ways to Use Protein Powder
Now, that you just have a far better idea of why and the way to decide on a protein powder, here are some ways to use it:
- Paleo Protein Balls Shakes and smoothies – add coconut milk, coconut juice, regular water, almond milk, fresh and frozen fruit, and berries, cacao powder, nut butter, greens, superfood powders.
- Bliss balls or energy balls – add the powder to nuts, seeds, fruit (dried), and coco oil and process within a kitchen processor, mold into bite-size balls, and confine an air-tight container within the fridge for a fast post-workout snack or a lunch box addition.
- Protein bars and muesli slices
- Mix within the cakes and muffins.
- Make protein pancakes.
- Add to ice cream and popsicles.
- Add to chia pudding, paleo ‘oatmeal’ or ‘porridge’.
- Make a protein-rich chocolate drink – yum!
How Does It Taste?
When you’re drinking your protein every day, it’s vital that it tastes good. You want to look forward to your wake-up ritual instead of dread it. Some paleo protein powders taste like chocolate, some vanilla and others are designed to be more discreet.
How you drink it, and what you add to it, will help make it more appetizing. The texture of your protein powder should be creamy. Blending it with ice can help improve the texture, and remove the clumpy, sticky feel that some people complain about with these powders.
Who Should Avoid Paleo Protein Powder?
Before starting to try Paleo Protein Powder, be sure to discuss any underlying health issues with your physician. People at risk for heart disease, those who have kidney disease, and those who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) should avoid the Paleo Protein Powders. If your doctor gives you the blessing to try the paleo plan, now is the time to toss the foods that aren’t allowed and stock up the ones that are supported with good quality paleo protein powders.
Conclusion
Choosing the right paleo protein powder depends on your taste and needs.
While every option on this list has something to offer, our top pick is the PaleoPro Protein Powder. It gives you a whopping 26 grams of protein in every serving. It also tastes good, which can’t be said for all paleo protein powders.
For vegans or vegetarians, we recommend the Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Vanilla Powder as the best plant-based paleo protein powder. All ingredients are organic and it’s packed with superfoods and lots of vitamins and minerals.
Once you find the right paleo protein powder for you, you’ll start to reap the benefits these products can offer.