What is The Best Paleo Protein Powder? Buyer’s Guide & Review!

Are you looking for paleo protein powder options to help you load up on your daily protein intake? You’re in the right place! Paleo protein powders, in general, are ideal if you’re trying to stay on your paleo dietary journey. However, it’s also ideal for more than just that.

For most people, paleo diets coincide with the rules of a ketogenic diet. This makes it ideal for anyone who wants a healthy dose of protein while avoiding whey.

Paleo Protein

Paleo protein powders often stay away from artificial additions and flavorings. Making it perfect for those who follow restrictive diets.

This makes it an ideal choice if you would like to keep to an all-natural diet.

One of the key premises of the paleo diet is to avoid foods that are derived from agriculture and farming practices.

We’ve ranked a list of seven of the best brands in the market for your convenience.

Review Summary:

  • 1. Dr. Axe / Ancient Nutrition, Bone Broth ProteinBest Tasting
  • 2. PaleoProTop Grass-Fed Lean Beef
  • 3. Julian BakeryTop Egg White Protein
  • 4. BulkSupplements Paleo Beef Protein IsolateBudget-Friendly
  • 5. Amy Myers MD
  • 6. Paleo Protein Nature’s Plus
  • 7. Vega Sport Premium Lactose-Free

7 Top Paleo Protein Powder Brands (List for 2024)

Whether you’re looking for barley protein, low carb protein, almond protein, or whatever kind of protein you want, there are few key things you should keep in mind:

  • Unless you are purchasing a protein powder that can’t be blended or mixed with other drinks, stay away from the double chocolate or Aztec vanilla flavored protein powders. Yes. No matter how tempting the cacao or vanilla bean, make sure you grab the unflavored option. This usually means you are getting a powder instead of something that has many additives or unnecessary ingredients mixed into it.
  • That vanilla chai hemp protein may taste excellent on its own, but you need to make sure it also mixes well with other beverages or food. You are probably going to want to add your protein powder to other recipes or smoothies. Make sure you have the right flavor. (As a side note, strict paleo diets don’t allow dairy products, so this list is lactose-free.)

And, as for being able to afford paleo powders, while it’s true that they can be pricey, I’ve also included a couple of more affordable options in the list for you, so there’s really nothing to worry about the price.

1. Dr. Axe / Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein – Best Tasting

Ancient Nutrition Boen Broth

This Ancient Nutrition bone broth protein is made from pure bone broth and delivers many delicious advantages. It comes in eight different flavors (including chocolate). Our favorite of which is purest or unflavored.

One of the best features of this protein powder for post-workout is that it delivers a whopping 20g of unadulterated animal-based protein for every serving. It’s also considered a whole food dietary supplement and will protect you from side effects caused by common allergies.

Here’s why you will like it:

No Digestive Distress – this bone broth protein powder is gut-friendly and supports the health of your digestive system. It doesn’t have any unnecessary additions that could trigger common allergies like soy, milk, nuts, and more.

Improves Overall Health – not only does this protein powder give you a delicious source of unadulterated protein, but it also improves your immune system. It will support healthy hair, nails, and skin as well as facilitate a healthy detox on your body.

PROS
  • Improves joint comfort
  • Improves bone
  • 20 grams of protein per scoop
  • Promotes good digestive
  • Does not contain artificial additives
  • Allergen-free
CONS
  • Quite expensive
  • International delivery is quite unreliable

Summary: That’s purest bone broth protein powder packs more than just a decent amount of protein per scoop. It’s also more than just paleo-friendly. It’s free from any additions that could cause allergies and improves your overall health. This includes your digestive and immune system, bones and joints. However, it can get quite expensive at nearly $3 per scoop and international delivery is also quite hit or miss.

.

2. PaleoPro Protein Powder – Best Grass-Fed Lean Beef

Paleo Protein Powders

This PaleoPro protein powder is made of sustainable and ethically sourced beef and egg whites. It may contain some allergens due to it being manufactured in a facility that processes products like soy, whey, wheat, and more.

Its formula is not instantized with soy, so you don’t have to worry about phytates or possible allergic reactions. There are many different types of plant-based protein powders, so it’s crucial to read all the ingredients before ingesting.

Here’s why you’ll like it:

Minimal Processing – this protein powder mix is minimally processed and made of only the purest ingredients. You will be pleased to know that the process involves two easy steps: air drying pasteurized and grass-fed beef and eggs, then grinding it into a fine powder. Can you imagine how much purer it can get?

PROS
  • Naturally sweetened using monk fruit
  • Naturally flavored
  • Available in unflavored option
  • 26 gm. of protein per scoop
  • Contains collagen peptides
  • 100% dairy-free
  • 120 calories
CONS
  • Contains egg
  • Quite foamy, not ideal for blenders

Summary: If you’re looking for a top protein powder that is as unadulterated as they get, you will appreciate the no nonsense processing this PaleoPro undergoes. It is naturally flavored and sweetened so you are getting a nice, natural flavor. Moreover it contains a whopping 26 grams of protein per scoop plus collagen. However, it does contain egg protein and doesn’t blend well because of how foamy it is. Just couple it with a excellent pre-workout – and you’ve got everything you could ever need to get more out of each workout session.

.

3. Julian Bakery Paleo Friendly Protein Powder – Best Egg White Protein

Julian Bakery

Julian Bakery is made of 100% real eggs. The powder is easily mixable even if you are just using a spoon and very little elbow grease.

It’s produced from GMO-free eggs to provide you with the purest form of egg white protein available. Contains a complete amino acid profile. After reading researches and a lot of reviews: “What makes it great?”

Supports Muscle Recovery – you will be surprised at how fast this top powder helps your body recover from your workouts. This gives you more time and opportunity to push yourself without having to worry about the repercussions it’ll have on your body. Building and maintaining muscle mass is very important for men and women alike.

PROS
  • 25 gm. of protein per scoop
  • 2 grams of carbohydrates per scoop
  • Comes with probiotics
  • Strengthens your muscles
CONS
  • Might cause diarrhea
  • The seal on the packaging could be better

Summary: Apart from the potential diarrhea and the slightly underwhelming seal on the packaging, this egg white protein powder is the best in the market. You will appreciate the added probiotics and whopping 25 grams of purest protein per scoop alongside its many advantages.

.

4. BulkSupplements Paleo Beef Protein Isolate – Budget-Friendly

Beef Bulksupplements

To any serious weight lifter, it’s important to have the right weight to support your muscles. This isolate gives you more than just a small boost of protein to help you beef up and build muscle. BulkSupplements available in various sizes so you can start off with a trial pouch or buy in bulk, so you never run out.

Here’s why you will like it:

Overall Paleo Health – BulkSupplements Paleo isolate is believed to supply many benefits to your body. You may experience increased muscle support, which allows you to perform harder and push past your limits with little to no drawback thanks to its super muscle restoration benefits. It also aids in metabolic functions and may help keep your bones as healthy as possible as well.

PROS
  • Promotes healthy skin, nails, and hair
  • Fortifies your immune system
  • Contributes to cardiovascular health
  • No carbs
CONS
  • May cause gassiness
  • Does not taste very good

Summary: If you are looking for something to add to your complex protein shakes, this brand is an excellent choice. It does have quite a strong and unpleasant taste, so it would be best mixed in with a variety of other ingredients. However, it might cause gassiness so I suggest purchasing a small pouch prior to purchasing a large one to try it out first.

.

5. Amy Myers MD – Good for Weight Loss

Amy Myers MD

If you are trying to lose fat without losing your muscle mass or feeling like a stick afterward, The Myers Way is an excellent option. It comes in a delicious vanilla bean flavor and is gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free.

Here’s why you will like it:

Custom Formulation That’s high-quality bone broth protein powder specially formulated by Dr. Myers. It is autoimmune friendly and approved by both Keto and Paleo diet experts. It is high in protein, collagen, and amino acids that your body needs daily.

PROS
  • 21 gm. of protein per scoop
  • Sourced from non-GMO, hormone and antibiotic-free grass-fed beef
  • Gluten-free
CONS
  • Taste
  • Foams a lot when blended

Summary: This professionally-formulated and perfect bone broth protein powder gives you a decent 21 gm. of protein per serving. You might search out the flavors a bit off-putting, but it is easily mixed with various beverages.

.

6. Nature’s Plus – Best Organic Powder

Paleo Protein Nature's Plus

This Paleo Protein Powder by Nature’s Plus is an ideal option for those who would like to distance themselves from animal-based products. It’s organically-sourced from a variety of superfoods to give you a great blend of protein sources.

Take a look at why you will like it:

Purest Vegan Protein – this top organic protein powder is not only vegan or vegetarian safe, but it’s also paleo-approved. It is packed with more than just proteins, though, you will be thrilled to hear that it has 4 gr. of healthy fatty acids and 5 gr. of dietary fiber that adds to its overall nutrition.

PROS
  • 20 gm. of protein per scoop
  • 500 mg of Potassium
  • Non-GMO
  • Soy Free
  • Helps improve digestion
CONS
  • Contains nuts
  • May cause digestive distress

Summary: If you are allergic to nuts, you may want to steer clear of this protein powder. However, if you don’t have any dietary issues with nuts, this perfect protein powder ill give you more than just an excellent source of protein. It gives you healthy fatty acids, fibers and 500 mg of Potassium for a healthy heart.

.

7. Vega Sport Premium Lactose-Free Protein Powder

Vega Sport Protein

Over 40,000 athletes and customers voted this Vega Sport as the number 1 sports nutrition product of 2020. It delivers an impressive 30 gr. of plant protein (which is even better than most whey best protein powders out there).

Moreover, you can rest assured that it’s 100% pure blend of organic and natural ingredients without any artificial additions, sweeteners, and flavorings.

Here’s why you’ll like it:

Supports Recovery and Health – not only does this top protein powder deliver 30 gr. of unadulterated plant protein with each serving, but you will also be getting a hefty 5 grams of BCAAs. It’s also filled with 2 billion CFU probiotics to support digestive and overall health. Moreover, it contains tart cherries which support muscle restoration.

PROS
  • non-GMO
  • Organically sourced
  • Vegan plant protein source
CONS
  • Has an unpleasant aftertaste

Summary: If you don’t mind the weird aftertaste that comes with the tart cherry, this plant-based protein powder is one of the best sports nutritional supplements currently in the store. Not only does it deliver an impressive dose of unadulterated plant protein per serving, but it also comes with its own host of nutrients that aid in muscle restoration and supports you overall.

.

Benefits of Paleo Protein Powder

Research suggests that taking protein supplements during the course of a weight loss program aids in losing unwanted fat without harming your existing muscles. This means you are likely to build and retain your muscle mass while losing those extra fats you’ve been having trouble shaking off.

This finding is in contrast with those who do not take protein powder supplements during a weight loss program. The research shows that those who did not take a protein supplement during the course of their weight loss journey lost more muscle mass and less body fat.

Moreover, this product is popular for more than one reason. Most paleo protein powder users follow or are trying to follow a paleo diet. But first, let’s talk about the advantages of a paleo diet and why it’s so attractive to many buffs.

  • Increased energy levels that are also more stable
  • Improved sleeping patterns
  • Better skin and healthy hair
  • Mental focus and clarity
  • Improvements in mood and attitude
  • Prevents bloating and gassiness

Obviously, these advantages are more than enough reasons for buffs to consider a paleo diet completely.

Benefits of Paleo Protein Powder

Take a look at the other advantages of a paleo protein powder. For those wanting to build muscle mass, studies have shown that the best time to drink a protein shake is right after each workout.

Helps Maintain Healthy Weight – most diet fads are notorious for causing yo-yoing weight. The same can be said of other supplements as well. If you are trying to keep the weight off, paleo protein powder is an ideal solution. This is mainly thanks to its high protein and low carb formulation that is also usually sugar and additive-free that promotes you lose weight and maintain it.

Curbs Hunger – having a high protein diet by taking additional supplements like protein powders can help you feel full for longer periods. This is helpful, especially if you’ve just undergone a period of losing weight and have found yourself constantly craving more food. Studies have shown that protein plays an important role in keeping you feel sated. A high-protein supplement will help keep you full without your body having to work hard, breaking down the proteins found in solid food like meat.

Prevents Increase in Body FatPrevents Increase in Body Fat – this benefit is more likely an effect of your curbed hunger and higher protein intake.

Since you are eating less because of the satiating advantages, you’re less likely to be consuming fatty foods. Moreover, it doesn’t contain fatty ingredients that would make you lose progress on your weight gain.

Ultimately, you’ll search out that not only is following a paleo diet highly beneficial but following through with paleo protein powders will help you achieve your desired results. First, you’ll gain muscles quickly.

This is ideal if you are trying to be stronger but lose weight at the same time. Moreover, you’ll also search out that products help you keep fat off by helping you gain muscles instead of fat.

Summary: There are many advantages to a paleo-based diet. But more than that, you will benefit from paleo supplement even if you don’t follow the lifestyle. It’s simple, really. They help you gain muscle instead of fat and it helps you keep unwanted weight off. So if you are trying to live a healthier lifestyle, you will find that paleo protein powders will not only keep you healthy, but it will deliver promised results.

Side Effects of Paleo Protein Powder

There are not many documented and proven side effects of paleo protein powder. Most of the time, side effects are an effect of allergies and are based on an individual’s body. For example, an egg white-based protein powder could possibly trigger an egg allergy when taken.

Long story short, it’s ultimately your call. Moreover, it is very rarely vegan or vegetarian safe. So on that note, you should make sure you choose a paleo protein powder that coincides with your personal dietary choices.

On that note, you should be wary of all the ingredients listed on your protein powder of choice. Make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients.

FAQ

We understand that you might have many reservations when it comes to paleo protein powders. You might also have many questions to help you find the right paleo protein powder in the store. To help you make an informed pick, we’ve compiled a few of the most frequently asked questions:

Is Whey Protein Paleo?

Since whey protein is derived from dairy, it is not paleo-friendly. The same can be said of other dairy-based protein powders such as casein.

Is Hemp Protein Powder Paleo?

Yes. Good hemp protein has many benefits, and among them is the fact that it is a great paleo-tolerant option. One of the most attractive advantages of hemp protein powder is how naturally easily digestible it is.

Unlike other plant-based protein powders, it doesn’t need additions to help you digest it more easily.

How Many Grams of Protein Should I Eat on Paleo?

The recommended protein dose per day will vary for each individual’s needs and activities. However, one of the easiest ways to determine your base daily protein input is to take at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of your weight. This translates to 0.36 grams per pound.

What Protein Powder Should I Take When on a Paleo Diet?

Strictly speaking, the best is quite objective. What’s best for me might not be best for you. What’s more, it would depend on your needs and your goals.

For example, you might value a high protein content per serving. Protein powders like hemp protein usually contain what some would consider a very low protein content per serving. However, it comes with many nutrients and advantages. It should be consumed with fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.

How Do I Determine if a Paleo Protein Powder is Good?

Basically, I like to look for three things before I consider any protein powder worth my time. The same can apply to any diet and preference: it should have diet-approved ingredients and formulation; it needs to taste good and mix well, and finally, it should have a high or reasonable protein dose per serving.

Of course, these preferences could vary from person to person. You also need to look into the added nutrients each protein powder offers you.

It’s important to make sure you are getting your money’s worth and not just a random mix of different ingredients that dilute the unadulterated protein and BCAAs you are getting from your protein powder.

Is Pea Protein OK for Paleo Diet?

Pea protein, derived from yellow split peas, has gained attention as a plant-based protein source, but its suitability for the Paleo diet stirs debates among proponents and critics due to its legume origin. The Paleo diet emphasizes foods available to our hunter-gatherer ancestors, focusing on lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while excluding processed foods, grains, and legumes.

Pea protein is a product of legumes, which are excluded from the strictest interpretations of the Paleo diet due to the belief that legumes were not part of our ancestors’ diet during the Paleolithic era. Legumes contain compounds like lectins and phytates, which some argue might be harmful or not easily digestible. However, the exclusion of legumes from the Paleo diet is a point of contention within the Paleo community.

Despite being derived from legumes, some individuals following a more relaxed version of the Paleo diet incorporate pea protein. This is because pea protein isolate contains lower levels of lectins and phytates due to its isolation and processing, which might reduce the potential adverse effects associated with consuming legumes.

From a nutritional perspective, pea protein is an excellent source of plant-based protein, offering a complete amino acid profile. It’s rich in lysine, an amino acid often lacking in other plant-based protein sources. Additionally, pea protein is hypoallergenic, easily digestible, and free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten.

It’s essential to note that while pea protein is a viable option for those on a less strict interpretation of the Paleo diet or for individuals looking for plant-based protein sources, it might not align with the principles of the most rigid Paleo adherence due to its legume origin. The diet’s core philosophy is centered on the consumption of foods available in the Paleolithic era, which excludes legumes.

Ultimately, whether pea protein aligns with the Paleo diet depends on the individual’s interpretation and strictness in following the dietary guidelines. Some adherents may find it acceptable due to its minimal processing and high protein content, while others may prefer to adhere strictly to the exclusion of legumes in their dietary choices.

Is Stevia Paleo-friendly?

Is Stevia Paleo

Generally speaking, Stevia is a popular sweetener for those with strict diets, including paleo. Yes, it can be paleo-tolerant. However, you need to make sure the stevia used remains in its unprocessed form. Otherwise, you are likely putting something you don’t want into your body, which is never an excellent thing.

Why Am I Losing Weight on the Paleo Diet?

Losing weight on the Paleo diet can be attributed to several scientific factors inherent in the dietary principles of this approach to nutrition. The Paleo diet, also known as the Paleolithic or caveman diet, emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods that mirror those consumed by our ancestors during the Paleolithic era. Several key factors contribute to weight loss on the Paleo diet.

  1. Nutrient-Dense Foods: The Paleo diet encourages the consumption of nutrient-dense foods such as lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These whole foods are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, promoting overall health and satiety while often being lower in calorie density.
  2. Increased Protein Intake: Protein plays a crucial role in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and supporting muscle mass. The emphasis on lean meats and other protein sources in the Paleo diet can contribute to a higher protein intake, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to burn calories.
  3. Reduced Processed Carbohydrates: The Paleo diet limits or excludes processed carbohydrates, refined sugars, and grains. This can lead to improved blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, reducing the likelihood of excess fat storage.
  4. Enhanced Metabolic Flexibility: By promoting the consumption of whole foods and limiting refined carbohydrates, the Paleo diet encourages metabolic flexibility, enabling the body to efficiently switch between burning carbohydrates and fats for energy. This metabolic flexibility can contribute to more effective weight management.
  5. Elimination of Highly Processed Foods: The exclusion of processed foods and additives common in modern diets may lead to a reduction in overall calorie intake. Additionally, the absence of certain processed foods that are calorie-dense and low in nutritional value can contribute to weight loss.

It’s important to note that individual responses to the Paleo diet may vary, and weight loss results can be influenced by factors such as activity level, metabolism, and adherence to the dietary guidelines. As with any diet, consulting with healthcare professionals or nutrition experts is advisable for personalized guidance based on individual health goals and considerations.

Can You Drink Almond Milk Paleo?

There are many theories as to whether or not you can drink almond milk if you’re following a Paleo or Whole30 diet. Generally, these foods are restricted because they may contain any one of a number of different ingredients (and therefore potentially no nutritional value) and thus, could cause digestive problems, upset the body’s pH balance, and upset your digestive system.

However, the general consensus is that “creamy” almond milk is fine as long as you use it within one to two days of grinding your own nuts to remove all the other ingredients. That said, it is important to note that certain common ingredients in these foods can also be allergens, so you should be careful not to eat foods that contain any of the following things: Dark chocolate. It has a fair amount of caffeine. It has a fair amount of caffeine. Almond milk powder.

How Many Protein Shakes a Day?

A typical shake can contain one or two servings of a protein shake, depending on the brand. A 1-cup serving, which is roughly the amount of protein in a cup of almond milk, is about 21 grams of protein, and a 2-cup serving is about 33 grams.

The answer depends on many factors, including how much protein you are getting per serving and how often you are consuming protein shakes. For instance, as a general rule, if you’re a girl and weigh 140 pounds, you can have 1.2 cups of a shake per day without it being considered too much. If you’re a man, you’re allowed to have 1.4 cups per day without being considered overzealous.

Is Brown Rice Protein Paleo?

Brown Rice Protein is often misleadingly called “Paleo Rice Protein.” While this product was originally marketed as a Paleo product, it is not Paleo, as it contains neither dairy nor legumes. We also considered it Paleo for a while but found a major problem: a hefty dose of white rice (beyond the serving size listed on the label) along with a nutty flavor (which also contains almonds).

We have also been alerted to a lot of confusion about the “Paleo” in this product. What does “Paleo” mean? Is it about eating a primarily plant-based diet and avoiding all animal products? Or is it about eating a primarily meat-based diet and eating only some small amounts of plant-based foods? In practice, most people who call themselves Paleo say that their diet is mainly about eating a Paleo diet, but often includes various dairy and/or legume products. If you call yourself Paleo, and you eat dairy, legumes, eggs, and/or honey, or you eat fish, poultry, and eggs.

What is Paleo Protein Enhancer?

Paleo protein enhancer, also called proteolytic enzyme enhancer, or more commonly known as protein blender, is an enzyme made in the human body in the body’s digestive tract and acts as a gentle acid that softens protein-based foods without allowing their flavors and acids to be degraded. In a typical sequence of digestive enzyme reactions, digestive enzymes break down and extract amino acids from the food that are needed for the development of muscle and other cell structures.

The softened food is then subjected to enzymes in the stomach, the small intestine, the colon, or the stomach. These enzymes in turn metabolize the protein-based food by breaking down the protein and fats into smaller pieces (much like digesting oil). The digestion process involves the breaking down of the cell membranes of the food, freeing the molecules of the nutrient-rich foods. The digestion process is progressive and takes the food from its original solid form to a more liquid form.

Where To Buy

There are certainly many retailers you could visit to purchase your supplementation. One of the more popular retailers for buying protein powders for your paleo protein shakes is Whole Foods. You could also check out GNC for paleo meal replacement shakes recipe. You could even brave Walmart and see if they have some protein pancake mix.

Now, if you really want to make sure you are getting complete nutrition facts and ingredients on your product, purchase from a reputable brand and retailer.

Final Words

Protein powders are popular not just because of their weight gaining, fat loss, and muscle-building advantages. They allow you to easily reach your daily protein intake necessity without any issues. Imagine having to only snack on a protein shake and not worrying about how much protein you will eat the rest of the day.

Choose only products that list every single ingredient they use not only because it’s always excellent to know what you put in your body, but also because paleo requires you to eat a more specific selection of foods.

It’s that simple! There are many paleo-tolerant protein options on the market. That means there’s nothing keeping you from reaching your daily protein intake on a paleo diet.

I’ve found that there are certainly many options in the market.

.

Here’s a quick overview of the best choices:

  • If you’re looking for a protein powder that tastes good and works great, you will like the Bone Broth Protein from Dr. Axe/Ancient Nutrition. After thorough research and some serious ingredient detective work, we chose the winner.
  • If you’re looking for a lean beef protein source, the grass-fed protein powder by PaleoPro offers a raw muscle-building protein source that will have you looking and feeling ripped.
  • Julian Bakery’s 100 egg white protein powder, on the other hand, is ideal if you want all the benefits of egg whites.

Of course, there are many more to choose from. However, I’m confident that you’ll find the best choice for you in any single one of the paleo-friendly protein powders I listed above.