A paleo diet is an excellent option for anyone wanting to minimize processed foods and focus on eating nutrient-dense, whole foods. If you’re following the paleo diet or considering starting it, ensuring you get adequate daily protein is essential.
Many questions arise when discussing the paleo diet and paleo protein, but these are some of the most common:
- Can you still consume protein powder while following the paleo diet?
- What types of powders are acceptable on paleo?
- Are there advantages to grass-fed protein powders over beef protein isolate?
- Is collagen protein effective for weight loss?
We’ll address these questions and more regarding paleo and protein powders, plus share our top picks for the best paleo protein powder.
If you’d like to skip straight to our recommendations, scroll to the bottom of this guide. Let’s dive in!
Can You Have Protein Powder On Paleo?
The paleo diet concept—eating primal foods—traces back millions of years and is embedded in our DNA. An easy way to determine if a food is paleo is by asking whether our ancestors ate it. During that era, foods like fish, nuts, sweet potatoes, and honey constituted what has now become a modern dietary approach.
This approach is respected because our genes respond optimally to ancestral foods, promoting better health and potentially enhancing physical performance.
So to answer the question: yes, you can include paleo protein on paleo. While some argue that dairy products aren’t naturally paleo, evidence suggests humans consumed milk 10,000-20,000 years ago.
Therefore, many paleo followers happily supplement their diet with protein powders. However, if you prefer being a paleo purist, choose unsweetened supplements like 100% whey protein powder. Whey protein comes directly from cows, meeting even the strictest paleo standards.
If you’re hesitant about trying paleo protein powder, know that numerous options exist. This variety is helpful—if one doesn’t work for you, plenty of alternatives await.
The bottom line: supplementing with paleo protein powder helps you gain paleo benefits without worrying about meeting your daily protein requirements.
What Is The Best Paleo Protein Powder Kind?
When discussing protein powders, particularly paleo varieties, we’re dealing with processed foods. To extract proteins from whole foods, manufacturers must employ multiple processing steps. The resulting paleo protein powder is then combined with other ingredients to create more palatable protein supplements.
As many paleo dieters have observed, the quality of protein powder and whether you include it in your diet depends entirely on the protein source. This means not every product labeled “paleo protein powders” or “paleo friendly protein powders” is genuinely authentic.
This is why researching paleo-friendly protein powders is crucial for finding the right option. Whether you choose bone broth protein powder or beef collagen protein powder, ensure it’s a high-quality product.
Is Whey Protein Paleo?
This question requires several considerations before reaching an answer. If you follow the paleo diet, alternatives to whey protein include beef protein, beef protein isolate, or collagen peptides.
Here are key questions to consider when evaluating whey protein powder for a paleo diet.
Is Your Whey Protein Pure?
Many protein powders sold in the market contain numerous fillers like soy lecithin, processed sugar, and other unwanted additives.
Are You Sensitive To Dairy?
If yes, then whey is probably not suitable for you. You should avoid this option.
What Are You Using It For?
Typically, whey protein is the main ingredient in protein shakes, preferred by bodybuilders or people focused on building muscle mass. As a rule of thumb, unless you’re a bodybuilder, whey protein isn’t the best option and isn’t necessary. We recommend seeking a clean beef protein powder or one of the paleo protein powders outlined below.
However, if you’re beginning your paleo journey, whey protein can be quite useful. You can substitute it for grains and flour; combine whey protein with ingredients like almond or nut flour to create a protein meal with bread-like texture.
Like any protein powder, avoid using whey protein as a meal replacement. However, if you’re in a hurry, a shake made with paleo protein powder is a solid option. When consumed occasionally, whey protein poses no harm.
Which Protein Powder Is Best For Shredding?
Another top paleo protein powder is bone broth protein powder. This option is gaining popularity as more brands add it to production. Made with optimal protein per serving, this paleo-friendly protein powder is excellent whether you’re targeting muscle gains or weight loss.
While many protein powder options exist on the market, specific ones are particularly beneficial for paleo dieters.
Best Paleo Protein Powder
As mentioned, numerous paleo protein powder options are available. Listed below are some of the top paleo protein powder brands to support your paleo journey. These range from bone broth protein powders to egg white protein to beef protein.
Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein
If you’re seeking a paleo protein powder that delivers results, choose Bone Broth Protein. It provides essential nutrients for thriving health, particularly supporting joint, skin, gut, and brain function. Bone broth protein is excellent whether you’re adding more protein or amino acids to your diet.
This bone broth protein powder accommodates almost any diet or lifestyle. You can enjoy it in protein shakes, juices, and smoothies. It comes in various flavors including plain, chocolate (made with cocoa powder), vanilla, and turmeric.
- Brand New Protein Supplement
- High quality protein and protein content
- Superior quality compared to other bone broth powder options
- Fast results
- Risk-Free
It’s Just – Egg White Protein Powder
Another excellent protein powder is Egg White Protein Powder, which features ultra-fine, unflavored powder in a quality stand-up pouch. You can safely add it to keto or paleo recipes. For health benefits, like real egg protein, it’s rich in complete protein that supports muscle development.
This paleo-friendly protein powder also nourishes the body with essential nutrients and vitamins from egg protein. It’s an excellent paleo protein powder option for those seeking weight loss or a quality post-workout supplement.
- Just One Ingredient – It’s Just Eggs!
- Keto and paleo-friendly
- Tastes just like egg whites when compared to other egg white protein
- Contains healthy essentials
- Satisfaction guaranteed
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide Powder
The next protein powder is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine. Grass-fed bovine ensures the paleo protein meets the highest quality standards.
Collagen Peptide powder is gaining attention in the market as it enhances collagen production efficiency. This protein is highly recommended as it can now be incorporated into your diet as an ingestible supplement.
- 20g Collagen Peptides
- Whole30 Approved
- Paleo Friendly (one of the best paleo protein powders)
- Gluten and Dairy Free
- No Added Sugars
Aspen Naturals Bovine Collagen Gelatin Peptides Powder
For a superior paleo protein powder, Aspen Naturals Bovine Collagen Gelatin Peptides Powder is an excellent choice. This protein powder helps restore natural collagen levels while potentially reducing stubborn facial lines. Additionally, it supports hair growth and repairs damaged nails.
Bovine Collagen Gelatin Peptides Powder easily mixes into any beverage such as coffee, smoothies, teas, and shakes. Adding it to your favorite foods and drinks won’t alter their flavors. You can enjoy your current meals without worrying about taste changes. This product is also keto and paleo-friendly, making it one of the best paleo protein powders.
- North America sourced, third party tested
- Pasture raised cattle
- Helps with aches And pains
- Unflavored dietary supplement
Bottom Line: The Best Paleo Protein Powder
If you’re considering paleo protein powder, it’s crucial to understand exactly what you’re choosing, because depending on the ingredients, it can be problematic. That said, every option listed above has been thoroughly tested and proven. These represent some of the best paleo protein powders on the market, rivaling conventional protein powders.
While some protein powder options can serve as meal replacements, it’s vital to obtain most of your nutrients through whole food sources. You can get protein from eggs, seafood, chicken, red meat, and many other real foods.
However, if you need a post-workout drink, these paleo-friendly protein powders are excellent for both those following the diet and those who aren’t.
