If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best Paleo protein powder is, then I’d recommend the PaleoPro Protein Powder as the best one.
Have you heard of the paleolithic diet or the paleo diet for short?
Studies have shown that this diet helps you reduce your risk of autoimmune disease, alzheimer’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Going paleo is also beneficial as it contains many anti-inflammatory foods, and can benefit folks undergoing hormonal changes.
The paleo diet also helps with weight loss while still allowing you to eat your meals.
Below is a guide to some of the best paleo protein powder you can find in the market so you can start your way towards a better health regimen.
Here are the top Paleo protein powders we’ll be reviewing:
- PaleoPro Protein Powder
- Julian Bakery Pale Protein Double Chocolate Powder
- Designs for Health PurePaleo Protein Powder
- Active Stacks Beef Boost Protein Powder
- Peek Performance Grain Free Plant Based Protein Powder
How to Choose the Best Paleo Protein Powder
You should choose your paleo protein powder based on what your needs are.
If you’re following the paleo diet for health and weight concern reasons, then be sure to know your body well.
Looking at the ingredients for each paleo protein powder is very important when selecting the right one for you.
If you’re lactose intolerant, be sure to avoid products that include whey.
Whey is a protein powder alternative to beef and eggs, but it is extracted from dairy. It is not 100% paleo friendly, but commonly used anyway.
If you’re allergic to eggs, look out for paleo protein powders that use egg whites.
Beef is perhaps the most common but some paleo dieters seek vegetarian or vegan friendly powders.
When selecting vegan/vegetarian paleo protein powders make sure that the sources do not include grain. Rice and whole grain powders are not paleo-friendly.
Finding the best paleo protein powder that is right for you takes time and research.
For instance, the paleo diet does not allow refined sugars or artificial sweeteners. But stevia leaf is a great alternative source to get the sweet flavor you want without compromising your needs.
Salt is technically not paleo-friendly, but the best paleo protein powder will offer you a nice salty flavor from natural sources.
The best paleo protein powder will not overwhelm you with ingredients from a zillion places.
You want to eat clean. That is part of the paleo diet philosophy.
If your current choice includes too many ingredients to keep track of, it is probably not the best paleo protein powder on the market.
Benefits and Advantages of Paleo Protein Powder
One of the benefits of paleo protein powder is its easy digestibility. Paleo protein powders are great for people who suffer frequently from indigestion.
It’s a great way to get your protein in while also improving your digestive system. You can get a lot of protein from plant based powders like hemp, pea, brown rice, and broccoli, but animal based proteins are more digestible than most plant based proteins.
Animal based proteins contain amino acids that are essential to your diet including histidine, phenylalanine, methionine, valine, isoleucine, lysine, leucine, tryptophan and threonine.
Protein is also measured according to the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) and it varies depending on the type of food.
For instance, oats have 0.54 in the score whereas an egg has 1.18. Beef has 1.1 and barley has 0.51. It’s important to know these things in order to appreciate your protein source.
Studies show that animal proteins are more digestible than plant-based protein.
Luckily, both are part of the paleo diet and these proteins are sourced and included in quality paleo protein powder you can find.
The underlying premise of the paleo diet, however, is high protein, fat and fiber.
Groceries cost a lot of money, and eating too much meat and fish can rack up a high bill.
To avoid high bills like this, you can get your share of protein, fiber and fat through a paleo protein powder mixed with foods you like such as fruit and/or fresh vegetables in a smoothie or shake.
What to Avoid When on Paleo Protein Powder and the Paleo Diet
When you’re on the paleo diet you can eat foods that are high in natural and healthy fats like eggs, coconut oil, nuts and seeds.
Foods you should avoid are any type of processed foods (basically foods that would not have been made by hunters and gatherers in ancient times).
These foods include dairy, refined oils like vegetable oil and canola, refined sugar, and any type of canned products (tuna, beans, etc.)
Of course, if you have fresh tuna or dried beans, these qualify as paleo.
Here are some other foods to avoid on the Paleo Diet
- Processed wheat (pasta and bread)
- Dairy
- whole grains
- Refined or overly processed sugars (artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, agave syrup,maple syrup).
- Corn
- Potatoes
- Processed beverages (wine, beer, soda)
- Salt
Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? A good paleo protein powder, however, contains enough fiber, fat, protein and nutrients to keep you energized and balanced.
Different Types of Paleo Protein Powder and What to Look For
Protein is sourced from a variety of different foods, but the three most common sources are egg, beef and whey.
Egg protein: An egg protein as a paleo protein powder source is an excellent way to get your basic nutrition. It has the amino acids you need, and is easy to digest.
Beef protein: Beef protein can be isolated to give you enough of what you need for the day.
It is high in amino acids, and low in carbohydrates. If you’re on a vegetarian or vegan paleo diet, this is not the powder for you.
Whey protein: Whey is a commonly used protein found in paleo protein powder products because it is an isolate from diary.
Whey is found in the strained water left behind after curdled milk is strained during the cheesemaking process.
Whey, however, is somewhat debated in the paleo community because it is a processed food that contains lactose and sugar.
If you are allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant, avoid whey in your selection of paleo protein powder.
The Best Way to Use Paleo Protein Powder
Paleo protein powder is excellent for people who work out and are health conscious.
You can create great paleo diet smoothie recipes and get the protein you need by adding fruit, vegetables, nuts and oil to your liking.
One excellent combination of your choice of paleo protein powder and favorite paleo ingredients is:
- Spinach
- Banana
- Blueberries
- Cucumber
- Apple
- Coconut
- Avocado
- Chia seeds
- One scoop of paleo protein powder
- Water
Check out the benefits of each ingredient that is great for your skin and overall health:
You can also bake with paleo protein powder! Here is a great recipe you can make right out of a mug that is keto and paleo friendly, and has no gluten.
Controversies Around Paleo Protein Powder
The paleo diet does have some controversy surrounding it.
Some health professionals say that the paleo diet can put people at risk for diabetes, heart disease and weight gain due to high blood biomarker levels.
Other health professionals, however, stated that the paleo diet is good for protection against heart attacks.
Not consuming whole grains, according to some health studies, leads to an increase in trimethylamine N-oxide which can be balanced with consumption of foods like rice and barley.
The paleo diet is also high in fat, which can enhance the chances of cardiovascular related diseases.
Prerequisites/Precautions for Using Paleo Protein Powder
Some key things to be cautious of when using paleo protein powder is knowing your body first.
The UC Davis health article states that the paleo diet is potentially healthy for those who are into clean eating.
However, there are potential risks if the individual has family history related to heart disease, kidney disease, and bone health issues.
The paleo diet is high in fat and protein content so paleo protein powder users should be aware of this before committing to it.
Keep in mind that the paleo protein powder is not a replacement for foods. It is a supplement.
Be sure to have a balanced diet of solid foods like vegetables, fruit, meat and fish so that you don’t wind up neglecting your health.
If you ever feel ill while following the paleo diet, stop and see your doctor immediately.
Lastly, it is very important to read the labels to see exactly which ingredients are in your paleo protein powder.
If you’re allergic to certain foods like eggs or nuts, be sure to read the ingredients list to ensure that your paleo protein powder choice is right for you.
Top Paleo Protein Powders Reviewed
Finding a suitable Paleo Protein Powder can be tough. We’ve made the process a bit easier by identifying five of the highest quality ones out there. Take a look!
PaleoPro Protein Powder
The PaleoPro Protein Powder really caters to those with dietary restrictions, CrossFit addictions, and those who make health conscious lifestyle choices.
They have a unique processing method that creates a product that is high in easily digestible protein and is easy on the stomach.
Pros
- It is free of gluten, dairy, soy, and whey.
- It has beef protein extracted from hormone free, grass-fed beef and eggs, and has undergone minimal processing.
- It comes in a delicious Aztec vanilla flavor.
- This paleo protein powder has muscle-feeding properties that helps you feel full and energized.
Cons
- It includes egg protein so it might not be good for those suffering from autoimmune disorders
- Not vegetarian or vegan friendly.
Julian Bakery Paleo Thin Protein Powder
The Julian Bakery Paleo Thin Protein Powder simply tastes amazing. And it’s made in a dedicated gluten free facility.
Their protein powder is non-GMO and made with Grass-Fed Pastured Beef Protein Isolate that tastes like chocolate ice cream.
Pros
- The Julian Bakery Paleo Protein Double Chocolate Powder has zero sugar and is organically sweetened by stevia leaves.
- It is gluten and soy free, and low in carbs, making it an ideal paleo protein powder of choice.
- You can use this product to make smoothies or add it to your paleo-friendly baking.
- It includes grass-fed beef protein, free of hormones and antibiotics, and has a chocolate flavor you and your kids will love.
Cons
- Should be avoided for those suffering from cocoa allergy.
- It has no calcium; you should supplement your calcium intake.
- Includes sea salt which is not approved by paleo dieticians.
- Not vegetarian or vegan friendly.
Designs for Health PurePaleo Protein Powder
The Designs for Health PurePaleo Collagen Protein Powder features HydroBEEF, which is a highly concentrated, bone broth protein isolate that is produced through their proprietary processing method.
This process allows the protein to be hydrolyzed into more peptides that makes it easier to absorb and assimilate throughout your body.
On top of that, the company has been in business since 1989 and has a history of creating quality products.
Pros
- The PurePaleo Protein Powder is made from collagen peptides which is dairy-free and has the proper amino acids to help with your connective tissues (regeneration and support).
- It has 21 grams of hydrobeef protein which comes from grass-fed Swedish cows free of GMO grains.
- This product is recommended by over 50,000 doctors who believe in this supplement.
- It includes more nutrients and vitamins than its alternative products.
- Sources salt from natural flavors
Cons
- This product is a bit pricier than its alternatives.
- Just because this product offers multiple health supplements, it does not replace your dietary and nutritional needs so be cautious when taking this.
- It has multiple sources of protein, fat, nutrients and carbs, and might be hard to keep track of if you’re susceptible to allergies.
- The best paleo protein powder isn’t necessarily the one with the highest amount of sources. This product includes too many ingredients to name and compromises the “clean eating” philosophy.
- Not vegetarian or vegan friendly.
Active Stacks Beef Boost Protein Powder
The Active Stack’s Beef Boost Protein Powder is completely lactose and dairy-free and tastes like chocolate milk made from premium cocoa.
On top of that, they’ve added a little extra glycine for extra support of skin, joints and gut.
Pros
- The Active Stacks beef protein powder comes in a delicious chocolate flavor.
- It is free of dairy but tastes like chocolate milk and helps regenerate skin, joint tissue and muscle fibers.
- It includes collagen and glycine (amino acid) to help with body recovery and support.
- You can mix this powder up with paleo-friendly milks like almond or hemp milk.
- This is a keto and paleo friendly powder that gives you the protein you need and nutrition your body requires before and/or after an intense workout.
Cons
- Beef powder has less protein sources than whey and eggs.
- Not vegetarian or vegan friendly.
Peek Performance Grain Free Plant Based Protein Powder
One of the great things about Peek Peformance’s Plant Based Protein Powder is that it’s independently 3rd party tested outside of their own facilities to ensure high quality.
In addition, it has a high amino acid profile for helping you to build lean muscle.
Pros
- The Peek Performance powder is made from quality plant proteins.
- This powder is third party tested and approved to ensure consumer satisfaction.
- This powder is paleo-approved seeing as it does not include grains; it sources its proteins from pea, hemp, pumpkin, chia, and moringa plant.
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Cons
- it lacks animal protein which is considered more digestible than purely plant proteins.
- it includes one gram of sugar albeit non-artificial or refined.
- not ideal for baking.
And the Winner is…
The PaleoPro Protein Powder is one of the more popular choices of paleo protein powder because it is very clean.
It has both beef and egg protein which is great for a balanced paleo diet.
These proteins also help have regenerative qualities that help people who need muscle, tissue, skin and joint support.
It is also quite versatile. You can add it to your cooking, smoothies/shakes, and baking recipe.
