Best Paleo Protein Powders (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Here’s a round-up of the Best Paleo Protein Powders that are made with clean ingredients and nutritionist-approved. These products are all unsweetened, grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for paleo and real food diets.
Nutritionist-Approved Paleo Protein Powders
As both a certified holistic nutritionist and master’s degree holder in public health, these are my selections of the best protein powders that meet paleo-friendly guidelines including being gluten-free, soy-free, grain-free, and dairy-free.
I made sure to choose options that are reasonably affordable and easy to find, along with super clean and quality ingredient lists.
It can be challenging to find quality protein powders that don’t have questionable ingredients, unwanted sweeteners, or artificial flavorings. It’s also important to read the ingredients carefully to make sure there aren’t any ingredients that don’t agree with you personally.
I hope you find this list helpful!
1. Best Pick Overall: Unflavored Prime Protein by Equip Foods
Equip Prime Protein is made using grass-fed beef protein, and it is my personal top choice of the best protein powders. Learn more about the benefits of beef protein powder.
While you can get flavored versions such as chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla that are sweetened with stevia, I prefer the unflavored version that I use in my morning dairy-free smoothies.
There are a ton of benefits to using beef protein powder, including that it is free from all the top allergens and is a complete source of protein with high bioavailability and all of the essential amino acids. I consider beef protein as the ultimate paleo protein powder.
Also, you should know that beef isolate protein does not taste like beef. Most people find it virtually tasteless when blended into smoothies or drinks.
I am a big fan of Equip Foods and they have some great products (I am also an affiliate). The powder has a light and fluffy texture. And, even without any sweeteners or flavors, it’s a great-tasting beef protein powder.
One scoop has just 100 calories and 24 grams of protein.
Also, I have an affiliate code to save you money! Use code CLEANEATING to save 15% off your purchase at Equip Foods.com. You can also find it at Amazon but you can’t use my discount code there.
2. Most Dissolvable: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Vital Proteins has done a great job with their collagen-based products, and this unflavored version is great for using in smoothies, hot drinks, or in almost anything with liquid.
Collagen peptides dissolve really easily and are flavorless. Two scoops will get you 18 grams of protein. I love putting this in my Probiotic Smoothie.
3. Most Gut-Friendly: Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein
This Bone Broth Protein powder is made from chicken, and one scoop has 20 grams of protein!
This product has a mild flavor and works great in smoothies.
One benefit is that it contains collagen as well as regular animal-based protein. I like it in my Chocolate Cherry Smoothie.
4. Simplest Ingredients: It’s Just Egg White Protein Powder
If you can tolerate eggs, then I really like this egg white protein powder. Even though it’s not organic, it’s non-GMO and comes from the United States.
One serving has 13 grams of protein, and the texture is light and fluffy.
Although I have a mild egg sensitivity, I use this for my husband’s morning Detox Smoothie. Remember, AIP Diets do not allow for eggs as they are a highly allergenic food.
5. Plant-Based Option: Sprout Living Organic Pea Protein Powder
Pea protein has long been a favorite of vegan dieters, but peas are generally okay for paleo diets, too. Read more about why peas are paleo.
This product is super clean, the only ingredient is peas. One scoop will get you 20 grams of protein. Pea protein is one of the best plant-based proteins.
You could also try me recipe for a Lentil Protein Smoothie if you want another legume-based protein.
Try this in my Vegan Avocado Chocolate Smoothie to increase the protein content.
6. Most Sustainable: Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Hemp Seed Protein Powder
I am a huge fan of hemp seeds and love making homemade hemp milk.
I usually add whole hemp seeds to my Anti-Cancer Green Smoothie, but this hemp protein powder is great when you want a powder version. This hemp seed powder is also vegan and a whole food.
One serving has 15 grams or protein and 8 grams of fiber.
7. Great for Muscle Building: Peak Performance Organic Paleo Grain Free Plant Based Protein Powder
This product is one of the few flavored and sweetened protein powders on my list.
But, the ingredient list is really clean and includes hemp seeds and pea protein. One serving has 20 grams of protein.
This product is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extract, two sweeteners that are included on my list of the Best Sugar Substitutes.
8. Great Tasting: Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel Protein Mix
I am a big fan of Primal Kitchen products, and this protein powder is no exception.
This is another powder that has natural flavors, but the ingredient list is clean and sugar-free. This is a high-quality product. One scoop has 11 grams of protein.
This one would be a great addition to my Strawberry Banana Chocolate Smoothie to help bulk it up. It’s also great in my Weight Loss Green Smoothie.
9. Great for Iron Building: Jovvily Cricket Protein Powder
The last (but not least!) of my best protein powders is this cricket protein powder.
This is a great product to add to smoothies and it does not have a strong flavor at all. One serving gets you 11 grams of complete protein that is also high in iron.
Insect-based protein supplements are considered animal proteins and are keto and paleo.
Note that people with shellfish allergies should avoid cricket and insect protein sources.
Cricket protein is a great option with a low environmental impact. Learn more about the benefits of cricket protein and the best diets for climate change.
Benefits of Protein
As a certified holistic nutritionist, I am a big proponent of getting enough protein.
While eating lean proteins from real food sources is best, protein powders are a great way to help fill the gap! I personally use protein powders in my dairy-free breakfast smoothies and to make my protein coffee recipe in the morning.
Protein consumption at breakfast is also thought to help with weight loss efforts. One study even showed that at least 30 grams of protein at breakfast is needed to help preserve muscle tissue during weight loss in women.
It’s actually harder than you think to get at least 30 grams of protein with breakfast, especially if you are on a dairy-free diet like paleo. For example, one whole egg only has 6 gram of protein. I don’t know that many people who can eat 5 eggs in one sitting!
So, one of the best ways to bump up your protein intake with no dairy or whey protein is to use paleo-friendly protein powders such as one made from beef isolate, eggs whites, collagen, or even plant-based sources such as peas or sweet potato.
I have tried numerous protein powders over the years, and this list includes my hand-picked selection of the Top Best Paleo Protein Powders.
I’m sure you can find at least one paleo-friendly protein powder that meets your needs. Best of all, these are all made without any added sugars.
Protein Powder FAQs
Yes, you can have protein powder on a paleo diet, as long as it’s made with paleo-friendly ingredients. Paleo-approved protein powders avoid dairy, grains, soy, artificial sweeteners, and additives, and are typically made from sources like grass-fed beef, egg whites, collagen, or certain plant-based ingredients like peas or hemp.
AIP stands for autoimmune protocol and is a stricter version of paleo that cuts out nuts, seeds, artificial sweeteners including stevia, chocolate, eggs, and nightshades. Learn more about the AIP Diet for Beginners.
The best AIP protein powders include the unflavored versions of Equip Foods Prime Protein, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, and Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein. Unflavored Cricket Protein is also consider safe for AIP (as long as you don’t have a shellfish allergy).
Based on my research, there are currently no ready to go, individually packaged paleo protein shakes on the market. If you know of one, let me know!
No, whey protein is not considered paleo because it is made from dairy. Dairy products are not considered paleo, although it’s best to test it for yourself. See my article, Paleo Diet for Beginners for more information.
Absolutely. Paleo protein powder can be added to coffee (collagen works best for this), oatmeal alternatives, baked goods, soups, sauces, and even pancake or muffin recipes to boost protein without changing flavor significantly.
Smoothie Recipes Using Paleo Protein Powder
Here are some more of my favorite paleo smoothie recipes that would all be great using any of the protein powders listed above.
- Avocado Chocolate Smoothie
- Orange Banana Smoothie
- Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie
- Weight Gain 1,000 Calorie Smoothie
Don’t Miss These Smoothie Resources!
Note: this post was originally published in 2021 and was updated and re-published in 2026.
Conclusions
Whether you’re on a paleo or real food diet, you might need some help increasing your protein consumption to help with satiety and weight management. This list of the top ten best paleo protein powders includes options that meet all types of needs.
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is a certified holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.
Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.
Thanks for your list of protein powders, I really struggle with getting enough protein. For the last few months I have been using Mikuna. Would like to know what you think. I just have to remember to put it in my soups, sauces, porridges ‼️
I am not familiar with this brand or product. I looked it up and had to learn about it. I think it might be similar to the lupine which is used a lot in Europe. From my understanding, it’s a quality plant protein but lupine is also a common allergen for people. Since it’s plant based it might not be as bioavailable as animal protein, but it looks interesting, especially the plain version of Mikuna. Thanks for sharing!
I’m looking for a plant based protein powder without stevia and without monkfruit. I dislike both of those. Can you recommend one?
Try pea protein (#6 on the list).
Is collagen protein the same as whey/pea/egg? I thought it was different and doesn’t give you the same nutrient value like “real” protein!
It is different in that collagen is not a complete protein, but it still has benefits. You can read this article for more info: https://www.cleaneatingkitchen.com/secrets-about-collagen-protein/
I thought peas were non paleo compliant?
I think they are a “grey” area food. Feel free to avoid if you don’t do well with them.
Why do many of the proteins listed have the strike through font? Do you no longer recommend them? Has something changed about them? I’m just not sure what it means and if I can still rely on the recommendations for those products or if I’m supposed to only, now consider the ones without the strike through.
Hi Megen, sorry about that it was just a technical glitch, it’s fixed now and all the recommendations are unchanged! 🙂