I'm sure that any paleo "purist" would probably argue that protein should be sourced entirely from whole foods. However, for different reasons among different people, not everyone can do that. Hemp protein is quality but it's kind of high in omega 6 (inflammation) and a bit pricey. Your best bet is finding high quality whey protein ISOLATE and I will shamelessly plug NOW foods. Their protein is affordable, flavorless (no aspartame, sucralose, etc), and high quality. It's probably your best bet. Add some blended fruit or cocoa to get your own shakes.
Is whey isolate "paleo"? Probably not. However, I haven't noticed any problems with adding it back in to my diet.
maybe try a different brands of protein? a lot of the big name protein powders contain a bunch of additives, flavorings, etc. Look for unflavored whey ( I had the same issue and this helped a lot). I personally use NOW whey protein isolate, which really is only just protein powder
I swear by this stuff. It mixes up very well. I wouldn't recommend drinking it with just water, though, because that is an abysmal experience. I experimented with a couple of smoothie recipes.
OR
The first is great if you enjoy peanut butter and bananas. The second tastes very tropical. The ice can cause problems for the coconut oil, so it typically has to be pretty well mixed if you have a single serving blender. If you have a full size one, then go to town. You might be able to get by on half a cup of liquid, but a full cup will probably give the best consistency if you use two scoops.
I also liked to put it in my iced coffee. I would brew up a batch and pre-sweeten it, and use the whey like a powdered creamer.
I always had a problem with the sugars or sugar substitutes, and the horrible attempts at vanilla/chocolate/whatever. Unflavored is the way to go.
True Nutrition or Now Nutrition's whey. It's isolate though so it's a little more expensive. True Nutrition also offers flavor packets sold separately which is what I go with--it's slightly more expensive that way, but I have more flavors at my disposal rather than being stuck with 10lbs of something I hate.
I really like this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015AQL1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ttzvyb2QKKP2X
Is got zero additives and is just whey isolate. The isolate part is just how the protein is taken from the milk, and actually helps break down the lactose. Which I like Cuz my stomach gets upset when I have too much!
The other reason I like this one is its unflavored (basically tastes like watered down milk, no fake vanilla flavor). This means I can add it to chocolate milk, strawberry milk, yogurt oatmeal or even a blended coffee drink. :)
Don't be too intimidated by the size. A serving you add to a drink is a rather large scoop. I was surprised how fast I went through it.
$.72 per ounce vs. $2.54 per ounce for largest container of Isopure.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015AQL1Q/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We'd have to determine what is an "additive". Many of these would be difficult to consume without flavoring and sweetener. Many have recognizable minerals and functional lecithin and fiber added. I included the Designer Whey, it's full of functional additives (vitamins etc).
We looked into whey protein isolate a while back, that presumably has very few additives (in some cases, only a tiny amount of lecithin):
Without looking too hard, 5lbs of chocolate whey protein powder is is $56 on Amazon... (these aren't isolates, just decent)
https://www.amazon.com/Dymatize-Elite-100-Protein-Chocolate/dp/B00CUDYY2U/
https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Protein-100-Whey-Powder/dp/B002XULC5W/
https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Nutrition-Protein-Isolate-Unflavored/dp/B0015AQL1Q/
https://www.amazon.com/Designer-Wellness-Probiotics-B-Vitamins-Gluten-free/dp/B001CCUIX4/
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(isolates:)
Dymatize Elite - https://www.amazon.com/Dymatize-Elite-100-Protein-Chocolate/dp/B00CUDYY2U/
Notice the boosted Potassium content on the chocolate flavour, a plus.
https://dymatize.com/elite-100-whey
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Here is another option: https://www.amazon.com/Protein-Isolate-BulkSupplements-kilograms-Unflavored/dp/B00E7IODXQ/ however, the NOW is a bit more economical.
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Finally, I'll point out that eggs are back on the menu and nearly as good as whey. Liquid egg whites in the carton still work out to around 3 cents/gram protein (similar to protein powder). They may drop in price soon. Whole eggs are even more economical, around 1 cents per gram protein. And of course, no additives here.