I think it's one of those things that if you can avoid it, you're better off eating whole foods, but in a pinch, as long as you tolerate it, it'll fly.

I personally use it a couple times a week when I'm running late in the morning and still want to grab my 50 grams for the leptin reset.

For what it's worth the best powder I can find is that one from NowFoods.

As far as I'm concerned, the core principle of paleo is the rejection of over-processed foods, and the re-embracing of natural/whole-foods.

Protein powder? I put this in the same category as things like hydrogenated vegetable oil and "power bars" that have an expiration date 5 years into the future. Stuff that's so over-processed that it's just as likely to be bad for you as good.

Cavemen didn't eat on a regular schedule. The idea that you might miss a meal now and then isn't the end of the world.

Or, try something out of the ordinary. Eat an avocado or raw vegetables for breakfast. Break your routine.

I use Isagenix and Primal fuel occasionally when I need to. I haven't had any problems, whey protein isn't technically paleo but I'm not that strict. Right now, to meet my nutritional needs while away at college, I find it necessary to add this in.

If you have access to whole foods, stay away from protein powders for the most part. In a pinch, it shouldn't be a problem.

In a pinch the best is Nutribiotics vegan vanilla rice protein. it'll give you a bolus of protein.

I use hemp protein powder. I don't think it is terribly processed, just dehydrated(depending on the brand you buy). It really holds me over for a long time.