AIP Fats & Oils Guide
23 items classified under standard AIP guidelines.
AIP classifies foods based on whether the food contains compounds AIP suspects of provoking immune activity. Of the 23 fats & oils evaluated, 8 are classified as Allowed, 11 as Limited, and 4 as Not Allowed.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado Oil | Allowed | 884kcal |
| Beef Tallow | Allowed | 198kcal |
| Coconut Oil | Allowed | 895kcal |
| Duck Fat | Allowed | 136kcal |
| Flaxseed Oil | Allowed | 884kcal |
| Ghee | Allowed | 876kcal |
| Lard | Allowed | 902kcal |
| Olive Oil | Allowed | 900kcal |
| Canola Oil | Limited | 900kcal |
| Cooking Spray | Limited | 792kcal |
| Grapeseed Oil | Limited | 884kcal |
| Margarine | Limited | 579kcal |
| MCT Oil | Limited | 884kcal |
| Palm Oil | Limited | 134kcal |
| Safflower Oil | Limited | 900kcal |
| Sesame Oil | Limited | 884kcal |
| Sunflower Oil | Limited | 900kcal |
| Vegetable Oil | Limited | 862kcal |
| Walnut Oil | Limited | 884kcal |
| Butter | Not Allowed | 717kcal |
| Heavy Cream | Not Allowed | 340kcal |
| Peanut Oil | Not Allowed | 900kcal |
| Shortening | Not Allowed | 884kcal |
Classification Breakdown
8 Allowed — These fats & oils are a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. 11 Limited — These items have excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. 4 Not Allowed — These are in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices.
AIP is a temporary protocol lasting 30–90 days, with foods reintroduced one at a time.
Allowed Fats & Oils (8)
Avocado Oil
AllowedWith 884kcal calories per 100g, Avocado Oil earns a Allowed classification on AIP. It is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Beyond the primary classification, avocado oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Ghee and Flaxseed Oil for calories, ranking 10 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Beef Tallow
AllowedWith 198kcal calories per 100g, Beef Tallow earns a Allowed classification on AIP. It is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Beyond the primary classification, beef tallow also provides 14.7g protein and 14.9g fat per 100g. Among the 23 items in this category, beef tallow sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Heavy Cream at 340kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Coconut Oil
AllowedWith 895kcal calories per 100g, Coconut Oil earns a Allowed classification on AIP. It is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Beyond the primary classification, coconut oil also provides 99.1g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Shortening and Olive Oil for calories, ranking 17 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin (unrefined) | 892kcal | 0g | 99.1g | 0g | 0g |
| MCT Oil | 862kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 0g |
Duck Fat
AllowedAt 136kcal calories per 100g, Duck Fat falls into the Allowed category under AIP guidelines. It is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Beyond the primary classification, duck fat also provides 18.7g protein per 100g. Among the 23 items in this category, duck fat sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Beef Tallow at 198kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Flaxseed Oil
AllowedFlaxseed Oil is classified as Allowed on AIP, with 884kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Avocado Oil and Grapeseed Oil for calories, ranking 11 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Ghee
AllowedAt 876kcal calories per 100g, Ghee falls into the Allowed category under AIP guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Nutritionally, it also delivers 99.5g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Vegetable Oil and Avocado Oil for calories, ranking 9 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Lard
AllowedAt 902kcal calories per 100g, Lard falls into the Allowed category under AIP guidelines. It is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Beyond the primary classification, lard also provides 100g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Peanut Oil at 900kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Olive Oil
AllowedWith 900kcal calories per 100g, Olive Oil earns a Allowed classification on AIP. This means it is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Coconut Oil at 895kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Virgin | 884kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 0g |
| Light/Refined | 884kcal | 0g | 100g | 0g | 0g |
Limited Fats & Oils (11)
Canola Oil
LimitedAt 900kcal calories per 100g, Canola Oil falls into the Limited category under AIP guidelines. It is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Beyond the primary classification, canola oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Olive Oil at 900kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cooking Spray
LimitedCooking Spray is classified as Limited on AIP, with 792kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Nutritionally, it also delivers 78.7g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Butter and Vegetable Oil for calories, ranking 7 of 23. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Grapeseed Oil
LimitedAt 884kcal calories per 100g, Grapeseed Oil falls into the Limited category under AIP guidelines. The classification reflects that it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Flaxseed Oil and MCT Oil for calories, ranking 12 of 23. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Margarine
LimitedAt 579kcal calories per 100g, Margarine falls into the Limited category under AIP guidelines. It is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Beyond the primary classification, margarine also provides 65g fat and 694mg sodium per 100g. Among the 23 items in this category, margarine sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Butter at 717kcal. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
MCT Oil
LimitedWith 884kcal calories per 100g, MCT Oil earns a Limited classification on AIP. This means it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Grapeseed Oil and Sesame Oil for calories, ranking 13 of 23. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Palm Oil
LimitedAt 134kcal calories per 100g, Palm Oil falls into the Limited category under AIP guidelines. This means it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Among the 23 items in this category, palm oil sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Duck Fat at 136kcal. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Safflower Oil
LimitedAt 900kcal calories per 100g, Safflower Oil falls into the Limited category under AIP guidelines. It is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Beyond the primary classification, safflower oil also provides 100g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Canola Oil at 900kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sesame Oil
LimitedSesame Oil is classified as Limited on AIP, with 884kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between MCT Oil and Walnut Oil for calories, ranking 14 of 23. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sunflower Oil
LimitedSunflower Oil is classified as Limited on AIP, with 900kcal calories per 100g. This means it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Safflower Oil at 900kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Vegetable Oil
LimitedAt 862kcal calories per 100g, Vegetable Oil falls into the Limited category under AIP guidelines. The classification reflects that it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Nutritionally, it also delivers 100g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Cooking Spray and Ghee for calories, ranking 8 of 23. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Walnut Oil
LimitedWith 884kcal calories per 100g, Walnut Oil earns a Limited classification on AIP. This means it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Sesame Oil and Shortening for calories, ranking 15 of 23. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Not Allowed Fats & Oils (4)
Butter
Not AllowedButter is classified as Not Allowed on AIP, with 717kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices. Nutritionally, it also delivers 81.1g fat and 643mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Margarine and Cooking Spray for calories, ranking 6 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salted | 717kcal | 0.9g | 81.1g | 0.1g | 0g |
| Unsalted | 717kcal | 0.9g | 81.1g | 0.1g | 0g |
Heavy Cream
Not AllowedWith 340kcal calories per 100g, Heavy Cream earns a Not Allowed classification on AIP. This means it is in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices. It also contains 36.1g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 23 items in this category, heavy cream sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Margarine at 579kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | 340kcal | 2.8g | 36.1g | 2.8g | 0g |
| Light Cream | 195kcal | 3g | 19.1g | 3.7g | 0g |
Peanut Oil
Not AllowedPeanut Oil is classified as Not Allowed on AIP, with 900kcal calories per 100g. This means it is in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Sunflower Oil at 900kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Shortening
Not AllowedWith 884kcal calories per 100g, Shortening earns a Not Allowed classification on AIP. This means it is in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices. It also contains 100g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Walnut Oil and Coconut Oil for calories, ranking 16 of 23.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central