AIP Protein Guide

18 items classified under standard AIP guidelines.

How do protein fare on the AIP diet? The answer depends on whether the food contains compounds AIP suspects of provoking immune activity. This guide breaks down all 18 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.

Quick Reference

Food Status Calories (per 100g)
Collagen Peptides Allowed 360kcal
Gelatin Allowed 381kcal
Protein Bars Limited 335kcal
Protein Powder Limited 388kcal
Protein Shakes Limited 119kcal
Veggie Burger Limited 224kcal
Whey Protein Limited 339kcal
Black Beans Not Allowed 181kcal
Chickpea Flour Not Allowed 387kcal
Edamame Not Allowed 121kcal
Eggs Not Allowed 334kcal
Greek Yogurt Not Allowed 105kcal
Kidney Beans Not Allowed 177kcal
Lentil Pasta Not Allowed 111kcal
Pea Protein Not Allowed 180kcal
Soy Protein Not Allowed 335kcal
Tempeh Not Allowed 192kcal
Tofu Not Allowed 94kcal

Classification Breakdown

2 Allowed — These protein are a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. 5 Limited — These items have excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. 11 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 Protein (2)

Collagen Peptides

Allowed

At 360kcal calories per 100g, Collagen Peptides 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 90g protein and 300mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Whey Protein at 339kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

360kcalCalories
90gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

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Gelatin

Allowed

At 381kcal calories per 100g, Gelatin 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 7.8g protein and 466mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Collagen Peptides at 360kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

381kcalCalories
7.8gProtein
0gFat
90.5gCarbs
0gFiber

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Limited Protein (5)

Protein Bars

Limited

Protein Bars is classified as Limited on AIP, with 335kcal calories per 100g. This means it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. It also contains 88.3g protein and 1000mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Eggs and Soy Protein for calories, ranking 12 of 18. 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

335kcalCalories
88.3gProtein
3.4gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

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Protein Powder

Limited

With 388kcal calories per 100g, Protein Powder earns a Limited classification on AIP. This means it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. It also contains 55.6g protein and 5.6g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Chickpea Flour at 387kcal. 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

388kcalCalories
55.6gProtein
5.6gFat
28.9gCarbs
6.7gFiber

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Protein Shakes

Limited

With 119kcal calories per 100g, Protein Shakes earns a Limited classification on AIP. This means it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Among the 18 items in this category, protein shakes sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Edamame at 121kcal. 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

119kcalCalories
3.1gProtein
2.7gFat
21.2gCarbs
0.3gFiber

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Veggie Burger

Limited

At 224kcal calories per 100g, Veggie Burger falls into the Limited category under AIP guidelines. It is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Beyond the primary classification, veggie burger also provides 13g protein and 5.2g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Tempeh and Eggs for calories, ranking 10 of 18. 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

224kcalCalories
13gProtein
5.2gFat
30.8gCarbs
3.5gFiber

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Whey Protein

Limited

At 339kcal calories per 100g, Whey Protein 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 11.7g protein and 968mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Soy Protein at 335kcal. 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

339kcalCalories
11.7gProtein
0.5gFat
73.4gCarbs
0gFiber

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Not Allowed Protein (11)

Black Beans

Not Allowed

At 181kcal calories per 100g, Black Beans falls into the Not Allowed category under AIP guidelines. It is in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices. Beyond the primary classification, black beans also provides 8.2g protein and 7g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Pea Protein and Tempeh for calories, ranking 8 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Dry341kcal21.6g1.4g62.4g15.5g
Cooked (boiled)132kcal8.9g0.5g23.7g8.7g
Canned91kcal4.8g1.3g15.4g6.8g

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Chickpea Flour

Not Allowed

Chickpea Flour is classified as Not Allowed on AIP, with 387kcal 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 22.4g protein and 6.7g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Gelatin at 381kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

387kcalCalories
22.4gProtein
6.7gFat
57.8gCarbs
10.8gFiber

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Edamame

Not Allowed

Edamame is classified as Not Allowed on AIP, with 121kcal 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 11.9g protein and 5.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Protein Shakes and Kidney Beans for calories, ranking 5 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

121kcalCalories
11.9gProtein
5.2gFat
8.9gCarbs
5.2gFiber

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Eggs

Not Allowed

With 334kcal calories per 100g, Eggs earns a Not Allowed classification on AIP. It is in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices. Beyond the primary classification, eggs also provides 16.2g protein and 28.8g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Veggie Burger and Protein Bars for calories, ranking 11 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Whole Egg (raw)143kcal12.6g9.5g0.7g0g
Egg White (raw)52kcal10.9g0.2g0.7g0g
Egg Yolk (raw)322kcal15.9g26.5g3.6g0g

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Greek Yogurt

Not Allowed

At 105kcal calories per 100g, Greek Yogurt falls into the Not Allowed category under AIP guidelines. It is in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices. Beyond the primary classification, greek yogurt also provides 8.2g protein per 100g. Among the 18 items in this category, greek yogurt sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Lentil Pasta at 111kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Plain (whole milk)97kcal9g5g4g0g
Plain (nonfat)61kcal10.3g0.4g3.6g

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Kidney Beans

Not Allowed

At 177kcal calories per 100g, Kidney Beans falls into the Not Allowed category under AIP guidelines. It is in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices. Beyond the primary classification, kidney beans also provides 8.1g protein and 7g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Edamame and Pea Protein for calories, ranking 6 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Dry337kcal22.5g1.1g61.3g15.2g
Cooked (boiled)127kcal8.7g0.5g22.8g7.4g

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Lentil Pasta

Not Allowed

With 111kcal calories per 100g, Lentil Pasta earns a Not Allowed classification on AIP. It is in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices. Beyond the primary classification, lentil pasta also provides 5.7g fat and 3.4g fiber per 100g. Among the 18 items in this category, lentil pasta sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Protein Shakes at 119kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

111kcalCalories
3.7gProtein
5.7gFat
12.3gCarbs
3.4gFiber

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Pea Protein

Not Allowed

Pea Protein is classified as Not Allowed on AIP, with 180kcal 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 14g fat and 2.7g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Kidney Beans and Black Beans for calories, ranking 7 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

180kcalCalories
3gProtein
14gFat
10.6gCarbs
2.7gFiber

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Soy Protein

Not Allowed

With 335kcal calories per 100g, Soy Protein 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 88.3g protein and 1000mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Protein Bars and Whey Protein for calories, ranking 13 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

335kcalCalories
88.3gProtein
3.4gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

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Tempeh

Not Allowed

With 192kcal calories per 100g, Tempeh 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 20.3g protein and 10.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Black Beans and Veggie Burger for calories, ranking 9 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Plain192kcal20.3g10.8g7.6g
Cooked195kcal19.9g11.4g7.6g

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Tofu

Not Allowed

At 94kcal calories per 100g, Tofu falls into the Not Allowed category under AIP guidelines. This means it is in an AIP elimination category — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, or seed-based spices. Among the 18 items in this category, tofu sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Greek Yogurt at 105kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiber
Firm144kcal17.3g8.7g2.8g2.3g
Soft/Silken270kcal18.8g20.2g8.9g3.9g

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