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
AllowedAt 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
Gelatin
AllowedAt 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
Limited Protein (5)
Protein Bars
LimitedProtein 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
Protein Powder
LimitedWith 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
Protein Shakes
LimitedWith 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
Veggie Burger
LimitedAt 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
Whey Protein
LimitedAt 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
Not Allowed Protein (11)
Black Beans
Not AllowedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 341kcal | 21.6g | 1.4g | 62.4g | 15.5g |
| Cooked (boiled) | 132kcal | 8.9g | 0.5g | 23.7g | 8.7g |
| Canned | 91kcal | 4.8g | 1.3g | 15.4g | 6.8g |
Chickpea Flour
Not AllowedChickpea 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
Edamame
Not AllowedEdamame 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
Eggs
Not AllowedWith 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Egg (raw) | 143kcal | 12.6g | 9.5g | 0.7g | 0g |
| Egg White (raw) | 52kcal | 10.9g | 0.2g | 0.7g | 0g |
| Egg Yolk (raw) | 322kcal | 15.9g | 26.5g | 3.6g | 0g |
Greek Yogurt
Not AllowedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain (whole milk) | 97kcal | 9g | 5g | 4g | 0g |
| Plain (nonfat) | 61kcal | 10.3g | 0.4g | 3.6g | — |
Kidney Beans
Not AllowedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 337kcal | 22.5g | 1.1g | 61.3g | 15.2g |
| Cooked (boiled) | 127kcal | 8.7g | 0.5g | 22.8g | 7.4g |
Lentil Pasta
Not AllowedWith 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
Pea Protein
Not AllowedPea 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
Soy Protein
Not AllowedWith 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
Tempeh
Not AllowedWith 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain | 192kcal | 20.3g | 10.8g | 7.6g | — |
| Cooked | 195kcal | 19.9g | 11.4g | 7.6g | — |
Tofu
Not AllowedAt 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
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firm | 144kcal | 17.3g | 8.7g | 2.8g | 2.3g |
| Soft/Silken | 270kcal | 18.8g | 20.2g | 8.9g | 3.9g |