AIP Spices & Seasonings Guide

18 items classified under standard AIP guidelines.

AIP classifies foods based on whether the food contains compounds AIP suspects of provoking immune activity. Of the 18 spices & seasonings evaluated, 11 are classified as Allowed, 4 as Limited, and 3 as Not Allowed.

Quick Reference

Food Status Calories (per 100g)
Basil Allowed 23kcal
Black Pepper Allowed 279kcal
Cinnamon Allowed 253kcal
Cumin Allowed 375kcal
Garlic Powder Allowed 331kcal
Ginger Allowed 80kcal
Onion Powder Allowed 341kcal
Oregano Allowed 265kcal
Saffron Allowed 310kcal
Salt Allowed 0kcal
Turmeric Allowed 312kcal
Everything Bagel Seasoning Limited 264kcal
Nutmeg Limited 884kcal
Taco Seasoning Limited 170kcal
Vanilla Extract Limited 288kcal
Cayenne Pepper Not Allowed 318kcal
Chili Powder Not Allowed 139kcal
Paprika Not Allowed 282kcal

Classification Breakdown

11 Allowed — These spices & seasonings are a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. 4 Limited — These items have excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. 3 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 Spices & Seasonings (11)

Basil

Allowed

Basil is classified as Allowed on AIP, with 23kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Among the 18 items in this category, basil sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Ginger at 80kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

23kcalCalories
3.2gProtein
0.6gFat
2.7gCarbs
1.6gFiber

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Black Pepper

Allowed

Black Pepper is classified as Allowed on AIP, with 279kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Within this category, it falls between Oregano and Paprika for calories, ranking 9 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

279kcalCalories
0gProtein
0.1gFat
21.2gCarbs
0gFiber

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Cinnamon

Allowed

At 253kcal calories per 100g, Cinnamon falls into the Allowed category under AIP guidelines. It is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Beyond the primary classification, cinnamon also provides 7.1g protein and 5.3g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Taco Seasoning and Everything Bagel Seasoning for calories, ranking 6 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

253kcalCalories
7.1gProtein
5.3gFat
44.4gCarbs
3.5gFiber

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Cumin

Allowed

At 375kcal calories per 100g, Cumin 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 17.8g protein and 22.3g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Onion Powder at 341kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

375kcalCalories
17.8gProtein
22.3gFat
44.2gCarbs
10.5gFiber

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Garlic Powder

Allowed

At 331kcal calories per 100g, Garlic Powder falls into the Allowed category under AIP guidelines. It is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Beyond the primary classification, garlic powder also provides 16.6g protein and 9g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Cayenne Pepper at 318kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

331kcalCalories
16.6gProtein
0.7gFat
72.7gCarbs
9gFiber

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Ginger

Allowed

With 80kcal calories per 100g, Ginger earns a Allowed classification on AIP. This means it is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Among the 18 items in this category, ginger sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Chili Powder at 139kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

80kcalCalories
1.8gProtein
0.8gFat
17.8gCarbs
2gFiber

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Onion Powder

Allowed

With 341kcal calories per 100g, Onion Powder earns a Allowed classification on AIP. This means it is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. It also contains 10.4g protein and 15.2g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Garlic Powder at 331kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

341kcalCalories
10.4gProtein
1gFat
79.1gCarbs
15.2gFiber

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Oregano

Allowed

Oregano is classified as Allowed on AIP, with 265kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Nutritionally, it also delivers 9g protein and 42.5g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Everything Bagel Seasoning and Black Pepper for calories, ranking 8 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

265kcalCalories
9gProtein
4.3gFat
68.9gCarbs
42.5gFiber

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Saffron

Allowed

At 310kcal calories per 100g, Saffron falls into the Allowed category under AIP guidelines. It is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. Beyond the primary classification, saffron also provides 11.4g protein and 5.9g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Vanilla Extract and Turmeric for calories, ranking 12 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

310kcalCalories
11.4gProtein
5.9gFat
65.4gCarbs
3.9gFiber

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Salt

Allowed

Salt is classified as Allowed on AIP, with 0kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. It also contains 38800mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 18 items in this category, salt sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Basil at 23kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

0kcalCalories
0gProtein
0gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

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Turmeric

Allowed

With 312kcal calories per 100g, Turmeric earns a Allowed classification on AIP. This means it is a nutrient-dense whole food not in AIP elimination categories. It also contains 9.7g protein and 22.7g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Saffron and Cayenne Pepper for calories, ranking 13 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

312kcalCalories
9.7gProtein
3.3gFat
67.1gCarbs
22.7gFiber

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Limited Spices & Seasonings (4)

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Limited

Everything Bagel Seasoning is classified as Limited on AIP, with 264kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Nutritionally, it also delivers 10.6g protein and 422mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Cinnamon and Oregano for calories, ranking 7 of 18. 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

264kcalCalories
10.6gProtein
1.3gFat
52.4gCarbs
1.6gFiber

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Nutmeg

Limited

Nutmeg 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. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Cumin at 375kcal. 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

884kcalCalories
0gProtein
100gFat
0gCarbs
0gFiber

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Taco Seasoning

Limited

At 170kcal calories per 100g, Taco Seasoning falls into the Limited category under AIP guidelines. It is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Beyond the primary classification, taco seasoning also provides 6.7g protein and 9.2g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Chili Powder and Cinnamon for calories, ranking 5 of 18. 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

170kcalCalories
6.7gProtein
9.2gFat
15.1gCarbs
3gFiber

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Vanilla Extract

Limited

With 288kcal calories per 100g, Vanilla Extract earns a Limited classification on AIP. This means it is excluded during strict elimination but tested during reintroduction. Within this category, it falls between Paprika and Saffron for calories, ranking 11 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

288kcalCalories
0.1gProtein
0.1gFat
12.6gCarbs
0gFiber

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Not Allowed Spices & Seasonings (3)

Cayenne Pepper

Not Allowed

Cayenne Pepper is classified as Not Allowed on AIP, with 318kcal 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 12g protein and 17.3g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Turmeric at 312kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

318kcalCalories
12gProtein
17.3gFat
56.6gCarbs
27.2gFiber

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Chili Powder

Not Allowed

At 139kcal calories per 100g, Chili Powder falls into the Not Allowed category under AIP guidelines. 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 13.3g protein and 8.2g fat per serving. Among the 18 items in this category, chili powder sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Taco Seasoning at 170kcal.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

139kcalCalories
13.3gProtein
8.2gFat
2.4gCarbs
0.5gFiber

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Paprika

Not Allowed

With 282kcal calories per 100g, Paprika 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 14.1g protein and 12.9g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Black Pepper and Vanilla Extract for calories, ranking 10 of 18.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

282kcalCalories
14.1gProtein
12.9gFat
54gCarbs
34.9gFiber

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