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
AllowedBasil 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
Black Pepper
AllowedBlack 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
Cinnamon
AllowedAt 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
Cumin
AllowedAt 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
Garlic Powder
AllowedAt 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
Ginger
AllowedWith 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
Onion Powder
AllowedWith 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
Oregano
AllowedOregano 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
Saffron
AllowedAt 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
Salt
AllowedSalt 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
Turmeric
AllowedWith 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
Limited Spices & Seasonings (4)
Everything Bagel Seasoning
LimitedEverything 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
Nutmeg
LimitedNutmeg 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
Taco Seasoning
LimitedAt 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
Vanilla Extract
LimitedWith 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
Not Allowed Spices & Seasonings (3)
Cayenne Pepper
Not AllowedCayenne 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
Chili Powder
Not AllowedAt 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
Paprika
Not AllowedWith 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