Paleo Spices & Seasonings Guide
18 items classified under standard Paleo guidelines.
Paleo classifies foods based on whether the food fits pre-agricultural categories. Of the 18 spices & seasonings evaluated, 18 are classified as Allowed, 0 as Limited, and 0 as Not Allowed.
Spices & Seasonings are universally compatible with Paleo. Each item listed here is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. The entries below break down the specific nutritional profile so you can choose based on your individual targets — calories, macros, or micronutrients that matter for your goals.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Allowed | 23kcal |
| Black Pepper | Allowed | 279kcal |
| Cayenne Pepper | Allowed | 318kcal |
| Chili Powder | Allowed | 139kcal |
| Cinnamon | Allowed | 253kcal |
| Cumin | Allowed | 375kcal |
| Everything Bagel Seasoning | Allowed | 264kcal |
| Garlic Powder | Allowed | 331kcal |
| Ginger | Allowed | 80kcal |
| Nutmeg | Allowed | 884kcal |
| Onion Powder | Allowed | 341kcal |
| Oregano | Allowed | 265kcal |
| Paprika | Allowed | 282kcal |
| Saffron | Allowed | 310kcal |
| Salt | Allowed | 0kcal |
| Taco Seasoning | Allowed | 170kcal |
| Turmeric | Allowed | 312kcal |
| Vanilla Extract | Allowed | 288kcal |
Classification Breakdown
18 Allowed — These spices & seasonings are a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on.
Paleo excludes by category rather than by macro: grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, and seed oils are out regardless of preparation.
Allowed Spices & Seasonings (18)
Basil
AllowedWith 23kcal calories per 100g, Basil earns a Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. 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 Paleo, with 279kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Within this category, it falls between Oregano and Paprika for calories, ranking 9 of 18.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cayenne Pepper
AllowedWith 318kcal calories per 100g, Cayenne Pepper earns a Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Beyond the primary classification, cayenne pepper also provides 12g protein and 17.3g fat per 100g. 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
AllowedWith 139kcal calories per 100g, Chili Powder earns a Allowed classification on Paleo. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Beyond the primary classification, chili powder also provides 13.3g protein and 8.2g fat per 100g. 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
Cinnamon
AllowedAt 253kcal calories per 100g, Cinnamon falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.1g protein and 5.3g fat per serving. 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
AllowedWith 375kcal calories per 100g, Cumin earns a Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. It also contains 17.8g protein and 22.3g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. 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
Everything Bagel Seasoning
AllowedAt 264kcal calories per 100g, Everything Bagel Seasoning falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. 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.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Garlic Powder
AllowedAt 331kcal calories per 100g, Garlic Powder falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 16.6g protein and 9g fiber per serving. 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 Paleo. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. 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
Nutmeg
AllowedAt 884kcal calories per 100g, Nutmeg falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. 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.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Onion Powder
AllowedAt 341kcal calories per 100g, Onion Powder falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 10.4g protein and 15.2g fiber per serving. 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 Paleo, with 265kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. 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
Paprika
AllowedPaprika is classified as Allowed on Paleo, with 282kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 14.1g protein and 12.9g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Black Pepper and Vanilla Extract for calories, ranking 10 of 18.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Saffron
AllowedAt 310kcal calories per 100g, Saffron falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.4g protein and 5.9g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Vanilla Extract and Turmeric for calories, ranking 12 of 18.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Salt
AllowedAt 0kcal calories per 100g, Salt falls into the Allowed category under Paleo guidelines. It is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Beyond the primary classification, salt also provides 38800mg sodium per 100g. 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
Taco Seasoning
AllowedTaco Seasoning is classified as Allowed on Paleo, with 170kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. It also contains 6.7g protein and 9.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Chili Powder and Cinnamon for calories, ranking 5 of 18.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Turmeric
AllowedTurmeric is classified as Allowed on Paleo, with 312kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Nutritionally, it also delivers 9.7g protein and 22.7g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Saffron and Cayenne Pepper for calories, ranking 13 of 18.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Vanilla Extract
AllowedWith 288kcal calories per 100g, Vanilla Extract earns a Allowed classification on Paleo. This means it is a whole, minimally processed food that fits the pre-agricultural framing paleo is built on. Within this category, it falls between Paprika and Saffron for calories, ranking 11 of 18.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central