Before I started on the Autoimmune Protocol, my diet wasn’t Paleo, Keto, or gluten-free. Nope—I was totally, 100% eating the Standard American Diet (SAD). After researching AIP recipes online, I realized that I didn’t have a lot of the popular ingredients that were commonly used in AIP. To remedy this, I went a little crazy on Amazon Prime purchasing anything AIP-related that I might possibly need without a meal plan of any kind.
This turned out to be a big mistake. Several ingredients ended up sitting in my pantry unused for months (do you really need five kinds of flour when you don’t bake?), while I was often without a key ingredient for a particular recipe when I needed it.
Pretty much everyone has some of the top spices that I use on a regular basis (Rosemary, Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder).
But do you have these 13 popular AIP pantry staple?
- Turmeric
Turmeric is an antioxidant, it’s anti-inflammatory and it’s used to reduce joint pain and digestive problems. It has a bitter taste, but if used properly it adds a good flavor to foods that would normally be spicy, like curry.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and helps improve brain function. I use it to sweeten foods like sweet potatoes and fruit.
- Ginger
Ginger can also reduce inflammation and joint pain, as well as relieve nausea. I like to use it to add a little spicy flavor to my dishes.
- Horseradish Powder
Horseradish Powder is sort of an advanced ingredient since it’s difficult to find (I got mine at Penzy’s Spices), but it adds a great kick!
- Mace
No, it’s not what you take on a jog late at night in a sketchy neighborhood. This ground spice can be used in place of nutmeg in recipes like sweet potato pie and pumpkin pudding.
- AIP Paleo Powder
This is a great mix of AIP-friendly spices that my hubby uses regularly to sprinkle on meat to toss on the grill.
- Primal Palate Breakfast Blend
This mix of spices and cinnamon is delicious on my Breakfast Hash (ground pork and veggies). I have to stop myself from eating the whole skillet!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar
This is my go-to salad dressing that works with everything. Just make sure that the balsamic vinegar is free of added ingredients like sugar.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is another anti-oxidant that may also improve heart health and encourage weight loss, among many other benefits. I use this in place of butter or other oils in cooking and baking, and it’s great to top roasted veggies in the oven!
- Tapioca Flour
Tapioca flour is a gluten-free and low-calorie flour that is great to thicken sauces (instead of corn starch).
- Cassava Flour
Cassava flour is also gluten-free, and probably the best all-around flour for AIP recipes.
- Coconut Sugar
Yes, it’s AIP-approved! I rarely use it, but it comes in handy when I’m baking an AIP cookie recipe. Date sugar is a good alternative.
- Honey
One of my favorites! Honey is rich in antioxidants, and may improve heart health and help cure sore throats. I use it in recipes, to sweeten my sweet potato, or sometimes even as a sweet treat by itself (don’t judge!).
What have I left out? Do you have an AIP-Pantry Staple that I forgot to mention? Comment below on your favorite AIP ingredients, or post directly to our Simply AIP Facebook group here (https://www.facebook.com/groups/294743447720378/).
