AIP Emergency Staples You Should Stock Up On

All the Paleo and AIP staples you need to have in your stockpile for quick and easy AIP meals, or in case of an emergency. Plus, a printable grocery list!

As there seems to be no end in sight for the pandemic, supply chains continue to be disrupted, and stores continue to struggle to keep shelves fully stocked, stocking up on some AIP staples is key to making sure you have what you need on hand. This AIP Staples List will not only make it easier for you to prepare quick and easy snacks and meals without having to run to the store, it will also ensure you have compliant food on hand in case you can’t run to the store.

AIP Compliant Foods

If you’re new to the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), I highly recommend you start here: What is the AIP Diet?

That article will help explain AIP, which foods are restricted and which foods you should eat in abundance. Then come back here and start putting together your AIP emergency stockpile.

AIP Emergency Foods

What emergency foods are safe for those of us with autoimmune disease? Typical foods people stockpile for emergencies are often not only nutrient-depleted, but many contain gluten, dairy, soy and other inflammatory ingredients that can wreak havoc on our bodies. For those of us with one or more autoimmune disease, it is imperative that we stock up on nutrient-dense, whole foods that will help us feel our best.

I have been telling myself for years that I should start to gather an emergency food supply in case of a natural disaster or emergency situation. Well, my friends, I’m ashamed to admit I was in no way prepared for coronavirus when it hit the United States in early 2020. Unfortunately, my fridge, freezer and pantry were nearly empty when everyone else started clearing out store shelves.

So, I put together this list of autoimmune-friendly AIP freezer and pantry staples to stock up on, and it has proved invaluable as the pandemic has continued to strain our food resources.

A note on availability of AIP Emergency Staples

As the pandemic has continued to put strain on supply chains, you may have trouble finding a few of these items. If you’re finding it difficult to find your AIP emergency staples, try multiple sources. If you want to avoid entering a crowded grocery store, pick-up or delivery from your local grocer may be an option. You can also try local food co-ops and smaller grocers. Many other people don’t think of these options, so they are often well-stocked and less crowded.

Another option is online retailers such as ShopAIP, Thrive Market, US Wellness Meats, and Amazon (affiliate links). You can also get safe meals delivered from places like PaleoOnTheGo (affiliate) and Captain Soup (this link will save you $10 off your first order!). Just keep thinking outside the box!

Forewarning: many online retailers are also struggling to keep up with demand, so shipments may be delayed up to a few weeks. Be prepared to wait longer than usual.

A few notes about the products in this list

In the list below, many items are linked to the specific products I use from ShopAIP and Amazon. I tried to only link to items that are in stock, but many will probably run out of stock by the time you read this. Keep checking back, or search for alternatives (just be sure to read ingredient labels!).

Also, pay attention to prices. Many vendors are taking advantage of the increased demand and increasing their prices up to four times higher than usual, or more! If you don’t absolutely need something, hold off until prices come down a bit.

But, through all this panic and fear, there is a little bright side to eating an AIP diet in a time like this: while everyone else is stocking up on pre-packaged nutrient-depleted foods, they’ll be saving many of the anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods for you!

So, at long last, here is my extensive list of AIP staples to stock up on:

*Many of these links are affiliate links. See here for my affiliate disclosure.

AIP Freezer Staples

• Frozen meats
  • If you have the freezer space, I would stock up on bulk beef, pork and whole chickens (so you have bones left over to make homemade bone broth).
  • Bacon
  • Organ meats (liver, hearts)
• Frozen seafood
  • Salmon, cod, shrimp, scallops, tuna
• Homemade bone broth (or just the bones, so you can make your own broth during quarantine)
• Frozen vegetables (no nightshades) (check for gluten cross-contact in manufacturing facilities)
  • Spinach (great for adding to smoothies and soups), cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, etc.
• Frozen fruits (check for gluten cross-contact in manufacturing facilities)
• Frozen soups (either homemade, or get the AIP bundle from Captain Soup – this link will save you $10 off your first order!)
• Juices (not from concentrate – make and freeze your own, or buy fresh and freeze it)

For a full guide on how to stock your freezer for AIP, be sure to check out this article: How to Stock Your Freezer for the AIP.

AIP Pantry Staples

Canned Foods

• Canned vegetables
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Hearts of palm
  • Pureed pumpkin (avoid pumpkin pie filling)
  • Olives (all varieties) (check ingredient labels for AIP compliance)
• Canned fruit (make sure to only get quality brands with no added sugars or fillers)
  • Applesauce
• Shelf-stable broths and soups
• Dried fruits

Shelf-Stable Proteins

• Canned protein
  • Tuna
  • Salmon
  • Sardines
  • Chicken
• Collagen peptides
• Beef gelatin
• Bone broth
• Paleo preserved meats
  • Wild Zora Meat & Veggie Bars (Apple Pork and Mediterranean Lamb are AIP)
  • Chomps (Italian Style Beef and Sea Salt Beef are AIP)
  • Epic bars (Beef, Apple and Uncured Bacon bars and Pork, Bacon and Maple bars are AIP)

Oils, Vinegars and Flavorings

• AIP-friendly oils
  • Coconut oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Olive oil
  • Palm shortening
• Vinegars
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Red wine vinegar
  • White wine vinegar
  • Balsamic vinegar (avoid ones with added sugars)
• Herbs & Spices
  • Redmond Real Salt
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Oregano
  • Garlic powder
  • Ground ginger
  • Onion powder
  • Basil
  • Bay leaves
  • Turmeric
  • Cinnamon
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Chives
  • Marjoram
  • Sage
• Coconut aminos
• Red Boat fish sauce
• Nutritional yeast
• Vanilla powder

Coconut Products

• Coconut wraps
• Coconut milk (no gums or sweeteners)
• Coconut cream (no gums or sweeteners)
• Shredded coconut/coconut chips
• Coconut butter/manna

AIP Baking Products

• AIP flours (you may not need all of these, but they are helpful for AIP baking)
  • Tigernut flour
  • Cassava flour
  • Coconut flour
  • Arrowroot starch/powder/flour and/or Tapioca starch/powder/flour
  • Banana flour
• Carob powder

AIP Sweeteners

• Maple syrup
• Honey (or, preferably, buy honey local to your region)
• Medjool dates
• Blackstrap molasses

Hearty Fruits & Vegetables

• Hearty fruits and vegetables that save well in the pantry/on the counter
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Spaghetti squash
  • Butternut squash
  • Delicata squash
  • Bananas (or freeze them to make them last longer, and use them in smoothies or nice cream recipes)
• Hearty fruits and vegetables that save best in the fridge
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Parsnips

AIP Beverages

• Herbal teas (Numi is my favorite brand and Rooibos is my favorite tea )
• Coconut water
• Seltzer waters (steer clear of ones with added flavors and sugars)
• Matcha

AIP Snacks & Additional Items

• Paleo Power Balls
• Plantain chips, cassava chips, sweet potato chips, etc.
• Dried fruits (avoid any with added sugars and double-check AIP compliance)
• Nuts and seeds (if you tolerate them) (not AIP, but they are Paleo)
• AIP-friendly pastas (kelp, sweet potato, cassava, hearts of palm, etc.)
• Tigernuts
• Lacto-fermented vegetables

For a full guide on how to stock your pantry for AIP, be sure to check out this article: The Ultimate AIP Pantry Staples List [+ Downloadable PDF].

Blog posts to read next:

Here are some more AIP resources I think you will enjoy!

What is the AIP Diet? (Includes PDF AIP Food List!)

The Ultimate AIP Pantry Staples List [+ Downloadable PDF]

How to Stock Your Freezer for the AIP

5 AIP Grocery Items I Buy Every Week

A final note

Hopefully this AIP emergency staples list is helpful and doesn’t overwhelm you. Don’t feel like you need to purchase every single thing on it, especially if you don’t have the means to do so, or the space to store it all. Only buy what you like and will use.

Did you stock up on anything I don’t have in my list? Let me know in the comments!