This post contains affiliate links. Click here to see what that means.

If you haven’t heard yet, there’s a new (and seriously improved!) AIP-friendly cereal in town — Lovebird Cereal! The Original Unsweetened flavor is 100% AIP Core Elimination Stage compliant, while the Honey, Cinnamon, Cocoa, and Fruity flavors are Modified AIP / Stage 1 Reintroduction compliant (read more about Modified vs. Core AIP here). But no matter which flavor you choose, they’re all 100% AMAZING!
Even better — 20% of profits go toward supporting childhood cancer research 💛 Talk about a win-win-win!
This cereal is a total game-changer for anyone with AIP kiddos (or grown-ups who still love a good crunch). Like, cerealously… what have y’all been giving your AIP toddlers to munch on with Cheerios literally off the table!?
It’s such a treat to be able to enjoy a deliciously crunchy, gut-friendly cereal as part of a well-balanced AIP breakfast — just pour on your favorite AIP milk option (click here for recipes!) and dig in. It’s also the perfect crunchy topping for a smoothie bowl or an easy, anytime snack — zero guilt required.
I’ve tried all the flavors, and picking a favorite was tough — but Fruity wins for me! Honey and cinnamon tied for a close second when snacking solo, while unsweetened is wonderfully versatile for use as a breading or crunchy casserole topping (like in my AIP Cereal-ously Crispy Baked Chicken Strips or my FAVE throwback to childhood Lovebird Cereal Cookie Clusters — a must-try!).
There are honestly oodles of creative AIP recipes using these yummy “AIP O’s,” so I’ve rounded up a bunch of them below! But first things first — you’ll want to grab a coupon code to save 15% off every order (no expiry!). It’s easy to remember — just use code AIP at checkout!
Special Offer
Save 15% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
About Lovebird Cereal
♥ Gluten-Free
♥ Dairy-Free
♥ Non-GMO
♥ Sweetened by Nature – No Refined Sugar or Stevia
♥ No “Natural” Flavors or Additives
♥ Always Made with Real, Simple Ingredients
Lovebird was created to clean up junk food and offer families (especially those with AIP kiddos!) a healthy alternative to conventional cereal. And even sweeter — 20% of net profits go toward nonprofits fighting pediatric cancer 💛
Ingredient & AIP Update
Lovebird recently added buckwheat flour to some of their recipes to increase protein and nutrient density — but don’t panic! Buckwheat is a seed, not a grain, and it’s completely gluten-free.
Here’s how it breaks down:
-
🥣 Original Unsweetened → 100% AIP Core Elimination Stage Compliant
-
🍯 Honey, 🌿 Cinnamon, 🍫 Cocoa, 🍓 Fruity → Contain buckwheat, suitable for Modified AIP Elimination or Stage 1 Reintroduction
Lovebird continues to evolve and listen to its community — so whether you’re in full elimination or starting reintroductions, there’s a flavor for every AIP journey!

AIP Lovebird Cereal Recipes
NOTE: Be sure to use recipes and ingredients that are suitable for YOUR personalize stage of the AIP diet.
My Easy AIP Recipes!
Chocolatey Cookie Clusters – No-Bake – Fast & Easy!
Chewy Apple Pie Cereal Bars
Cereal-ously Crispy Baked Chicken Strips
Frozen Strawberry Delights
Lovebird AIP Recipe Round-Up:
Banana Cream Pie with Cereal Crust – use coconut oil not ghee
Campfire Banana S’mores – use homemade carob chips not chocolate chips and AIP Marshmallows (10% off Sweet Apricity with Code: AIPCollection) or make your own
Cereal Bars – use homemade carob chips not chocolate chips
Cereal Ice Cream Cake – use tigernut butter unless you’ve reintroduced sunflower seed butter and omit pumpkin seed topping
Chicken Nuggets (Air Fryer or Deep Fried)
Cinnamon Salted Caramel Donuts
Chocolate Cereal S’mores – use coconut oil not ghee, use AIP Marshmallows (10% off Sweet Apricity with Code: AIPCollection) or make your own, use homemade carob bars
Chocolate Covered Cereal Bars – use tigernut butter not almond, use homemade carob chocolate
Chocolate Crispy Squares – use tigernut butter, homemade carob chips not chocolate chips
Coconut Matcha Pie
Chocolate Mousse Pie
Crispy Cereal Treats – use AIP Marshmallows (10% off Sweet Apricity with Code: AIPCollection) or make your own and homemade carob chips
Crunchy Cookie Cake Cereal Fudge Bars – use coconut oil not ghee, use an homemade AIP Baking Powder blend, use homemade carob chips/bar, use carob not cacao
Donut Cookies
Elivs Butter Jelly Crunch Nice Cream – use tigernut butter
Graham Crackers
Granola – ensure dried fruits are unsulphured and do not contain non-compliant oils/preservatives/sweeteners
No-Bake Snack Bars – omit seeds, ensure dried fruits are unsulphured and do not contain non-compliant oils/preservatives/sweeteners
No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
No-Rice Crispy Treat “Sushi” – use tigernut butter not nut butter, use carob powder not cacao
Puppy Chow Mix – use tigernut butter and homemade carob chips
Ranch Chicken Nuggets
Samoa Cereal Bars – use tigernut butter not nut/seed butter, use homemade carob chips/bar
Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Ingredient FAQs
Cassava – Lovebird uses Organic Cassava Flour NOT grain or tapioca. Industrialized grains and refined carbohydrates like corn, oats, wheat were clearly off the table because they cause inflammation that can damage the lining of your gut and stress your immune system.
However, there was a decision of Cassava Root vs. Tapioca. Cassava is meaningfully better but it’s 33% more expensive than tapioca. So it’s a decision to use the best ingredient or the cheap ingredient – Lovebird will ALWAYS choose the best.
Lovebird uses organic cassava because it uses the entire cassava root, meaning it is a whole food flour. Unlike tapioca flour, cassava flour uses the entire root; so cassava keeps the fiber, protein, starch, vitamins, and minerals that would otherwise be lost in making tapioca flour. Cassava flour is a good source of prebiotic fiber and is a rich source of nutrients compared to many other starches: vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate.
Some have asked about lead levels in the Cassava that Lovebird uses, so we want to assure you that 1) Lovebird tests for heavy metals and as of the time of writing uses Medallion Labs, 2) Lovebird selects suppliers that follow California’s Prop 65 guidelines (which is the leader in the USA) with third-party testing for heavy metals, and as mentioned above is certified USDA organic. They use a specific formula which you can learn more about here.
Collagen – Lovebird uses grass-fed, pasture-raised collagen to help boost gut health and provide protein. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and holds everything together. The word collagen literally means “glue” in ancient Greek. Collagen supplementation has been shown to improve bone, joint, tendon, skin, muscle, and cardiovascular health.
Given the rise in popularity, not all collagen is created equal. Parker at Lovebird spent a lot of time researching suppliers and questioned their processing techniques to ensure that their collagen was effective and safely processed. The collagen Lovebird uses is of the best quality and safest processing techniques they could find. The collagen is from grass-fed and grass finished cows that have eaten nothing but grass and foraged their entire lives. It is heavy metal tested, pasture-raised, Kosher, hormone free, pesticide free, Non-GMO, antibiotic free, RBGH-RBST free, and does not use any carriers or solvents.
Sweeteners – Lovebird uses nature to lightly sweeten – NOT science. Honey is an ancient nutrient-rich superfood with healing properties. Honey has anti-diabetic effects that help control blood sugar, antimicrobial properties that help kill bad bacteria, prebiotic properties that help boost gut health, and cardiovascular benefits that help reduce blood pressure. You may walk around grocery stores and see claims of “made with real honey” don’t fall for that marketing “trick”. In fact, products only need a very small amount of honey to use that claim. When you check the ingredient label, you will find a whole gang of “sweeteners” that are actually driven the sweetness such as refined sugar, “natural” flavors, and natural/artificial high potency sweeteners.
Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners drive inflammation and wreak havoc on your health making it easy to avoid using in the recipe. However, “natural” flavors and “natural” high potency sweeteners sound innocent – right? Not exactly and they are often FAR from “natural”.
Natural flavors are defined “as those that derive their aroma or flavor chemicals from plant or animal sources that are manipulated in a lab. In short, they are engineered to not just replicate those “aromas or flavors” but amplify those sensations to trick your body to eat more. Legally, a “natural” flavor can contain up to 20 different ingredients/chemicals/stuff. Nobody really knows what’s in these “lab manipulated” chemistry experiments.
High potency sweeteners such as Stevia and Monkfruit are certainly better than refined sugar – BUT – Lovebird avoids them because they are a “trick”:
- Designed to trick your body: our bodies are not designed to handle calorie-free sweeteners. Experiencing a sweet taste from a food that is not going to provide glucose disrupts our body’s sugar-handling process and damages our health.
- Created in laboratories: Lovebird prefers chef aprons to science lab coats. Stevia/Monkfruit can contain many other ingredients to boost sweetness and fuel cravings.
- Can cause digestive discomfort: it’s very easy to consume too much given that it’s designed to trigger cravings but not satisfy them which can cause bloating and diarrhea.
- No real research on their effects: all of the above combined with limited to no research on the negative effects of Stevia causes Lovebird to stay away.
Buckwheat – Lovebird recently added organic buckwheat flour to some of their recipes to boost protein and nutrient density. Don’t worry — buckwheat is a seed, not a grain, so it’s naturally gluten-free and AIP-compatible for Modified Elimination or Stage 1 Reintroduction.
Buckwheat is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium, manganese, and zinc. It also contains antioxidants that support overall gut and immune health. Including buckwheat helps create a more balanced nutritional profile for the cereal, providing sustained energy and helping to make each bowl more filling — especially important for growing kids or anyone needing a convenient, nutrient-dense breakfast.
Some people worry about grains when they hear “buckwheat,” but it’s important to remember that buckwheat is a seed, so it doesn’t trigger the inflammatory responses often associated with grains like wheat, oats, or corn. For those on full AIP elimination, the Original Unsweetened option remains 100% compliant, while flavors with buckwheat can be safely enjoyed during Modified AIP Elimination or Stage 1 Reintroduction.
This post contains affiliate links. Click here to see what that means.
STOP! Wait right there … don’t just scroll to the lists of goodies! This is meant to be an AIP Snack Guide, not just a list of deliciousness. If you’ve been around these parts before, you know that my goal is to empower you on your autoimmune healing journey, and that means providing a bit of education and information along the way. There are actually a few factors to consider … so here we go!
Rumbly In My Tumbly
So, your tummy’s grumbling – is it really hunger pangs or is it just your digestive system doing it’s job? Did you know a growling stomach doesn’t always signal that your body needs nutrients but, rather, that your migrating motor complex, or MMC, is busy at work? Interestingly, interrupting the MMC’s cleansing process by snacking or grazing throughout the day can cause dysbiosis in the gut. Since many of us with autoimmune disease have digestive issues and the root of good health begins in the gut, I encourage you to read up a little further on your migrating motor complex to make sure you’re supporting your body as best you can. (I found this article on the topic very easy to understand.)
Snack Attack
If you think you’re actually having an AIP snack attack I want you first to ask yourself – WHY? Why am I hungry? Am I really hungry? What does my body actually need right now? Have I had enough water to drink today, maybe I’m just thirsty? Am I having a bad day? Am I stressed, emotional or maybe just bored? Have I had enough to eat today? Did what I ate really satisfy me? Have my meals (including breakfast) been well balanced with protein, fats and good carbs? Am I getting enough good, restorative sleep? (People who aren’t getting enough sleep tend to make poor food choices – it’s a fact!)
Because we do a LOT of cooking on the AIP, it can be easy to fall into opting for less filling/satisfying meals like salads with a little protein on top. Or maybe we’re plain sick and tired of cooking and we’ve really been slipping with our food intake, leaning on less than nutrient dense conveniences like AIP pastas. While there’s nothing wrong with these things from time to time, we really need to make sure we’re achieving nutrient sufficiency and balancing our blood sugar, or yes, we’re going to come down with a serious case of the hangries!
Now, all that said, I’m not going to say you should never snack – that would just be ridiculous! What I want to do here is arm you with some quick, easy ideas and healthful AIP convenience options to keep you fueled for when the need arises.

Quick & Easy:
- Fresh fruit in general is a decent place to start – just don’t go overboard (confused about fruit and the AIP – read more here)
- Apple slices with a drizzle of coconut butter (for some good fats) and a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Tigernuts – they’re not nuts but you might be nuts about them! (learn more here)
- Dates stuffed with tigernut butter, coconut butter or coconut oil and a pinch of salt – YUM!
- Frozen grapes
- Melon – keep some cut up and ready to go – it’s refreshing and hydrating!
- Fat Bombs and Gummies are easy to make and are more satiating than high sugar options like fruit (lots of recipes in my Facebook Group and a few below)
- Veggies and AIP guacamole or AIP hummus (lots of recipes in my Facebook Group and a few below)
- Roll compliant sliced meat with a smear of AIP guacamole or hummus and handful of microgreens
- Coconut yogurt (make sure it’s compliant or try making your own)
- Olives (make sure they’re compliant – try my Amazon Storefronts – USA / Canada / UK)
- Sauerkraut or pickled veggies (make sure they’re compliant – lots of recipes in my Facebook Group)
- Leftover meatballs (one of my favorite recipes below)
- Plantain or sweet potato chips and AIP dip (lots of dip options in my Facebook Group and some below)
- Canned tuna, salmon or sardines / chicken salad or tuna salad

URBAN AIP – Nourishing, AIP-compliant meals, treats and crackers delivered right to your door. These meals make staying on protocol easier — and a little more enjoyable.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And save upto 10% with Subscription Boxes
WILD ZORA – Delicious AIP options – meat and veggie bars, freeze-dried stews and soups, dehydrated real fruit snacks, hot cereal and even convenient raw honey sticks! They have variety packs and bulk offerings to help you stock your pantry. Perfect for every day snacking, travel, brown bagging, hiking, camping and emergencies! Just click “shop” and then “AIP Compliant.”
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And save 15% with Coupon Code: ZORAFAM15
SWEETPOTATO AWESOME – Truly awesome AIP snacks with simplest ingredients! Try the AIP Sampler Pack or use it as a guide to help you select the AIP compliant products and just order your favorites!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIPRECIPES
TIGERNUTS USA – If you’re missing nuts and a quick crunchy snck, these tiny tubers will likely do the trick! Eat them plain or use them whole or flaked in AIP granola, use the flour to easily make tigernut butter and so many more amazing AIP treats and snacks!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
EAT G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R. – Delicious and Convenient AIP Elimination Stage Compliant Baking Mixes.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order! Coupon Code: AIP10
SWEET APRICITY – Decadent AIP Compliant Caramels, Marshmallows and Caramel Sauce (perfect for dipping your apple slices in) – be sure to shop the AIP offerings.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIPCOLLECTION
LOVEBIRD AIP CEREAL – If you used to offer your toddler Cheerios as a snack, this is the health AIP compliant option. This AIP cereal has the look and crunch of a traditional cereal, and there’s a great cause attached – every purchase helps support pediatric cancer research.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 15% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP
SERENITY KIDS FOODS – These shelf-stable BPA-free pouches of baby and toddler foods are perfect for EVERY AIPer (yes, I’ve personally tried them and use them in a pinch when travelling)! They make a convenient snack and they’re delicious too!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
AIP SNACKING ON AMAZON – I’ve compiled lots of categorized shopping lists on Amazon for AIPers – pantry items, snacks, treats, hard to find ingredients and so much more!
Check out all of my suggestions on Amazon in the AIP Recipe Collection Amazon Storefronts – USA / Canada / UK.
What snack is complete without coffee (substitute) or tea?
SIP HERBALS – The BEST Coffee Substitute we’ve ever tasted!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP: And Save 10% Off Every Order with Coupon Code: AIP10
PIQUE TEA – Top Quality Toxin Free Tea! Be sure to avoid adaptogenic blends during the elimination stage of the AIP – stick to the herbal tea blends, Matcha or Turmeric.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP

While snacks don’t have to be complicated, sometimes a recipe or two for inspiration is all it takes to keep you on track. There are honestly so many great options, I simply can’t include them all here, so join me in my Facebook Group and utilize the group search – click here to join! (Reminder – all sweets and treats in moderation on the AIP.)
Sweet Snacks
Apple Pie Cereal Bars – AIP Recipe Collection
Berry Coconut Panna Cotta – Downshiftology
Carob Avocado Mousse – Sweet Treats Blog Spot (use tigernut milk or additive free coconut milk)
Cherry Ginger Gummies – Autoimmune Wellness
Chewy Apple Plantain Cookies – Lichen Paleo, Loving AIP
Love Bird Cereal Cookie Clusters – AIP Recipe Collection
Matcha Mint Fat Bombs – Body Unburdened (check out my matcha recommendation here)
Pumpkin Spice Granola – Autoimmune Wellness
Savory Snacks
Avocado Cauliflower Hummus – Unbound Wellness (It’s like a hummus/guacamole hybrid – so good!)
Bacon Beef Liver Pate with Rosemary and Thyme – Autoimmune Wellness
Butternut Breakfast Bites – Adventures in Partaking
Coconut Flour Naan – My Heart Beets
Creamy Avocado Caesar Dressing/Dip – AIP Recipe Collection (it’s coconut free!)
Microwave Salsa – Unskilled Cavewoman
Supah Guac – Wendi’s AIP Kitchen
Superfood Sardine Salad – Phoenix Helix (tasty on top of Sweetpotato Awesome slices – coupon above)
Quick Salmon and Leek Pate – Healing Family Eats
Tzatziki – AIP Recipe Collection
There’s An App For That!
Another great source for all things recipes and meal planning is REAL PLANS Meal Planning App – This app is perfect for pretty much any diet (you can read my full review on it here) but it’s completely customizable and totally geared to those on the AIP – and yes – it has snacks! You can even tweak it further for additional food sensitivities and nutritional requirements and add recipes from around the web or personal favorites – it truly makes life on the AIP easier! There’s even a 10-day money back guarantee so there’s no risk in trying it out – SUBSCRIBE HERE.
This post contains affiliate links. Click here to see what that means.
Okay, so we’re cutting out dairy on the AIP, nuts and grains too … so what’s left for options when it comes to “milk” on the AIP?
Great question! I’m going to keep it plain and simple – you have 4 options during the elimination phase of the AIP: Coconut Milk, Tigernut Milk (Tigernuts are not nuts, they’re tubers), Avocado Milk and Banana Milk.
All four of these can easily be made at home, and quality additive-free coconut milk (NOT coconut “beverage”) can be found in lots of stores these days (warning – be sure your coconut milk contains nothing but coconut and water – no other ingredients, emulsifiers or thickeners like guar gum, locust bean gum, etc. You can find additive-free coconut milk using my shopping resources – click here, and some brand recommendations here.)
While there are variations of these recipes available online, the following are the basics.Coconut Milk:
4 Cups Hot Water
1 1/2 to 2 Cups Unsweetened Unsulphured Shredded Coconut
Optional Sweetener: 1/2 to 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup to Taste or 1 unsulphured pitted date to sweeten
Optional Flavor: 1/2 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract (not flavor), 1/2 cup pureed fresh or frozen strawberries
Place hot but not boiling water and coconut in a high-speed blender. Blend on high speed for several minutes until thick and creamy.
Using a large bowl to catch the milk, pour the mixture through a nut milk bad or fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth and allow to strain.
Once cool enough to handle, use your hands to squeeze out as much milk as possible.
Once you have extracted all of your milk add any optional flavoring and store in the refrigerator in a glass jar for up to 3 days.
NOTE: you will want to use a wide mouth jar so you can scrape any coconut cream off the top that forms after refrigeration for use in other things, or simply shake to reincorporate
Easiest Coconut Milk:
1 Can (500ml) Additive-Free Coconut Milk (coconut and water as ingredients only)
2 Cans Filtered Water
1 tsp Maple Syrup
Pinch of Sea Salt / Himalayan Salt
1/2 tsp Quality Organic Vanilla Extract
Combine all ingredients together in a blender or use a large jug/pot with an immersion blender. If there are considerable coconut solids in the can, you may want to slightly heat the mixture on the stove – I find this helps avoid clumps. Store in the refrigerator in glass jars and shake well before using.
Avocado Milk:
2 Cups Filtered Water
1/2 Cup Diced Avocado (ensure it’s not over ripe and does not have any dark spots)
Pinch of Sea Salt
Optional Sweetener: 1/2 to 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup to Taste or 1 unsulphured pitted date to sweeten
Optional Flavor: 1/2 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract (not flavor)
Combine water, avocado and a pinch of salt together in a blender or use an immersion blender. If you want a slightly sweet taste, add the sweetener of choice from above, blend and test the flavor, adjust if necessary.
Serve chilled.
Note: Best consumed or used right away in a recipe
Banana Milk:
2 Cups Filtered Water
1 Banana (ripe but not over-ripe)
Pinch of Sea Salt
Optional Flavor: 1/2 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract (not flavor) or a Pinch of Cinnamon
Combine water, banana and a pinch of salt together in a blender or use an immersion blender. If you want a slightly sweet taste, add the sweetener of choice from above, blend and test the flavor, adjust if necessary.
Serve chilled.
Note: Best consumed or used right away in a recipe
Tigernut Milk:
4 Cups Hot Water (Plus more for soaking)
1 Cup Tigernuts
Optional Sweetener: 1/2 to 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup to Taste or 1 unsulphured pitted date to sweeten
Optional Flavor: 1/2 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract (not flavor) or Cinnamon
Place tigernuts in a bowl and cover with warm water, allowing to soak for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, drain and place in a high-speed blender. Add 1/2 a cup of the hot water and blend for 3 minutes. If the mixture is too dry during this time, add a little more of the water and scrape the sides.
Add remaining water and blend for 10-15 minutes.
Using a large bowl to catch the milk, pour the mixture through a nut milk bad or fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth and allow to strain.
Once cool enough to handle, use your hands to squeeze out as much milk as possible.
Once you have extracted all of your milk add any optional flavoring and store in the refrigerator in a glass container for up to 3 days.
BONUS TIP: Don’t waste the pulp! You can dehydrate it and you have tigernut flour! Simply spread the pulp on a large, rimmed baking tray and place it in a 160 to 175 degree oven for 4-6 hours or until dry. Be sure to stir it a few times during the drying process. Once it has completely dried pulse it in a food processor until it is the consistency of powder or flour. If you can’t get it completely fine, that’s not a problem – tigernut flour tends to be a little gritty. You can choose to sift it to get rid of any larger pieces.
Sweet Potato Milk:
1 Large White Sweet Potato (Learn more about various varieties of white sweet potatoes and where to find them – click here)
4 Cups of Filtered Water (plus more after cooking – see instructions)
Optional Flavor: 1/2 tsp Organic Vanilla Extract (not flavor) or Cinnamon
Add filtered water to a medium pot. Peel and chop the sweet potato into 1 inch cubes and immediately add to the pot of water.
Bring to a boil over medium heat and continue to boil for 10-15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft.
Use a slotted spoon and transfer the sweet potatoes to a blender.
Pour the cooking water into a large measuring cup and add additional filtered water to equal a total of 4 cups of liquid.
Add water to the blender and blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy.
The “milk” should be plenty sweet enough, but if you like you can add in your optional flavors now and 1/2 to 1 tsp of pure maple syrup if you wish.
Store in the refrigerator in a glass container for up to 3 days or the freezer for 3 months.
Learn More:
Want to know the ins and outs, what’s and whys of eliminating dairy and options for reintroductions when the time comes? Check out my post: Why the AIP is Dairy Free


Ingredient FAQs