Chocolate – a topic near and dear to my chocolate-covered heart. 

For some, giving up coffee would be tough, for me, it was chocolate. Thankfully, I didn’t have to part with it forever — and maybe that bit of hope will be enough to get you through the AIP elimination stage too!

Things to Remember:

• The AIP Core Elimination phase isn’t forever — reintroductions are part of the process, so take your time, but remember: for the love of chocolate, learn the AIP rules!!
• Not everyone reacts to chocolate the same way! While dark chocolate is often hailed as a health food, some people (like me) react very badly to it. Strangely, I’m okay with chocolates that have a lower cacao content. Go figure! That brings me to my second point: AIP is meant to be personalized. Work carefully and intentionally toward reintroductions when the time comes, and make sure your AIP journey is truly customized to your body’s needs.

Modified AIP Elimination Option:

In January 2024, a Modified version of the AIP elimination phase was introduced. This optional modification allows for the inclusion of certain foods, including chocolate, during the elimination stage.

While this might sound like a tempting option, I encourage you to consider starting with the full Core Elimination phase if it’s accessible to you. Doing so will give you a solid baseline to track your body’s reactions to foods, and provide your body with the time it needs to rest and recover before you reintroduce any foods.

That said, choosing between the Core or Modified elimination phases depends largely on your individual health needs. If you have digestive issues or compromised gut health, the Core Elimination phase may be a better starting point. Always consult with your healthcare practitioner to determine the best approach for you.

For more information about the Modified AIP, click here. To learn about the differences between Core and Modified AIP, click here.

Chocolate – Friend or Foe?

According to the Paleo Mom, there’s no scientific evidence linking nut or seed consumption to autoimmunity. However, they’re on the AIP “no-no” list because they can be difficult to digest, and digestive issues are common for those with autoimmune conditions.

So, if you’re following AIP, eliminate cocoa for at least 30 days (or anywhere from 30-90 days depending on your unique journey). After that, try reintroducing it to see if it’s something your body tolerates. And if you’re missing the taste of chocolate during that period, carob can be a helpful AIP alternative! But remember… this doesn’t mean you should go CRAZY with chocolate after those days are up, folks!

I highly recommend reading more about chocolate in this must-read article by Eileen Laird over at Phoenix Helix, “Chocolate – Friend or Foe?” [click here]. It takes a deep dive into whether chocolate is beneficial or harmful within healing diets like AIP.

IMPORTANT: Not all chocolate is created equal. When you’re ready to reintroduce, this article will guide you on selecting the best options. And of course, as always, moderation is the key to keeping your body happy and healthy.

The Alternative

Life without chocolate doesn’t have to be all that bad. Let me introduce you to the best alternative — one I’ve grown to absolutely love: Carob!

I can already hear the nay-sayers, but trust me — I remember carob bars from my childhood, and let’s just say they didn’t leave a great impression. But real carob is nothing like that! When you use it right, I think you’ll come to love it too. It’s delicious! In fact, I’ve even chosen carob over reintroduced cocoa in some recipes!

If you’re in the elimination phase of AIP, or if chocolate doesn’t sit well with you, toasted carob is a great option! Seriously, it’s not so bad — I’ve found amazing carob recipes that I regularly serve to non-AIP folks, and they have no idea they’re not eating chocolate!

You’ll find lots of great carob recipes in our Facebook Group – just use the search function in the group and enjoy your carob in moderation.

Looking for quality carob or cocoa and cacao if you’re started reintroductions? Visit our Food Sourcing page for these and so much more!