My Top 10 Pantry Items for AIP Baking

Fall is peeking around the corner and I’m starting to think about AIP baking! With the holidays coming up, it’s good to have a few recipes up your sleeve so you won’t feel deprived when everyone is feasting on cakes and cookies. For those of us on the Autoimmune Protocol, gluten is a big no-no, as well as dairy, eggs, chocolate, and nut-based flours such as almond flour or hazelnut flour. To help you navigate the holidays without stress and make AIP more simple, I have put together my top 10 pantry items for AIP baking. Stock up your pantry with these commonly used ingredients and get ready for the baking season!

1. Cassava flour: This flour is made from a root vegetable known as yuca and is 100% gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free replacement for wheat flour. Cassava flour adds consistency and elasticity to AIP baked goods. Because cassava flour tends to be heavy, I prefer to use it in combination with other AIP flours for a lighter final result.
2. Coconut flour: Made from finely ground dried coconut meat, this versatile flour is gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free. Its rich texture and natural sweetness make it a great choice for AIP baking. Use it sparingly though as coconut flour tends to absorb a lot of liquid due to its high fiber content. I prefer to use it in combination with other AIP flours.  
3. Arrowroot flour: Also known as arrowroot starch, this light and powdery flour is quite versatile. Arrowroot flour can be used as a cornstarch replacement to thicken sauces, as well as for baking. I like to use it in combination with other AIP flours, such as cassava and coconut flour, to add lightness to baked goods. It is also gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free.
4. Tigernut flour: Don’t be fooled by the name of this flour! Made from small root vegetables known as Tiger Nuts, this flour, rich in prebiotic fibers, is also gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free. Depending on the brand you choose, its texture can vary from finely ground to more grainy. I prefer the Organic Gemini brand for its pleasant texture and taste. Tigernut flour tends to dry up baked goods, so I use it in combination with other AIP flours for a more spongy final result.
5. Baking powder: It is almost impossible to find AIP-compliant baking powder in grocery stores. Luckily, it is easy to make your baking powder at home with only 2 ingredients: mix 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Voilà! Store in an airtight container for up to 6 weeks. Baking powder is commonly used as a leavening agent to lighten the texture of baked goods. 
6. Gelatin powder (unflavored): This collagen-rich protein powder is widely used in the Autoimmune Protocol for its beneficial properties (especially for joint care and gut health) as well as a cooking/baking ingredient. Used in baked goods as a binder or egg replacement, it is also the secret ingredient to make those delicious gummies! If you are not ready to commit to the big size container from Great Lakes, try the small sticks of Vital Proteins instead.
7. Palm shortening: Palm shortening is an excellent substitute to butter when baking. Solid at room temperature, tasteless and odorless, this vegan alternative improves the texture and the flaky factor of baked goods such as cakes and cookies. Can’t source palm shortening? Make your own! Mix 6 parts of coconut cream with 1 part of coconut oil and refrigerate. Use whenever palm shortening is called for.
8. Coconut milk: Coconut milk is a wonderful replacement to dairy when baking, with a rich and creamy consistency. Not sure which brand to buy? Check out this coconut milk guide I wrote. All coconut milk are not equal under the sun, and you want to make sure to avoid additives like guar gum or xantham gum on AIP. My go-to brand is Aroy-D, which has the lowest content of water (less water means more coconut pulp, means super creamy milk!). 
9. Roasted carob powder: Carob powder is commonly used as a chocolate substitute in AIP baking, with the bonus of being caffeine-free and a great source of antioxidants! I recommend using roasted carob powder, instead of raw, as it does dissolve better when mixed with a liquid. Add carob powder to your batter or dough for a “chocolate” cake, muffins, or cookies!
10. Sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, date sugar: Only use natural and unprocessed sweeteners on the Autoimmune Protocol, such as honey, maple syrup, or date sugar! Granulated coconut sugar is also a great option. 

Where to find safe AIP pantry items for baking?

1) Shop AIP:

• The number one reason I order my pantry items online with Shop AIP is that it is SAFE! Every single item sold on Shop AIP is compliant with the strict elimination phase of the Autoimmune Protocol. And that’s awesome! You don’t need to be wary of sneaky ingredients hiding in seemingly safe products. No more deciphering obscure labels or second-guessing!
• I also really enjoy the convenience of getting all the products I need from one place. No more store-hoping to find everything on my shopping list!
• Here is a tip to save money when ordering from Shop AIP: enter code “SQUIRREL10” to receive 10% off your entire order (offer valid through September 2018).
• And Shop AIP isn’t only for baking. They have everything, from delicious and crispy cassava chips to AIP friendly BBQ sauce (slow cooked ribs anyone?). Don’t forget to check out the Squirrel in the Kitchen Bundle as well for your essential products to make AIP simple!

2) Amazon: you can find all these products on Amazon as well. Check out my Amazon store with all my suggestions to stock up your AIP pantry.

Ready to start baking? Start with these!

• 25+ AIP pantry staples you need to get started!
• The Great Christmas AIP Cookie Exchange
• 35+ AIP Paleo Valentine recipes