In this round-up, we’ll share the most common “Can I have…” questions and answers all in one place, along with some helpful tips to maximize your Whole30 success.

Note, anything in italics are not official rules of the Whole30—they’re just suggestions from us to you, based on our experience, and the experience of the millions of people who have done the Whole30 program since 2009. You don’t have to take our advice… but you probably should.

First, Do Your Homework

Before you search this list, please make sure you’ve done the following: 

Read the Whole30 Program Rules.

Read them all of the way through a few times, and then review supporting resources (like the Pancake Rule article) to make sure you understand the nuances. Still have a question about a particular food? Email us at [email protected]. We’re here to help!

Read your labels.

Before you ask whether Cholula hot sauce, French’s Yellow, or a Peanut Butter RXBAR* is compatible, read the ingredient list! If all of the ingredients are compatible, the food is compatible with your Whole30 elimination. If it contains an off-plan ingredient, then it’s out for 30 days.

*Yes, yes, and no because of the peanuts.

Remember, added sugar is about the ingredients, not the nutrition label.

The amount of sugar listed on the nutrition label has nothing to do with whether something is Whole30 compatible. Look for any form of sugar (real or artificial) in the ingredient list. If it’s there, it’s out for your Whole30 elimination.

When it comes to additives, only two are specifically out.

The Whole30 eliminates carrageenan and sulfites on the program. Other common additives, like xanthan gum, natural flavors, or ascorbic acid, are allowed. Also, don’t buy into fear mongering that all additives are “toxic.” We’re not at all concerned with natural flavors in your sparkling water, and “ascorbic acid” is just vitamin C. See our Common Additive Cheat Sheet for details.

On the Whole30 Elimination, Can I Have…

Almond Flour: Yes

Yes, you can have almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca flour, cassava flour and other non-grain-based flours, but it’s context-dependent. You can use it in place of breadcrumbs in your meatballs, to dredge a piece of chicken, or to thicken a sauce or stew.  You may not use it for Paleo baking—to make muffins, pancakes, bread, cupcakes, cookies, waffles, biscuits, tortillas, pizza crust, or anything of that nature; nor can you have it in pasta, noodle, or gnocchi recreations. Those foods fall under our “Pancake Rule” and are expressly off-limits during your Whole30.

Almond Milk: Read your labels

Compatible commercially-produced almond milk is easier to find than ever before, however, the majority will still have sugar and few may even still have carrageenan—rendering those off-limits for your Whole30. If you can’t find a compatible brand, like New Barn Unsweetened or JOI, the alternative is to make your own—but remember, no added sweetener!

Arrowroot Powder: Yes

These are fine choices as thickeners and can be especially helpful in sauces and gravies. Like almond flour, though, they are not appropriate for use in baked goods.

Bacon: Read your labels

While finding compatible bacon is a lot easier these days, it can still be challenging to find bacon without added sugar. There are a number of Whole30 Approved partners that carry compatible bacon, including Applegate, ButcherBox, and Pederson’s Natural Farms. If you are having trouble, check with your local natural foods store, or (even better) ask a local farmer or butcher shop.

Tip: We’re not concerned with whether your bacon is cured with nitrates or celery powder; ALL bacon is cured one way or the other. You’re specifically looking for bacon with no added sugar for the Whole30.

Bean Sprouts: Yes 

The plant part (sprout) of the bean is Whole30 compatible; it’s the seed (bean) itself that is not.

Bragg’s Amino Acids: No 

Bragg’s Amino Acids are derived from soy, and all forms of soy are out for your Whole30. A great Whole30-compatible substitute is Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos, Big Tree Farms Coconut Aminos, or Thrive Market Coconut Aminos. Tastes just like soy sauce!

Buckwheat: No

Buckwheat falls into the category of plants that we call pseudo-cereals. These products are not botanically grains, but contain compounds that may cause similar problems, which is why we rule them out for your Whole30.

Cacao (100%): Yes

Cacao (or 100% cocoa) is great when used as a savory spice (like a cacao-rubbed steak) or added to coffee or tea. You’ll even find cacao in Whole30 Approved products like MUD/WTR coffee alternative, or other compatible products like on-the-go dried fruit and nut bars. Note, your cacao must be 100%; that rules out even the darker dark chocolates.

Canola Oil: Yes

While we recommend prioritizing other oils on your program, we don’t expressly rule out canola for the Whole30. If we did, you’d never be able to eat outside of your own kitchen, as many restaurants use them in cooking, and we want those who travel or who simply want to dine out to be able to do so on the program.

Tip: If you are able, prioritize cooking at home with avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, high-oleic sunflower or safflower oil, cultured oil, coconut oil, ghee, and/or animal fats like tallow or duck fat. But please don’t stress about using light olive oil in your homemade mayo, or the sunflower oil in your Chipotle Wholesome Bowl.

Carob: Yes 

While Carob is technically a legume, carob powder is generally made from the pod of the plant and not the seed. Since all of the potentially problematic parts are contained in the seed, it’s A-OK to eat parts of the plant other than the seed during your Whole30.

Cassava flour: Yes

Yes, you can have coconut flour, almond flour, tapioca flour, and other non-grain-based flours, but it’s context-dependent. You can use it in place of breadcrumbs in your meatballs, to dredge a piece of chicken, or to thicken a sauce or stew.  You may not use it for Paleo baking—to make muffins, pancakes, bread, cupcakes, cookies, waffles, biscuits, tortillas, pizza crust, or anything of that nature; nor can you have it in pasta, noodle, or gnocchi recreations. Those foods fall under our “Pancake Rule” and they are expressly off-limits during your Whole30.

Chia: Yes

These “seeds” aren’t the same botanical family of seeds that we eliminate with grains and legumes, so that makes them fine to eat during your Whole30.

Chickpeas: No

While the word “pea” is right in the name, these are also known as Garbanzo Beans, and are botanically a bean, not a pea. 

Chips: Not if they’re store-bought

While we recognize that potatoes are a real food, we also know that eating them in the form of fries and chips has turned them from “produce” into an adulterated commercial “product.” It’s easy to find potato, tortilla, or plantain chips that are compatible with the Whole30 based on their ingredients. It is not easy, however, to consume those chips in a way that’s true to the spirit of the Whole30. For most of us, deep-fried, salted, crunchy chips are a bonafide food-with-no-brakes, because these foods are designed to promote overconsumption. For that reason, we don’t allow store-bought chips of any nature on the Whole30. That includes store-bought (or restaurant-made) potato, plantain, tortilla, apple, or kale chips, No pork rinds either, not even with cooking. Feel free to roast your own kale, pan-fry your own plantains, or bake your own sweet potato spears at home, however.

Citric acid: Yes

This is a common and acceptable additive in canned or jarred foods, like tomatoes or olives.

Coconut aminos:  Yes

This soy sauce substitute is derived from coconut nectar, but brewed (and lightly fermented) with sea salt and water into a savory “umami” flavor. Per this ruling, all coconut aminos are allowed on the program.

Coconut flour: Yes

Yes, you can have coconut flour, almond flour, tapioca flour, and other non-grain-based flours, but it’s context-dependent. You can use it in place of breadcrumbs in your meatballs, to dredge a piece of chicken, or to thicken a sauce or stew.  You may not use it for Paleo baking—to make muffins, pancakes, bread, cupcakes, cookies, waffles, biscuits, tortillas, pizza crust, or anything of that nature; nor can you have it in pasta, noodle, or gnocchi recreations. Those foods fall under our “Pancake Rule” and are expressly off-limits during your Whole30.

Coconut water: Read your labels

Most coconut waters are technically compatible, containing only natural sugars from the coconut. However, some brands add sugar to their ingredients, so read your labels. Anything with added sugar is out for your Whole30.

Tip: Coconut water is essentially a “light” fruit juice. If you’re involved in endurance athletics, work in a profession that leaves you prone to dehydration, or just want a refreshing treat, coconut water can be a fine choice for rehydration. Just don’t let coconut water take the place of plain old water in your daily routine.

Coconut milk yogurt: Read your labels

Most coconut milk yogurt contains added sugar, but there are some plain varieties that would be considered Whole30-compatible, and a source of natural probiotics.

Tip: While you technically could turn this into a breakfast bowl with dried fruit and shredded coconut, we find people fare much better when they eat a protein-rich breakfast—and these yogurt alternatives lack the protein content of true dairy. Instead, serve your yogurt on the side and focus on eggs, chicken sausage, or salmon as the main component.

Coffee: Yes

Yes, you can have your coffee. You’re welcome. You can drink it black, add unsweetened compatible nutpods, coconut milk, almond milk, or add cinnamon or vanilla beans to the brew.  But remember, Whole30 guidelines exclude milk, cream, non-compatible milk substitutes, and added sweeteners—including date paste or stevia (more on that below). 

“Dark” Chocolate: No

Anything less than 100% cocoa (cacao) is off-limits during your Whole30. Even the really dark chocolate still contains added sugar.

Dates: Yes

All fruit, including dates, are allowed on your Whole30. They’re a great way to add that hint of sweetness to a sauce, or to stuff with almonds and wrap in (compatible) bacon as a fancy-schmancy appetizer. But please, no processed date syrup.

Tip: These little sugar bombs pack a big punch—they’re as close to candy as you can get on the Whole30. We recommend against using them as a “treat” to feed your Sugar Dragon.

Flax Seeds: Yes

These “seeds” aren’t the same botanical family of seeds that we eliminate with grains and legumes, so that makes them fine to eat during your Whole30.

French Fries: Not if they’re commercially prepared or deep-fried

Ordering fries with your (no bun, no cheese) burger really misses the point of the Whole30. Fries are the epitome of “food with no brakes.” Make your own potatoes at home using coconut oil, duck fat, or ghee, and baking or roasting them in the oven instead of deep-frying them; or order them baked or mashed (no cheese, sour cream, or butter!) if dining out.

Fruit Juice: Yes

You can both drink a glass of O.J. (or any other juice that is 100% fruit, with no added sweeteners), and use fruit juice in your recipes to flavor dressings, sauces, or other dishes. All fruit is Whole30 compatible, which means their juices are too.

Tip: Most juices—even those sold as “vegetable juice”  or “green juice,” can have an awful lot of sugar in a small serving size. While that might be a great fit if you’re an endurance athlete, planning for a long hike, or otherwise active, you may find a big glass of juice doesn’t work well for your blood sugar regulation. Drinking a smaller portion with a meal rich in protein and fat can help modulate that response, but if you still notice blood sugar spikes with 100% fruit juice, switch to eating the whole fruit. (Bonus: It contains more fiber and you’ll get all the micronutrients found in the skin, too.) See also: “Smoothies,” “Vegetable Juice”

Glycerol/Glycerin: Yes

You may find glycerol in supplements, where it functions as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K). You may also find it in oil-based dressings, where it functions as an emulsifier, and is often derived from tropical tree nut oils like palm and coconut. This ingredient is perfectly compatible with the Whole30 elimination phase.

Green Beans: Yes

The problem with legumes comes when you consume the seed. As with snow peas or sugar snap peas, green beans contain a tiny, immature seed, and a big, green pod. As such, we’re not worried about the potential downsides.

Guar Gum: Yes

This is a common and acceptable thickener, often found in canned coconut milk.

Gum: No

All chewing gums contain some form of added sweeteners (including xylitol) that aren’t acceptable under Whole30 guidelines.

Tip: Chewing sends a message to your body that food is coming. If you spend a lot of time chewing, but not eating, your body is going to get quite confused in its responses. Consider brushing your teeth more frequently or chewing on mint leaves or fennel seeds as a fresh-breath alternative. See our 9 Fresh-Breath Strategies for more ideas. 

Hemp Seeds: Yes

See chia and flax.

Hummus: No

Traditional hummus is made from garbanzo beans, which are a legume and not Whole30 compatible. However, there are some really yummy hummus-like dip recipes out there, using cauliflower, carrots, or even green peas as a base.

“Ice Cream”: No

Even if it’s just frozen mashed-up bananas with coconut milk or a cashew milk-based frozen concoction, ice cream recreations fall under the “Pancake Rule” and are expressly off-limits during your Whole30. Unlike plain frozen fruit, the only purpose of this confection is to replicate the taste, texture and reward sensation of ice cream, and all store-bought versions contain added sugar. Just eat the banana.

Kombucha: Read your labels

We like the probiotic benefits of ‘booch, and we think it makes a fine addition to your Whole30 menu. Just read your labels carefully—any mention of “sugar” listed in the ingredients means it’s a no-go.  Some varieties have fruits and fruit juices added, which are just fine. For the in-depth behind-the-scenes on kombucha, read this.

Tip: Try our Whole30 Approved kombucha option from Humm. It comes. in a variety of different flavors, and that big Whole30 logo on the front means you don’t even have to read the label.

Larabars: Read your labels, and use with caution

Most (but not all) varieties of Larabars or similar fruit-and-nut bars are acceptable during your Whole30, so read your labels. (The Peanut Butter and Jelly bar is out because of the peanuts.)

Tip: We recommend using Larabars as emergency snacks, or as fuel during activities or athletics. They’re as close to candy as you can get on the Whole30 (with dates as a binder), so employ with caution.

Mayonnaise: Read your labels

Most commercial mayonnaises contain off-plan ingredients—generally, added sugar. (Even the “olive oil” mayo is mostly soybean oil!) Primal Kitchen offers several wonderful Whole30 Approved options, but making your own compatible mayo is easy! Just read this article.

Monk Fruit: No

Monk fruit extract, “juice,” and powder are sneaky forms of sugar that are used as stand-alone sweeteners in food and drinks. Just like stevia, it is only used to sweeten something that was not already sweet. (You can’t actually drink a glass of monk fruit juice!) And unlike apples or other fruits, you can’t find whole monk fruit in your local Costco. (Even in regions where it’s grown, it’s rarely eaten fresh since it ferments and grows rancid quickly after it’s harvested.) For those reasons, monk fruit is considered a sweetener and not a true “fruit,” and is not compatible in any form during your 30-day elimination.

Mustard: Read your labels

Mustard is a fine choice, just read your labels carefully. French’s Yellow is compatible, but beware your Dijon—it often contains white wine, which rules it out during your Whole30. Look to our Whole30 Approved partners for spicy, yellow, and even Dijon options in line with the Whole30 program rules.

Nut “Cheese”: Read your labels

Almond-based “ricotta” or “cream cheese,” cashew-based “queso” dips, and nut-based Alfredo sauces are allowed on the program, as long as their ingredients are compatible. These can be a great way to add creaminess, flavor, richness, and tang to a burger, salad, or vegetable noodle “pasta” dish, and are great for dipping raw veggies as an appetizer or side.

Nutritional Yeast: Yes

This is a great substitute for parmesan on a garden salad, over spaghetti squash and meatballs, or sprinkled over chili.

“Paleo” or Grain-Free Bread: No

This goes back to our “Pancake Rule.” Baked goods, even those made with Whole30 compatible ingredients, are a no-go for the 30 days of your program. Just say no and sandwich your meat in a lettuce leaf, portobello mushroom caps, sweet potato “buns,” or toasted sheets of nori instead.

Pancakes: No

From the beginning of the Whole30, this has been a source of confusion and consternation for our community, because of a recipe that combines egg with banana to create a “pancake.” Yes, those two ingredients are compatible, but when combined together and served as a pancake, they’re a no-go during your Whole30. If you’re wondering why…

Pancakes in any form do not encourage success with the Whole30 program. Reaching your health goals depends on committing to both the rules and the spirit and intention of the program. The Whole30 is designed to change your relationship with food, first and foremost. And the psychological impact of eating pancakes as part of your healthy eating, life-changing plan cannot be ignored.

Eating eggs, a banana, and some olive oil is not the same as combining those ingredients into a pancake. There are studies that show that how your brain perceives the food influences satiation. This is often cited with liquid food (smoothies or shakes), but experientially we see this with whole foods as well, depending on how they are combined. Pancakes bring up a totally different psychological response than frying some eggs and eating a banana. And it’s that psychological response that we are trying to target with the program.

You may not have an affinity for pancakes, but we find that most people who complete our program do best without any of these comfort/trigger/reminiscent-of-the-stuff-you-used-to-eat foods. So, because we need to create one program that applies to as many people as possible, we rule these “paleo” recreations out. In our vast experience, this sets everyone up for the best Whole30success possible. And, of course, what you choose to do after your 30 days are up is entirely up to you.

Pasta (or Noodles): Not unless it’s 100% veggies

Zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) or spiralized cucumber, butternut squash, or sweet potato are a fun way to eat your veggies. (In this case, “noodles” just represents the shape, not the taste, texture, or flavor.) But packaged pasta or noodle recreations that use alternative flours (like cassava, shirataki, or chickpea flour) or starches (like tapioca or potato starch) are a “no” under the “Pancake Rule.” Read your labels; if there is any form of alternative flour or starch used in the pasta, noodles, or gnocchi, it’s out for your Whole30.

Peas: Yes

Green peas, yellow peas, split peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas are an exception to the “no legume” rule per a rule change in 2020.

Pea Protein: Yes

100% green or yellow pea protein, like this one from Sprout Living, is acceptable on the program. Pea protein is often used by functional medicine providers since it’s gentle even for sensitive patients (those with GI issues or a host of allergies/intolerances) and is considered a “hypoallergenic” protein source. However, many vegan protein blends also include other grains like rice, and/or have added sugar, sugar alcohol, or artificial sweeteners. Pea proteins that also contain off-plan ingredients are not compatible.

Potatoes: Yes

All varieties of potatoes—white, red, Yukon gold, purple, fingerling, baby, sweet potatoes, yams, etc.—are compatible on the Whole30. Feel free to boil, bake, roast, pan-fry, grill, microwave, or steam them, but no store-bought potato chips or restaurant French fries! (That’s completely against the spirit of the Whole30.)

Protein Shakes: Almost Always No

Almost all protein powders (like whey, casein, or soy) and processed meal replacement shakes almost always contain non-compatible ingredients and added sugars. However, protein powder from approved ingredients like 100% pea protein, 100% grass-fed collagen peptides, or 100% hemp protein are allowed on the Whole30, provided they contain no added sweeteners.

Tip: You can have your shaker cup back in 30 days. For now, focus on starchy veggies and lean protein after a workout. Hard-boiled eggs, compatible deli meat, chicken breast, or tuna are easy, portable protein sources post-workout.

Quinoa: No

Quinoa is another one of those pseudo-cereals. While it might not technically be considered a grain, it contains properties that could be similarly problematic to your body, which makes it off-limits for your Whole30. The same guideline applies to buckwheat, amaranth, and other gluten-free grain substitutes.

RXBARs: Read your labels, and use with caution

Many (but not all) varieties of RXBARs or similar fruit-and-nut bars are acceptable during your Whole30, so read your labels. (Anything with peanut butter or oats is out.)

Tip: We recommend using RXBARs as emergency snacks, or as fuel during activities or athletics. They’re as close to candy as you can get on the Whole30 (with dates as a binder), so employ with caution.

Safflower/Sunflower Oil: Yes

While we recommend prioritizing other oils on your program, we don’t expressly rule out sunflower or safflower oils for the Whole30. If we did, you’d never be able to eat outside of your own kitchen, as many restaurants use them in cooking, and we want those who travel or who simply want to dine out to be able to do so on the program.

Tip: High-oleic safflower or sunflower oils are very different than their standard counterparts. The high oleic versions actually have a more favorable fat profile higher in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats (similar to that of avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil). High-oleic oils are also encouraged on your Whole30.

Salt: Yes

First, salt makes your food delicious. Second, when you cut out processed and packaged foods, you remove the vast majority of sodium from your diet. Third, adding salt to your diet can be beneficial to many, especially if you live in a warm climate or are active, and too little salt leaves you at risk of an electrolyte imbalance. Adding salt to your Whole30 plate won’t push you over reasonable sodium limits, so we encourage a mix of iodized table salt and sea salt.

Tip: Did you know that all iodized table salt contains sugar? Sugar (often in the form of dextrose) is chemically essential to keep the potassium iodide from oxidizing and being lost. But remember, salt is an exception to the Whole30 “no added sugar” rule, because salt is in basically every packaged food and used in every restaurant meal.

Smoothies: Yes (if all ingredients are compatible)

You can enjoy smoothies made with compatible ingredients, like veggies, fruit, unsweetened dairy-free milk, and protein powder. We recommend prioritizing veggies over fruit in your smoothies, and adding a fat source (like coconut milk, nuts and seeds, avocado, coconut butter, or nut butter) and protein (like compatible 100% egg white protein or egg whites, collagen protein, Sprout Living Pea Protein or Epic Protein, or Nutiva Hemp) for macronutrient balance and satiety.

Tip: We’ll always encourage you to prioritize eating whole foods during meals, but smoothies (especially if they contain protein and fat) are a helpful way to get additional nutrition when solid meals aren’t possible or convenient. Pregnant or nursing people, children, those with unpredictable schedules, or athletes may benefit from adding extra protein and calories to their day in the form of a smoothie. Pairing a smoothie with a meal (not in place of) can help with satiety and blood sugar regulation, especially if the smoothie is fruit-heavy.

Snap/Snow Peas: Yes 

Snow peas (and snap peas, and green beans, and romano beans) are fine during your Whole30 – even though they’re botanically legumes. The problem with legumes comes when you consume the seed. Snow peas contain a tiny, immature seed, and a big, green pod. As such, we’re not worried about the potential downsides of consuming these “veggies.”

Stevia (or Stevia leaf): No

While it’s not highly processed like its liquid or powdery cousins, the only purpose of stevia is to sweeten something that was not already sweet. This is something we want you to avoid during your Whole30. Instead, learn to appreciate the natural flavors of your foods, and don’t rely on sweet tastes to prop up sugar cravings.

Tahini: Yes

Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are compatible with the Whole30 program, so tahini paste is too, if all the other ingredients in the paste are compatible.

Tapioca Starch: Yes

These are fine choices as thickeners and can be especially helpful in sauces and gravies. Like almond flour, though, they are not appropriate for use in baked goods.

Tortillas: No (unless they’re made from one ingredient, without alternative flours or starches)

While there are alternative flour tortillas made with technically approved Whole30 ingredients, these aren’t compatible under the Pancake Rule. However, you can enjoy eggs cooked into a thin “wrap,” coconut pressed into the the form of wraps, or single-ingredient veggie wraps like jicama “tacos.”

Vanilla Extract and Other Botanical Extracts: Yes

Alcohol-based botanical extracts (like vanilla, lemon or rosemary) are allowed during your Whole30 program. These extracts are used to boost flavor in food and beverages and also to preserve certain food products, like meat. Yeast extract is also fine during your program. It comes from yeast (which is a fungus) and has been certified as gluten-free.

Vegetable Juice: Yes

Much like with fruit juice, if the vegetable is Whole30 compatible, so is the corresponding 100% vegetable juice. 

Tip: Lots of “vegetable juices”  or “green juices” are mostly fruit-based, and can have a surprising amount of sugar. While that might be a great fit if you’re an endurance athlete, planning for a long hike, or otherwise active, you may find a big glass of a higher-sugar juice doesn’t work well for your blood sugar regulation. Drinking a smaller portion with a meal rich in protein and fat can help modulate that response—or try juice from Whole30 Approved partners Midwest Juicery, which prioritizes vegetables like carrots, beets, celery, romaine and kale, and contains 40% less sugar than other juices. See also: “Fruit juice,” “Smoothies”

Water Kefir: Yes

Following the same logic as kombucha, we’re okay with water kefir.  If you’re making it yourself, do what you can to ensure that the sugar is used by the bacteria (appropriate fermentation time). If you’re buying, avoid those brands with added sugar in the ingredients list.

Published by Melissa Urban

Melissa Urban is a 7x New York Times bestselling author (including the #1 bestselling The Whole30) who specializes in helping people establish healthy boundaries and successfully navigate habit change. She has been featured by the New York Times, People, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Today Show, and Good Morning America, and is a prominent keynote speaker on boundaries, building community, health trends, and entrepreneurship. She lives in Salt Lake City, UT with her husband, son, and a poodle named Henry.