
The GAPS diet, based on Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride's book Gut and Psychology Syndrome, is a diet that focuses on nutrient-dense, healing foods. It includes meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, and more. While chocolate is listed as a food to avoid, there has been an update stating that cocoa powder is permissible once digestive issues have subsided. Cocoa powder is rich in magnesium and essential amino acids, and can be added to desserts and baked goods, which are allowed in moderation on the Full GAPS Diet. However, it does contain some caffeine, so those with adrenal fatigue may need to limit or avoid it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is cocoa powder allowed on the GAPS diet? | Cocoa powder is allowed on the GAPS diet once digestive symptoms are gone. |
| What is the GAPS diet? | The GAPS diet is a diet protocol based on Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride's book "Gut and Psychology Syndrome." It includes nutrient-dense, healing foods and expands food choices according to allowed and non-allowed lists. |
| What foods are allowed on the GAPS diet? | The GAPS diet typically includes meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and fermented dairy (if well tolerated). |
| What foods are not allowed on the GAPS diet? | Foods to avoid on the GAPS diet include grains, sugar, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and certain processed or canned foods. |
| Are there any considerations for cocoa powder on the GAPS diet? | Cocoa powder contains caffeine, so those with adrenal fatigue may need to limit or avoid it. It is also rich in magnesium and essential amino acids. It should be pure organic cocoa powder without added sugar or milk powder. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cocoa powder is allowed on the GAPS diet, but only once digestive symptoms are gone
- Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride initially prohibited cocoa on the GAPS diet
- Cocoa powder is SCD illegal
- Cocoa powder contains caffeine, so limit consumption if adrenals are fatigued
- Cocoa powder can be mixed with honey and sour cream to make a dessert

Cocoa powder is allowed on the GAPS diet, but only once digestive symptoms are gone
The GAPS diet, or Gut and Psychology Syndrome diet, is based on Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride's book of the same name. The diet includes nutrient-dense, healing foods, with a focus on meat stocks/broths, soups, and fermented foods. The Full GAPS Diet expands the food choices according to the allowed and non-allowed foods list. Generally, 85% of what you consume daily on the Full GAPS Diet should be meats (including organ meats), fish, stocks/broths, eggs, fermented dairy (if well tolerated), and vegetables (well cooked, raw, and fermented).
While cocoa powder is permissible under certain conditions, chocolate is listed as a food to avoid in Dr. Natasha's book. However, there has been an update published on her FAQ page, where she states that "Cocoa is SCD illegal. However, I find that many people can start having it occasionally on the Full GAPS Diet, once the digestive symptoms are gone." It is important to note that this update may not be widely known, as some sources still list chocolate as prohibited on the GAPS diet.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, and to tailor the diet to your individual health and lifestyle needs.
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Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride initially prohibited cocoa on the GAPS diet
The GAPS diet, developed by Dr. Campbell-McBride, is a healing protocol that focuses on nutrient-dense foods. It is designed to support individual health and lifestyle needs, with a particular emphasis on gut health. The diet typically includes meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, and fermented dairy, among other whole foods.
Cocoa powder, which is derived from cocoa beans, contains caffeine and some other compounds that may be stimulating to the body. For this reason, it was initially prohibited on the GAPS diet, especially for those with adrenal fatigue or sensitive digestive systems. However, Dr. Campbell-McBride has since clarified that cocoa powder can be introduced occasionally once digestive symptoms have improved.
It is important to note that cocoa powder should be pure and organic, without any added sugar or milk powder. It can be mixed with honey and sour cream or added to homemade ice cream and cakes. While cocoa is a good source of magnesium and essential amino acids, it is important for individuals to listen to their bodies and observe any reactions after consuming cocoa products.
As with any diet, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting the GAPS diet. Dr. Campbell-McBride typically advises following the Full GAPS diet for a minimum of 18-24 months, and there are specialized versions of the diet outlined in her book, Gut and Physiology Syndrome, to cater to different health needs.
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Cocoa powder is SCD illegal
Cocoa powder is considered illegal on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) and is not recommended by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, the founder of the GAPS diet. However, once an individual's digestive symptoms have subsided, cocoa powder may be introduced occasionally on the Full GAPS Diet.
The GAPS diet, or Gut and Psychology Syndrome diet, is an eating protocol designed to support gut health and overall psychology. The Full GAPS Diet includes nutrient-dense, healing foods and expands food choices according to an allowed and non-allowed foods list. Generally, it emphasizes meat, fish, eggs, fermented dairy (if tolerated), and vegetables.
Cocoa powder is not permitted on the introductory GAPS diet due to its potential impact on gut health. Cocoa contains caffeine and other compounds that may be difficult for some individuals to digest, especially those with sensitive digestive systems or adrenal fatigue. Introducing cocoa too early in the diet could potentially trigger digestive issues or exacerbate existing ones.
However, once an individual's gut health has improved, some practitioners, including Dr. Natasha, suggest that cocoa powder can be reintroduced in moderation. Pure organic cocoa powder that is free from added sugar or milk powder is recommended. It can be mixed with honey and sour cream to make a dessert or added to homemade ice cream or cakes.
It is important to note that the GAPS diet should be tailored to individual needs and tolerances. While cocoa powder may be reintroduced for some, others may find that their digestive systems do not tolerate it well, even after healing. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare practitioner or a certified GAPS practitioner before making any dietary changes or introducing new foods.
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Cocoa powder contains caffeine, so limit consumption if adrenals are fatigued
The GAPS diet, based on Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride's book Gut and Psychology Syndrome, is a diet that focuses on healing through nutrient-dense foods. The diet typically includes meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, and fermented foods. While chocolate was initially on the list of prohibited foods, it has since been allowed in moderation, provided that digestive symptoms have subsided and there are no adverse reactions.
Cocoa powder, a key ingredient in chocolate, is permissible on the GAPS diet, but it should be introduced cautiously. Cocoa powder contains small amounts of caffeine, with approximately 8.4 milligrams per tablespoon. If you suspect that your adrenals are fatigued, it is advisable to limit or avoid cocoa consumption to prevent further fatigue. Adrenal issues are a consideration on the GAPS diet, and starchier foods like grains, potatoes, and sweet potatoes may be included for those with energy dips.
While cocoa powder is a rich source of magnesium and essential amino acids, it is important to monitor your body's reaction to it. Some individuals may experience diarrhea or gut sensitivity after consuming chocolate or cocoa products. Therefore, it is recommended to introduce cocoa powder gradually and observe any reactions. If diarrhea or other negative symptoms occur, it is best to refrain from consuming cocoa.
The GAPS diet emphasizes the importance of tailoring the diet to individual needs. Before introducing cocoa powder or making any significant dietary changes, it is essential to consult with a healthcare practitioner to ensure it aligns with your specific health requirements. Additionally, it is worth noting that the GAPS diet has received criticism and skepticism from some healthcare professionals. Thus, it is advisable to exercise caution and seek personalized advice from a trusted medical professional.
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Cocoa powder can be mixed with honey and sour cream to make a dessert
Cocoa powder is allowed on the GAPS diet, but only once digestive problems have subsided. Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride has approved cocoa powder on GAPS, but consumers need to make a determination on their gut health. Cocoa powder contains some caffeine, so if you have adrenal fatigue, you may want to limit or avoid consumption.
Another way to make this dessert is to mix cocoa powder, honey, and water to make a syrup. This syrup can be refrigerated and used to make chocolate milk or mocha coffee.
For those on the GAPS diet, this dessert can be a treat once digestive symptoms have subsided. The Full GAPS Diet includes nutrient-dense, healing foods, with a focus on meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, and fermented dairy. The diet should be tailored to individual health and lifestyle needs, and it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare practitioner before beginning any new diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cocoa powder is not allowed on the introductory GAPS diet. However, it is permissible on the Full GAPS Diet, but only once digestive symptoms are gone.
The introductory GAPS diet includes nutrient-dense, healing foods like meat stocks, broths, soups, and fermented foods. The Full GAPS Diet expands the food choices according to the allowed and non-allowed foods list.
Foods to avoid on the Full GAPS Diet include grains, sugar, potatoes, parsnips, yams, sweet potatoes, and cheese.
Allowed foods on the Full GAPS Diet include eggs, meats, fish, shellfish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, garlic, and olive oil.










































