Living with alpha-gal syndrome doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or variety in your diet. From savory delights to sweet treats, these are the best cookbooks to open up a world of delicious possibilities, even if you have a food allergy.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
Having the right recipes can be a game-changer, especially when navigating the dietary complexities of alpha-gal syndrome. Whether you’re a culinary newbie or a seasoned chef, the right tips, tricks, and techniques can transform your meals from mundane to mouthwatering. These are my picks for the best cookbooks that cater to an alpha-gal diet, each offering a unique approach to delicious, allergy-friendly cooking. From plant-based feasts to dairy-free delights, each cookbook is brimming with culinary inspiration.
In This Article
I love this curated list of alpha-gal friendly cookbooks so much that I’m giving one away every month in 2024.
January — The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook. Congratulations to Sandy P. from Jamestown, Tennessee!
February — The Blue Zones Kitchen. Congratulations to Melissa T. from Mountain Home, Arkansas!
March — Love Real Food. Congratulations to Marcy C. from Troutville, Virginia!
April — Go Dairy Free. Winner to be announced on April 24th
The Alpha Gal Allergy
By Lynn Colagrande
Diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome in 2013, Long Islander Lynn Colagrande wrote and published The Alpha Gal Allergy cookbook while learning to navigate the culinary challenges of alpha-gal syndrome. While the recipes are basic, recipe photos are black and white, and the book contains a few typos (like “iced chai tee” instead of “iced chai tea”), it’s a commendable effort — especially considering the lack of resources available at the time. Feedback from readers highlights the book’s practicality and the relief it brings to those struggling to adjust their diets.
I respect and admire Colagrande’s role as an alpha-gal cookbook pioneer. This offering is a testament to the resilience and creativity required to adapt to dietary restrictions. Among my favorites are the refreshing iced chai tea, the crisp cucumber salad, the hearty chicken and artichoke casserole, and the indulgent non-dairy cream cheese icing.
An Alpha Gal Cooks
By Kathleen Cahoj
An Alpha Gal Cooks is a heartfelt and practical resource created by a fellow alpha-gal who brings an authentic and relatable voice to the table, sharing her journey and the culinary adaptations she’s made living with alpha-gal syndrome.
The versatile recipes allow the home chef to use dairy-free or standard dairy ingredients based on their sensitivity. It includes a variety of dishes, from breakfasts and drinks to entrees and desserts, ensuring there’s something for every meal of the day. I particularly enjoy Cahoj’s creative presentation of several recipes in multiple ways. For example, her overnight oats recipe can be made in four ways, including a pumpkin pie, blueberry, chocolate peanut butter, and raisin cookie variety. Similarly, you can make her pavlova recipe in three ways: strawberry shortcake, orange curd with cranberry sauce, and raspberry jam with berries and chocolate sauce. By offering these varieties, she helps you prevent mealtime monotony.
Stepping into the path cleared by Lynn Colagrande, Katie Cahoj has created one of the best cookbooks specifically dedicated to alpha-gal syndrome on the market today. My favorites include the biscuits and gravy, shrimp tacos with spicy peanut slaw, and the peach and blueberry galette.
Sage Advice: Get to know Katie Cahoj and her journey with alpha-gal syndrome in this interview with Rural Missouri.
The Blue Zones Kitchen
By Dan Buettner
In The Blue Zones Kitchen, home cooks take a fascinating culinary journey around the world through regions known for their high concentration of centenarians. The cookbook offers 100 delicious recipes inspired by the diets of people in Sardinia, Okinawa, Nicoya, Ikaria, and Loma Linda, renowned for their longevity.
A Blue Zone diet typically aligns well with a Mediterranean diet. While that isn’t automatically the same as an alpha-gal diet, its emphasis on vegetables, fruits, plant-based fats, fish, poultry, beans, legumes, and eggs makes it a great starting point for alpha gals. While some recipes may not be alpha-gal friendly, the vast majority of offerings in this book are, and you can adapt the rest to be alpha-gal friendly, especially with adjustments for dairy.
One of my favorite sections of this cookbook is its list of the top longevity ingredients from each Blue Zone, including:
- olive oil in Sardinia,
- mushrooms in Okinawa,
- black beans from Nicoya,
- lemons from Ikaria, and
- avocados from Loma Linda
My favorite recipes from this cookbook include the porcini mushroom risotto, steamed purple sweet potatoes, hearts of palm ceviche, Ikarian longevity stew, and the sweet potato black bean burger. These recipes align with alpha-gal dietary needs and bring a taste of global longevity into your kitchen.
The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook
By America’s Test Kitchen
This cookbook is a treasure trove for anyone looking to embrace plant-based cooking. Described as a “one-stop resource for plant-based eating,” The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook is an International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) award-winning cookbook that boasts over 500 recipes that are entirely free of meat and dairy. It’s a fantastic option for those with alpha-gal syndrome, offering a wide range of dishes that naturally align with their dietary needs.
What sets this cookbook apart is its extensive collection of recipes and its practical guidance on setting up a plant-based kitchen. It includes invaluable information on plant-based cheese, yogurt, and cream, along with specific brand recommendations, which is particularly helpful for those new to this lifestyle. The “building block recipes” section is a standout feature, providing recipes for homemade broth, dairy-free milk, and cheese substitutes, empowering you to take full control of your ingredients.
The book is filled with delicious photos that are sure to inspire. At our house, standout recipes include Belgian waffles, thin-crust pizza with mushrooms and cashew ricotta, plant-based shepherd’s pie, and strawberry shortcakes with coconut whipped cream.
Fifty Shades of Chicken: A Parody in a Cookbook
By FL Fowler
Fifty Shades of Chicken is a New York Times Bestseller that brings a unique twist to the cookbook genre. It stands out for its recipes and entertaining style by parodying the Fifty Shades of Grey series as it seductively and hilariously presents 50 delicious chicken recipes.
While some recipes may not be alpha-gal friendly as written, they can be easily adapted. For instance, when you make the roasted chicken with bacon and sweet paprika, you can easily substitute regular bacon with chicken, turkey, or duck bacon. Similarly, for the crispy fried chicken, using homemade vegan buttermilk and an alpha-gal friendly oil makes it suitable for alpha gals.
My favorites from this book are the barbecued chicken sandwiches, coq au vin, and roasted chicken with truffle butter. These favorites showcase the book’s playful yet practical approach to chicken dishes.
Go Dairy Free: The Ultimate Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living
By Alisa Fleming
Go Dairy Free is the ultimate guide and cookbook for anyone looking to adopt a dairy-free diet. More than a collection of over 250 dairy-free recipes, it’s a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of living dairy-free. Before diving into the recipes, Fleming provides valuable tips on eating away from home, reading food labels, and detailing dairy substitutes, making it an invaluable tool for anyone new to this lifestyle.
While the book doesn’t include photos, which might be a downside for some, its wealth of information and recipes more than compensates. The recipes help you make plant-based milks, coffee creamer, ricotta, feta, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and more, putting you in complete control of what you eat.
This book is handy for alpha-gals as it focuses on dairy-free options. Some recipes include chicken, eggs, and similar ingredients. Still, in most cases, Fleming provides vegan options, making it adaptable for those who have adopted vegan eating to manage their alpha-gal allergy.
My favorites from this book include the silken sour cream, powdered cheeze mix, classic condensed cream of mushroom soup, and creamsicle chia pudding. These favorites exemplify the book’s versatility and ability to make dairy-free eating enjoyable and straightforward.
The Homemade Vegan Pantry
By Miyoko Schinner
This cookbook is a fantastic resource if you’re an alpha gal looking to create vegan staples at home. Packed with recipes from homemade condiments to cheese sauces, The Homemade Vegan Pantry is one of the best cookbooks an alpha gal can own. It even includes a vegan pastry dough that you can use to make dairy-free cinnamon rolls and Danish-style pastries.
One of the standout features of this cookbook is its versatility. Schinner provides alternative ways to make several items, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. For example, it includes recipes for classic eggless mayonnaise and variations like lemon cashew mayo and an oil-free eggless mayo, offering options for those who want to avoid certain ingredients or are looking for healthier alternatives.
Schinner’s book is a treasure trove of vegan essentials, providing the tools to create a variety of vegan staples that are both delicious and practical. My personal favorites from this book include the teriyaki sauce, any fruit chutney, porcini bolognese sauce, and the easy refrigerated pizza dough.
Homemade Yogurt & Kefir
By Gianaclis Caldwell
If you are interested in fermented and cultured foods, a vital part of a Mediterranean diet, Homemade Yogurt & Kefir is a fantastic resource. While alpha gals who can tolerate dairy will get the most from this book, several sections are dedicated to plant-based ingredients and recipes, including how to make plant milks at home and the unique challenges of fermenting vegan yogurts and kefirs.
My favorites from this book are the drinkable almondgurt and coconut cream yogurt. These recipes offer delicious dairy-free alternatives and provide a way to enjoy the probiotic benefits of fermented foods without dairy.
Incredible Vegan Ice Cream
By Deena Jalal
If you have a sweet tooth to satisfy, the Incredible Vegan Ice Cream cookbook will get the job done. With more than 50 creative and all-natural recipes, this book is perfect for anyone wanting to indulge in dairy-free frozen treats without compromising taste or texture.
The recipes in this book range from classic flavors like basic vanilla to more adventurous and unique combinations such as mango habanero. A key aspect of these recipes is using full-fat, canned coconut milk, ensuring the creamy and rich texture expected in ice cream. Additionally, all the ingredients are plant-based and natural, aligning well with a vegan lifestyle.
But Jalal doesn’t just stop at ice cream — the book also includes recipes for delicious mix-ins. For example, there’s a recipe for the chocolate cake used in the peanut butter mud pie and the vanilla shortbread in the lemon meringue pie ice cream.
It’s important to note that all of these recipes require an ice cream maker. For those who don’t already own one, this could be a small investment to consider for enjoying these treats.
My favorites from this book are the rockier road, cherry amaretto chunk, and Earl Grey shortbread. These flavors are unique and incredibly satisfying, proving that vegan ice cream can be just as decadent and enjoyable as its dairy counterparts. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or looking to explore dairy-free dessert options, Incredible Vegan Ice Cream is a must-have in your cookbook collection.
Sage Advice: Meet Deena Jalal, the author of the Incredible Vegan Ice Cream cookbook and founder of FoMu, a small chain of scratch, plant-based ice cream shops in Boston, in this interview with BOS Today.
Love Real Food: More Than 100 Feel-Good Vegetarian Favorites to Delight the Senses and Nourish the Body
By Kathryne Taylor
If you’re seeking a delightful cookbook that offers more than 100 vegetarian recipes, Love Real Food is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, plant-based meals. The beautiful book has professionally shot full-color photos and helpful tips for substituting ingredients and packing every bite with flavor. While the book does include dairy in some recipes, it is easy for those following a dairy-free alpha-gal diet to make substitutions. This flexibility makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of dietary preferences and needs.
The book covers a comprehensive range of meals, including breakfast, salads, soups, happy hour, mains, and desserts. Additionally, there’s a section at the end of the book that identifies great options for leftovers and prep-ahead party dishes, making it a practical choice for building everyday cooking habits as well as celebrating special occasions.
Some of my favorites from Love Real Food are the apple crisp breakfast parfaits; creamy arugula, goat cheese, and tomato pasta salad; roasted cauliflower and kale spaghetti with toasted almonds; coconut fried rice with edamame; and dark cherry almond crisp. These recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of vegetarian cooking and provide a satisfying and nourishing dining experience.
The Vegan Baked Donut Cookbook
By Ally Lazare
If you are an alpha gal who likes donuts, The Vegan Baked Donut Cookbook by Ally Lazare is one of the best cookbooks to satisfy your cravings. With 50 creative recipes to satisfy any donut craving, this book is perfect for those who love donuts but want to stick to a plant-based diet. You’ll find a wide range of donut recipes, from the classic plain and glazed varieties to more adventurous options. The book even includes a chapter titled “Not Quite Donuts,” featuring treats like beignets, eclairs, donut holes, and fritters, expanding the variety beyond traditional donuts.
One of the strengths of this cookbook is its informative background on the ingredients necessary for successful dairy-free baking. It covers essential components like flours, sweeteners, binders, and dairy replacements, making it an invaluable resource for those new to vegan baking. While the book could benefit from more photos, the recipes are well-explained and easy to follow.
My favorites include the chai latte donuts, blueberry glazed donuts, peach streusel donuts, savory “cheese” and herb donuts, and beignets with chocolate dipping sauce. These recipes cater to a vegan diet and promise a delightful and indulgent experience for all donut lovers.
The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook
By Nisha Vora
As one of the best cookbooks for plant-based cuisine, The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook provides a range of delicious and accessible recipes perfect for everyone from a seasoned vegan cook to a vegan virgin. Authorized by Instant Pot, this cookbook makes vegan cooking more enjoyable and less time-consuming by leveraging the convenience and versatility of this popular kitchen appliance.
By covering a wide range of plant-based recipes across all courses, from breakfast to dessert, it’s a great way to enjoy delicious vegan meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, Vora includes recipes for pantry basics like mushroom broth, vegan cheese sauce, and blueberry mojito jam, which are essential for adding depth and flavor to vegan dishes.
I love how Vora’s cookbook makes vegan cooking more accessible and enjoyable than ever thanks to the Instant Pot. My favorites from this cookbook include the butternut squash buckwheat porridge, garlicky broccoli with orange zest and almonds, filling red curry rice noodle soup, and tasty pecan pumpkin mousse tart.
Vegetarian Cookbook for Beginners
By Ashley Colman
This cookbook is an excellent guide for anyone embarking on a vegetarian journey or looking to expand their plant-based recipe repertoire. With over 600 easy recipes, Colman’s Vegetarian Cookbook for Beginners covers many dishes, including breakfast, salads, soups, snacks, sides, main dishes, and desserts.
While the book is vegetarian, it’s important to note that not all recipes are dairy-free. Therefore, some recipes will require substitutions if you’re following a dairy-free alpha-gal diet. However, many recipes are inherently dairy-free, making this book a versatile choice for various dietary needs.
The cookbook only includes photos on the front and back covers, which might be a downside for those who prefer visual references for their cooking. However, the sheer volume and wide variety of recipes make up for this, offering something for every taste and occasion.
My favorites from this cookbook include the lemon blackberry waffles, Brussels sprout and roasted chickpea salad, chipotle mushroom taquitos, and avocado chocolate mousse. These recipes demonstrate the diversity and deliciousness possible within vegetarian cooking, making it an excellent resource for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
What is the Best Cookbook for an Alpha-Gal Diet?
Have you read any of these cookbooks? Do you have a favorite book or recipe? Is there a great alpha-gal friendly cookbook that needs to be added to my list? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
This is a great resource. I have a couple of these books in my Amazon cart and haven’t been able to decide. Thanks for your insight into them!
Thank you so much for sharing these outstanding books. I will have to take a closer look at some of the vegan ones, as we do have vegan family members and I am always on the lookout for some new ideas for main meals and treats for all. When we visit with them we ONLY do vegan foods, so I am running out of ideas. Thank you so much.
Hi Esmé! If I could ONLY pick one vegan-friendly book on this list, it would be The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook. Just in case that helps you narrow things down! 🙂
Need the donut cookbook!! Thanks for sharing.
Another book I’ve been using is Plant over Processed 😊
Donuts make me happy! I’ll check out Plant Over Processed. Sounds like a wise move for everyone, even if they’re not living with alpha-gal!
Thank you for sharing these! I love cookbooks! I like to check them out of the library to see if I like them before I buy. It saves money and helps local libraries. Then I can come back here and buy from one of your links! Thanks 😊
That’s a great strategy!
I’ve used An Alpha Gal Cooks and plan on using it a lot more! Great recipes!
It’s a great guide for alpha gals!