Can you eat tortillas for Daniel Fast? A complete guide to permitted whole grains

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

The Daniel Fast is a partial fast based on the biblical book of Daniel, focusing entirely on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. When asking, 'Can you eat tortillas for Daniel Fast?', the answer depends entirely on the specific ingredients and how they are prepared, making label-reading an essential skill.

Quick Summary

The Daniel Fast permits whole grain and corn tortillas, provided they contain no leavening agents, added sugars, or refined flours. Carefully checking ingredient labels is essential for ensuring compliance with the fast's strict guidelines.

Key Points

Check Ingredients Carefully: Tortillas are only permitted if they contain no leavening agents, refined flour, or added sugars.
Corn Tortillas Can Be Permitted: Plain corn tortillas made with only masa, water, and salt are generally acceptable.
Avoid Most Flour Tortillas: Due to refined flour, yeast, and additives, most store-bought flour tortillas are not allowed.
Homemade is the Safest Option: Making tortillas from scratch with whole grain flour is the best way to ensure they are compliant with the fast.
No Deep-Fried Tortillas: All deep-fried items, including tortilla chips or tostadas, are strictly forbidden.
Prioritize Whole Grains: The fast emphasizes whole grains, so look for tortillas made with whole wheat, corn, or brown rice flour.

Understanding the Daniel Fast Rules on Bread and Grains

The Daniel Fast is a time of spiritual discipline and intentional eating, where participants restrict their diet to foods similar to those consumed by the biblical prophet Daniel. A core principle of the fast is the exclusion of leavened bread, refined sugars, and animal products. This principle is what primarily dictates whether or not a tortilla is acceptable. Tortillas, as a type of flatbread, can be compliant, but only if they are made from approved whole grains and contain no forbidden ingredients.

The Golden Rule: Ingredients Matter

The most important factor for including tortillas in your Daniel Fast is scrutinizing the ingredient list. The fast forbids all products made with yeast or other leavening agents, as well as added sugars. Many commercially available tortillas, even those marketed as 'whole wheat,' may contain these forbidden additives. Furthermore, the fast prohibits refined grains like white flour. Therefore, a permissible tortilla must be made with only whole grains and approved ingredients.

Permitted Ingredients in Tortillas:

Whole grains, such as whole wheat flour, corn masa, or brown rice flour.
Water.
Oil, but sparingly and not for deep frying. Olive, canola, and grapeseed oils are typically permitted.
Salt, herbs, and spices for flavoring.

Forbidden Ingredients in Tortillas:

Leavening agents, including yeast and baking powder/soda.
Added sweeteners, such as sugar, honey, or molasses.
Refined flour, like white flour.
Chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavorings.

Corn Tortillas vs. Flour Tortillas on the Daniel Fast

Understanding the distinction between corn and flour tortillas is crucial for adherence to the fast. Most flour tortillas are immediately disqualified due to the presence of refined white flour, sugar, and leavening agents. Corn tortillas, however, offer a promising alternative, but still require a careful review of their ingredients.

The Case for Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are often made with just a few, simple ingredients: corn masa, water, and lime. Since corn is a whole grain, this makes them a potentially compliant option. However, some brands might add preservatives or other non-compliant substances, so reading the label is non-negotiable. If you can find a brand that lists only corn masa, water, and maybe a little salt, you've found a suitable option for the fast. Just remember that deep-fried corn tortillas (tostadas or chips) are not allowed.

The Problem with Flour Tortillas

Conventional flour tortillas are typically made with white flour (a refined grain), shortening (a solid fat), and baking powder (a leavening agent), all of which are forbidden on the Daniel Fast. While it's possible to find whole wheat flour tortillas, these often contain yeast or baking powder to make them soft and pliable, which still makes them unacceptable. For this reason, it's generally best to avoid all store-bought flour tortillas during your fast unless you can confirm every single ingredient is compliant.

Homemade: The Safest Path to Daniel Fast Tortillas

The most reliable way to ensure your tortillas meet the fast's standards is to make them yourself. Homemade tortillas are a great option because you have complete control over the ingredients, guaranteeing they are unleavened, whole-grain, and free of additives. A basic recipe only requires whole-grain flour, water, and salt. You can use whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or even a nut or bean-based flour for a gluten-free option.

Simple Homemade Whole Wheat Tortilla Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add warm water until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
3. Cover and let rest for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into a thin circle.
5. Cook on a hot, un-greased skillet or griddle for about 30 seconds per side, or until lightly browned.

Comparison Table: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Tortillas


Feature	Store-Bought Tortillas	Homemade Tortillas
Ingredient Control	Often contain forbidden ingredients like yeast, sugar, and preservatives.	You control all ingredients, ensuring full compliance.
Convenience	Readily available and convenient, but require careful label-checking.	Requires time and effort to prepare, but eliminates uncertainty.
Compliance	High risk of containing non-compliant ingredients.	100% compliant when using only approved ingredients.
Flavor/Texture	Consistent, but often bland or overly processed.	Fresh, customizable flavor with varying textures based on flour.
Cost	Typically inexpensive.	Often less expensive in the long run.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Fast

So, can you eat tortillas for Daniel Fast? The answer is a conditional 'yes.' It hinges entirely on the ingredients. You must avoid refined flours, leavening agents, and added sweeteners. This means that while most store-bought flour tortillas are off-limits, some corn tortillas and any homemade, unleavened whole grain tortillas are perfectly acceptable additions to your diet. To be certain, your safest bet is to prepare your own tortillas from scratch, which also adds a deeper layer of intentionality to your fast. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy delicious, fast-compliant meals while focusing on your spiritual journey.

For more detailed information on Daniel Fast food guidelines, you can visit authoritative resources like the Ultimate Daniel Fast website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only if they are made from 100% whole grains (like corn or whole wheat) and contain no refined flours, leavening agents (such as yeast or baking powder), added sugars, or preservatives.

Corn tortillas can be acceptable, but it is critical to read the ingredient label. Many store-bought corn tortillas are made with just corn masa, water, and salt, making them compliant. Avoid brands that add preservatives or other restricted ingredients.

Only specific types of whole wheat tortillas are allowed. They must be unleavened, meaning they cannot contain yeast or baking powder. Most whole wheat flour tortillas available in stores contain these leavening agents, so it is often necessary to make them from scratch.

When purchasing tortillas, look for a simple ingredient list that includes only whole grain flour (e.g., whole wheat, corn masa), water, and salt. Immediately avoid products that list yeast, baking powder, sugar, shortening, or preservatives.

Yes, making your own tortillas is the best and safest way to ensure they adhere to the fast's rules. A simple recipe with whole grain flour, water, and salt is a perfect option, as it guarantees no hidden forbidden ingredients.

No, most tortilla chips are not allowed because they are deep-fried, which is forbidden on the Daniel Fast. Baked tortilla chips may be permissible, but you must still check the label to ensure they do not contain sugar or other restricted additives.

Unleavened bread is made without a leavening agent like yeast or baking powder, resulting in a flat, dense texture, like a homemade Daniel Fast tortilla. Leavened bread rises during baking, creating a soft, airy texture, and is forbidden on the fast.