Can You Have Coconut Milk on Daniel Fast? Rules and Guidelines

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to official Daniel Fast guidelines, unsweetened non-dairy milks, including coconut milk, are acceptable beverage alternatives and ingredients. However, adherence is strictly conditional on scrutinizing ingredient labels to ensure no prohibited sugars or preservatives are included. This article explains the rules, how to check for compliance, and offers a practical guide to using coconut milk during your fast.

Quick Summary

Adherents to the Daniel Fast may consume unsweetened and additive-free coconut milk as an ingredient or occasional beverage. Careful label reading is necessary to avoid forbidden sugars and preservatives. Water is the primary beverage, but compliant plant milks like coconut milk can be used in recipes.

Key Points

Label Check is Crucial: Only unsweetened coconut milk with no added chemicals or preservatives is allowed, so read labels carefully.
Water is Primary Beverage: While coconut milk can be used, the fast emphasizes water as the main beverage.
Use as an Ingredient: Compliant coconut milk is best used in recipes for added creaminess rather than as a primary drink.
Avoid Canned with Additives: Many canned versions contain gums and other additives; aim for the purest form or make your own.
Other Plant Milks are Compliant: If unsweetened, almond milk, soy milk, and other plant-based milks are also acceptable.
High Fat Content: Be mindful of the higher saturated fat content in coconut milk compared to other plant milks, especially canned varieties.

Understanding the Daniel Fast Principles

To determine if a food is compliant, it's crucial to understand the foundational principles of the Daniel Fast. This spiritual fast is based on the Prophet Daniel's experiences described in the Bible (Daniel 1 and 10), which involve abstaining from "pleasant foods," meat, and wine. The modern-day Daniel Fast is interpreted as a vegan diet centered on whole foods, with water being the primary beverage.

Core Dietary Rules

The fast emphasizes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. A key component is the avoidance of several food groups, including:

All animal products (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy)
All sweeteners (sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, etc.)
All leavened and refined breads
All deep-fried and highly processed foods
Caffeine and alcohol

Adherents are encouraged to be mindful of additives, chemicals, and preservatives, which necessitates careful reading of all packaged food labels.

The Verdict on Coconut Milk

Yes, you can have coconut milk on the Daniel Fast, but it must meet the strict requirements of being unsweetened and free from non-compliant additives. Canned and carton versions are both potentially acceptable, provided they pass the ingredient check. The fast's emphasis on whole, pure foods means homemade coconut milk is often the safest option to ensure compliance.

What to Look For: The All-Important Ingredient List

When purchasing store-bought coconut milk, the ingredient list is your most important tool. You must check for common prohibited items, including:

Added Sugars: Avoid any mention of sugar, cane juice, syrup, or artificial sweeteners.
Preservatives: Look for citric acid (natural preservatives like this are often permitted, but always double-check with your specific fast guidelines). Aim for products with minimal ingredients.
Gums and Emulsifiers: Additives like guar gum are common, and while many consider them acceptable, some stricter interpretations of the fast may advise avoiding them. The fewer the ingredients, the better.

For example, a compliant product might list only "coconut, water." A non-compliant one might add "cane sugar" or "natural flavors." Homemade versions offer complete control over ingredients.

Comparison: Coconut Milk vs. Other Daniel-Fast-Friendly Milks


Feature	Coconut Milk	Almond Milk	Soy Milk
Daniel Fast Compliance	Compliant (if unsweetened)	Compliant (if unsweetened)	Compliant (if unsweetened)
Creaminess	High; great for soups and smoothies	Low-medium; lighter texture	Medium; versatile for many recipes
Key Nutrition	High in fat (MCTs), manganese, and copper	Low calorie, low carb, high in Vitamin E	High in protein, often fortified
Best Uses on Fast	Curries, creamy sauces, thick smoothies	Cereal, smoothies, baking, general use	Smoothies, cooking, protein boost

How to Use Coconut Milk on Your Daniel Fast

While water is the recommended primary beverage, coconut milk can be a fantastic ingredient to add richness and flavor to your recipes. Here are some ideas:

Thickening Agent: Use canned coconut milk to create creamy, satisfying vegetable curries or soups, like a spiced butternut squash soup.
Smoothie Base: Blend with compliant fruits and vegetables for a thicker, more satiating smoothie.
Porridge: Mix unsweetened coconut milk with compliant grains like oats or brown rice for a warm, creamy morning porridge.
Sauces: Create savory sauces for whole grain pasta or stir-fried vegetables using a combination of compliant herbs and spices.

Making Your Own Daniel Fast Coconut Milk

For guaranteed compliance, making your own coconut milk is simple and rewarding. It removes any doubt about hidden additives. Here's a basic recipe:

Take two cups of unsweetened shredded coconut.
Blend the coconut with four cups of hot (not boiling) purified water for a few minutes until the water is milky.
Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag, squeezing out all the liquid.
Refrigerate and use within a few days.

Conclusion: Mindful Consumption is Key

In summary, the answer to "can you have coconut milk on Daniel Fast?" is a resounding yes, provided you exercise diligence in choosing unsweetened and additive-free varieties. The key to maintaining compliance lies in being a vigilant label reader. For absolute certainty, creating your own coconut milk from scratch is the best route. By being mindful and intentional with your food choices, you can successfully incorporate this versatile plant-based milk into your fast while staying true to its spiritual and dietary intentions. For more information, including recipes, and answers to frequently asked questions about the Daniel Fast, a reliable resource is the Daniel Fast Blog.

What are the rules for using coconut milk on the Daniel Fast?

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use canned coconut milk, but you must read the ingredient label carefully to ensure it is unsweetened and free of additives and preservatives. Some canned versions contain added sweeteners or emulsifiers that are not compliant.

No, sweetened coconut milk is not allowed on the Daniel Fast. All added sugars and sweeteners, including those found in most flavored plant milks, are strictly prohibited.

Coconut cream is a thicker, higher-fat version of coconut milk. While both are acceptable if unsweetened and additive-free, coconut cream is often used for thickening recipes, and its higher fat content means it should be used minimally.

No, water should be your main beverage on the Daniel Fast. Unsweetened plant milks like coconut milk can be used in recipes or occasionally as a drink, but should not replace water.

Yes, making homemade coconut milk is an excellent option because it gives you complete control over the ingredients, guaranteeing it is pure, unsweetened, and free of any prohibited additives.

Most Daniel Fast guidelines are primarily concerned with avoiding added sugars, preservatives, and animal products. While not typically a concern, the focus on whole, pure foods means that the fewer additives, the better. Check labels to ensure no other prohibited ingredients are included.

Other compliant plant-based milk alternatives include unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or rice milk. As with coconut milk, it is essential to check the ingredient list to confirm they are free from added sugars and preservatives.