Is Applesauce Allowed on Daniel Fast? A Guide to Unsweetened Options

Inspired by the prophet Daniel's biblical fast of eating only 'vegetables and water,' the Daniel Fast focuses on a plant-based diet. But as you plan your meals, a common question arises: Is applesauce allowed on Daniel Fast?

Quick Summary

This guide clarifies the rules for including applesauce in the Daniel Fast, emphasizing the importance of checking ingredients for added sugars and preservatives. It offers advice on homemade versions and compatible store-bought options for a successful fast.

Key Points

• Unsweetened Applesauce is Allowed: Store-bought applesauce is permissible on the Daniel Fast, but only if it contains no added sugar, sweeteners, or preservatives.

• Always Read the Label: Scrutinize the ingredient list of all packaged foods, including canned applesauce, to ensure it is free from non-compliant additives.

• Homemade is the Safest Option: Making applesauce at home using only apples, water, and optional spices like cinnamon guarantees compliance and avoids unwanted ingredients.

• Prioritize the Spirit of the Fast: While food rules are important, focus on the spiritual discipline and intentionality behind choosing whole, natural foods rather than getting caught in legalistic details.

• Avoid All Forms of Sweeteners: The Daniel Fast forbids all sweeteners, both natural and artificial, so even 'healthy' sweeteners like honey or agave are out.

• Canned Options Are OK with Vigilance: Canned fruit, including applesauce, can be used if no sugar has been added during the canning process.

• Consider Ascorbic or Citric Acid: Some brands use naturally derived preservatives like ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) or citric acid, which are generally considered acceptable.

The Core Principles of the Daniel Fast

The Daniel Fast is a partial fast rooted in biblical accounts from the book of Daniel. It emphasizes a diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and water, while abstaining from animal products, refined sugars, leavened bread, processed foods, and deep-fried items. The fast's purpose is spiritual, focusing on drawing closer to God through self-denial and prayer.

What to Eat:

• Fruits: Fresh, frozen, canned (without added sugar), or dried fruits.
• Vegetables: All types are permitted.
• Whole Grains: Such as brown rice, oats, and quinoa.
• Legumes: Including beans, lentils, and peas.
• Nuts and Seeds: Raw, unsalted, and natural nut butters without added sugar.
• Oils: Minimal use for cooking (olive, canola, coconut).
• Herbs and Spices: All natural options are allowed.

What to Avoid:

• Animal Products: Meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
• Added Sugars and Sweeteners: Including sugar, honey, and artificial sweeteners.
• Leavened Breads: Products containing yeast.
• Processed Foods: Items with artificial additives.
• Deep-Fried Foods: Avoid anything deep-fried.
• Certain Beverages: Water is preferred; unsweetened juices and some nut milks sparingly; no caffeine or alcohol.

The Applesauce Dilemma: Minimal Processing is Key

Applesauce, while processed by cooking and pureeing, can be acceptable if minimally processed without additives. An unsweetened version made solely from apples and water aligns with the fast's focus on natural foods. The goal is spiritual, emphasizing whole foods over indulgent ones.

How to Choose Daniel Fast-Approved Applesauce

Reading the Label

Checking the ingredient list is crucial for store-bought applesauce. It should only contain apples, water, and possibly a compliant spice like cinnamon. Avoid products with added sugar, corn syrup, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Comparison of Applesauce Options for the Daniel Fast

Feature	Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce	Store-Bought Unsweetened Applesauce	Conventional Store-Bought Applesauce
Daniel Fast Status	Allowed	Allowed (with label check)	Not Allowed
Ingredients	Apples, water, optional spices (e.g., cinnamon)	Apples, water, sometimes ascorbic acid	Apples, high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, artificial flavors
Processing Level	Minimal	Low	Moderate to High
Control over Ingredients	Complete	Dependent on brand transparency	None (ingredients are fixed)
Spiritual Intent	Aligns fully with the 'natural foods' spirit of the fast	Aligns if no forbidden ingredients are added	Contradicts the spirit of avoiding added sugar

Make Your Own: A Simple and Satisfying Recipe

Making applesauce at home ensures compliance and can be a meaningful part of the fast.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 apples
• 1/2 cup water
• 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel, core, and chop apples.
2. Combine apples, water, and cinnamon in a pot.
3. Simmer until soft (15-20 minutes).
4. Mash or blend to desired consistency.
5. Cool and store in the refrigerator.

Applesauce and the Intent of the Fast

The Daniel Fast emphasizes spiritual discipline and intentionality. Choosing or making unsweetened applesauce aligns with this by focusing on natural flavors and avoiding indulgence. This mindful approach supports the fast's deeper purpose beyond just dietary rules.

Conclusion

Unsweetened applesauce is generally acceptable on the Daniel Fast. The key is to carefully read labels of store-bought options to avoid added sugars and preservatives. Making homemade applesauce is the safest way to ensure compliance. By understanding the fast's principles and focusing on its spiritual intent, you can include unsweetened applesauce in your diet.

Ultimate Daniel Fast Food Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have any kind of store-bought applesauce on the Daniel Fast?

No, you can only have store-bought applesauce if it is unsweetened and free of all added sugars, artificial preservatives, and other non-compliant additives. Always check the ingredient list carefully.

Is applesauce considered a processed food, and is that allowed?

Applesauce is technically a processed food, but minimally processed foods that are close to their natural state are acceptable. As long as it's made only from apples and water without added sugars, it fits the guidelines.

Are cinnamon applesauces permitted during the fast?

Yes, applesauce with cinnamon is acceptable, provided the cinnamon is simply a spice and no sugar has been added to the product. Check the ingredient list to confirm there are no hidden sweeteners.

Can I use bottled apple juice for my recipes on the Daniel Fast?

You can use 100% pure fruit juice with no added sugars sparingly. It is best to use it in recipes rather than as a primary beverage. The main beverage on the fast should be water.

Are canned fruits, including applesauce, allowed on the Daniel Fast?

Yes, canned fruits are allowed, but you must read the ingredients to ensure no sugar has been added during processing. Look for varieties canned in water or their own juice without extra sweeteners.

What is a safe alternative to store-bought applesauce if I am unsure?

A safe and compliant alternative is to make your own applesauce at home. Simply cook down apples with a bit of water and natural spices like cinnamon, ensuring you control all the ingredients.

Can I have applesauce as a dessert or a sweet treat?

Since the fast removes 'pleasant food' and sweeteners, unsweetened applesauce can serve as a simple dessert, aligning with the fast's focus on enjoying natural flavors without indulging in sweet temptations.