Is cassava flour Daniel Fast approved? Understanding the dietary guidelines

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Ultimate Daniel Fast, only whole grains are permitted, excluding processed and refined flours. For those wondering about the suitability of certain plant-based ingredients, such as cassava flour, it is crucial to understand these foundational rules before incorporating them into a Daniel Fast meal plan.

Quick Summary

Cassava flour is not compliant with the fast's guidelines because it is a processed food derived from a root, not a whole grain. The fast restricts refined products and permits only whole grains like brown rice or millet, making cassava flour an unsuitable ingredient for the spiritual discipline.

Key Points

Not Approved: Cassava flour is not permitted on the Daniel Fast because it is a processed food, not a whole grain.
Whole Grains Only: The Daniel Fast rules specifically require the consumption of only whole grains, which retain the entire grain kernel.
Refined Food Restriction: The fast prohibits refined and processed items, and cassava flour is the result of processing a starchy root.
Recommended Replacements: Safe alternatives include whole grain flours such as brown rice flour, whole wheat flour, spelt flour, or millet flour.
Origin Matters: Cassava is a tuberous root, not a cereal grain, which is a key distinction from the grain flours that are permitted.
Check Labels: Even when using whole grain flours, it is essential to check labels for additives, preservatives, leavening agents, or added sugars that are not allowed.

Why Cassava Flour Is Not Approved for the Daniel Fast

The short and direct answer is that cassava flour is not approved for the Daniel Fast. The reasoning behind this is rooted in the core principles of the fast, which focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods and specifically restrict processed and refined products. While cassava itself is a root vegetable and therefore plant-based, the flour made from it undergoes processing that renders it non-compliant with the fast's strict rules.

The Daniel Fast is a partial fast based on the biblical account of Daniel, who abstained from rich foods and wine. Modern interpreters of this fast have established guidelines that prioritize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while forbidding leavened bread, processed foods, and added sugars. Cassava flour falls into the category of processed or refined products, similar to white flour, and is thus excluded.

The Daniel Fast Guidelines on Grains and Flours

The central guideline that excludes cassava flour relates to the consumption of grains. The Daniel Fast allows for whole grains only. A whole grain contains the entire kernel—the bran, germ, and endosperm. Examples of approved whole grains include:

Whole wheat
Brown rice
Oats
Quinoa
Millet
Spelt
Barley

Flours derived from these whole grains, provided they are made from the entire grain and contain no additives, are generally permissible. This is in stark contrast to cassava flour, which, despite being made from the whole cassava root, is not a grain at all and is the product of a milling process. The fast specifically prohibits white flour and white rice because they have been refined, removing key parts of the original food source.

How Cassava Flour Is Made

Cassava flour is produced from the starchy tuberous root of the cassava plant. The process involves several steps:

Peeling: The toxic outer skin is removed.
Pulping or grating: The root is ground into a pulp.
Dewatering: Excess liquid is pressed out.
Drying: The remaining pulp is dried.
Milling: The dried material is ground into a fine powder.

While this process retains the fiber and nutrients of the whole root, it is still a form of processing. The key distinction from a Daniel Fast perspective is that it is not a whole grain flour. Different preparation methods, such as fermentation (used to make gari in some regions), could also introduce other issues, depending on the fast's specific rules regarding fermented foods.

Cassava Flour vs. Approved Daniel Fast Flours


Feature	Cassava Flour	Whole Grain Flours (e.g., Brown Rice, Whole Wheat)
Source	Starchy tuberous root	Cereal grains (seeds)
Classification	Processed plant-based food	Whole grains
Daniel Fast Status	Not Approved (processed, not a whole grain)	Approved (as they are whole grains)
Common Use	Gluten-free baking, tortillas	Breads, pasta, tortillas
Processing	Dehydrated and milled root	Milled whole grain
Key Dietary Point	Its processing and origin (not a grain) are the issue.	Remains in its whole, unprocessed state.

What to Use Instead of Cassava Flour on the Daniel Fast

If you need a flour for baking or thickening while on the Daniel Fast, several approved alternatives are available. These options are derived from whole grains, aligning with the fast's emphasis on unprocessed foods. Consider these suitable replacements:

Brown Rice Flour: Made from whole brown rice, this is a versatile, gluten-free option for various recipes.
Whole Wheat Flour: A classic whole grain flour, perfect for making compliant breads or other baked goods.
Spelt Flour: An ancient whole grain, spelt can be used in many recipes as a whole wheat alternative.
Millet Flour: Another whole grain option that is gluten-free and can be used in blends.
Oat Flour: If you grind whole rolled oats into a flour, this is a compliant and nutritious choice.

Remember to check the ingredient list of any pre-packaged flours or baked goods to ensure they contain no added sugars, preservatives, or leavening agents, which are also restricted.

Conclusion

While cassava flour may seem like a plausible option for the Daniel Fast due to its plant-based origin, it fails to meet the specific requirements of the fast. The fast mandates the consumption of whole grains and prohibits refined and processed foods, a category into which cassava flour falls. To remain compliant, participants should opt for flours made from approved whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat, or millet. This adherence ensures the fast maintains its spiritual purpose of sacrifice and discipline through intentional, whole-food choices.

Ultimate Daniel Fast Food Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Cassava flour is considered a processed food because it is made by peeling, dehydrating, and milling the raw cassava root into a fine powder, transforming it from its whole state into a refined product.

While both are derived from the cassava plant, cassava flour uses the whole, dried, and ground root, while tapioca flour is only the extracted starch of the root, making tapioca even more refined and less fibrous.

Approved flour substitutes include those made from whole grains, such as brown rice flour, whole wheat flour, oat flour, and spelt flour, as these align with the fast’s guidelines.

No, not all plant-based foods are allowed. The fast prohibits processed foods, leavening agents, and added sugar, even if they are plant-derived.

Yes, many Daniel Fast guides indicate that fermented foods, like gari made from cassava, are to be avoided. The fermentation process is often seen as a form of processing that deviates from the focus on pure, whole foods.

Cornstarch is typically not allowed on the Daniel Fast because it is a highly refined and processed product, containing only the starch of the corn kernel.

As a whole, unprocessed root vegetable, raw or cooked cassava root is generally permissible, unlike the processed cassava flour.