What drinks are allowed on the Daniel Fast?

November 20, 2025 •

2 min read

Based on biblical accounts, the Daniel Fast is a period of spiritual focus through a restricted diet, and understanding what drinks are allowed on the Daniel Fast is a fundamental starting point for participants. The fast's dietary guidelines are grounded in Daniel's commitment to simple, unprocessed foods and water, leading to specific rules for liquid consumption.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive overview of permitted beverages, including pure water, unsweetened plant milks, and 100% fruit juices, while detailing restrictions on caffeinated, alcoholic, and processed drinks. The article also provides clarity on common questions regarding tea and juice consumption during the fast.

Key Points

Water is the Primary Beverage: The foundation of all liquid intake during the fast is pure water, including filtered, distilled, spring, and unsweetened sparkling water.
Caffeine and Alcohol are Forbidden: Coffee, caffeinated tea, and all alcoholic beverages must be avoided as part of the fast's self-denial aspect.
100% Unsweetened Juice is Occasional: Natural, 100% fruit juice is allowed sparingly, primarily for recipes, not as a primary source of hydration.
Unsweetened Plant Milks are Permitted: Non-dairy milks like almond, soy, and coconut milk are acceptable as long as they contain no added sugar or artificial ingredients.
Herbal Tea is a Personal Choice: Whether to include caffeine-free herbal tea often depends on personal conviction, with some followers abstaining entirely as an additional sacrifice.
Read Labels Carefully: Processed beverages with added sugars, chemicals, and preservatives are forbidden, so it's essential to check the ingredient list of all packaged drinks.
Focus on the Spiritual Over the Rules: The intention behind the liquid rules is spiritual discipline and simplicity, not legalism. Participants should focus on prayer and connection with God.

The Daniel Fast is a spiritual discipline based on the Prophet Daniel's experiences in the Bible, serving as an intentional period of prayer and spiritual reflection through self-denial of certain foods and drinks. The rules for liquids emphasize simplicity and purity, aligning with the fast's spiritual purpose by avoiding artificial ingredients, sweeteners, and stimulants.

The Foundational Beverage: Water

Water is the most crucial drink during the Daniel Fast, mirroring Daniel's biblical practice. Staying hydrated is vital and options include filtered, spring, distilled, and unsweetened sparkling water. Drinking water supports both physical health and symbolizes spiritual cleansing.

Acceptable Alternatives: Juices and Plant-Based Milks

Beyond water, certain other liquids are permitted with careful consideration of their preparation and consumption frequency.

100% Fruit Juice: Unsweetened, 100% fruit juice can be used occasionally, primarily for recipes, due to its natural sugar content. Always confirm no sugar or preservatives are added by checking the label.
Unsweetened Plant-Based Milks: Milk alternatives free from added sugar and artificial additives are acceptable. These include almond, coconut, soy, rice, and hemp milk, suitable for recipes or with whole grains.

The Question of Herbal Tea

The allowance of herbal tea is often based on personal conviction. While some permit caffeine-free herbal teas due to their natural composition, others choose to abstain to more strictly follow Daniel's example of drinking only water, viewing it as a personal sacrifice.

A Clear List of Beverages to Avoid

To adhere to the fast's principles, many common drinks are prohibited due to processing, sugar content, or stimulating effects. These include:

Caffeinated drinks (coffee, green tea, black tea)
Alcoholic beverages
Carbonated drinks and sodas
Energy drinks
Sweetened juices
Dairy milk and other animal products

Comparison of Daniel Fast Beverages


Beverage Category	Allowed	Not Allowed
Water	Filtered, spring, distilled, sparkling (unsweetened)	Flavored waters with additives
Juice	100% unsweetened fruit juice (occasionally)	Juices with added sugar, preservatives, or from concentrate
Plant Milk	Unsweetened almond, coconut, soy, rice, hemp	Sweetened versions, added chemicals, dairy-based milks
Tea	Some caffeine-free herbal teas (personal conviction)	Caffeinated tea, green tea, black tea
Stimulants	None	Coffee (including decaf), energy drinks
Alcohol	None	All alcoholic beverages
Soda	None	Carbonated soft drinks

Conclusion: Prioritizing the Spiritual Purpose

The guidelines for what drinks are allowed on the Daniel Fast aim to simplify your diet and minimize distractions, fostering a focus on prayer and spiritual connection. While water is central and caffeine, alcohol, and added sugar are excluded, some choices like herbal tea may depend on individual conviction. The essence is a heart of sacrifice and seeking God, rather than strict legalism. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting any fast is advised for those with medical conditions. Further details on the fast are available on the Ultimate Daniel Fast website.

Further Resources

Ultimate Daniel Fast

Frequently Asked Questions

No, all forms of coffee, including decaffeinated, are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. The fast restricts all caffeinated beverages and stimulants.

Herbal tea is a point of personal conviction. Some allow caffeine-free herbal teas, while others abstain to more strictly adhere to Daniel's example of drinking only water. The focus is on the spiritual sacrifice, so the decision is up to the individual.

Yes, unsweetened sparkling water is allowed. However, avoid any flavored water that contains added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or other non-compliant ingredients.

You can have 100% unsweetened fruit juice, but only occasionally and in moderation. It is not meant to be a primary beverage, and you must check the label to ensure no sugar is added.

Yes, unsweetened plant-based milks like almond, soy, coconut, and rice milk are permitted. They are often used in recipes or on whole grains, but should not be a main drink.

Water is the most important beverage. It is the core liquid for hydration and aligns with Daniel's biblical example of simple, pure consumption.

The Daniel Fast is based on a vegan-style diet. All animal products, including dairy milk, cheese, and butter, are restricted.