What Kind of Drinks Can I Have on the Daniel Fast?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

The Daniel Fast is based on a passage in the Bible where the prophet Daniel and his companions ate only "pulse" (plant-based foods) and drank only water for ten days. Understanding what kind of drinks can I have on the Daniel Fast is crucial for adhering to the principles of this spiritual discipline and ensuring a successful experience.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the beverages allowed and prohibited on the Daniel Fast, explaining the roles of water, unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices, and unsweetened plant-based milks. It clarifies the personal decision regarding herbal teas and reinforces the restrictions on caffeine, alcohol, and added sugars.

Key Points

Water is the Primary Drink: The fundamental rule is to drink water as your main beverage, just as Daniel did.
Juice Should Be Sparingly Used: 100% unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices are acceptable but should be used in moderation or in recipes due to sugar content.
Unsweetened Plant Milks Are for Recipes: Milks like almond or soy milk are allowed, but mainly as an ingredient in smoothies or cooking, not as a drink on its own.
Herbal Tea Is a Personal Call: Whether to have unsweetened herbal tea is a matter of personal conviction, as Daniel drank only water in the scriptures.
Caffeine and Alcohol Are Prohibited: Beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea) or alcohol are not permitted on the Daniel Fast.
Read Labels to Avoid Additives: Always check the ingredients on packaged drinks to avoid hidden sugars, sweeteners, and chemicals.
Infused Water is an Excellent Option: To add flavor without sugar, infuse water with fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs.

The Core Principle: Why Water is Your Primary Beverage

The most foundational principle of the Daniel Fast is drawing closer to God by simplifying your diet and abstaining from certain things as a sacrifice. Based on Daniel's example in the book of Daniel, chapter 1, where he and his companions drank only water, this pure and simple beverage is the cornerstone of the fast's hydration guidelines. Drinking plenty of water is also vital for physical detoxification and managing potential side effects like headaches during the initial days of the fast.

Many different types of water are considered acceptable:

Filtered and Spring Water: For everyday hydration.
Mineral Water: Excellent for replenishing minerals.
Unsweetened Sparkling Water: A compliant substitute for soda, as long as it has no added sweeteners or flavors.
Fruit-Infused Water: Adding slices of fresh fruit like lemon, orange, or berries to water can provide subtle flavor without adding sugar, making it more appealing for those used to sweetened drinks.

Approved Alternatives and Their Limitations

While water is the central focus, other plant-based liquids are generally permitted with careful consideration for their content and usage.

Fruit and Vegetable Juices

100% all-natural, unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices are typically allowed but should be used sparingly. Most Daniel Fast authorities recommend prioritizing whole fruits and vegetables due to their higher fiber content. Juice is often best used as an occasional supplement or as an ingredient in other recipes, such as smoothies, rather than as a primary source of daily hydration. Always check the label to ensure no added sugars or preservatives.

Unsweetened Plant-Based Milks

Unsweetened plant-based milks, such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and rice milk, are permitted for use in recipes but are not intended to be a primary beverage. They can be blended into a smoothie or used in place of dairy milk in cooking. As with juices, it is crucial to read the ingredients list carefully to avoid any hidden sweeteners or additives.

A Personal Decision: The Case of Herbal Tea

The question of whether to include herbal tea is a point of personal conviction and interpretation. Some interpreters take a very strict, literal approach to Daniel's example of drinking only water and therefore exclude all teas, even decaf herbal ones. Others consider unsweetened, caffeine-free herbal teas to be permissible, aligning with the spirit of the fast by providing a natural, plant-based drink. It is recommended to pray about this decision and decide what feels right for your personal fast. All caffeinated teas (green, black, etc.) are strictly prohibited.

A Quick Guide to Daniel Fast Drink Choices


Beverage Type	Compliance	Usage and Considerations
Water (Filtered, Spring, Mineral)	Fully Compliant	Your primary and most essential beverage. Aim for plenty of glasses throughout the day.
Unsweetened Sparkling Water	Fully Compliant	An excellent replacement for soda. Check for natural carbonation and no added flavors or sugars.
Fresh Fruit/Herb Infused Water	Fully Compliant	Add natural flavor and variety by infusing water with compliant fruits and herbs.
100% Unsweetened Juices	Moderately Compliant	Use sparingly or in recipes like smoothies. Avoid drinking in large quantities due to natural sugar content.
Unsweetened Plant Milks (Almond, Soy, etc.)	Moderately Compliant	Acceptable for use in smoothies or recipes. Not intended as a main beverage.
Unsweetened Herbal Tea (Caffeine-free)	Personal Discretion	A point of debate; some allow it, some abstain. Make a prayerful decision for your fast.
Coffee & Caffeinated Beverages	Not Compliant	Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea are prohibited due to caffeine and spiritual reasons.
Alcohol, Soda, Energy Drinks	Not Compliant	All alcoholic, carbonated, and sugary drinks are forbidden as part of the fast's purification focus.

A Final Reminder: Hydration with Intention

As you embark on your fast, the key is to approach your beverage choices with intentionality. The shift away from sugary and processed drinks towards simple, pure liquids like water is a central part of the spiritual journey. By focusing on adequate hydration with compliant beverages, you support your body while keeping your spiritual focus clear. Remember to read labels on any purchased products to ensure they are free of restricted ingredients like added sugars and artificial chemicals. For more details on the fast's overall guidelines, the Ultimate Daniel Fast website provides extensive resources and recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, unsweetened and unflavored sparkling water is allowed. Always check the label to ensure it contains no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other non-compliant ingredients.

No, both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee are restricted. This is based on avoiding stimulants and adhering to the spirit of the fast, which focuses on simpler beverages.

Unsweetened plant-based milks, such as almond, soy, and coconut milk, are allowed, but are best used as an ingredient in recipes rather than as a drink on its own.

100% unsweetened fruit juice is acceptable, but only in moderation. It is often used to flavor recipes or smoothies, but whole fruit is generally preferred due to its fiber content.

This is a matter of personal conviction. While some interpretations cite Daniel's water-only diet, others allow unsweetened, caffeine-free herbal teas. It is best to decide prayerfully.

Yes, smoothies made with a base of 100% fruit or vegetable juice, water, and approved ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and compliant plant milks are an excellent option.

Yes, infusing water with fresh fruits and herbs like lemons, cucumbers, or mint is a compliant way to add flavor and variety to your hydration.

No, all sodas, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, and any other drinks with added sugars, chemicals, or caffeine are strictly prohibited on the Daniel Fast.