Fasting has deep biblical roots and modern health benefits, but knowing what to drink during a fast can make or break your experience. In the Bible, most fasts involved water only, with a few absolute fasts allowing no food or drink for short periods. Today, fasting methods like intermittent and extended fasts allow for black coffee, herbal teas, and electrolytes, especially when done for physical health rather than spiritual focus.
Choosing the right beverages depends on your reason for fasting—whether it’s to draw closer to God or to reset your body. Water is always safe, while drinks with calories or sweeteners should generally be avoided. Want to fast effectively and stay aligned with your goals? Keep reading for a deeper dive into what to drink and why it matters.
Fasting is an ancient spiritual practice that’s evolved over thousands of years. In the Bible, fasting was often paired with prayer, repentance, and deep spiritual focus. Today, fasting has become popular for health, weight loss, and longevity. But whether you’re fasting for spiritual or physical reasons, the big question remains:
What should you drink during a fast—especially if you’re trying to follow biblical principles or modern science?
Let’s break it down clearly.
1. What Is Fasting in the Bible?
Biblical fasting wasn’t about diet trends. It was about seeking God.
In Scripture, fasting is usually abstaining from food for a set period to focus on God. Sometimes, it included water; other times, it didn’t.
Here are a few examples:
- Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness: “After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)
- Esther called a fast before risking her life for her people: “Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.” (Esther 4:16)
- Daniel ate no “pleasant food” for 21 days: “I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth.” (Daniel 10:3)
Biblical Fasting Types:
- Absolute Fast: No food or water (Esther 4:16).
- Normal Fast: No food, but water was likely consumed (Matthew 4).
- Partial Fast: Restricting certain foods (Daniel 10).
👉 Most biblical fasts were short-term. Extended absolute fasts were rare and usually supernatural (like Moses in Exodus 34:28).
2. What Did They Drink in the Bible During Fasts?
The Bible rarely specifies what people drank while fasting. However:
- Water was likely allowed during normal fasts.
- During absolute fasts, people drank nothing—but this wasn’t sustainable long-term.
There’s no mention of coffee, tea, or supplements in the Bible. Those are modern additions.
3. Modern Fasting: What’s Changed?
Today’s fasting includes various methods like:
- Intermittent Fasting (IF): Skipping meals for 12–20 hours a day.
- Extended Fasting: 24–72 hours or longer without food.
- Time-Restricted Eating: Eating within a set window (like 8 hours).
Most people today fast for health, not spiritual growth. The goals are different, but the discipline remains similar.
4. What Can You Drink While Fasting Today?
Let’s compare Biblical vs. Modern allowances:
| Drink | Biblical Fasting | Modern Fasting |
| Water | Allowed (except absolute fasts) | Recommended |
| Coffee (Black) | Not available | Allowed, zero-calorie |
| Herbal Tea (unsweetened) | Not available | Allowed |
| Bone Broth | Not biblical | Sometimes allowed (for long fasts) |
| Juice | Not typical in Bible | Generally avoided (contains sugar) |
| Wine | Biblical but avoided while fasting | Not recommended |
| Electrolytes (no calories) | Not biblical | Helpful in longer fasts |
| Milk or Cream | Not biblical | Breaks a fast (adds calories) |
Let’s go deeper on common drink options.
✅ Safe to Drink While Fasting
- Water
- Essential in all modern fasts.
- Keeps you hydrated and supports detox.
- Jesus likely drank water during His 40-day fast.
- Black Coffee
- Zero calories.
- Boosts focus and suppresses appetite.
- Avoid additives (milk, sugar).
- Herbal Tea
- Choose caffeine-free, sugar-free varieties.
- Ginger or peppermint tea helps with nausea or headaches.
- Electrolyte Water (no sugar)
- Prevents dehydration.
- Important during longer fasts (over 24 hours).
⚠️ Drink with Caution
- Bone Broth
- Contains calories (40–70 per cup).
- Breaks a “pure” fast but may support longer fasts by supplying sodium and nutrients.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (diluted)
- Some people drink it for blood sugar support.
- Doesn’t break a fast if kept under 5 calories.
❌ Avoid During Fasting
- Milk, Cream, or Sugar in coffee or tea.
- Fruit Juice – too much sugar, spikes insulin.
- Alcohol – not appropriate while fasting (or praying).
5. What Should You Drink? Depends on Your Purpose.
Let’s be direct. Your drink choices depend on why you’re fasting.
If You’re Fasting for Spiritual Reasons:
Stick to simplicity and discipline.
- Water only is a good rule.
- Skip coffee and supplements.
- Consider Daniel’s fast if you want a biblical food-based fast.
Tip: Combine your fast with Scripture reading and prayer. For example, Psalm 42:1 says: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”
If You’re Fasting for Health:
Stay hydrated and support your body.
- Water, black coffee, and herbal tea are fine.
- Use electrolytes during long fasts (over 24 hours).
- Bone broth is helpful if you feel weak—but technically breaks a fast.
6. Key Guidelines for What to Drink
Here’s a checklist you can follow:
✔️ Do Drink:
- Water (flat or sparkling, unsweetened)
- Black coffee (if not spiritually fasting)
- Unsweetened herbal tea
- Electrolyte drinks (calorie-free)
❌ Don’t Drink:
- Anything with calories (milk, juice, smoothies)
- Artificial sweeteners (they can spike insulin in some)
- Alcohol (not biblical while fasting, and harmful)
7. How Long Can You Fast Safely?
Biblical fasts ranged from 1 day to 40 days. Today, science supports intermittent and extended fasts—but with water.
- 16:8 fasting (eat in 8 hours, fast for 16): popular and safe long-term.
- 24–72 hour water fasts: safe for many people once or twice a month.
- Over 3 days? Do it under medical guidance.
👉 Absolute fasts (no food or water) should not be done for more than 24–48 hours without supervision.
8. Final Thoughts: What Should You Drink Today?
To put it simply:
- Fasting like Jesus? Drink only water.
- Fasting for your health? Add black coffee and tea if you want.
- Need electrolytes? Go for zero-calorie options.
Your fasting journey is personal. What matters most is your intention. If you’re fasting to seek God, keep it simple and prayerful. If you’re fasting to heal your body, listen to science and stay hydrated.
As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:31:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Recap: What to Drink During a Fast
| Drink Type | Spiritual Fast | Health Fast |
| Water | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Black Coffee | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Herbal Tea | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Bone Broth | ❌ No | ⚠️ Sometimes |
| Electrolytes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Whatever your reason for fasting, be wise. Be intentional. And drink what keeps you aligned with your goal.
FAQs: “Biblical vs. Modern Fasting: What Should You Drink Today?”
1. What is the difference between biblical and modern fasting?
Biblical fasting focuses on spiritual growth, repentance, and seeking God—often involving complete abstinence from food and sometimes water. Modern fasting, like intermittent fasting, is mostly done for health benefits and usually allows water, black coffee, and other non-caloric drinks.
2. Can you drink water during a biblical fast?
Yes, in most biblical fasts, water was likely consumed—especially during longer fasts like Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. The exception would be absolute fasts (like Esther’s), which included no food or drink but were very short.
3. Is black coffee allowed during a fast?
In modern fasting, black coffee is allowed because it has no calories and can suppress appetite. In a biblical or spiritual fast, it’s best to avoid it to maintain simplicity and focus on God.
4. What drinks break a fast?
Any drink with calories—like milk, juice, smoothies, or sugary coffee—can break a fast. Even bone broth and sweetened teas can disrupt fasting benefits if consumed during the fasting window.
5. Are electrolyte drinks okay during fasting?
Yes, as long as they’re calorie-free and sugar-free, electrolyte drinks can support hydration and prevent fatigue during longer fasts. They’re especially helpful in extended water fasts.
6. Can I drink herbal tea during fasting?
Yes, unsweetened herbal tea is fine during modern fasts. It has no calories and can help with nausea or cravings. For spiritual fasts, though, it’s best to stick with plain water unless otherwise guided.
7. Did Jesus drink anything during His fast?
The Bible doesn’t say explicitly, but since His fast lasted 40 days and He was fully human, it’s widely understood that He drank water during that time (Matthew 4:2).
8. Does drinking bone broth break a fast?
Yes, bone broth contains calories and breaks a strict fast. However, it’s sometimes used in extended fasting (48+ hours) to provide essential nutrients and electrolytes while minimizing digestive distress.
9. Should I avoid all drinks except water during a spiritual fast?
If your goal is spiritual clarity and focus on God, sticking with only water is a good practice. It keeps the fast simple and aligns with most biblical examples.
10. What’s the best drink for beginners starting their first fast?
Start with water, black coffee, and herbal tea (no sweeteners). These help manage hunger and keep you hydrated while maintaining the benefits of fasting.
