The Daniel Fast is more than just a diet—it’s a spiritual commitment rooted in Scripture, and what you drink plays a key role in keeping that commitment. This fast emphasizes simplicity and sacrifice, which means sticking to natural, God-made beverages like water, fresh juices, caffeine-free herbal teas, and unsweetened smoothies. Avoiding stimulants like caffeine, sugar, and alcohol helps you detox physically and focus spiritually, aligning your body and mind with the purpose of the fast.
By following these guidelines, you not only stay true to the biblical example of Daniel but also support your health through improved hydration, energy, and detoxification. Staying disciplined in what you drink keeps you grounded in the heart of the fast—drawing closer to God. Keep reading for a deeper dive into specific drink options, practical tips, and spiritual insights to help you succeed on your Daniel Fast journey.
If you’re starting a Daniel Fast or just exploring what it’s about, you’ve probably asked: What can I drink during this fast? You’re not alone. While food guidelines are talked about often, the beverage rules can be confusing. In this guide, we’ll cover what you can and can’t drink, the spiritual reasoning behind the restrictions, and offer simple health tips to help you stay hydrated and spiritually focused.
What Is the Daniel Fast?
Before we jump into what you can drink, here’s a quick refresher on what the Daniel Fast actually is.
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast based on the biblical accounts of the prophet Daniel. In Daniel 1:12, he asked to be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink instead of the rich foods and wine from the king’s table. Later, in Daniel 10:2-3, he writes:
“I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
The fast is typically followed for 21 days and is intended to deepen your spiritual life, discipline your body, and draw closer to God.
General Rules of the Daniel Fast
Before focusing on drinks, let’s quickly cover the core principles of the fast:
- No animal products – No meat, dairy, or eggs.
- No sweeteners – No sugar, honey, syrup, or artificial sweeteners.
- No processed foods – Stick with whole, natural foods.
- No leavened bread or yeast – Nothing baked with yeast or baking powder.
- No caffeine or alcohol – Drinks should be natural and free of stimulants.
What You CAN Drink on the Daniel Fast
Here’s the clear answer: Water is your primary beverage during the Daniel Fast. But there’s a bit more flexibility if you stay within the boundaries. Let’s break it down.
1. Water (Still or Sparkling)
- Plain, filtered water is the gold standard.
- You can also drink sparkling or carbonated water, as long as it’s unsweetened and unflavored.
- Add lemon, lime, or cucumber slices for a little flavor.
💡 Tip: Aim for at least 64 ounces of water a day to stay hydrated.
2. 100% Natural Fruit or Vegetable Juice (In Moderation)
- Must be 100% juice with no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
- Best if you juice it yourself.
- Drink small amounts—this fast isn’t about fruit sugar overload.
🍎 Example: Freshly juiced apple-carrot-ginger mix is a great option.
3. Homemade Smoothies (No Sweeteners or Dairy)
- Use water, unsweetened almond milk, or coconut water as the base.
- Add fruits, veggies, seeds like chia or flax, and leafy greens.
- No protein powders or supplements unless they meet fast guidelines.
🥤 Tip: A green smoothie with spinach, banana, and water is simple and Daniel Fast-friendly.
4. Herbal Teas (Caffeine-Free and Unsweetened)
- You can drink natural, caffeine-free herbal teas.
- No added flavors, artificial ingredients, or sweeteners.
- Good choices: peppermint, chamomile, ginger, or rooibos.
🫖 Avoid black or green tea—they contain caffeine, which is off-limits.
5. Coconut Water (Unsweetened, Natural Only)
- Hydrating and rich in electrolytes.
- Must be pure coconut water with no additives or flavoring.
🥥 Drink in moderation—some brands sneak in sugar.
Drinks to AVOID on the Daniel Fast
Be strict here. Even “healthy-looking” drinks can break the fast.
- Coffee and Caffeinated Tea – Caffeine is considered a stimulant.
- Soda and Energy Drinks – Loaded with sugar, chemicals, and caffeine.
- Milk and Dairy-Based Drinks – No cow’s milk, cream, or yogurt drinks.
- Alcohol of Any Kind – All forms of alcohol are off-limits.
- Sweetened Beverages – Anything with sugar, honey, syrups, or artificial sweeteners is not allowed.
- Store-Bought Smoothies or Juices – These often contain added sugars and preservatives unless labeled 100% and verified.
Why These Restrictions?
The Daniel Fast is about sacrifice, simplicity, and spiritual focus. Removing caffeine, sugar, and processed drinks helps detox your body and reduce distractions. It brings your focus back to God and allows time for prayer, meditation, and Scripture.
Fasting isn’t just a diet—it’s a spiritual discipline. As Romans 12:1 says:
“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Removing stimulating drinks helps you rely more on God’s strength and less on earthly crutches like caffeine or sugar.
Spiritual Tips While Drinking on the Fast
1. Pray When You Drink
Use water breaks as moments to pray. Thank God for provision and ask for strength to continue the fast.
2. Use a Journal
Write down what God is showing you each day—especially when cravings hit. Often, physical hunger points to deeper spiritual hunger.
3. Read Scripture Daily
Build a habit of reading God’s Word. Try reading Daniel 1 and 10 to understand the heart behind the fast.
Health Benefits of Following the Drink Guidelines
Sticking to clean, natural drinks can lead to real health wins:
- Better hydration – Water-based drinks support your cells and digestion.
- Improved energy – No caffeine crashes, just steady energy from whole foods.
- Liver and kidney detox – Without alcohol or sugar, your organs work more efficiently.
- Reduced inflammation – Removing dairy, sugar, and processed drinks lowers inflammation.
- Weight management – Fewer liquid calories can help with weight control.
Quick Drink Guide Cheat Sheet
| Drink | Allowed? | Notes |
| Plain water | ✅ | Drink plenty |
| Sparkling water | ✅ | Must be unsweetened |
| 100% fruit/veg juice | ✅ | In moderation |
| Herbal tea (caffeine-free) | ✅ | No additives |
| Smoothies (homemade) | ✅ | No sweeteners or dairy |
| Coconut water (unsweetened) | ✅ | Check the label |
| Coffee | ❌ | Contains caffeine |
| Soda | ❌ | Sugar, chemicals |
| Alcohol | ❌ | All kinds |
| Milk/dairy drinks | ❌ | Animal-based |
Final Thoughts
The Daniel Fast isn’t about perfection—it’s about purpose. What you drink matters because it reflects your commitment to honoring God with your body (1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”).
Keep it simple. Stick to natural, God-made drinks. When you get tempted, pause and pray. Let every sip remind you of the reason you started this journey.
And remember, it’s not just about what you can’t drink—it’s about what God can do in your life when you seek Him first.
Ready to Start?
Stay hydrated, stay committed, and keep your eyes on the spiritual rewards ahead. You’ve got this.
The Daniel Fast is more than just a diet—it’s a spiritual commitment rooted in Scripture, and what you drink plays a key role in keeping that commitment. This fast emphasizes simplicity and sacrifice, which means sticking to natural, God-made beverages like water, fresh juices, caffeine-free herbal teas, and unsweetened smoothies. Avoiding stimulants like caffeine, sugar, and alcohol helps you detox physically and focus spiritually, aligning your body and mind with the purpose of the fast.
By following these guidelines, you not only stay true to the biblical example of Daniel but also support your health through improved hydration, energy, and detoxification. Staying disciplined in what you drink keeps you grounded in the heart of the fast—drawing closer to God. Keep reading for a deeper dive into specific drink options, practical tips, and spiritual insights to help you succeed on your Daniel Fast journey.
FAQs: What to Drink During a Daniel Fast
- What can I drink during a Daniel Fast?
You can drink water (still or sparkling), 100% natural fruit or vegetable juices (in moderation), caffeine-free herbal teas, unsweetened smoothies, and natural coconut water. The key is to avoid anything processed, sweetened, or caffeinated. - Is coffee allowed during a Daniel Fast?
No, coffee is not allowed. The Daniel Fast prohibits all forms of caffeine to promote physical detox and spiritual discipline. - Can I drink tea during a Daniel Fast?
Yes, but only herbal, caffeine-free teas without any sweeteners, artificial flavors, or dairy additives. Peppermint, chamomile, and ginger teas are great options. - Are smoothies okay on the Daniel Fast?
Yes, as long as they’re homemade with approved ingredients. Use water or unsweetened plant-based milk as a base, and avoid adding any sweeteners, dairy, or protein powders with additives. - Can I drink almond or oat milk?
Only if it’s unsweetened and doesn’t contain additives, preservatives, or thickeners. Always read the label carefully. - Is lemon water allowed during the Daniel Fast?
Absolutely. Adding fresh lemon, lime, or cucumber slices to your water is a great way to add natural flavor without breaking the fast. - Can I drink store-bought juice?
Only if it’s 100% juice with no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Freshly juiced fruits and vegetables are best. - Why is caffeine not allowed on the Daniel Fast?
Caffeine is considered a stimulant and can be a physical dependency. The fast is designed to eliminate anything that distracts from your connection with God, including stimulants. - Is it okay to drink coconut water?
Yes, but only if it’s 100% pure and unsweetened. Some commercial coconut waters contain added sugar or flavors, which are not allowed. - How much water should I drink during the Daniel Fast?
Aim for at least 64 ounces (8 cups) of water per day, but more if you’re active. Staying hydrated is essential for both your physical health and spiritual clarity.
