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When you grab your morning coffee at the local café, you've probably never thought twice about it. But for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons), this everyday beverage is off-limits.
Mormons avoid coffee because of a religious revelation called the Word of Wisdom, received in 1833, which prohibits "hot drinks" that church leaders have interpreted to mean coffee and tea.
Before you assume it's all about the caffeine buzz, think again. Many Latter-day Saints happily sip their Diet Cokes and munch on chocolate bars without batting an eye. The coffee restriction runs much deeper than simple caffeine avoidance and touches on spiritual obedience, health consciousness, and community identity.
We're diving into the fascinating world of Mormon coffee culture (or lack thereof) to uncover the real reasons behind this unique lifestyle choice. From ancient revelations to modern interpretations, you'll discover how a 19th-century health code continues to shape millions of lives today.
Key Takeaways
- The coffee prohibition stems from an 1833 religious revelation that identified "hot drinks" as harmful substances to avoid
- The restriction is about obedience to religious doctrine rather than caffeine content, since many Mormons consume other caffeinated products
- Following these dietary guidelines is required for temple worship and reflects deeper spiritual commitments within the faith
The Fundamental Reason Mormons Avoid Coffee
The prohibition against coffee comes from a specific revelation called the Word of Wisdom, given to Joseph Smith in 1833, which identified "hot drinks" as substances to avoid. Church leaders later clarified that this term specifically refers to coffee and tea, making this a matter of religious obedience rather than personal preference.
Word of Wisdom and Its Role
The Word of Wisdom serves as the foundational health code for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This revelation, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 89, was given to Prophet Joseph Smith on February 27, 1833.
The revelation outlines specific guidance for physical and spiritual well-being. It encourages eating wholesome herbs, fruits, and grains while using meat sparingly.
More importantly for our topic, it warns against several substances:
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- "Hot drinks"
For Latter-day Saints, we see this as divine counsel rather than just health advice. The Word of Wisdom represents God's wisdom about what's best for our bodies and spirits.
Interpretation of 'Hot Drinks'
The original revelation used the term "hot drinks" without specifically naming coffee or tea. This created questions about what exactly was meant by this phrase.
Early Church leaders, including Joseph Smith himself, clarified that "hot drinks" referred specifically to coffee and tea. This interpretation has stuck with us since the early days.
That clarification means other hot beverages like hot chocolate or herbal teas are generally fine. The restriction isn't about temperature but about the specific substances identified.
A lot of people assume we avoid coffee because of caffeine, but that's not really the case. We can drink caffeinated sodas or eat chocolate. The commandment targets coffee and tea specifically, regardless of their caffeine content.
The Commandment in Modern LDS Practice
Today, avoiding coffee remains a clear expectation for active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We consider adherence to the Word of Wisdom essential for temple attendance and full church participation.
This practice demonstrates our commitment to following prophetic guidance, even when the world might view these restrictions as unusual.
The commandment applies equally to all coffee varieties—espresso, decaf, cold brew, or any coffee-based drinks. Temperature and preparation method don't change the fundamental restriction.
For us, this isn't about legalism but about trust. We believe God knows what's best for our physical and spiritual health, even when we don't fully understand every reason behind His counsel.
What the Word of Wisdom Actually Says
The Word of Wisdom is found in Doctrine and Covenants 89 and contains specific guidance about foods to embrace and substances to avoid. This 1833 revelation covers much more than just coffee restrictions and includes positive dietary recommendations alongside the prohibitions.
The Original Revelation
Doctrine and Covenants 89 was revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833 as "a Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests." The revelation came partly in response to concerns about tobacco use during church meetings.
The text specifically mentions avoiding "hot drinks," though it doesn't explicitly name coffee or tea. Church leaders have consistently interpreted this phrase to mean coffee and tea since the early days of the church.
The revelation was initially given "not by commandment or constraint" but as counsel. It later became a requirement for full church membership and temple attendance.
Foods Encouraged by the Word of Wisdom
The Word of Wisdom actually spends more time talking about what we should eat than what we shouldn't. It's not just a list of don'ts—it's a comprehensive health guide.
Recommended foods include:
- Fruits in their season
- Vegetables and herbs for food
- Grains as the staff of life, especially wheat
The revelation emphasizes that grains are good for both humans and animals. It also mentions that meat should be used sparingly and primarily in times of winter, cold, or famine.
These positive recommendations often get overshadowed by the prohibitions, but they're actually a bigger part of the original text.
Prohibited Substances Beyond Coffee
Coffee isn't the only thing we avoid according to the Word of Wisdom. The revelation prohibits several substances that were common in the 1830s and remain issues today.
Specifically prohibited:
- Tobacco for the body (though allowed for sick cattle and bruises)
- Alcohol (wine only for sacrament purposes)
- Hot drinks (interpreted as coffee and tea)
The revelation also warns against "strong drinks," which refers to alcoholic beverages. Tobacco gets the most detailed treatment in the original text, with specific warnings about its addictive nature.
These substances were chosen for reasons that extend beyond their immediate health effects, emphasizing spiritual as well as physical well-being.
Misconceptions: Is It Just About Caffeine?
The most persistent myth about Mormon coffee restrictions centers on caffeine being the main culprit. This misconception has created decades of debate within the faith community and confusion among outsiders.
Caffeine vs. Coffee and Tea
The Word of Wisdom specifically mentions "hot drinks," which church leaders have clarified means coffee and tea. Notice what's missing from that revelation? Any mention of caffeine whatsoever.
This creates an interesting puzzle. Both coffee and black tea contain significant amounts of caffeine, leading many to assume that's the forbidden ingredient.
Here's where it gets tricky: The church has never officially stated that caffeine itself is prohibited. We're dealing with specific beverages, not a blanket ban on stimulants.
Even decaf coffee remains off-limits for practicing Mormons. This fact alone shows us that caffeine isn't the deciding factor. Decaffeinated coffee still violates the Word of Wisdom despite containing minimal caffeine.
The same logic applies to herbal teas. These caffeine-free options are generally accepted, while traditional black and green teas are avoided.
Other Caffeinated Beverages and Controversies
This is where things get spicy in Mormon communities. We've got caffeinated sodas creating quite the stir among members.
The great soda debate has raged for decades. Some Mormons avoid all caffeine, while others happily sip Mountain Dew and Coca-Cola. Neither approach violates official church doctrine.
In 2012, the church clarified that caffeinated soft drinks aren't specifically prohibited. This announcement didn't end the controversy—it just made the battle lines clearer.
Common caffeinated beverages and their status:
- Coca-Cola: Not officially prohibited
- Energy drinks: Gray area, personal choice
- Chocolate: Contains caffeine, widely accepted
- Coffee-flavored sodas: Generally avoided due to coffee connection
The inconsistency frustrates many people. We can drink a Coke with 34mg of caffeine but not decaf coffee with 2mg. Logic doesn't always align with religious observance.
The Spiritual Significance of the Coffee Prohibition
For Latter-day Saints, avoiding coffee represents far more than following a dietary rule. It demonstrates obedience to divine commandment, maintains spiritual purity, and serves as a prerequisite for sacred ordinances like baptism and temple worship.
Obedience and Faith
The coffee prohibition fundamentally tests our willingness to follow God's commandments even when we don't fully understand the reasons. This act of faith strengthens our relationship with the divine.
When Joseph Smith received the Word of Wisdom in 1833, the specific mention of "hot drinks" wasn't accompanied by detailed medical explanations. We're asked to trust that divine wisdom exceeds our current understanding.
Key aspects of faithful obedience include:
- Following commandments without complete comprehension
- Prioritizing spiritual guidance over personal preferences
- Demonstrating trust in prophetic revelation
This obedience becomes a daily practice. Every time we choose herbal tea over coffee or water over wine, we're exercising our faith muscles.
The discipline required builds spiritual strength. We learn to put God's will before our immediate desires, which prepares us for bigger spiritual challenges.
Spiritual Health and Well-Being
Our spiritual health connects directly to the substances we consume. The Word of Wisdom treats our bodies as temples, deserving respect and care.
Coffee avoidance helps maintain spiritual clarity and sensitivity. Many members report feeling more in tune with the Holy Spirit when following these guidelines completely.
Benefits members often experience:
- Enhanced spiritual sensitivity
- Clearer meditation and prayer
- Reduced dependence on external stimulants
- Greater self-control in other areas
The prohibition teaches us that physical and spiritual well-being intertwine. What affects our body impacts our spirit's ability to receive revelation.
We develop deeper reliance on spiritual sources of energy rather than caffeine-based stimulation. This shift often leads to more consistent spiritual experiences.
Temple Worthiness and Baptism
Coffee consumption directly affects our eligibility for sacred ordinances. Both baptism interviews and temple recommend interviews include questions about Word of Wisdom observance.
Temple worthiness requirements include:
- Complete abstinence from coffee and tea
- No tobacco or alcohol consumption
- Following all Word of Wisdom principles
For new converts, giving up coffee often represents their first major sacrifice for their faith. This decision demonstrates commitment to their baptismal covenants.
Temple attendance requires current compliance with these standards. We can't participate in sacred ordinances while knowingly violating this commandment.
The connection between coffee avoidance and temple worthiness emphasizes how seemingly small choices carry eternal significance. Our daily beverage decisions reflect our spiritual priorities and covenant faithfulness.
Practical Impacts on Daily Life for Latter-day Saints
Avoiding coffee affects everyday social interactions and strengthens personal discipline. These dietary restrictions help shape individual identity while navigating a coffee-centric culture.
Handling Social Situations
We've all been there—the awkward pause when someone offers us coffee at work or during a social gathering. Latter-day Saints become experts at politely declining and suggesting alternatives.
Office meetings often revolve around coffee runs. We learn to navigate these situations by offering to grab drinks for others while ordering our own herbal tea or hot chocolate.
Business lunches can get tricky when the conversation starts over coffee. We adapt by suggesting cafes with good non-coffee options or meeting at restaurants instead.
Dating presents unique challenges. Coffee dates are standard, but we get creative with alternatives like:
- Hot chocolate meetups
- Smoothie bars
- Breakfast restaurants
- Dessert cafes
Social events like morning church activities or community gatherings require hosts to remember our dietary restrictions. Many friends and family members learn to stock herbal teas and other warm beverages.
Self-Control and Cultural Identity
Following the Word of Wisdom builds self-discipline that extends beyond just avoiding coffee. We develop stronger willpower through daily choices that reinforce our values.
Our coffee abstinence becomes a visible marker of our faith. Coworkers notice when we skip the office coffee pot, creating natural opportunities to discuss our beliefs without being preachy.
The practice strengthens our sense of belonging within the Latter-day Saint community. Shared dietary choices create bonds with other members who understand the daily commitment required.
Travel requires extra planning. We scope out destinations for non-coffee morning beverages and pack herbal teas for hotel stays. Airport layovers mean hunting for alternatives to ubiquitous coffee shops.
This lifestyle choice teaches us that small daily decisions matter. The discipline required to consistently avoid coffee in a coffee-saturated culture builds character and demonstrates commitment to our religious principles.
Alternatives to Coffee in Mormon Culture
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have developed a rich variety of warm beverages and creative substitutes that align with their religious guidelines. These alternatives range from naturally caffeine-free herbal options to innovative coffee-like products designed specifically for the Mormon community.
Herbal Tea and Herbal Teas
Herbal teas have become a cornerstone of warm beverage culture in Mormon households. Unlike traditional black or green tea, these plant-based drinks contain no actual tea leaves and align perfectly with Word of Wisdom guidelines.
Popular choices include:
- Chamomile for evening relaxation
- Peppermint for digestive benefits
- Lemon balm for a citrusy flavor
- Rooibos for a robust, coffee-like taste
We've seen Mormon families embrace herbal tea blends during social gatherings and family time. Many members appreciate that these beverages offer the ritual and warmth of a hot drink without violating their health code.
Local grocery stores in areas with large Mormon populations often stock extensive herbal tea sections. This reflects the demand for these Word of Wisdom-approved alternatives.
Hot Chocolate and Other Substitutes
Hot chocolate is probably the classic coffee alternative in Mormon circles. It’s rich, cozy, and just feels right in social settings where others might order coffee.
But there’s more out there than just cocoa:
- Chicory-based drinks that echo coffee’s bitterness
- Grain-based substitutes—think barley or wheat blends
- Carob beverages for a chocolatey vibe with no caffeine
- Postum—the old-school wheat drink that still has loyal fans
Utah and other spots with big LDS populations have seen a wave of Mormon-friendly cafes. These places whip up creative alternative beverages so members can get that coffee shop experience—minus the coffee.
Some folks have even started making “Mormon coffee” with roasted grains and herbs. It’s a clever way to keep up with trendy drinks while sticking to religious guidelines.
Health Perspectives Behind Avoiding Coffee
From a health angle, Mormons steer clear of coffee because of its potential for addiction and impact on sleep and general wellness. These reasons fit with the broader goal of keeping mind and body in good shape.
Potential Risks and Addictions
Coffee’s addictive streak is tough to ignore. Drink it daily, and you’ll probably notice physical dependence pretty fast.
Stop cold turkey and, well, headaches, crankiness, sluggishness, and brain fog tend to show up.
And the cycle’s real: you start with one cup for a boost, but before you know it, you’re at three or four just to feel “normal.” Caffeine tolerance builds up quick.
That reliance on an outside pick-me-up doesn’t sit well with a lot of health-conscious people. It’s easy to end up needing coffee just to get through the day, instead of running on your own energy.
Sleep and Physical Well-Being
Coffee really does a number on sleep quality. Caffeine lingers in your body for hours—sometimes up to 8.
Even a late afternoon cup can mess with your sleep that night. And poor sleep? That trickles down to your immune system, your focus, even your mood.
Physically, coffee can ramp up anxiety, spike your heart rate, and upset your stomach if you’re sensitive.
Jitters and restlessness aren’t rare, either. Some people end up feeling more stressed after their regular coffee fix.
Blood pressure can jump right after drinking coffee. If you’ve got heart issues, that’s something to keep an eye on.
How LDS Guidelines Continue to Evolve
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints keeps updating its guidance on coffee-related drinks, offering clear info so members can keep up with the Word of Wisdom in today’s world.
Contemporary Clarifications
With coffee shops everywhere and menus full of fancy names, the Church has had to clarify things.
They’ve said that drinks with names like café, caffé, mocha, latte, espresso, or anything ending in -ccino count as coffee and are off-limits.
This was a big help for folks confused about frappés, macchiatos, and other new drinks. Basically, if it’s got coffee, it’s a no-go, no matter what it’s called.
Now, when you’re standing in line at a café, you don’t have to wonder if that caramel macchiato is okay—it’s not.
Mormon.org and Official Resources
The Church runs official sites that break down Word of Wisdom standards. These are the go-to places for questions about drinks or foods.
You’ll find detailed info about the history and how it applies today. Curious about herbal teas or energy drinks? There are answers for that.
Local leaders can help too, offering advice based on Church teachings and helping members figure out how to apply the guidelines day-to-day.
The focus is always on promoting both physical and spiritual well-being, not just following rules for the sake of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s jump into the questions people ask most about Mormon coffee rules and the Word of Wisdom. From hot chocolate swaps to Diet Coke debates and what happens if you accidentally sip coffee—here’s the rundown.
What's the deal with Mormons and no coffee? Is hot chocolate really the go-to?
We follow the Word of Wisdom, which singles out “hot drinks”—interpreted as coffee and tea. Hot chocolate’s fine since it’s neither of those.
A lot of us enjoy hot chocolate, herbal teas, and other warm drinks. It’s not about the temperature; it’s about what’s actually in the cup.
Can someone from the LDS Church give me the scoop on whether Diet Coke gets a thumbs up but iced coffee gets the cold shoulder?
Diet Coke is totally okay. The Church clarified back in 2012 that caffeine itself isn’t banned.
Iced coffee, though? Still coffee, so still not allowed. Doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold—the coffee part is the issue.
Just curious, what's the LDS stance on tea? Is it in the same boat as coffee for them?
Yeah, regular tea (black, green, white, oolong) is off-limits, just like coffee. If it’s from the Camellia sinensis plant, we skip it.
Herbal teas are fine—chamomile, peppermint, fruit infusions, that sort of thing.
I've heard a Mormon can't have a latte, but are all alcoholic bevies off the table too?
Lattes are out since they’re coffee-based. The Church recently spelled out that anything called café, mocha, latte, espresso, or ending in -ccino is off-limits.
Alcohol’s also a no. Beer, wine, liquor—all prohibited under the Word of Wisdom.
What's the lowdown on the Mormon health code? Does a cup of joe really cause a stir?
The Word of Wisdom is our health code from 1833. It bans coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco, and encourages healthy foods.
Coffee does affect temple worthiness and baptism eligibility. For us, following these guidelines is about obedience and, honestly, we see it as bringing both physical and spiritual benefits.
Say a Mormon accidentally sips some coffee—what's the aftermath like?
If a Mormon accidentally drinks coffee, it's really not a big deal. Everyone slips up now and then, and in this faith, intent actually counts for a lot.
Now, if someone starts drinking coffee on purpose and makes a habit of it, that's when they'd need to talk things over with their bishop before joining in temple ordinances. But honestly, if it was just a random mistake? No need to go through any formal repentance steps.