A Coffee-Lover’s Confession
I still remember the first time a Mormon friend turned down a cup of coffee at brunch. I blinked, latte in hand, wondering—why can’t Mormons drink coffee?
It wasn’t about the caffeine (she ordered a Coke later), and it wasn’t about the heat either (she sipped hot chocolate). That’s when curiosity hit me: what’s the deeper reason behind this coffee-free life?
As someone who runs on espresso and curiosity, I decided to find out. What I learned is that this rule isn’t just a quirky religious restriction—it’s a meaningful act of faith rooted in history, scripture, and devotion.
What Is the Word of Wisdom?
To understand why Mormons can’t drink coffee, you need to know about something called the Word of Wisdom. It’s not a diet plan—it’s a divine health code revealed to Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, back in 1833.
This revelation, found in the Doctrine and Covenants (Section 89), outlines what church members should and shouldn’t consume to live healthier and holier lives. The scripture says, “And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.”
Now, that phrase—“hot drinks”—might sound vague. Early church leaders, including Joseph Smith’s brother Hyrum, clarified that it refers specifically to coffee and tea. Over time, prophets continued to emphasize that Mormons should steer clear of both.
Is It About Caffeine or Something More?
This is where most people get it wrong. The rule isn’t really about caffeine—it’s about obedience and intention. Mormons don’t drink coffee because they choose to follow God’s commandment, not because of caffeine jitters.
In fact, many members drink caffeinated sodas or energy drinks. The church has stated clearly that the ban applies only to coffee and tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant (that’s your black, green, and white teas). Herbal teas and hot chocolate? Totally fine.
Here’s a quick look at how it breaks down:
| Drink Type | Allowed? | Why or Why Not? |
| Coffee | No | Considered a “hot drink” under the Word of Wisdom |
| Black/Green/White Tea | No | Comes from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) |
| Herbal Tea | Yes | Not made from tea leaves |
| Soda (even caffeinated) | Yes | Not included in the prohibition |
| Hot Chocolate | Yes | Cocoa-based, not coffee-based |
It’s less about what’s in the cup and more about what’s in the heart—obedience, discipline, and spiritual alignment.
What Does This Have to Do With Faith?
So, why can’t Mormons drink coffee if it’s not really harmful in moderation? Because for them, it’s not just about physical health—it’s about spiritual wellness and commitment.
Following the Word of Wisdom isn’t a casual suggestion; it’s a sacred responsibility. Mormons believe that when they obey this law, they receive blessings for both body and spirit. It’s also a way to show faithfulness every single day—one beverage choice at a time.
Adhering to this rule is even part of what’s called a temple recommend—a kind of spiritual passport needed to enter LDS temples and participate in sacred ordinances like marriages. For many, saying no to coffee isn’t about restriction; it’s about reaffirming their identity and devotion.
How Do Mormons Replace Coffee in Daily Life?
This was the part that fascinated me most—how do Mormons start their mornings without coffee? It turns out, they’ve found plenty of creative ways to keep their energy up.
Some turn to hot herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile. Others grab protein shakes, smoothies, or even ice-cold caffeinated sodas when they need a boost. Many rely on good sleep, hydration, and spiritual routines to fuel their day instead of caffeine.
It’s a lifestyle built around mindfulness—being aware of what you consume, how it affects you, and why you choose it.
Why This Rule Still Matters Today
Even though the revelation dates back to the 1800s, the message behind it feels surprisingly modern. The Word of Wisdom encourages moderation, balance, and self-control—values that fit perfectly into today’s wellness culture.
In a world full of addictions, whether to screens, sugar, or stress, Mormons choose to step back and show restraint. For them, skipping coffee isn’t a loss—it’s an act of freedom. It’s about living intentionally and honoring their bodies as sacred gifts.
FAQs About Why Mormons Don’t Drink Coffee
1. Do Mormons drink coffee-flavored desserts or foods?
Most avoid them if they contain real coffee or coffee extract. However, chocolate or imitation coffee flavoring without caffeine is generally fine—it’s a personal decision based on individual comfort and interpretation.
2. Can Mormons drink decaf coffee?
Even decaf is off-limits because it still comes from the coffee bean. The issue isn’t caffeine—it’s the coffee itself.
3. Why is green tea not allowed?
Although green tea is often considered healthy, it’s made from the same Camellia sinensis plant as black and white tea. Because of that, it falls under the same “hot drinks” restriction.
4. Do Mormons think drinking coffee is sinful?
It’s not viewed as evil or sinful in a moral sense, but it’s considered disobedient to God’s revealed commandment. It may prevent full participation in church rites, but the emphasis is always on personal growth, not punishment.
Sip on This Before You Judge
When I first asked, “Why can’t Mormons drink coffee?”, I expected a rule rooted in superstition or outdated science. What I found instead was a deep, faith-driven choice—a simple act of obedience that connects millions of people to their spiritual values every single day.
Whether you’re sipping espresso or herbal tea, there’s something admirable about living so intentionally. The takeaway? Sometimes saying no to something isn’t about deprivation—it’s about devotion.
So next time you meet a Mormon who skips the latte, you’ll know—it’s not about caffeine; it’s about conviction.
