Why Do Latter-day Saints Avoid Drinking Coffee?

A Spirit of Health and Wisdom: Understanding Why Latter-day Saints Choose Not to Drink Coffee

Isn’t it wonderful when we want to understand each other better? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints truly appreciate it when folks are curious about their way of life. You see, just like many faiths, they have some unique and special ways they live, all designed to bring them closer to God and help them live lives filled with more joy and health. One of these practices that often brings a smile of curiosity is why members choose not to drink coffee. This beautiful choice is part of a special health guide, a loving piece of counsel given by God Himself. Let’s explore this together, with open hearts, and understand the wonderful spirit behind this practice.

What did early Mormon/LDS leaders teach about coffee?

Understanding what the early, foundational leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught about the Word of Wisdom, and specifically about coffee, gives us such a wonderful and inspiring window into how this principle was first understood and lovingly embraced. These foundational figures, often thought of in a similar way that our Christian friends might think of early Church Fathers for their respective traditions, truly set the course for future generations with their wisdom and example.

Joseph Smith, as the founder and first prophet, the one chosen by God to restore His received that beautiful Word of Wisdom revelation in 1833, as we’ve joyfully discussed.¹ It was through him, this humble servant of God, that this loving counsel first came to the Church. And it wasn’t long at all after the revelation was given that he and other inspired leaders began to clarify what “hot drinks” truly meant. Accounts from that time, like one from a good man named Joel H. Johnson, tell us that Joseph Smith himself taught that “Tea and coffee… Are what the Lord meant when He said ‘hot drinks'”.¹¹ So, you see, this interpretation isn’t some modern idea that came along later; no, it dates right back to the Prophet Joseph himself, guided by God. He also taught that this Word of Wisdom was for the “temporal salvation,” or the physical well-being, the health, and the safety, of the Saints.⁷

In those very early years, before about 1840, while many members were sincerely striving to live by this new and wonderful counsel, Joseph Smith’s personal approach often emphasized moderation rather than demanding strict, total abstinence from everything mentioned for everyone immediately.²⁴ For example, historical records, which are so helpful, show him partaking of wine at joyful wedding celebrations or for refreshment on occasion.²⁶ This shows us, with such understanding, that there was a period of learning, a time of adjustment, and a beautiful process of growing into this principle for the early Saints. It was a journey, not an instant, overnight switch.

Hyrum Smith, Joseph’s beloved brother and a key, trusted leader as Assistant President of the played such an important and clarifying role in helping the members understand this. In 1842, he stood before the Saints and publicly, with great clarity and conviction, taught that “hot drinks” in the Word of Wisdom meant tea and coffee.¹¹ His powerful statement, “I say it does refer to tea, and coffee,” became a major historical marker for this understanding, a beacon of light.¹¹ This was a strong and clear voice, helping the early Church members understand this specific part of the Lord’s loving counsel.

Brigham Young, who so faithfully became the second President of the Church after Joseph Smith, consistently taught this very same interpretation. He would explain it in such a practical and down-to-earth way, saying something like, “what were the people in the habit of taking as hot drinks when that revelation was given? Tea and coffee”.¹¹ He reasoned from what was common and understood at the time. As a dedicated leader, especially during the 1860s and 1870s, Brigham Young felt so strongly in his heart that the Saints should live this principle more fully, with greater dedication. He called upon them to reject all use of tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor, really encouraging them to reach for a higher standard of observance and the blessings that come with it.¹ He even emphasized, with such foresight, that children should be taught to live the Word of Wisdom better than their parents might have, always looking to improve, to grow, and to draw closer to God.¹

It’s also quite interesting to note that some historians, like the respected Leonard Arrington, have suggested that Brigham Young’s strong enforcement of the Word of Wisdom in the Utah Territory also had very practical, economic reasons that blessed the people.²⁰ In a new, isolated settlement, being self-sufficient was absolutely vital for their survival and prosperity. Discouraging spending on imported goods like coffee and tea could help keep precious money within the community, helping them build and flourish.²⁰ This doesn’t take away from the spiritual importance of the counsel, not in the least. It just shows how practical wisdom and God’s loving guidance can often go hand-in-hand, with inspired leaders looking out for their people in every way, both for their earthly needs and their spiritual growth.

So, the general teaching of these early, inspired leaders was that the Word of Wisdom was a command from God, a divine principle given for their ultimate good and happiness.¹ Even while they showed such Christ-like patience and understanding as people adjusted and learned, they always looked forward with hope to a time when a higher standard of living this beautiful law would be observed by all the bringing even greater blessings.¹

The way these early leaders taught and lived shows such a beautiful pattern of gradual understanding and loving implementation. It wasn’t a rigid, “all-or-nothing” approach from day one, not at all. Joseph Smith received it as “not by commandment” initially, and his personal practice reflected a spirit of moderation in some areas as the Church learned and grew.⁷ Then, his dear brother Hyrum Smith provided that definitive, public interpretation of “hot drinks,” bringing such clarity.¹¹ Later, the inspired Brigham Young felt it was time to call for stricter and more universal abstinence, helping the Saints reach higher.¹ This wonderful journey illustrates a “line upon line” approach, where our loving God reveals His will, and His people grow into it, adapting as their understanding and their capacity to live these higher principles increase. It’s a beautiful story of growth in faith, not a demand for instant, unachievable perfection.

These leaders also led by teaching and gentle persuasion, not just by issuing rules from on high. They explained why they understood “hot drinks” to mean coffee and tea, helping people see the wisdom.¹¹ They reasoned with the Saints and encouraged them with love, always pointing to the wonderful, promised blessings that awaited their faithfulness. They wanted hearts to change, not just habits to be mechanically followed without understanding.

And in Brigham Young’s time, we see so clearly how this revealed principle intersected with the very real, practical challenges of building a new home, a Zion, in the wilderness. The counsel to avoid costly imports like coffee and tea aligned perfectly with the pressing need for economic self-reliance and community strength.²⁰ This suggests that divinely inspired principles often have many layers of benefit, and wise, inspired leaders can see how they address both the spiritual and the everyday needs of their precious people. God’s wisdom truly works in wonderfully practical and uplifting ways!

Is the avoidance of coffee a strict commandment or more of a guideline?

This is such an excellent and thoughtful question, because the way the Word of Wisdom has been understood and applied has a very beautiful and considerate history. When it was first given, as we’ve seen, the Word of Wisdom came “not by commandment or constraint”.² It was presented as loving counsel, a gentle invitation from our Heavenly Father to live in a way that would bring greater health, joy, and spiritual blessings. For many years after it was received, how strictly people followed it varied among Church members, and that was understood.¹ Early Church leaders often taught it as very good, wise advice, while also showing such patience and understanding as people learned and adapted to this new way. Think of it like a wise and loving parent gently guiding their children, step by step, towards something truly wonderful and beneficial.

Over time, as the Church grew and members had more opportunity to understand the deep and lasting importance of this counsel, leaders began to teach it with greater emphasis and clarity. Brigham Young, for example, a strong and inspired leader, in the 1860s and 1870s, felt so strongly in his heart that the time had come for the Saints to more fully embrace this wonderful guidance. He called on them to reject all use of tea, coffee, tobacco, and liquor, encouraging them to reach for a higher standard.¹

There’s such a beautiful and compassionate explanation for why it started as counsel. President Joseph F. Smith, a later prophet full of wisdom, taught that if the Word of Wisdom had been given as a strict commandment right from the very start, it might have brought condemnation on good, sincere people who were already accustomed to these substances and just needed a little time and help to change.² The Lord, in His great mercy and love, gave people a chance to learn, to grow, and to overcome old habits before it became a firmer expectation. Isn’t that a wonderful, shining example of God’s patience and His deep understanding of our human journey?

Then, in 1882, a major moment came when the Lord revealed to President John Taylor, another chosen prophet, that the Word of Wisdom was to be considered a commandment for the Saints.² This marked a clear and important step in its growing significance in the lives of God’s people.

A very major and defining development came in 1921. President Heber J. Grant, the prophet at that time, was inspired by the Lord to make living the Word of Wisdom—which, as we know, includes abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea—a requirement for members who wished to enter the Church’s sacred and holy temples.¹ Temples, are very special, consecrated places for Latter-day places where they make sacred and beautiful promises with God. So, preparing to enter the temple involves striving with all our hearts to live by His loving counsel.

Today, choosing to live the Word of Wisdom is an important and joyful part of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s a prerequisite for baptism into the for attending the temple, for serving as a missionary and sharing God’s love, and for other dedicated and heartfelt service in the Church.² this isn’t about expecting perfection overnight, not at all. It’s about a heartfelt desire and a sincere effort to live by God’s loving counsel, knowing that doing so opens the door to His fullest and most wonderful blessings.

This journey from counsel to commandment shows such a beautiful divine pattern, doesn’t it? God often teaches His children “line upon line, precept upon precept,” allowing individuals and the Church as a whole to grow into higher standards of living as their understanding and capacity increase.² It’s a journey of faith and growth, not a sudden, harsh demand. This progression also suggests that as the Church matured and grew in strength and understanding, a higher level of commitment and consecration was lovingly invited, especially in connection with its most sacred ordinances, like those beautiful and holy experiences performed in temples.

As living this health code became more uniformly taught and expected, particularly with that important temple attendance requirement, it also became a more visible and distinctive part of what it means to be a Latter-day Saint.¹ It became one of the beautiful ways the Saints were known, a “marker of Latter-day Saint distinctiveness,” especially as the use of these substances became more and more common in the wider world.¹ This can be seen as one way our loving God helps His people form a unique and blessed community, bound together by shared covenants, joyful practices, and a common purpose.

It’s also worth noting, with an understanding heart, that some historical perspectives, such as those shared by the respected historian Leonard Arrington, suggest that practical, economic factors in the early Utah Territory may have played a role in how leaders like Brigham Young emphasized the Word of Wisdom.²⁰ For example, discouraging the use of imported “luxury goods” like coffee and tea could help keep precious money within those isolated pioneer communities, promoting self-sufficiency and helping them thrive.²⁰ This doesn’t take away from the spiritual or health reasons, of course, not at all. Instead, it can be seen as wise and inspired leadership, guided by God, looking out for the people in all aspects of their lives, both temporal and spiritual. God’s wisdom so often works in wonderfully practical and beneficial ways! This practical approach aligns closely with Mormon beliefs about Christianity, where faith and daily living are intricately woven together. By promoting a holistic way of life that encompasses both spiritual and practical considerations, leaders sought to build a resilient community grounded in shared values. Ultimately, this reflects a deeper understanding of how divine guidance can inspire actions that lead to both individual well-being and collective strength. This emphasis on communal values and practical living invites contemplation on modern figures, such as Benson Boone, who may embody these principles in their own lives. Many wonder, is benson boone religious, and how his beliefs might influence his art and interactions with others. The ongoing conversation about faith’s role in shaping identity and community remains relevant, reflecting the enduring impact of such historical interpretations.

What are the main reasons Latter-day Saints give for not drinking coffee?

When members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share with you, from their hearts, why they choose not to drink coffee, their reasons are often beautifully intertwined. They reflect a deep and sincere desire to live a life that is pleasing to God, a life full of joy and purpose. It’s not just about avoiding one particular beverage; oh no, it’s about embracing a whole, wonderful pattern of healthy and spiritual living.

The most fundamental and heartfelt reason is obedience to God’s revealed counsel.⁵ You see, Latter-day Saints believe with all their hearts that the Word of Wisdom is not just good advice from wise people a precious revelation given by God Himself through His chosen prophets.⁵ So, choosing to abstain from coffee is a beautiful act of faith. It’s a way of saying, with joy and conviction, “I trust God’s infinite wisdom, and I want to follow the loving guidance He has given for my happiness and my eternal well-being”.⁵

Another key and wonderful reason is the desire for vibrant physical health and well-being.¹ The Word of Wisdom is understood as a divine guide to good health, encouraging the use of wholesome, nourishing foods and gently cautioning against substances that can be harmful to our precious bodies, these amazing gifts from God.³ Our Heavenly Father wants us to feel our very best, to have energy and vitality, and this health law is seen as a divine blueprint for that wonderful life. It specifically warns against things that can “harm us or enslave us to addiction,” things that can rob us of our joy and potential.¹³

Beyond the physical, there’s a strong and beautiful emphasis on spiritual sensitivity and the blessings that flow from it.² Living the Word of Wisdom is believed to open the door wide to increased wisdom, greater knowledge, and a heightened, more sensitive ability to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit, that gentle Comforter.⁵ It’s as if when our bodies are clear and free from harmful influences, our spirits can be more attuned, more receptive, to the gentle whisperings of God. President Boyd K. Packer, a wise and modern Church leader, taught that a “fundamental purpose of the Word of Wisdom has to do with revelation,” with our ability to hear God’s voice.²

This ties in so perfectly with the sacred and uplifting teaching of respecting the body as a temple.⁴ Latter-day like so many of our Christian brothers and sisters, believe that the body is a magnificent, miraculous gift from God, a “temple of God,” just as the Apostle Paul taught so beautifully (referencing 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and 6:19).⁴ Avoiding substances like coffee, which are seen as not intended for the body according to this divine revelation, is a wonderful way of honoring that sacred gift and keeping that temple clean, pure, and ready for the Spirit of God to dwell there in fullness.⁴

Finally, a very important and empowering principle is avoiding addictive substances.¹ A core, foundational teaching of the Church is the incredible importance of agency, our God-given ability to choose. Substances that are habit-forming or can lead to addiction can diminish that precious agency and our wonderful self-control.² God wants His children to be free, to be masters of themselves, not dependent on things that could ultimately control them and steal their joy.

These reasons, all together, paint such a beautiful picture of a holistic, well-rounded approach to life. It’s not just about one rule in isolation, not at all. Choices about what we put into our bodies are seen as directly impacting our physical health, our emotional well-being, our spiritual clarity, and our ability to serve God and others with all our hearts. The promised blessings for living this way are also wonderfully interconnected, offering “health in their navel” (that’s physical health!) and “wisdom and great treasures of knowledge” (those are spiritual blessings!).⁴ It’s a beautiful, divine harmony between the physical and the spiritual, all designed for our good.

And while avoiding certain things might seem like a restriction to some, from the perspective of Latter-day it’s actually seen as a pathway to greater freedom and joy! By avoiding substances that could “enslave us” 13 or become “habit-forming” 1, they believe they are preserving their precious ability to choose, their wonderful self-control 23, and their freedom from dependencies that could hinder their progress and their ultimate happiness. It’s a positive, uplifting choice for a life of greater agency, greater joy, and greater connection with God.

Does this mean Latter-day Saints can’t have any caffeine at all? What about things like Coke or chocolate?

This is a very common and truly understandable question! When people hear that Latter-day Saints lovingly choose to avoid coffee and tea, they often wonder, quite naturally, if it’s all about caffeine. But the answer, you’ll find, is a bit more nuanced, and it really highlights the specific and beautiful nature of the Word of Wisdom.

The most important thing to remember, and this is key, is that the Word of Wisdom specifically counsels against “hot drinks.” And as we’ve seen with such clarity leaders from the very beginning, guided by inspiration, have consistently interpreted this to mean coffee (that comes from the coffee bean) and tea (that comes from the tea leaf, the Camellia sinensis plant).¹⁰ The revelation itself, found in that precious Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, does not actually mention the word “caffeine” at all.⁴ This is a very important distinction, and it helps us understand so much!

So, what about other drinks that might have caffeine, like those popular cola drinks (Coke, Pepsi, and the like) or even delicious chocolate? Well, the Church has never officially taken a position that prohibits its members from drinking cola drinks or other caffeinated soft drinks as part of the Word of Wisdom.¹ Church leaders have given wonderful, general advice to use wisdom in all things and to avoid any drink that might contain harmful or habit-forming drugs, especially if it leads to an unhealthy habit or dependency.¹⁴ But when it comes to caffeinated sodas, their use is generally left to the individual judgment and personal discretion of Church members, allowing them to make prayerful choices.¹⁴

You’ll find that many Latter-day Saints do enjoy caffeinated soft drinks in moderation, with a spirit of thankfulness, while others, based on their own personal feelings about general health or perhaps a desire to avoid stimulants altogether, choose to avoid them.¹⁶ It’s a beautiful personal choice, guided by individual conscience. And things like yummy hot chocolate are generally considered perfectly fine and are not included in that “hot drinks” prohibition at all.¹¹

Why this distinction, you might ask with a curious heart? It goes right back to the specific wording of the revelation, to what God actually said. The Lord, speaking through His prophet Joseph Smith, identified “hot drinks” (which was understood by those early leaders to be coffee and tea) as things to lovingly avoid. The focus for Latter-day therefore, is on being obedient to that specific counsel that was revealed. While caffeine is a well-known component of coffee and tea, the prohibition is on the substances themselves—coffee and tea—as they were identified by prophetic interpretation, not on one particular ingredient like caffeine that might be found in many other things we enjoy.

This distinction between specific prohibitions (like coffee and tea) and general health principles is quite important in understanding how Latter-day Saints approach the Word of Wisdom with faith and wisdom. Coffee and tea are specifically named (through that inspired interpretation of “hot drinks”) as things to avoid.¹¹ Caffeine, as a chemical compound, is not mentioned in the original revelation.¹ So, the Church doesn’t issue a broad, sweeping prohibition against all things containing caffeine. Instead, it lovingly upholds the specific ban on coffee and tea and then encourages its precious members to use wisdom and apply general health principles to other things not explicitly named in the revelation.¹⁴ It’s about trusting God’s specific words and then using our God-given intelligence and spiritual sensitivity for other choices.

This approach also shows an area where the Church beautifully emphasizes personal agency and judgment, our ability to choose. Although the counsel regarding coffee and tea is a clear expectation for temple worthiness, a sacred privilege 1, the stance on caffeinated sodas has been clarified by the Church as not being against the Word of Wisdom, with a loving emphasis on individual choice and moderation.¹ Historically, there might have been times or places where there was more generalized caution about caffeine among some members or even at Church-owned institutions (like Brigham Young University not selling caffeinated sodas for a period, for example), but this was never a Church-wide doctrinal ban on all caffeine.³⁰ The official clarification beautifully distinguishes between the commandment regarding coffee/tea and the personal choice regarding other caffeinated beverages. This fosters wonderful spiritual maturity and encourages each person to prayerfully consider what is best for their own health and well-being, guided by general principles and the Spirit. God trusts us to learn, to grow, and to make good, inspired choices!

Are there any health benefits or spiritual blessings promised for following this counsel?

Oh, absolutely, friends! And this is such an uplifting and joyful part of this whole beautiful story. The Word of Wisdom isn’t just a list of things to avoid, not at all; it’s a “principle with promise,” as the scripture itself so wonderfully declares.¹⁹ Our loving God, in His infinite goodness, doesn’t just give counsel without also offering the most wonderful and abundant blessings for those who choose, with faithful hearts, to follow it. These precious promises are found right there in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 89, verses 18 through 21.⁴ They are for all who “remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments.” What a beautiful invitation!

Let’s look together at these beautiful, life-giving promises:

There are incredible promises of vibrant physical health and vitality. The Lord says those who obey “shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones”.⁴ Doesn’t that sound like deep, foundational, lasting health? It truly does! And He promises they “shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint”.⁴ This speaks of wonderful energy, amazing stamina, and the blessed ability to live life fully and joyfully!

Then, there are absolutely incredible spiritual blessings promised, treasures for the soul. Those who live this law “shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures”.⁴ Just imagine the clarity of thought, the deep understanding, and the divine insights that can come when we live in harmony with God’s loving counsel. This isn’t just about being smart in worldly ways, friends; it’s about receiving divine wisdom, light from above!

And there’s a very powerful and comforting promise of divine protection: “And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen”.⁴ This is such a powerful and reassuring promise that speaks of safety, preservation, and peace, both physically and spiritually.

And it’s not just ancient promises from long ago. In our modern times, inspired Church leaders often point to studies that seem to wonderfully support the health benefits of living the Word of Wisdom. For example, it’s often noted with gratitude that Latter-day Saints who faithfully follow this health code tend to live longer and have significantly lower rates of certain serious illnesses like some cancers and heart disease.¹ One very well-known and respected study from UCLA followed a large group of Latter-day Saints for many, many years and found that those who adhered to the Word of Wisdom had a life expectancy that was an amazing 8 to 11 years longer than the general population in the United States.⁵ It truly seems that modern science often catches up with and joyfully affirms ancient, divine wisdom!

Beyond statistics, individual members of the with hearts full of gratitude, often share their personal, uplifting experiences. They talk about feeling better physically, having clearer minds, and, very importantly, feeling a closer, more intimate connection to God.⁹ One bright university student named Ali shared, “I stick closely to the principles taught in the Word of Wisdom and have found that by staying away from highly addictive drinks and substances, I enjoy a lot of freedom and happiness”.⁹ The Word of Wisdom is also seen as a beautiful way to become more receptive to those gentle spiritual promptings, those quiet nudges, and the loving guidance of the Holy Ghost.²

These promised blessings show such a beautiful and divine connection between obedience, our physical bodies, and our spiritual enlightenment. They aren’t separate things at all, friends. The promises wonderfully link following this counsel directly to both physical well-being (“run and not be weary”) AND a greater, expanded spiritual capacity (“find wisdom, hidden treasures”).⁴ Modern Church teachings often emphasize this wonderful, uplifting truth: “physical health and spiritual well-being go hand in hand”.⁸ This suggests a beautiful theological idea where the way we lovingly care for our physical bodies directly impacts our ability to connect with God and to understand spiritual things. So, caring for the body becomes a truly spiritual act, one that brings incredible spiritual rewards. It’s a lovely, divine harmony.

And that powerful, comforting promise about the “destroying angel” passing by?⁴ It brings to mind that ancient, miraculous story of the Passover, where the children of Israel were so lovingly protected. This suggests more than just living a long life, as wonderful as that is. Elder Russell M. Nelson, a modern prophet full of God’s light, has clarified that this protection also has deep and powerful spiritual meaning, suggesting it helps us avoid spiritual death or separation from God, which is the greatest blessing of all.² So, while good health is a wonderful, cherished blessing, this ultimate promise likely includes protection from spiritual dangers and being preserved for God’s holy and eternal purposes. This elevates the Word of Wisdom beyond just a simple health code; it becomes a powerful principle of spiritual preservation and a beautiful way of living in a covenant relationship with our loving God.

What about decaf coffee, coffee-flavored things, or even just being in a coffee shop?

These are such practical and thoughtful questions that people often have as they try to understand, with an open heart, how the Word of Wisdom applies in everyday situations. The with loving guidance, has provided clarifications over the years to help members navigate these choices with wisdom and faith.

When it comes to decaffeinated coffee, the Church’s clear and consistent teaching is that the Word of Wisdom advises against drinking coffee itself, meaning anything that is derived from the coffee bean. It’s not just about the caffeine content, you see.¹⁵ Therefore, decaffeinated coffee is also considered to be against the Word of Wisdom.¹⁵ it’s true that there was a time in the past, perhaps back in the 1960s, when some Church leaders and members, with sincere hearts, thought that if caffeine was the main issue, then perhaps decaf might be acceptable. A letter from President David O. McKay in 1965, for instance, seemed to suggest this view.¹⁵ But the long-standing and current clarification from the guided by ongoing inspiration, is that all coffee, regardless of whether it has caffeine or not, is to be lovingly avoided.³⁸ The guidance today is very clear and helpful on this, emphasizing the substance itself, the coffee bean.

What about coffee-based products or coffee flavorings, like you might find in yummy ice cream or desserts? The Church has clarified that “coffee-based products” are against the Word of Wisdom.¹⁰ This definitely includes those popular coffee-shop drinks with names like café, mocha, latte, espresso, or anything ending in that familiar “-ccino,” as these almost always contain actual coffee.¹³ It’s always a good and wise idea to check the label or just politely ask if you’re unsure! Better to be safe and feel good about your choices.

Regarding things that are just coffee-flavored, where coffee might be one of the ingredients used for taste, the official Church Handbook, in its wisdom, doesn’t go into that level of extreme, minute detail.⁴¹ But the spirit of the law, that beautiful guiding principle, and the counsel to avoid “coffee-based products” would lead many members, in their desire to be faithful, to be cautious and often avoid items where coffee is a major flavoring ingredient, especially if it’s made with real coffee extract.⁴⁰ It often comes down to personal discernment, prayerfully considering the principle, and trying to live in beautiful harmony with the spirit of the Lord’s loving counsel. One member discussion thoughtfully noted that the interpretation is often that “The Word of Wisdom prohibits everything made from the coffee bean or the tea leaf”.⁴⁰

And what about simply being in a coffee shop? There’s absolutely no rule or prohibition against a Latter-day Saint walking into or being in a coffee shop. Many people meet friends or colleagues in such places for good conversation and fellowship. But the Church does offer some very practical and wise advice: if you find yourself in a coffee shop, or any place that’s well-known for its coffee, the drink you’re thinking of ordering probably has coffee in it. So, the gentle suggestion is to either avoid ordering drinks there unless you’re absolutely certain, or to always politely ask if there’s coffee in the drink you’re considering.¹³ This is just helpful, common-sense counsel to help members avoid accidentally partaking of something they are lovingly trying to abstain from, helping them keep their commitments with joy.

The Church’s stance on decaffeinated coffee really helps us understand a core, beautiful idea: the prohibition is rooted in the substance of coffee (and tea) itself, as identified through prophetic interpretation of “hot drinks.” It’s not solely about one component like caffeine, nor is it just about the temperature of the drink, though that was part of the original term.¹⁵ Since decaffeinated coffee is still made from the coffee bean, it falls under the loving counsel to avoid coffee. This is why caffeinated sodas, which are not coffee or tea, are generally viewed differently, with those choices left to the individual’s wisdom and prayer.¹ It’s about what the substance is, as identified in God’s revelation.

The questions around coffee flavorings show how members of the Church learn to navigate areas that aren’t spelled out in minute, exhaustive detail in the original revelation or even in the Church’s General Handbook.⁴¹ The Word of Wisdom gives some very specific “don’ts” (like coffee and tea).³ But it also gives such wonderful general principles, like avoiding things that are harmful or addictive, and caring for our bodies as sacred, holy temples.⁴ When something like artificial coffee flavoring isn’t explicitly named, members often rely on the “spirit of the law,” that beautiful inner guide. They prayerfully consider the principles, seek personal guidance from the Holy Spirit, and look to broader counsel about avoiding “coffee-based products” to make their decisions with peace and confidence.²⁸ This approach helps people develop wonderful spiritual maturity. It encourages a thoughtful, prayerful way of living the gospel, where we learn to apply eternal principles to the many new and varied situations we encounter in this journey of life. God wants us to learn to choose wisely and to be guided by His Spirit in all things, leading us to greater joy!

Conclusion: A Path to Blessings

the choice by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to lovingly abstain from coffee is a deeply personal one, yet it is rooted in a shared, beautiful belief: that our Heavenly Father has provided loving, inspired counsel for their physical and spiritual well-being through a divine revelation known as the Word of Wisdom.⁵ This guidance, which began as gentle, loving advice and evolved, through continued revelation, into a commandment tied to their most sacred and joyful practices, is seen not as a restriction as a glorious pathway to greater health, powerful wisdom, and a closer, more vibrant relationship with God.⁹

From its inspired origins in the 1830s, addressing specific concerns of the time and broader societal health issues, the interpretation of “hot drinks” to mean coffee and tea has been a consistent and clear teaching by Church leaders, guided by the hand of God.¹ Although the Word of Wisdom encompasses so much more than just coffee—encouraging wholesome foods and warning against alcohol, tobacco, and harmful drugs—the avoidance of coffee stands as a distinct and joyful practice, understood as obedience to a specific aspect of this divine health law, a law of love.³

Latter-day Saints who embrace this counsel with faithful hearts speak of wonderful, promised blessings: increased vitality to serve, protection from harm, and, most cherished of all, the incredible ability to receive “great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures” directly from God.⁴ It is a practice that shapes their daily lives in positive ways, strengthens their identity as a faith community united in love, and deepens their commitment to living in a way they believe is pleasing to their Heavenly Father. It is, in their eyes, a beautiful, divine invitation to a life filled with greater blessings, more joy, and deeper peace, both seen and unseen.