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FOODS TO EAT ON THE DANIEL FAST
Amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, freekeh, millet, oats, purple rice, quinoa, rye, sorghum, spelt, teff, whole grain pasta, whole wheat, and wild rice.
Black beans, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, pinto beans, and split peas.
Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, nut butters, peanuts (actually legumes but people think of them as nuts), pecans, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), pine nuts, pistachios, poppy seeds, walnuts, sesame seeds, soy nuts, sunflower seeds.
All vegetables are allowed (fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, and canned).
All fruit is allowed (fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, and canned). However, any dried fruit shouldn’t contain added sugar (check ingredients to be sure).
Oils (such as coconut, olive, and sesame, for example) are allowed but should be used minimally. For example, you can sauté foods in olive oil but avoid deep-frying them.
- Unleavened bread (whole grain bread made without yeast, sugars, or preservatives
- All herbs, spices, and seasonings are allowed, including salt and pepper.
- Soy products (such as edamame and soy nuts) and tofu are acceptable.
Water should be the main beverage on your Daniel Fast. Distilled, filtered, sparkling, spring, and mineral water are allowed as well. However, you may have 100% fruit juice on occasion (just don’t overdo it). You can also use 100% fruit juice in recipes. Also, unsweetened non-dairy milk is acceptable (such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk).
FOODS TO avoid ON THE DANIEL FAST
- Meat (bacon, beef, bison, chicken, lamb, pork, and turkey).
- Dairy (butter, cheese, cream, milk, and yogurt)
- Fish
- Eggs
Agave nectar, artificial sweeteners, brown rice syrup, brown sugar, cane juice, corn syrup, honey, malt syrup, molasses, and raw sugar.
Yeast and, therefore, leavened bread isn’t part of the Daniel Fast. (For an explanation on why it’s excluded, see #1 under “Food” on my FAQs page.)
White flour and white rice. Only whole grains are allowed on the Daniel Fast. A whole grain product contains the entire grain kernel ― the bran, germ, and endosperm.
Foods that contain artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, and preservatives.
Examples are corn chips, French fries, and potato chips. (Baked chips are acceptable if they don’t contain restricted ingredients. Check the label for “baked” to be sure.)
Butter, lard, margarine, and shortening.
Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate syrup, and cacao.
Alcohol, coffee, caffeinated tea, and energy drinks.
If you’ve been blessed by the resources on this website and would like to donate to the Ultimate Daniel Fast ministry, you can give via Paypal or credit card. Thank you so much for your prayers and support!
Hi, I’ve I’ve been thinking or lead to do the Daniel fast. I thought about it last week and even looked it up. It’s funny how I ran into this YouTube video. Because I really was trying to do it for weight loss. But I do have a question though what about diabetes? I see there’s a lot of Quino, cauliflower and potatoes that have a lot of starch and carbohydrates whenever your meal even had like 36.8 g of carbohydrates. And that’s not good for a diabetic. Is this diet good for diabetics? Because my body is leaning towards it, I am prediabetic or so I’ve been told I haven’t claimed it, but I’m trying to make sure that none of this raises up. my blood sugar level. What are your thoughts?
Hi! Thanks for writing. I understand your concern about doing the fast as a diabetic. Have you spoken with your doctor about it? That is my first suggestion. Also, this blog post might be helpful to you as well: The Daniel Fast and Diabetes. You’re correct in saying that the fast does contain a good amount of carbohydrates, which is definitely something you need to watch. However, if you plan well, you can choose recipes/foods that don’t spike your blood sugar up as much. Also, the Daniel Fast way of eating is very healthy, and there are benefits to eating this way. Plus, focusing on drinking water as your main beverages AND cutting out added sugar and processed foods, does wonders for your body as well! You might consider starting the fast and seeing how your body reacts. Most people, even non-diabetics, will experience some side effects in the first few days, so don’t be alarmed if that happens. After the first week, you’ll have a good idea about the eating. Then, if you’re struggling with blood sugar levels, you can always modify the fast slightly to add protein. I hope this information helps.
Can I have a protein bar on the daniel fast?
It’s most likely NOT Daniel Fast friendly unless it’s a vegan bar with no added sugar or chocolate. You’ll need to read the ingredients. Keep in mind that whey protein, in any form, isn’t Daniel Fast friendly.
Hello,
Can you have cooked vegetables?
Yes.
Can you have popcorn?
Yes, plain popcorn is fine to have.
Can Grape Nuts cereal be eaten?
Can Ezekiel cereal be eaten?
Hi! Grape Nuts isn’t Daniel Fast friendly due to two ingredients, malted barley flour (added sugar) and yeast (see #1 under “Food” on my FAQs page for more information on yeast). But, good news! The original Ezekiel 4:9 cereal is fine to have. Ingredients are: ORGANIC SPROUTED WHEAT, ORGANIC SPROUTED BARLEY, ORGANIC SPROUTED MILLET, ORGANIC SPROUTED LENTILS, ORGANIC SPROUTED SOYBEANS, ORGANIC MALTED BARLEY, ORGANIC SPROUTED SPELT, FILTERED WATER, SEA SALT, ORGANIC ROSEMARY EXTRACT. All Daniel Fast friendly!
Thank you
Can you have corn tortillas?
Yes.
What about corn? Can we have corn popped in coconut oil in small amounts?
Yes.
Is seaweed allowed in the Daniel fast? How about mushrooms being fungi?
Yes, both are fine to have.
How many meals are we allowed per day
Hi! Please see #14 under “Food” on my FAQs page.
Hi, which canned tomato sauce is used in the black bean recipe please?
You can use any brand that is Daniel Fast friendly and doesn’t contain added sugar in the ingredients.
Hi, I’m on day 3 of the fast and I’m not feeling good, I’m still breastfeeding and would like to know if I can have a bit of meat or small amount of startch once per day? I would like to fast for 40 days if possible but I need something to help me feel healthy.
Hi, Tammy! You’re certainly free to modify your fast. The Lord sees your situation, and he knows your heart. It’s OK if you do, and you shouldn’t feel bad or guilty about it. The most important thing is that you’re seeking the Lord through prayer.
Is rice bran oil ok to use
I’ve never heard of rice bran oil, but I think that would be fine.
Good evening,
Can I use baking soda during a Daniel Fast?
Baking soda and baking powder are leavening agents, which aren’t part of the fast. However, some people may choose not to be as strict with the guidelines and include baking soda or powder. It’s up to you and your personal conviction.
some foods have natural sugars are those still good to eat
Yes. For example, tomato sauce has natural sugars. I advise people to check the ingredients label if you’re not sure.
Any chip recommendations
Some people have used Baked Tostitos tortilla chips (Baked Lays are NOT Daniel Fast friendly, though).
This made me cackle the part about baked lays. 😂 you emphasized that NOT 👍🏾
🙂 I’ve done my research!
Why are the baked lays not ok?
It contains ingredients that aren’t part of the Daniel Fast: DRIED POTATOES, CORN STARCH, CORN OIL, SUGAR, SEA SALT, SOY LECITHIN, DEXTROSE, AND ANNATTO EXTRACTS.
Can you make gravy with olive oil and non self rising flour ?? Is this allowed on the Daniel fast ??
Hi, David. That doesn’t sound like a Daniel Fast friendly recipe to me. Sorry!
First, thank you for the guidance. Much appreciated!
You’re welcome!
Regular peanut butter?
Yes, peanut butter (without any added sugar) is fine to have.
What are spices that are acceptable
All herbs and spices are fine to have.
Morning new to this first time Daniel fast can we jave jungle oats
Yes, since they’re whole-grain oats, jungle oats are fine to have.
Can I take cinnamon tea
Hi, Susan. Please see #2 under “Beverages” on my FAQs page.
Is sunflower oil allowed for Daniel fasting? Thanks
Yes, it’s acceptable for the fast.
Thanks Kristen
You’re welcome!
Hi there! Is store bought, garlic stuffed olives Daniel Fast friendly?
Hi, Christina. That depends. Check the ingredients to see what the stuffing contains.
Are there any Daniel fast friendly peanut butters? I see some with 1g of sugar and 0 added sugar but people are saying it’s ok.
Hi, Cynthia. Yes, check the ingredients label. A food can have natural sugar without having added sugar (ex. tomato sauce). If you don’t see sugar in the ingredients (or any form of sugar, such as honey), then it should be fine.
Thank you! This helped a lot!
Hi. You should check the Nutrition Label after reading the ingredients list to see if there’s added sugar . I was going to buy Food for Life. Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Low Sodium Crunchy Cereal which doesn’t have sugar in the ingredients BUT shows 1g of added sugar. I emailed the company . I was advised that , “The total sugars include both naturally occurring and the minimal amount of Organic Malted Barley and Agave.” I was referred to fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/added-sugars-nutrition-facts-label .
Hi, Karen. Yes, that label is a bit deceptive. However, just because a nutrition label shows grams of sugar doesn’t mean it contains added sugar (ex. tomato sauce). My advice is to do the best you can, and good for you for digging deeper and doing a little research with that particular product.
Hi, please can I eat beans prepared with Palm oil during the Daniel fast?
Yes, palm oil is an acceptable oil choice on the Daniel Fast.
Hello,
Thank you for putting this wonderful resource together and making it available to the public. God bless you!
I’d like to ask, because I don’t seem to find it on the FAQs or the food list, are yams and spuds/Irish potatoes allowed? Thanks.
You’re welcome! Also, thank you for your feedback. Yes, all vegetables are allowed.
Is any pasta allowed? I was thinking about making spaghetti with whole grain noodles and plain tomato sauce with no added sugar. This is my first time doing the Daniel Fast! I’m also going a step further and not adding any spices or seasonings even though some are technically allowed.
Hi, Geoffrey! Congratulations on doing your first Daniel Fast! Yes, whole-grain pasta is fine to have.
I’m starting tomorrow first time ever. I’m a little afraid I would fail . Im also stoping smoking all together. I’m broken and I need answers and hope I had support. Pray for me.
Also can I fast for multiple reasons at once ? Or concentrate in only one . I have many problem at once.
I’m glad to hear you’re doing the Daniel Fast. It’s normal to have a little anxiety when beginning a 21-day fasting commitment, but put your trust in the Lord. Rely on him for strength every day, and he will help you. Yes, you can fast for several reasons. May the Lord help you to hear from him and bring healing to your life.
What kind of pasta sauce are you using or can we use?
I also am starting out! First time trying. WE GOT THIS CUZ HES GOT US
Hello, I’m starting the fast Monday. Once quick question. I was told that from 6am to 6pm you just drink water or 10/% juice and eat at 6pm. Is this correct?!!!!
Hi, LaTanya! Thanks for your question. You’re free to fast as the Lord leads, but, no, that’s not a specific requirement for the Daniel Fast. Please see #14 under “Food” on my FAQs page for more insight.
Can we have chicken flavoured chips and fries?
Hi. No. Animal products, or animal flavored products, aren’t part of the Daniel Fast.
Ok, thank you
Is Sunflower Lecithin (Emulsifier) allowed?
Since sunflower lecithin is a natural emulsifier, I think it would be fine to have.
Thank you so much for answering & for what you’re doing here! May God continue to bless you and your ministry!
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. 🙂
Can I use stevia?
What about a vegan protein shake blend?
Hi, Trish. Please see #5 and #10 under “Food” on my FAQs page.
is tomato sauce with no added sugar allowed?
Yes.
Hi can we use vegan mayo
Hi, Dana. Please see #7 under “Food” on my FAQs page.
Hi. How long is the daniel fast? And when should I eat in a day?
Hi! A Daniel Fast is typically 21 days; however, you can adjust as the Lord directs you. Some people may do 7 or 10-day fasts. Others may decide to continue past the 21 days. See #14 under “Food” for insight into the second question.
Can I eat Turkish delight?
Nope! Not Daniel Fast friendly. 🙂
What about Trader Joe’s reduced fat coconut milk?
Yes, unsweetened coconut milk is fine to have on the fast.
What store bought salad dressings can be used?
It’s very challenging to find store-bought dressings that are Daniel Fast friendly. The easiest type of dressing is a little olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs. Another idea is to check out these salad dressing recipes: Salads and Salad Dressings.
Hi all, can one have popcorn ? I don’t know where it would fall
Yes, plain popcorn is fine to have. Good question!
Can one eat couscous
Since couscous is a pasta, it should be whole-wheat or whole-grain couscous. Then, it’s fine to have.
Can you have parboiled rice.
Hi! As long as the rice is whole-grain (brown rice, for example), you can cook it that way.
You poor thing people don’t even read they just bombard you with is this okay?
Hi, Charles. Thanks for your comment. I do my best to answer every question, even if it has already been answered 10 times. 🙂
Can you use texturized vegetable protein on Daniel Fast?
Please see #7 under “Food” on my FAQs page.
Can you offer a substitute for mayonnaise or miracle whip?
Thanks
Hi, Angela. I don’t have anything specific to recommend, but some people may use a plant-based alternative on the fast. Please see #7 under “Food” on my FAQs page for more information on vegan products.
Can you have decaf
Please see #1 and #2 under “Beverages” on my FAQs page.
Can you drink almond milk
Yes, unsweetened almond milk is fine on the fast.
Hi! Can sunflower oil/canola oil be eaten? They’re so hard to avoid.
Yes. Although there are better choices for oil (olive or coconut, for example), canola can be used.
I have another question, can I bake with APF to make yeast free bread?
Hi, Rosie! What is APF?
Sorry, All Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour isn’t whole-grain flour, so it’s not Daniel Fast friendly.
All purpose flour
It’s not Daniel Fast friendly (all-purpose flour isn’t whole-grain flour).
Hello first let me say this website is such a blessing and have been very helpful in my times of fasting. Thank you
My Question is about citric acid and lactic acid on a lot of organic labels I am noticing it’s part of their ingredient. Since I am confuse if it’s a natural or chemical produced. And how would you know so is it ok to use or should not be use?
Thank you for your kind words and feedback. I appreciate it. Yes, some preservatives are considered to be “natural” and are acceptable, such as citric acid. Natural preservatives are ingredients that are found in nature and can — without artificial processing or synthesis with other substances — prevent products from spoiling prematurely. I would consider both citric and lactic acid to be OK on the fast.
Can you have coconut sugar?
See #11 under “Food” on my FAQs page.
Good morning, is vegan yogurt allowed? Or sugar free sauces like sugar free ketchup?
Hi, Jaila. Please see #7 under “Food” on my FAQs page for your vegan yogurt question. For the sauces, check the ingredients list. They might be fine if they don’t contain sugar.