On the Daniel Fast, you eat plant-based meals that are nutritious and delicious, while setting aside other foods as an act of worship and sacrifice to the Lord.
The following list explains the categories of foods to eat and foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast. However, keep in mind that not every item may be listed here. If you have questions about a particular food, check out my FAQs page to see if your answer is there.
(For more information on the fast, see About the Daniel Fast.)
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.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
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!
What about hydrogen water?
That should be fine.
did not do to well on this first time Daniel fast. I back slide a few times, but I still stuck it out to the end. Im not sure if God will give me grace and answer my prayers and show them to me. But I will do it again, and go extra harder and show more respect to God. thank you.
Hi, Erica! It’s OK. The goal of the Daniel Fast is not to “do” it perfectly; it’s to draw closer to the Lord in prayer and to know him in a deeper way. Our God is a God of grace, and he loves you the same whether you stayed on the fast or messed up. Don’t let the enemy fill you with guilt and shame; that’s not from God. He doesn’t condemn you. Good for you for not giving up and wanting to do the fast again. God will bless your obedience and faithfulness!
How long is it for?
The Daniel Fast is usually 21 days, but you can make it shorter or longer. You can find out more by visiting About the Fast.
Hi Kristen. Is Matzo allowed? It says Unbleached Wheat Four on the box. I’ve have seen mixed comments when I look it up. And is there a way to search through the questions so there is minimal repetition of questions? Many thanks. Love the book. Very helpful.
Hi, Elana. Thanks for your kind comments about my book. I appreciate it! And, no, there isn’t an easy way to search through the questions, unfortunately. I probably need to work on that. 🙂
I love your site. I’ve tried a few if your recipes. Can you use cassava flour on the Daniel fast? I’d like to make sweet potato tortillas. Thank you.
Since cassava flour is from the cassava room, many people may choose to use it. It’s up to you. Good question!
My goal is to follow Daniel’s 10 Day Nothing but pulse and water. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi, Cheryl! I apologize for the delay. My recommendation is to eat a variety of foods as much as you can…and to use herbs and spices when appropriate to season them. That way you don’t get as bored of eating the same foods over and over again.
Hi Kristen. I bought some Matzo and it contains unbleached wheat flour. When I looked up if the flour was considered processed, I got various answers. Would you consider this acceptable? Many thanks.
Hi, Elana. Great question. Only whole-grain flours are part of the fast. Since this product contains just “wheat” flour, it’s not Daniel Fast friendly.
I’m new to this, and I have no idea what to do
I’m not a vegetarian, or vegan
Hi, James. I apologize for the delay in responding. I would encourage you to get a copy of my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. It will help tremendously as you learn about the fast and how to put it into practice.
what suggestions for morning coffee drinkers?
That’s a great question…and a popular one. One idea is to drink hot water with lemon. Some people may choose to have herbal tea or even decaf as a substitute. It’s really a personal decision and depends upon how strictly you want to follow the fast. See #1 and #2 under “Beverages” on my FAQs page for additional insight.
Thanks for listing the do and donts for Daniels fasting
You’re welcome. I’m glad the information is helpful.
Good afternoon Kristen, I have been using your website for years with my fasts thank you so much for this labor of love. My question is do you remain on a restricted diet after the fast? My question is because when I fast my body is very happy and healthy with my food choices and when I come off the fast I recognize sadness and mood swings as a result of the sugar and flour. I didn’t know if you experienced this or not. If you do continue on a reserved diet when not fasting? Thank you so much again.
Hi, Juliana. Thanks for your kind words about the website. I appreciate it. No, I don’t continue eating as strictly once the fast is over, and, yes, I have also experienced what you’re describing. When you break a fast, there seems to be a spiritual and physical let down. It happens every year. I get very emotional and don’t feel as close to the Lord. This situation is quite common, so you’re not alone.
Can you use vanilla extract?
You can use alcohol-free vanilla extract, vanilla bean, or vanilla powder. Regular vanilla extract and paste are excluded because of the alcohol content.
Deciphering labels is difficult. Is tapioca starch and cassava flour acceptable on the Daniel fast? Thanks
Yes, I agree that reading labels can be tricky. I would say those two ingredients are fine to have.
Hello can I drink my whey protein shake?
Hi. Whey protein isn’t part of the fast because animal products are restricted.
Can you eat hummus
Yes.
Is cornstarch okay?
Cornstarch is a matter of personal preference and conviction. I don’t use any cornstarch in my recipes, but some people may choose to include it.
some canned beans have salt, citric acid and/or other preservatives. are these still allowed?
Hi. Great question. See #13 under “Food” on my FAQs page.
Are dates allowed on the Daniel Fast? I know like sweetners aren’t, and neither is date syrup or anything like that but what about the actual date? Thank you in advance, this page is so informative. I also tried to find the answer before posting my question. So if I missed it, my apologies.
Hi, Ariane. Yes, dates are allowed.
Thank you Kristen!
Hey Kristen, one more question. Is creatine ok?
I haven’t ever been asked that question, and I thought I’d hear it all! I’d say it’s a matter of personal conviction.
Can I have peanut butter (jiffy)
You can have peanut butter that doesn’t have added sugar (check the ingredients list to be sure).
What about baking powder to make unleavened bread?
Hi, Katie. I don’t use any leavening agents in my Daniel Fast recipes; however, some people may choose to include them. It’s really a personal decision.
Hello,
Can I drink seltzer water?
See #4 under “Beverages” on my FAQs page.
Is unsweetened dairy free yogurt ok?
Hi, Erica. It depends. You’ll need to check the ingredients list to make sure everything included is Daniel Fast friendly.
Is vegan butter allowed? Its not dairy..
Hi. Please see #7 under “Food” on my FAQs page.
Are the Farrah Low Carb wraps DF approved?
Hi, Roberta. Great question. I looked up the ingredients because I wasn’t sure. Although the wrap is a healthy choice, it doesn’t look like it’s whole-grain.
OHHHHH! Thank you😊
Is La Croix Sparkling water DF approved?
See #4 under “Beverages” on my FAQs page.
What time frame is the Daniel fast?
It’s typically a 21-day fast.
Is Banza pasta allowed?
Yes, since it’s make with chickpea flour, it’s fine to have.
what happens if i used chicken broth instead of vegetable broth do i have to start over or pray and ask god to forgive me? I thought i could use the chicken broth.
Hi, Carmen. Animal products of any kind are excluded. It’s OK that you had a misstep. It’s not necessary to start over, unless you feel strongly that you should. The Lord knows your heart, and he is merciful. No need for you to feel shame because that’s straight from the enemy. Just keep going all the way to the finish.
Thank you so much for your advice.
Have a Blessed Week,
Carmen
Can you have raw honey on this fast?
Hi. Great question. Please see #9 under “Food” on my FAQs page.
Is Lewis keto bread on Daniel Fast o.k
Hi, James. It’s not. Bread on the fast should be unleavened and whole-grain. See #1 under “Food” on my FAQs page for more information.
May I have dairy free bubble tea during the fast?
Probably not. If the tea contains caffeine and or sugar, it’s not Daniel Fast friendly.
Why is coffee not allowed? coffee is a bean, there is no alteration to the chemical make when you grind an organic coffee bean.
Hi, Monica. Please see #1 under “Beverages” on my FAQs page.
Is Tofu allowed?
Yes, some people may choose to use tofu on the fast for protein, and that’s fine.
hello can i eat mashed potatoes also can i buy cook beans and rice from a resturants
Hi, Erica. Mashed potatoes aren’t Daniel Fast friendly because they typically contain both butter and milk (or whipping cream). However, you can have a baked potato! Also, it’s difficult to eat out on a fast unless you know the ingredients in a dish. Yes, beans and brown rice are OK to have, but if they’re cooked in butter or any other non-fast food, they’re not. I hope that helps.
hello, Ms Feola can we eat french fries ok if you bake them and not fry them
Yes, baked fries are OK to have on the fast.
also are you and susan gregory have the same program or you work for her.
Hi, Erica. Baked fries are fine to have on the fast.
Hello! Do you know if vegetable shortening is ok to use?
No, it’s not a Daniel Fast friendly food.
If I eat a salad what toppings besides nuts would you consider since dressing is dairy?
Some ideas are chickpeas, fruit, sunflower seeds, pepitas, sliced avocado.
Is Vanilla extract allowed? I followed a Daniel fast recipe that called for this but now I’m not sure if this is okay.
You can use alcohol-free vanilla extract, vanilla bean, or vanilla powder. Regular vanilla extract and paste are excluded because of the alcohol content.
Sofritas (tofu) is that ok
Please see #7 under “Food” on my FAQs page.
Hi is lo mein ok?
Any noodle dishes should contain whole-grain noodles.
What kind of salad dressing is okay?
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.
Is newman’s oil and vinegar dressing okay?
Hi. Great question. Please see #8 under “Food” on my FAQs page.
Is it okay to eat whole-wheat noodles?
Yes.
Is sweet potatoes ok?
Yes. All vegetables are part of the fast.
Are plantain ok to eat boiled
Yes.
Can you have pasta salad on the Daniel Fast
Hi, Lamesha. It depends upon what type of pasta and what ingredients you’re using. Whole-grain pasta is allowed (whole wheat, chickpea, etc.).
Salsa for accompany corn tortilla chips? I didn’t see anything in the ingredients that would seem to be outside the Daniel Fast, and didn’t see anything specific here. Thank you.
Yes, salsa is allowed on the fast as long as all ingredients are Daniel Fast friendly. Good question!
I have another question, about white corn tortilla chips?
Hi, Jessica! Baked tortilla chips are OK to have.
Are we allowed to have pretzels?
Pretzels aren’t a part of the fast because they contain yeast (see #1 under “Food” on my FAQs page). They’re also made with flour that isn’t whole grain, and only whole grain products are part of the Daniel Fast. Thanks for your question!
Can Banza pasta and hummus be used on the Daniel’s Fast?
Yes, and yes!
Is potato good
Yes, all vegetables are allowed.
Hello, can you eat oragnic foods on the Daniel Fast?
Hi, Ken. It depends. All ingredients should be Daniel Fast friendly.