Many people ask, “Why can’t Mormons drink coffee?” The answer comes from a religious health code called the Word of Wisdom, which The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints records in Doctrine and Covenants 89.
The Church teaches its members to avoid coffee and tea, along with alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and harmful or addictive substances. Church leaders explain that the restriction on coffee does not simply come from caffeine. Instead, it comes from the Church’s interpretation of the “hot drinks” mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 89 as coffee and tea.
The rule also has a long history. Joseph Smith received the Word of Wisdom in 1833, but the Church did not initially treat it as a strict commandment. Leaders gradually increased its importance, and members formally covenanted to follow it in 1851. By 1921, President Heber J. Grant required abstinence from coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco for members seeking a temple recommend.
This guide explains the history, religious reasoning, caffeine question, common exceptions, and modern rules surrounding coffee in Mormonism.
What Is the Mormon Coffee Rule?
The term “Mormon coffee rule” refers to the Latter-day Saint practice of avoiding coffee as part of the Word of Wisdom.
The Word of Wisdom appears in Doctrine and Covenants 89, a revelation that Joseph Smith received on February 27, 1833. The revelation discusses alcohol, tobacco, food, and “hot drinks.”
The text itself does not use the word coffee. However, early Church leaders identified the phrase “hot drinks” with tea and coffee.
Hyrum Smith explained this interpretation in 1842, and Church historical sources also report that Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith identified coffee and tea as the prohibited “hot drinks.”
What Does the Word of Wisdom Prohibit?
Today, Church teaching asks members to avoid:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Tea
- Illegal drugs
- Harmful or addictive substances
The Word of Wisdom also encourages healthy eating practices, including consuming grains, fruits, vegetables, and meat in moderation.
Why Can’t Mormons Drink Coffee?
The simplest answer is religious obedience.
Latter-day Saints follow the Word of Wisdom because they view it as a commandment from God. The Church teaches that members should follow this standard even when a particular prohibited substance might not appear harmful to every person.
Therefore, the Church does not frame the coffee restriction simply as a medical recommendation.
Is Coffee Forbidden Because of Caffeine?
No. Caffeine does not provide the main reason for the coffee prohibition.
The Word of Wisdom does not specifically identify caffeine as the prohibited substance. Church sources explain that early Church leaders interpreted “hot drinks” as tea and coffee.
This distinction matters because many people assume:
Coffee contains caffeine → caffeine is prohibited → therefore all caffeine is prohibited.
That logic does not accurately describe the official Church position.
A person can consume caffeine without drinking coffee or tea. The Church has historically distinguished caffeine from the specific prohibition against coffee and tea.
What Does Doctrine and Covenants 89 Say About Coffee?
Doctrine and Covenants 89 contains the central religious text behind the Word of Wisdom.
Verse 9 uses the phrase “hot drinks.” Early Church leaders later explained that this phrase referred to tea and coffee.
The revelation also discusses:
- Strong drinks
- Tobacco
- Herbs
- Grains
- Fruits
- Meat
- Health and physical strength
The revelation promises health, wisdom, knowledge, and protection to people who follow its teachings.
Why Did Joseph Smith Receive the Word of Wisdom?
Historical sources connect the revelation to the environment surrounding the School of the Prophets in Kirtland, Ohio.
Tobacco use created a particular problem in the school. Emma Smith also reportedly objected to the tobacco smoke and tobacco spit that accumulated in the meeting space. Joseph Smith then inquired of the Lord and received the revelation.
The revelation also appeared during a period when Americans actively debated alcohol, diet, stimulants, and physical health.
Historical Context: How the Coffee Rule Developed
The modern Mormon coffee rule did not appear fully formed in 1833.
The Church developed its current practice gradually.
1833: Joseph Smith Receives the Word of Wisdom
Joseph Smith received Doctrine and Covenants 89 on February 27, 1833.
At first, the revelation described itself as a principle given “not by commandment or constraint.” This wording allowed early Church members time to adopt the teachings.
Historical sources show that some early Latter-day Saints continued to drink coffee and tea after 1833.
1851: Members Formally Covenant to Follow It
In September 1851, Brigham Young proposed that Church members formally covenant to abstain from tea, coffee, tobacco, whiskey, and the other substances covered by the Word of Wisdom.
The members accepted the proposal unanimously. Church historical sources describe this moment as an important step toward making the Word of Wisdom a binding commandment.
1880s: Leaders Increased the Emphasis
Church leaders continued to emphasize stricter observance during the late nineteenth century.
John Taylor and other leaders encouraged members to follow the Word of Wisdom more completely. Church sources also identify October 13, 1882, as a point when John Taylor emphasized the Word of Wisdom as a commandment.
1919–1921: Temple Standards Became More Explicit
The Church made observance of the Word of Wisdom increasingly important for temple worthiness.
Sources differ slightly on how they describe the transition, but Church historical material identifies 1921 as the year President Heber J. Grant required abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea for members seeking a temple recommend.
Word of Wisdom Timeline
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1833 | Joseph Smith received the Word of Wisdom |
| 1833–1851 | Members gradually adopted the teachings |
| 1851 | Brigham Young proposed a formal covenant to follow the Word of Wisdom |
| 1882 | John Taylor emphasized the Word of Wisdom as a commandment |
| 1919–1921 | The Church connected strict observance with temple worthiness |
| 1921 | President Heber J. Grant required abstinence from coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco for a temple recommend |
| Today | Church members continue to follow the Word of Wisdom |
Why Does the Church Prohibit Coffee but Not All Caffeine?
This question causes considerable confusion.
The official restriction focuses on coffee and tea, rather than treating caffeine itself as the prohibited substance.
For example, Church educational material has addressed caffeinated soda and explained that the Word of Wisdom does not specifically mention caffeine.
However, Church teachings also encourage members to avoid harmful and addictive substances.
This means members should consider the broader principle rather than simply searching for a list of loopholes.
Do Mormons Drink Caffeine?
Yes, some Latter-day Saints drink caffeinated beverages.
Caffeine itself does not form the specific basis of the coffee and tea prohibition in the Word of Wisdom. Church sources have explicitly addressed the fact that the revelation does not mention caffeine.
However, individual members can make different personal choices about caffeine.
A person should therefore avoid assuming that every Latter-day Saint follows exactly the same personal caffeine habits.
Can Mormons Drink Decaf Coffee?
Generally, no.
Decaffeinated coffee still comes from coffee, so removing most of the caffeine does not change its classification as coffee.
This distinction shows why the rule does not center on caffeine alone.
The Church identifies coffee as one of the substances members should avoid under the Word of Wisdom.
What About Coffee-Flavored Foods?
Coffee-flavored products can create more complicated situations.
A product may contain coffee as an ingredient without functioning like a cup of coffee. Church members may therefore consider the specific product and current Church guidance rather than assuming that every coffee-flavored food automatically carries the same status as brewed coffee.
For questions involving a specific product, members can seek guidance from Church leaders and current official Church resources.
What Are “Hot Drinks” in Mormonism?
The phrase “hot drinks” appears in Doctrine and Covenants 89:9.
Modern readers might assume that the phrase prohibits every beverage served hot. However, early Church leaders explained that “hot drinks” referred specifically to tea and coffee.
Therefore, the temperature itself does not create the prohibition.
Can Mormons Drink Hot Chocolate?
Yes. The fact that hot chocolate comes hot does not automatically make it a prohibited “hot drink.”
The Church’s interpretation focuses on tea and coffee rather than beverage temperature.
Can Mormons Drink Herbal Tea?
Many herbal teas do not contain tea leaves from the traditional tea plant, Camellia sinensis.
Church guidance distinguishes herbal tea from black and green tea. Current Church educational material identifies green and black tea as tea covered by the Word of Wisdom.
Members may still consider ingredients and current Church guidance when they encounter unusual tea products.
Coffee vs. Caffeine: The Important Difference
People often confuse these two concepts.
| Question | General LDS Position |
|---|---|
| Is coffee prohibited? | Yes |
| Is decaf coffee allowed? | No, decaffeination does not turn coffee into a different beverage |
| Is caffeine itself named as the reason for the coffee ban? | No |
| Does the Word of Wisdom specifically prohibit all caffeine? | No |
| Can members drink caffeinated soda? | Church sources have not treated caffeine itself as the coffee prohibition |
| Does black tea fall under the restriction? | Yes |
| Does green tea fall under the restriction? | Yes |
| Can members drink herbal tea? | Generally, herbal tea does not fall under the tea prohibition |
| Does beverage temperature alone determine the rule? | No |
The table summarizes the official distinctions found in Church educational and historical sources.
What Drinks Can Mormons Have?
Latter-day Saints can enjoy many beverages that do not fall under the Word of Wisdom’s specific prohibitions.
These can include:
- Water
- Fruit juice
- Milk
- Smoothies
- Hot chocolate
- Herbal tea
- Many soft drinks
- Caffeinated soft drinks, depending on personal choice
- Other non-coffee, non-tea beverages
Members should also consider the broader Church teaching to avoid harmful or addictive substances.
Mormon Coffee Rule Checker
Use this simple guide as a starting point:
| Beverage | General LDS Guidance |
|---|---|
| Brewed coffee | ❌ Avoid |
| Espresso | ❌ Avoid |
| Latte | ❌ Avoid |
| Cappuccino | ❌ Avoid |
| Iced coffee | ❌ Avoid |
| Iced latte made with coffee | ❌ Avoid |
| Decaf coffee | ❌ Avoid |
| Black tea | ❌ Avoid |
| Green tea | ❌ Avoid |
| Herbal tea | ✅ Generally allowed |
| Hot chocolate | ✅ Allowed |
| Caffeinated cola | ✅ Not prohibited solely because of caffeine |
| Energy drink | ⚠️ Consider health, ingredients, and personal judgment |
| Water | ✅ Allowed |
| Fruit juice | ✅ Allowed |
This table explains general Church teaching rather than replacing current guidance from the Church or local leaders.
Are Iced Coffee Drinks Allowed?
No.
Changing the temperature does not change the fact that the drink contains coffee.
Therefore:
- Hot coffee → ❌
- Iced coffee → ❌
- Cold brew coffee → ❌
- Iced latte → ❌
- Frappuccino containing coffee → ❌
- Decaf coffee → ❌
The key issue involves the coffee itself, not whether someone serves it hot or cold.
Church educational materials also clarify that drinks containing coffee under names such as mocha, latte, espresso, and -ccino fall under the coffee restriction.
What About Coffee Shop Drinks?
Coffee shops can create confusion because many drinks use coffee-related names.
For example:
Latte
A traditional latte contains espresso, so it falls under the coffee restriction.
Espresso
Espresso comes from coffee beans, so members avoid it.
Cappuccino
A cappuccino normally contains espresso, so members avoid it.
Mocha
A traditional mocha combines coffee or espresso with chocolate and milk. Members avoid the coffee-based version.
Iced Coffee
The drink remains coffee even when someone serves it cold.
Do Mormons Avoid Tea Too?
Yes.
The Word of Wisdom includes tea alongside coffee. Church sources identify black tea and green tea as tea covered by the restriction.
This rule can surprise people because tea often contains less caffeine than coffee.
Again, the rule does not simply depend on caffeine levels.
What About Herbal Tea?
Herbal tea creates a different situation.
Herbal infusions generally do not use the traditional tea plant used to make black, green, white, and oolong tea.
Therefore, herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint generally do not fall under the same restriction.
However, products labeled “herbal tea” can contain multiple ingredients. Members can check the ingredients and follow current Church guidance when necessary.
Why Do Mormons Follow the Coffee Rule?
The answer goes beyond physical health.
Latter-day Saints view the Word of Wisdom as a religious commandment and a covenant commitment.
Church teachings explain that members follow it because they have chosen to obey God’s commandments, not simply because doctors or nutritionists consider a particular drink healthy or unhealthy.
The Church also teaches that the Word of Wisdom provides spiritual and physical benefits.
Doctrine and Covenants 89 promises health, wisdom, knowledge, and protection to those who follow the revelation.
How the Coffee Rule Affects Modern Social Life
Coffee plays a major role in modern social and professional culture.
People often meet at coffee shops, offer coffee during meetings, or use coffee as part of workplace routines.
Latter-day Saints can still participate in these social settings without drinking coffee.
For example, a member might:
- Order hot chocolate instead of coffee.
- Choose herbal tea.
- Drink water or juice.
- Meet friends at a coffee shop without ordering coffee.
- Attend business meetings without consuming coffee.
- Explain the religious reason politely when someone asks.
The restriction does not require members to avoid people who drink coffee.
Instead, members can maintain their religious standards while participating in everyday social life.
A Modern Workplace Example
Imagine a Latter-day Saint professional attending an early-morning client meeting at a coffee shop.
The client orders coffee and asks the professional what they would like.
The member can simply choose another beverage.
If someone asks why, the member can explain that their religion teaches them to avoid coffee and tea as part of the Word of Wisdom.
This approach allows the member to maintain the religious standard without turning an ordinary business meeting into a religious debate.
Is the Coffee Rule Required for a Temple Recommend?
Yes.
The Church connects observance of the Word of Wisdom with temple worthiness.
Historical sources identify 1921 as the year President Heber J. Grant required members to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea in order to obtain a temple recommend.
Today, temple recommend interviews include questions about whether members understand and obey the Word of Wisdom.
This requirement helps explain why the coffee rule carries more importance for practicing Latter-day Saints than a simple dietary preference.
Common Myths About the Mormon Coffee Rule
Myth 1: Mormons Cannot Have Any Caffeine
Fact: The Word of Wisdom does not specifically prohibit caffeine.
Church sources have addressed caffeinated soft drinks and explain that caffeine itself does not form the stated basis of the coffee and tea prohibition.
Myth 2: Mormons Cannot Drink Anything Hot
Fact: The Church does not interpret “hot drinks” as every beverage served at a high temperature.
Early Church leaders identified “hot drinks” with coffee and tea.
Myth 3: Decaf Coffee Solves the Problem
Fact: Decaf coffee remains coffee.
Removing caffeine does not remove the coffee ingredient.
Myth 4: Iced Coffee Counts as a Different Drink
Fact: Changing the temperature does not change the beverage’s coffee base.
Myth 5: The Rule Started Because Scientists Proved Coffee Was Dangerous
Fact: The Church bases the rule on the Word of Wisdom and religious obedience. The historical context also includes nineteenth-century American debates about alcohol, stimulants, and health.
The Word of Wisdom and Nineteenth-Century Health Reform
The historical environment helps explain why the Word of Wisdom appeared when it did.
During the early nineteenth century, Americans debated alcohol consumption, tobacco, diet, stimulants, and physical health.
The Temperance movement became particularly influential. Reformers promoted abstinence from alcohol and discussed the effects of stimulants.
Coffee also played an interesting role in this period. Some reformers promoted coffee as an alternative to alcohol, while other health reformers opposed stimulants such as coffee and tea.
Joseph Smith received the Word of Wisdom within this broader cultural environment.
However, Church historical sources emphasize that the revelation did not simply reproduce contemporary health-reform arguments. The revelation created its own religious framework for diet and substance use.
Why the Rule Focuses on Coffee Instead of Temperature
Modern readers can easily misunderstand the phrase “hot drinks.”
If the phrase referred to temperature alone, the rule could prohibit hot chocolate, soup, or other warm beverages.
But historical Church sources show that early leaders interpreted “hot drinks” as tea and coffee.
That historical interpretation shaped the modern Mormon coffee rule.
The Church therefore does not ask members to measure the temperature of every beverage.
What the Word of Wisdom Really Means for Members Today
The Word of Wisdom covers more than coffee.
Church teachings ask members to avoid:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Tea
- Illegal drugs
- Harmful or addictive substances
This broader approach explains why members often describe the Word of Wisdom as a health and spiritual law, rather than simply a “no coffee rule.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t Mormons drink coffee?
Latter-day Saints avoid coffee because Church leaders interpret the “hot drinks” mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 89 as coffee and tea. Members follow this rule as part of the Word of Wisdom and their commitment to obey Church commandments.
Do Mormons drink caffeine?
Yes, some Latter-day Saints drink caffeine. The Word of Wisdom does not specifically identify caffeine as the reason for the coffee and tea restriction.
Can Mormons drink decaf coffee?
No. Decaffeinated coffee still qualifies as coffee, so removing caffeine does not make it compliant with the coffee restriction.
Can Mormons drink iced coffee?
No. The Church’s restriction concerns coffee itself, not its temperature.
Can Mormons drink green tea?
No. Church educational material identifies green tea as tea covered by the Word of Wisdom.
Can Mormons drink black tea?
No. Black tea also falls under the tea restriction.
Can Mormons drink herbal tea?
Generally, yes. Herbal teas do not usually come from the traditional tea plant. Members should check unusual products and current Church guidance when needed.
Can Mormons drink hot chocolate?
Yes. The phrase “hot drinks” does not mean every beverage served hot. Church leaders identified the term with coffee and tea.
Can Mormons drink soda?
The Word of Wisdom does not specifically prohibit soda. Caffeine itself does not form the stated basis of the coffee prohibition. Individual members may make different choices about caffeinated drinks.
Why did the Mormon coffee rule start?
Joseph Smith received the Word of Wisdom in 1833 during a period of widespread American debate about alcohol, tobacco, diet, stimulants, and health. Church members gradually adopted the rule, and Church leaders later made strict observance an important requirement for temple worthiness.
When did the Word of Wisdom become a commandment?
The Church adopted the Word of Wisdom gradually. Brigham Young proposed a formal covenant in 1851, and later leaders strengthened its enforcement. By 1921, President Heber J. Grant required abstinence from coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco for members seeking a temple recommend.
Conclusion: Why Can’t Mormons Drink Coffee?
So, why can’t Mormons drink coffee?
The answer comes from the Word of Wisdom, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 89. The revelation tells Latter-day Saints to avoid “hot drinks,” and early Church leaders identified those drinks as coffee and tea.
The rule does not simply mean that Mormons must avoid caffeine. The Church specifically prohibits coffee and tea while allowing members to make individual choices about other caffeinated beverages.
The rule also developed over time. Joseph Smith received the Word of Wisdom in 1833, Church members formally covenanted to follow it in 1851, and President Heber J. Grant connected strict observance with temple recommends in 1921.
For modern Latter-day Saints, avoiding coffee represents more than a dietary choice. It represents their commitment to follow a religious standard that they believe supports both physical and spiritual well-being.
In short: Mormons avoid coffee because their interpretation of the Word of Wisdom specifically identifies coffee and tea as prohibited “hot drinks,” not simply because coffee contains caffeine.