Food List
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2, 3
One of the great things about the Daniel Fast is that you are not limited to any specific amount of food, but rather to the kinds of food you can eat. The Daniel Fast is limited to vegetables (includes fruits) and water.
If you want a print out of this list in brochure form to use yourself or share with others, please visit www.Daniel-Fast.com
The Daniel Fast – available at all local and online bookstores.
Special Note: if you have health issues, please be sure to contact your health professional for advice before committing to any fast including the Daniel Fast. If you would like a list of the foods included and excluded in the Daniel Fast to show your doctor, just copy the contents of this page. Also, if you are interested in a collection of recipes that will take you through an entire 21-day Daniel fast, click here.
After answering hundreds of questions about the Daniel Fast, I am updating the food guidelines. My hope is that it will serve as a more complete list. The original list used by many people was issued in a book about fasting. I know the author tried to do the best he could, but that isn’t the same as getting hundreds of questions seeking clarification. So here is the new list that I hope helps.
Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.
Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast
All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon
All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.
Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweetenersincluding but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.
Remember, READ THE LABELS!
If you want recipes for 21 days with three meals and snack for each day, plus meal plans and great ideas for the Daniel Fast, consider The Daniel Fast Cookbook! Just $8.95, plus your purchase helps support this lay ministry and makes it possible for this blog to continue!
The Daniel Fast at www.Daniel-Fast.com
The work in Zimbabwe has been fulfilled. Thank you to all who participated!
Trackbacks & Pingbacks
- Day 461: Out Of Options | The Covenant Diet
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- Daniel Fast Requirements « Grace Chapel Baptist Church
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- Fasting into Love - Christ's Church at Kapolei
- You Are My Portion | whitebrickhouse et REJOYCIN'
- The Daniel Fast | As the Deer
- The Food Guide | mtcministries
- Carmelo Anthony says he has been fasting past 15 days | ProBasketballTalk
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- Why a Cleanse Isn’t Always for Everyone—Plus a Warming, Healthy Chili Recipe | The Girl in the Blue Apron
- Daniel Fast 2013 - Page 3 - CurlyNikki Forums
- Daniel Fast « Greater Miracle Temple Church Blog
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- Challenge: The Daniel Fast « pro•cras•ti•ter•mi•na•tion
- Campus wide fast « seu sblc
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- Hello! And welcome! | chelfea
- Fasting for Breakthrough, Day 2: More Recipes for Your Fast | The River Fellowship
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- \ What is the Sabbath? \ | I Wonder Sometimes
I was reading your comment to Nick about whole breads and tortillas. Even though tortillas appear to have no leavening they actually do. Tortillas are made with leavening. Baking powder is used in making tortillas. Tortillas aren’t made like other flat breads. Definitely read the labels
Ezekiel brand whole grain tortillas have clean Ingredients list and are approved for the Daniel Fast. But yes, read all Ingredients list on all packaging. Be blessed!
Why can’t I use pure green tea on the diet?1
Hi Susan,
On of the two foundational scriptures for the fast are: Daniel 1:12 says, “Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.” Because of this, water is the only drinking beverage. I hope this helps!
Now what about cheese and butter? You said can’t have but not limited.
The Daniel Fast is completely plant based, so no cheese or butter. The statement “including but not limited to” simply means that this is a partial list… only intended to be an example. An example would be: All vegetables are allowed which would include: peas, carrots, spinach, lettuce, avocado. But not limited to only these, so any and all other vegetables that you find are also allowed even though not listed. I hope this helps!
Is it ok to have whole grain bread?
Hi Nick,
Traditional whole grain bread is not allowed on the fast, mainly due to the leavening in it. However, whole grain flat breads and tortillas (additive free, sweetener free) are allowed as an alternative. Try “Ezekiel brand whole wheat or whole grain tortillas”, they can be found in the freezer section of most Health food stores or at Trader Joe’s. Be blessed on your Fast!
I am a bit confused. You said only water is the drinking beverage but on the list it says fruit juice and vegetables juice are allowed. Please clarify. Thanks.
You are correct Newbie, water is the only drinking beverage allowed on the fast. However, 100% unsweetened fruit juice and/or vegetable juice are allowed to be used in recipes and in blended fruit/vegetable smoothies (when used as a meal replacement). I hope this helps, Be Blessed!
Eggs are not a dairy product. Dairy means it comes from cows.
Hi Joel,
You are partially correct, eggs are not dairy…eggs are an animal byproduct, just like milk. And many people do miscatagorize eggs as dairy, and then sometimes as meat (due to time limitations it is often easier to just leave it alone). However, dairy is very specifically designated as the byproduct of the mammary glands of mammals like cows, goats, etc. Essentially dairy is any milk or milk-made product (such as butter or ice-cream). In addition, eggs also do not fall into the meat category either. They are the fetal form of a mature animal, and are considered their own entity in and of themselves. Eggs are eggs and meat is meat. With all that said; The heart of the matter is… the Daniel Fast is totally plant-based, so there are no eggs allowed on the Daniel Fast no matter how they are catagorized. I hope this helps!
hello is salt allowed during daniel fasting
Yes salt is allowed, you’ll want to look for Kosher salt or Sea Salt to use while on the fast. I hope this helps!
Dear Daniel Fast Team,
I know you said hummus was ok, but I found it in a box ready to make. I read the ingredients- they include maltodextrin and acacia gum. Are these ok or should I look for a recipe with no additives?
Thank you for all you do!
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
MALTODEXTRIN is a food additive that is sometimes listed as a ‘dietary fiber’, it’s also a highly processed sweetener and to be avoided on the fast. You may want to try your hand and make your own hummus, it’s easy and and you’ll know what’s in it and that it is fresh. Basic Hummus recipe- 1 15-oz. can garbanzo beans,1 – 2 cloves garlic,1/8 teaspoon salt,1/4 cup extra virgin oil (decrease or increase oil to desired consistency). Blend garbanzo beans in a food processor with garlic, salt, and oil. Be creative and add in your favorite spices. I hope this helps, Be Blessed!
Is salt ok?
Yes, Natural Salt such as Kosher salt and Sea Salt is allowed on the fast, as well as all spices and seasonings (additive free). I hope this helps!
During the Daniel fast we cannot eat any bread that contains yeast?
Correct! All leavening agents (active yeast, baking soda, baking powder, etc.) are to be avoided.
Whats the best way to stay focused during fasting?
Hi Joey,
The Word of God and Prayer…. is the power behind any fast. When focus is a struggle, praying the word outloud is what will keep you going in the right direction. Not to mention that “speaking” is how faith is released (Matt 17:20, 21:21, Mark 11:23). Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue (speaking outloud) and those who love it will eat its fruit.” So I encourage you to pray the word outloud, read scripture outloud and insert your name and the names of your family! Eph. 3:14-21, Deut. 28:1-14 Be blessed!
Would almond breeze soy milk be okay?? Or no?
Hi Krystal,
It all depends on the Ingredients, if they are free of additives and unsweetened then it would be fine for recipes and cereal (water is the only drinking beverage on the fast). I use unsweetened WestSoy brand milk, the only ingredients are filtered water and organic soy beans. I hope this helps, Be Blessed!
I saw in a response that you said soy milk on cereal is ok. What kind of cereal can we have?
Hi Jazmine,
Remember it’s all about the Ingredients and what’s listed on the Ingredients list. Here some ideas for you: Muesli, some varieties of Ezekiel brand and some varieties of Shredded Wheat, ex: http://www.arrowheadmills.com/product/shredded-wheat-cereal There are also several other Daniel fast friendly cereals found in the Natural Foods section of grocery stores or at Health Food stores, and then there is always good Old Fashioned Oatmeal. I hope this helps!
Hello DF Team, can we eat WW pancakes?
No, pancakes include leavening so they are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. Be Blessed!
I have really bad allergies and was wondering during my fasting will it be ok to take Zyrtec?
Hi Gina,
Medications are ALWAYS allowed on the Daniel Fast. Any kind of fast should never bring harm to the body. That’s why we tell people who have special health needs or dietary needs to check everything out with their doctor and then make necessary adjustments. I hope this helps, Be Blessed!
What about tomato sauce and canned tomatoes, my friend says they are “processed” foods, I don’t know what the other things in them are
Hi Dorella,
Processed foods: The health industry describes processed foods as those that have been re-engineered, so most of the goodness has been removed and/or sometimes “enriched” or “enhanced” back in. So, tomato sauce and canned tomatoes are fine, just make sure to read the Ingredients list so that there are no additives or sweeteners in them. Be Blessed!
Hello just wondering are Veggie chips ok when your doing Daniels fasting????
Hi Carmen,
If the ingredients on the veggie chips are good and they are baked and not deep fried, then they would be fine for the fast. Be Blessed!
Hi and thanks for all your helpful messages!
Is coconut oil allowed? I’ve read that no solid fats are allowed. Though it is not an animal fat and it is called coconut OIL it is actually solid at room temp except in the summer (melts at 76 degrees). Any thoughts?
Hi Carrie,
I know coconut oil is tricky that way, however it is an excellent oil to use for the fast. Be Blessed on your fast!
Is there any chance I can have unsweetened green tea? Decaf? Iced green tea unsweetened and decaf?
Hi Linda,
Water is the only drinking beverage on the fast, so no decafe green tea. Be Blessed!
Hello there, sourdough bread has no yeast in it. Is that still okay to eat?
Hi Samantha,
Sourdough bread is not allowed on the Daniel Fast, due to the leavening (of which yeast is only one type) and sourdough is another type of leaven. There really isn’t any type of raised bread for the Daniel Fast. There is tortilles, and flat breads like chapati, which is made from whole grain flour, water and oil. I hope this helps, Be blessed!
Can I eat jungle oats?
It’s all about the ingredients…if Jungle Oats contains 100% wholegrain oats, with no additives or preservatives, then yes they are fine for the fast. Be Blessed!
My best friend and I have decided to do the Daniel fast and I was wondering if the subway flatbread is ok?
Hi Tori,
I would stay away from the subway flatbread during the Daniel Fast unless you can get an ingredient list from them. So many prepared foods add chemicals, sugar and whey to products – all of which are against the Daniel Fast. I know it can be inconvenient to not buy convenience foods, but it’s one of the disciplines that comes along with the fast. Be Blessed on your Journey!
I am about to go on this fast, and I was wondering about water. I make my own flavored water by soaking fruits and herbs in water over night. Is this allowed by the fast? Thanks!
Hi Grace,
Water with a slice of fruit in it is fine. However, too much fruit and herbs easily crosses over into a tea and/or juice. Make sure you can in all honesty still call the beverage Water. Ask the Holy Spirit for His direction. Be Blessed on your fast!
Is soy milk ok? I thought I read through it thoroughly, but didn’t see it.
Thanks!
Hi Cori,
Yes, you can use unsweetened soy milk in recipes and on cereal (check the Ingredients list for sweeteners and additives). However, the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water (Daniel 1:12). Be Blessed!
I would really want to start the Daniel fast
Hi Irma,
Here is a general list of the Daniel Fast allowed foods: All fruits, All vegetables, All whole grains, All whole grain flours (and pastas), All Nuts and seeds, All legumes (beans), All quality oils. Beverages: Water only – spring water, distilled water or other pure waters, and yes, tap water is good, if that is all you have available. MISC Items: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices (remember, All foods must be free of chemical additives and sweeteners). For a complete list you can order a copy of the Daniel Fast Guidelines (which includes the meal planning guide) by going to http://www.daniel-fast.com and enter your email address, they will be emailed back to you. I hope this helps!
Hi
Is couscous ok (made without the butter)
Hi Heleen,
You can have couscous made from whole grains . . . look at the list of ingredients on the label to check it out. Be blessed!
Is water the only beverage allowed during the fast? What about a raw fruit smoothie?
Hi Marcus,
The Daniel Fast is based on the fasting experienced of the Old Testament prophet, Daniel. We learn in Daniel 1 that he and his companions ate only pulse (food grown from seed) and drank only water. That’s why the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water. You can use juice in recipes as an ingredient, however.
Be blessed on your fast,
Susan
Thank you very much Susan! God bless!!
While on the Daniel fast should my husband I refrain from sexual intercourse?
Hi Denise,
“Marital relations do not have to stop during the Daniel Fast”…. Unless, you and your spouse “agrees” to that practice. 1 Corinthians 7:5 “Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control”. Scripture says that both the husband and wife must agree if sexual relations are to be withheld for a period of time (the aspect of Marital relations in fasting would have to be agreed upon, it is not a “automatic given” part of the Daniel Fast. Again, together the two of you must decide whether or not to add this element to your fast). I hope this helps!
are corn tortillas allowed?
Hi Gloria,
Corn tortillas as well as other whole grain tortillas are fine on the fast, just make sure there are no leavening, sugars or additives in the Ingredients. Be Blessed!
I was wondering about yogurt..a friend and i are planning to do the Daniels fast and wanted to find an alternative to dipping our veggies in ranch..i found a recipe but it includes greek yogurt..is that acceptable? Thank you!
Hi Laura,
Yogurt has dairy in it, so instead try Hummus for dipping veggies in. There’s a great deal of recipes available to make your own, that is if you can’t find a good one in the store. Be Blessed!
Good day, I’m on the fast and I woud like to know whether social networking is allowed, as it’s a time of mourning.
Hi Koketso,
Actually, we do not advise anyone that they should or should not abstain from any regular daily activities (such as watching movies or any form of socializing). However, we do suggest that you Increase your time spent in the Word and in Prayer, spending additional time with the Lord, whatever that may look like for you. So ask the Holy Spirit for his direction in how you should order your days. Be Blessed on your Journey!
This information has been very helpful. Thanks!
Shawn Yurina Richardson