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!
Thanks fo the info. can one alowed to eat low Gl bread/brow bread
I am not familiar with that. If it is a Whole grain, No yeast, baking soda, baking powder etc. Just very simple Ingredients, such as: Whole grain flour, oil, water, maybe salt (and not deep fried) and should look more like a flat bread or tortilla, then it would be fine. Be Blessed!
Good Day,
Started DF on Monday i just want to know if i can still plan my meal to eat breakfast, lunch and supper. or i have to eat once a day.
Thanks
We advise three moderate meals daily, along with two small snacks. Be Blessed!
hi Sorry I have a questions can I eat
peanut butter
honey roasted peanuts
brown rice
chili peppers or hot sauce
Or
drink
crystal light
V 8 fusion
thank you hope you be bless
Hi Antonio,
Re: peanut butter – Yes, if free of sweeteners and additives (Adams 100% Natural is a good choice)
honey roasted peanuts – No honey roasted, there is no sweeteners of any kind allowed (no honey) Regular salted or unsalted peanuts are fine, just check the Ingredients.
brown rice – Yes
chili peppers or hot sauce – Yes for the peppers (all vegetables are allowed) Hot Sauce is fine If all the Ingredients are Daniel Fast friendly.
Or:
drink – Water is the only drinking beverage on the fast.
crystal light – No (Full of chemical additives and sweeteners).
V 8 fusion – No (Water is the only drinking beverage on the fast). I hope this helps!
Shoot… I ate a type of cereal that had malasses in it. I was careless to check. Does that mean I have to start the fast all over again?
Nope, just make the corrections so you are wiser and more aware next time, and continue on in your fast. Be Blessed!
You’ll need to check out the list of ingredients. A lot of the prepared dressings include sugar, which is not allowed on the the Daniel Fast. There are a few now that are sugar-free including Hunt’s (in a can, use it as your base and add onions, bell peppers and herbs to it), Wolfgang Puck and others. I’m not sure about Prego or Ragu.
Be blessed!
yeah I’ve been having the same problem too can you recommend some of the dressing we can use thank you
A prepared dressing that fits the Daniel Fast is Newman’s Own Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing. You can also make your own salad dressings, there are many recipes in the Daniel Fast Cookbooks http://www.daniel-fast.com I hope this helps!
The original question does not come up for me and in this post you mention dressings, but then go on to speak about Hunt’s, Prego, and Ragu which are spaghetti sauces so I am not sure what was being asked. Most spaghetti sauces have sugar and I found the Hunt’s to be very bland. Recently though I discovered Meijer brand Chunky Marinara. It is very delicious and should fit for the DF. (it says it contains critic acid which I believe is fine says it also says that it contains no preservatives or additives.)
Remember regaring bland sauces, you can always use them as a base and vamp them up with additional seasonings (I often make my own out of tomato paste, water, garlic, italian seasoning, salt and anything else I can find that sounds good). Any brand of sauce that has no sweeteners or additives is a good one for the fast (and yes, you’re correct critic acid is allowed). Be Blessed!
Hi, my church and I will be starting the DF on Friday January 11 until January 25. Will i be able to drink black coffee?
Hi Trina,
The Daniel Fast is based on the fasting experiences of Daniel, including Daniel 1:12, which tells us this: Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
So the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water. You can use 100% juices in recipes. Also, you can make meal replacements with juice.
Also, since the fast is water only, then no tea. However you can add lemon or mint sprigs to water.
Be blessed on your fast.
Hello I’m starting the Daniel fast, is salt allowed?
Yes, salt is allowed.
Be blessed!
what kind of salt is allowed?
are the ones that you buy from the supermarket allowed, the one used for cooking?
Sea salt or kosher salt (additive free), both are available at the local grocery store.
I am thankful for this helpful blog. Frist time doing a fast. I am excited and feeling closer to God as I do this sacrifice for him. I have a question anout sugar free gum can or can’t be chewed.
Hi Jenny,
No, they all include sweeteners or chemicals in the ingredients, so they are not allowed.
You can chew mint leaves, suck on cloves or cinnamon stick or rinse your mouth with lemon water.
Be blessed!
Can I have a fruit smoothie using almond milk? Can I eat peanut butter?
Yes, you can have smoothies as “liquid meals.” You need to use unsweetened almond milk . . .
And yes, peanut butter made with peanuts and salt is allowed on the fast.
Be blessed!
Day 4….Feel great and is so excited to be on this journey. Thanking God for his grace and love. I really need this closeness with the Lord. Praying for a better me.
Can u have whole wheat wraps? Like the kind u can use for like tacos, etc.
Yes, Jenny, but you need to study the list of ingredients to make sure they are free of chemicals and other items not allowed on the fast Check out the Ezekiel 4:9 Whole Grain wraps. You may need to get them in a health food store.
Be blessed.
Can I bake the French fries sold in places like Walmart or a grocery store?
Hi Eric,
Most likely, but you need to read the list of ingredients to make sure they are allowed.
Be blessed!
I was eatting 100%whole wheat bread but it has yeast n high fructose corn syrup.their really nothing that I can eat ima have to stick with the drinks …
Hi Kordell,
There are so man foods . . . the food list has lots of choices. If you are looking only for foods you can purchase in the grocery store that are ready to eat, you may have a tougher time, but there are good options there, too.
Be blessed
Are cigarettes allowed while fasting?
Clearly, the Lord would have you quit smoking.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.” Pulse is food grown from seed . . . (corn, potatoes, wheat, rice and the like are all considered grown from seed). And, Dan. 10:3 – I ate no pleasant or desirable food, nor did any meat or wine come into my mouth; …Because of this, we eat no sweeteners of any kind, no deep fried foods and no fancy desserts, water is the only drinking beverage. We also don’t use any stimulants such as “caffeine” or alcohol (including nicotine, which is a substance that acts as a stimulant in our bodies).
Remember, the Lord has given us the responsibility to care for our body – Which was bought with a price and is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to ask this question to the Holy Spirit, let Him be your Guide, Strength, and Counselor. Be Blessed on your Journey!
Can i eat honey bunches or oats cereal by itself as a snack?
You’ll want to read the Ingredients list, both of these have sweeteners in them. There’s no sweeteners of any kind allowed on the fast. Be blessed!
Can I eat yellow rice on the daniel fast?
In most cases, yellow rice is ordinary white rice that is prepared with a spice such as saffron or turmeric. These spices give the rice its trademark appearance and flavor. However, the White rice is not a whole grain so it is not allowed on the fast. You can use a brown rice or any other whole grain rice and using the same spices get a Daniel Fast version. Be Blessed!
Tofu is listed as a food we can eat but I read tofu is a processed food. I am confused whether I can eat or not.
Hi Gail,
Processed means that the food has had the good nutrients removed from it, as is the case with white flour and white rice. Tofu is a whole food (soy beans) and the nutrients are still intact. I don’t know where you read it was processed. I would be interested in the source so I can answer more completely.
Be blessed on your fast.
Ok I have a question, I like the beans but i generally cook mine with meat, can i cook with the meat and then just not eat the meat.
No, you can’t use meat, even for flavoring. There are a lot of really good herbs and species you can use . . . discovery time
Be blessed!
i have some penne pasta that has whole grain durum, wheat flour, semolina, durum wheat flour, oat fiber. Is this allowed
Blessings, Judy
If the package says Whole Grains, then you are good. It sounds like the type I use, which I prefer over 100% whole wheat.
Be blessed!
Our ministry is starting the Daniel Fast and the question of white rice and potatoes continues to be a source of great contention…can you help clear this up?
The Daniel Fast is plant-based, whole foods. White rice is not a whole food, but instead a processed food where the goodness of the rice has been removed and only the starch is left. Brown rice is allowed on the fast.
White potatoes are allowed on the fast as they are a whole food.
I hope this helps.
Be blessed
Hi are tortillas okay or are they not allowed?
All about the ingredients. Most have a long list of ingredients and chemicals that are hard to pronounce. However, Ezekiel 4:9 has whole grain tortillas that are perfect for the Daniel Fast. Even though my supermarket has a large natural foods section, I still have to get these tortillas at the local health food store.
I hope this helps!
Thanks very helpful!
Thanks very helpful! I’m on my second day this it’s amazing to try something new!
nikki, I had a hard time finding corn tortillas without the chemicals and preservatives. We like mexican food so I kept hunting. I was about to give up when I noticed a brand I had not used and it contained only stoneground corn, salt, and a trace of lime. You might try a different grocery store (or two) so you have access to multiple brands.
Morning all you faithful people of God. Today is my 7th day on this fast and must say, I have not felt better. I have been spending time with God, reading His word and also in prayer. It encourages me so much reading all these blogs knowing that I am one of many others going on this journey, seeking God and just wanting to draw closer to Him. I believe for breakthrough in my life and in my family life and know that we serve a God who hears us and knows our hearts. God is faithful, awesome and sovereign. Have a blessed day!!!
I am on my 3rd day,I feel so light and has peace in my heart.I pray for that breakthrough too.Be blessed
Sent from my BlackBerry®
Wow. I’ve been doing the Daniel fast for years but have overlooked the water only part. Thanks to this site I’m on the right path.
I see peanut butter is on the list, but when I look at the ingredients, I see sugar listed. My question is what kind of peanut butter is ok for the Daniel Fast??
Hi Lauren
My preferred brand is Adam’s Peanut Butter. Look for a peanut butter that has only peanuts and salt as the ingredients. There are many on the market these days as people are getting away from so much sugar and hydrogenated shortening in their diets.
Be blessed.
Why is it ok to have soy and almond milk but not fruit juice?
The Daniel Fast is based on the fasting experiences of Daniel, including Daniel 1:12, which tells us this: Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
So the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water. You can use 100% juices in recipes. Also, you can make meal replacements with juice.
Also, since the fast is water only, then no tea. However you can add lemon or mint sprigs to water.
Be blessed on your fast.
Can I drink any juice from jamba juice.and Iam on a full day fast or not. thank you be bless
The Daniel Fast is based on the fasting experiences of Daniel, including Daniel 1:12, which tells us this: Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
So the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water. You can use 100% juices in recipes. Also, you can make meal replacements with juice.
Also, since the fast is water only, then no tea. However you can add lemon or mint sprigs to water.
The Daniel Fast is 24/7 for 21 days. Some people vary the number of days, but the fast is all day long.
Be blessed on your fast.
Ok so I see it says u can have veggie burgers but what type of bun/bread can I have with it
No bun . . . and you need to make sure you study the ingredients included in the veggie burgers as many of them include sweeteners and dairy products.
There are several recipes in the Daniel Fast book so you can make your own . . .
Can you take your daily vitamins with the fast?
Yes, vitamins and medications are allowed on the Daniel Fast.
can i eat baked tilapia?
Tilapia is fish. The Daniel Fast is totally plant-based, so no you can’t have it.
Be blessed.
Hi Susan,
This is day 2 for me and its going pretty good so far. I just want to make sure olives olives are ok to have with my salads, and another is broth… it gets pretty cold and when my kids are eating noodles for snack is it ok for me to have the broth?…Thanks
Olives are fine, just make sure that the Ingredients are Daniel Fast friendly. Vegetable broth is fine. Be blessed on your fast!
Specifically what cereals can I eat in this fast?
Hi Demenna,
All whole grains are allowed. If you are talking about boxed cereals there are few. You will need to look at the list of ingredients to make sure they all comply with the fast. Shredded wheat is fine. Ezekiel has a few boxed cereals. Most people use oatmeal or muesli along with dried or fresh fruits, nuts and spices with unsweetened soy milk or juice.
I hope this helps.
Thanks so much!!! This blog has been such a blessing to me. I’ve passed along some of the information to a coworker. She was grateful as well.
Thanks, Natisha.
I hope the best for you and your co-workers on your fasts.
Be blessed!
I drink unsweetened Almond Milk. Is this allowed as a beverage for cereal?
Yes, Kathy, you can use unsweetened almond milk on your cereal. The only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water, but the plant-based milk on cereal is allowed.
Be blessed!
How is it possible to drink only water but ok for juiced fruits and veggies?
Because you can use the in recipes or in meal replacement smoothies.
Also, some people like to use apple juice on cereal or that type of use. However, the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water.
I hope this helps!
So you can drink smoothies on the DF?
Yes, as long as all the ingredient comply with the Daniel Fast. Smoothies are considered a meal replacement or a liquid meal.
Be blessed!
I mean like blended frozen fruit with a juice type thing as a meal replacement..
Yes, this would be okay if all the ingredients comply with the Daniel Fast. You are good!
Be blessed!
is splenda or stevia allowed?
No. All sweeteners are not allowed on the Daniel Fast including honey, syrups, stevia, Spenda and agave nectar.
Be blessed!
I LOVE this site! I thank & praise God that He is using you Susan with helping in God’s purpose for all of our lives. I have a couple of questions with preparing meals? I normally season my cabbage w/ salt pork. Is there anything I can use that can give that type of seasoning? Also with preparing beans, I use smoke turkey for seasoning. Is there anything I can use other than spices, to acquire a better to bland pot of beans? Thank you for ALL that you do. I know God is smiling on the work you do for the building of HIS kingdom. To God Be The Glory!
Hi Cherry,
Seems like the fast is providing an opportunity for you to discover some new flavors!
No animal products are allowed on the fast, even just for flavoring. I don’t know of what to do recreate the flavor . . . but I do know there are wonderful and satisfying meals with all plant-based ingredients.
Be blessed and thanks for your kind words.
Hi saints, i just started Daniel fast 21 days.Can i eat biscuts?
Probably not because when would include ingredients not allowed on the Daniel Fast. Biscuits would include solid fat and leavening, but of which are not allowed.
Be blessed!
Can I take anything for the constipation ?
Due to the high fiber on the fast, rarely do we hear of people getting constipated on the Daniel Fast. So, how is your water intake? As a general rule you need to be drinking half your body weight in ounces ie., 160 lbs = 80 ounces of water per day. . . from there it would be good to evaluate the foods you are eating to see if the combinations of the foods or the types are promoting constipation. I hope this helps, Be Blessed!
Hi susan, I wanted to know if I am allowed to take ibuprofen durimg the daniel fast…(for mentrual cramps)
Hi Shirley,
Yes. When medication is necessary, by all means take it as needed during the fast. “If” and when you have the option of medication that is free of sweeteners or man-made chemicals all the better. I hope this helps, Be Blessed!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SITE AND HELP. My bf and i decided to fast for 7 days and today is the last day. we have sincerely tried to use the time being thankful for all God has provided and it has really humbled us to see just how many natural foods we were given. it is also depressing to recognize how easily the flesh is tempted and believes it is satisfied by the things not good for us. i’ve done so well and today i found Tostitos natural blue corn tortilla chips and all of the ingredients are within the fast but after eating about 13 chips it occured to me perhaps they had been fried in the natural oil… idk. would these be acceptable? the bag does not say baked or fried and i’ve seen them as acceptable on SOME sites but idk. ingerdients: organic blue corn, expeller-pressed sunflower oil and sea salt
Hi Aimee,
The chips were probably deep fried, which is not allowed on the fast.
Now that you know better you can do better . . . don’t beat yourself up. It was an honest mistake.
Be blessed!
Istarted daniel fast but I weightlift can I useor take my supperments ?
Yes, Kevin, you can use supplements. Best to use unsweetened plant-based supplements, however as a weight lifter you would be in the category of one who needs a “special diet.”
I hope this helps.
Hi Susan,
What can we use to keep our breath freshened and to prevent the dry mouth? Are sugar free gums allowed?
No, they all include sweeteners or chemicals in the ingredients, so they are not allowed.
You can chew mint leaves, suck on cloves or cinnamon stick or rinse your mouth with lemon water.
Be blessed!
I started the fast on yesterday with my congregation thanks for the information.God Bless! Diana Williams
Hi, Two questions please. Firstly if you are allowed fruit then can I have fuit juice that is 100% juice with nothing else added? Also if I have orgainic herbal tea or hotwater with a spig of mint in it is this ok? We are on the second day of our 21 days and I want to get this right. Thanks Leah
Hi Leah,
The Daniel Fast is based on the fasting experiences of Daniel, including Daniel 1:12, which tells us this: Prove thy
servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
So the only beverage on the Daniel Fast is water. You can use 100% juices in recipes. Also, you can make meal replacements
with juice.
Also, since the fast is water only, then no tea. However you can add lemon or mint sprigs to water.
Be blessed on your fast.
can i eat maize meal for danile fast
Yes, maize is fine if you prepare it with just water and not dairy or animal products.
Be blessed!
Is it okay to eat peanuts and raisins with refined vegetable oil
Yes, these are fine for your Daniel Fast.
Be blessed!
Am a bit confused. Say i buy saltd peanuts and raisins that contain refined vegetable oil will that be ohk
Yes, these are fine for the Daniel Fast.
My church and I started fasting yesterday.we are fasting for 21 days. We know God will bring revival as we fast and seek him
Susan, you are a blessing! Thank you for obeying the Lord and writing The Daniel fast. Our church is being blessed by it 
Thank you so much, Ann.
I am blessed to serve God in this way. He has blessed me and I am thankful.
I hope the best for you on your fast.
If smoothies are made using all the ok’ed ingredients does that not pass due to it’s “drink” nature. It saves so much time. Can I just call it a soup? LOL Seriously what are your thoughts on smoothies (with all good ingredients, might it be acceptable for the Daniel Fast? I often tell my kids, “imagine your eating a plate of blueberries, lettuce, etc. smiling.”
Yes, you can have smoothies as they are considered meal replacements or “liquid meal.” To make them even more hearty and more filing, you might want to add protein such as unsweetened soy protein powder or ground up oatmeal.
Be blessed!
I would like to try the Daniel Fast but I definitely do not want to lose weight – any suggestions. Also is coconut water allowed?
Hi Beverley,
As long as you eat enough calories on the Daniel Fast you will not lose weight. Many people do lose weight, but you can also plan your meals to have more foods with higher calorie counts and do fine.
Be blessed!