Why don’t Latter-day Saints drink coffee or alcohol?
Latter-day Saints don’t drink coffee, tea or alcohol because of the Word of Wisdom, a health law they believe God revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833.It also rules out tobacco, vaping and drug misuse. Members see it as a way to care for the body God gave them, not just a diet rule.
1 · MindWhat it is
The Word of Wisdom is section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, one of the church’s books of scripture. Joseph Smith received it in February 1833. It says “hot drinks” are not for the body, and early members understood that to mean coffee and tea. It also warns against “strong drinks” (alcohol) and tobacco, and encourages grains and fruit, with meat eaten sparingly.
For about two generations, leaders taught it but didn’t strictly enforce it. In 1921, church president Heber J. Grant made avoiding alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea a requirement for a temple recommend (the permission members need to enter a temple).
What’s in and what’s out, according to church sources:
- Not allowed: coffee, black and green tea (including iced tea and coffee-shop drinks made with them), alcohol, tobacco, vaping and illegal drugs.
- Allowed with a doctor’s care: prescription medicines, used as prescribed.
- Left to each person: caffeine itself. The church says caffeine is not part of the temple recommend requirement, so some members drink caffeinated soda and some don’t.
What each tradition or community says
Members describe the Word of Wisdom as a gift from God for both physical and spiritual health. Church materials say it doesn’t explain the reason behind every item, and members follow it as an act of faith and trust.
Not every member keeps it the same way. In a 2011 Pew survey, about half (49 percent) of Latter-day Saints said not drinking coffee and tea is essential to being a good member. The rest did not call it essential.
Many religions have food or drink rules, such as kosher, halal or fasting seasons. Seen that way, the Word of Wisdom is one more way people try to live their faith in daily choices.
2 · HeartWhat it feels like
For a Latter-day Saint, turning down a drink isn’t a judgment of the person offering it. It’s a promise they made, kept in small moments all day. Still, it can feel awkward at office parties, work happy hours and coffee runs where everyone else is ordering.
For the person offering, it can feel like you made a mistake. You didn’t. You just learned something new about your neighbor.
Some promises get kept in big moments. A lot of them get kept at the coffee counter.Neighbor Radio
3 · HandsHow to be a good neighbor
Have something else on hand. Water, juice, hot chocolate, lemonade or herbal drinks make it easy for everyone to feel included.
Don’t push. If someone says “No thanks” to a drink, take it at face value. Don’t ask “Just one?” or make it a joke.
Plan mixed gatherings with care. For a work event, choose a place where people can comfortably order a non-alcoholic drink, and don’t make the whole event about drinking.
If you’re curious, ask. “Is there anything you don’t drink that I should know about?” is a kind question for any guest.
This weekThe next time you host, add one good drink to the table that has no coffee, tea or alcohol in it.
Plain wordsWhat do these words mean?
- Covenant
- A sacred promise between God and people, like the promises the Bible describes with Abraham and Moses.
- Kosher
- Food that follows Jewish dietary laws. For example: no pork or shellfish, and meat and dairy kept apart.
- Halal
- “Allowed” in Islam. Most often used for food that follows Islamic rules, like no pork and meat prepared a certain way.
Four questions to take with you
From the story of the Good Samaritan, the stranger who stopped to help. We call it the Good Neighbor Test.
- Did they see? Or look right past?
- Did they stop? Even when it was inconvenient?
- Did it cost them? Time, money, comfort, reputation?
- Did they treat the person like a person? Not like a label?
Try it on: a promise you keep that nobody else can see. How would you want people to treat it?
Quick questions
Can Latter-day Saints drink soda with caffeine?
The church says avoiding caffeine is not part of the temple recommend requirement, so it is up to each member. Some drink caffeinated soda and some don’t.
Is iced tea or a latte against the Word of Wisdom?
Yes. A 2019 church youth magazine said black and green tea, including iced tea, and drinks made with coffee are against it.
Can they take medicine?
Yes. Prescription medicine used as a doctor directs is allowed. Recreational drug use is not.
Is it rude to drink coffee in front of a Latter-day Saint?
Generally no. The rule is for members, not for everyone around them. Just don’t pressure them to join.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Word of Wisdom (D&C 89), Church History Topics
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Why Don't Members Drink Coffee?
- KSL (2019): Latter-day Saint magazine clarifies Word of Wisdom on coffee, tea, vaping and medical marijuana
- Pew Research Center: Mormons in America (2012)
Fact-checked October 13, 2026 against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Pew Research Center. Written in plain words by the Neighbor Radio team. Every fact is checked against what each community says about itself, in its own official sources, plus a neutral reference. Part of this community and something doesn't sound like you, or spot a mistake? Tell us. We read every note and fix mistakes.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.