TL;DR: Mormons don’t drink coffee because members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow a health rule called the “Word of Wisdom,” and their leaders interpret “hot drinks” to mean coffee and tea. It’s mainly about religious obedience and identity, not about temperature or caffeine—so decaf and iced coffee still count as coffee.
A short history of the Word of Wisdom
In the early 1830s, Latter-day Saints received a health guideline that became known as the Word of Wisdom. The original text spoke broadly about food and drink and cautioned against “hot drinks,” without naming coffee or tea. Over time, church leaders taught members how to live this counsel in everyday life. That process happened alongside 19th-century health and temperance movements, and it slowly became a community marker: something you could see and understand about who was “in good standing.”
If you want the source text, you can read the section commonly cited by members in Doctrine and Covenants 89. For a neutral overview of the faith’s practices across history, including food and drink rules, see the Britannica entry on the Church. These two together show the scriptural origin and how the community’s practice formed over time.
So, why can’t Mormons drink coffee? The 1 real reason
Mormons can’t drink coffee because their church says that’s part of living God’s health law. Leaders teach that “hot drinks” in the scripture means coffee and tea, and members who choose to keep this standard often treat it as a clear religious boundary. Therefore, the idea isn’t “coffee is bad because it’s hot,” and it isn’t “coffee is bad only because of caffeine.” Instead, it’s “coffee is one of the drinks we’re asked not to use.”
Two practical clarifications help:
- It’s about avoiding coffee in any form. Whether it’s hot, iced, blended, or decaf, members are taught to avoid it as “coffee.” A 2019 church explainer for youth spelled this out in plain language.
- Caffeine itself isn’t banned. The church has publicly clarified that the scripture doesn’t name caffeine. That’s why caffeinated sodas show up at some church-owned campuses today.
Put simply, the rule functions as a religious commitment. Members who keep it do so because they believe God asked them to, and because it expresses loyalty to their faith community.
Mormons and coffee FAQs
Can members drink decaf coffee?
No. Even without caffeine, decaf is still coffee under the rule. The 2019 youth article above advises avoiding drinks that contain coffee in any form.
Can they drink iced coffee or cold brew?
No. The term “hot drinks” is historical language. In practice, coffee is coffee—hot or cold—so iced versions are also avoided.
What about Coke, Pepsi, or energy drinks?
Caffeinated soda is not banned by scripture, and many members drink it. That said, some choose to avoid it for personal reasons.
So is caffeine the real issue?
Not officially. Church messaging has said the revelation doesn’t name caffeine. That’s why the focus stays on coffee and tea rather than on caffeine itself.
Can Mormons drink herbal tea?
Yes, herbal tea isn’t made from the tea plant, so many members consider it okay. However, they still avoid black, green, and similar teas from the tea plant itself (even when served cold).
What happens if a member drinks coffee?
Church participation is voluntary, and personal situations vary. However, temple worship usually expects members to live the health code, so some church privileges may be limited for those who choose not to follow it. People talk through this privately with their local leaders.
Do all members agree on the details?
Culture and personal choices vary, especially across countries and generations. For example, surveys show mixed views on how “essential” different boundaries feel.
Why can’t Mormons drink tea, then?
The same reason: leaders interpret “hot drinks” to include tea made from the tea plant. So, black tea, green tea, and similar varieties are avoided, while caffeine-free herbal blends are a personal choice.
Bonus: facts that add context to Mormons avoiding coffee
- Where the wording came from. The original scripture used the phrase “hot drinks,” which was familiar language in the 1830s. Later leaders clarified that it means coffee and tea in practice.
- Why it feels like a bright line. Many Latter-day Saints think of the Word of Wisdom as a sign of commitment, not just a health tip. Because of that, avoiding coffee becomes a simple, daily way to show faith.
- Not only “don’ts.” The same text also encourages grains, fruits, and wise use of meat. So members often see it as a positive lifestyle, not just a list of no’s.
- Why the caffeine confusion sticks around. For decades, some members assumed caffeine was the key problem. However, official statements point back to the named drinks, not the stimulant. Media stories about BYU soda helped clear this up for outsiders.
- Generational differences exist. Younger members sometimes report different attitudes about strictness, while many still follow the rule closely.
Final word: why Mormons can’t drink coffee
To summarize, Mormons don’t drink coffee because their faith’s health code, taught by their leaders, asks them to avoid coffee and tea as an act of religious obedience and community identity, regardless of caffeine or temperature.
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