Can Mormons Drink Iced Coffee? Understanding the LDS Church’s Stance on Caffeine

One of the most common questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) revolves around dietary restrictions, particularly whether Mormons can drink iced coffee. While most people know that practising Latter-day Saints avoid alcohol, tobacco, and hot coffee, the rules around iced coffee, caffeine, and cold coffee beverages can be confusing. This article explores the official guidelines, cultural interpretations, and practical considerations behind this question.

The Word of Wisdom: The Foundation of Mormon Dietary Laws

The LDS Church follows a health code known as the Word of Wisdom (Doctrine & Covenants 89), which was revealed in 1833. Key restrictions include:

• No alcohol (beer, wine, spirits)
• No tobacco
• No “hot drinks” (interpreted as coffee and tea)

However, the text does not explicitly mention iced coffee, caffeine, or cold brew coffee, leading to varied interpretations.

Can Mormons Drink Iced Coffee? The Official Stance

The short answer is no; iced coffee is still considered coffee and is discouraged under the Word of Wisdom. Here’s why:

1. Coffee in Any Form Is Prohibited

• The Church’s official handbook states:“The Word of Wisdom prohibits… coffee (hot or cold).”
• This means iced coffee, cold brew, and frappuccinos fall under the same restriction as hot coffee.

2. Caffeine Itself Is Not Forbidden

• Despite popular belief, the LDS Church does not ban caffeine.
• Many Mormons drink caffeinated sodas (e.g., Coca-Cola, Mountain Dew).
• Energy drinks are discouraged but not officially prohibited.

3. Why the Confusion?

• Some assume “hot drinks” only refers to temperature, but Church leaders have clarified that all coffee (regardless of temperature) is included.
• The restriction is based on coffee as a substance, not just its heat.

Cultural vs. Official Practices

While the official stance is clear, individual members may interpret rules differently:

1. Strict Adherence

• • Many Mormons avoid all coffee-based drinks, including:Iced lattes
  • Coffee-flavored desserts (tiramisu, coffee ice cream)
  • Coffee-containing energy bars

2. More Lenient Views

• Some members argue that decaf iced coffee might be acceptable (though still discouraged).
• Others distinguish between straight coffee and coffee-flavored products (e.g., mocha syrup in shakes).

3. Regional Differences

• In areas with strong coffee culture (e.g., Europe, Brazil), some members may be more relaxed.
• In Utah (where the Church is headquartered), adherence tends to be stricter.

What About Other Caffeinated Drinks?

Since caffeine itself isn’t banned, many Mormons consume:

✔ Soda (Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper)

✔ Iced tea? Technically no—herbal teas are fine, but black/green tea is prohibited.

✔ Energy drinks? Not banned, but discouraged due to health risks.

FAQs: Mormons and Coffee

1. Can Mormons drink decaf iced coffee?

• The Church discourages all coffee, including decaf, but some members make exceptions.

2. Is cold brew coffee allowed?

• No, cold brew is still coffee and falls under the Word of Wisdom.

3. Why is coffee banned but not soda?

• The Word of Wisdom specifically mentions “hot drinks” (interpreted as coffee/tea), not caffeine.

4. Can Mormons have coffee-flavored foods?

• Some avoid them; others don’t. There’s no official rule, but many err on the side of caution.

5. Do Mormons get in trouble for drinking iced coffee?

• It’s not a “sin” like breaking major commandments, but it may affect temple recommend eligibility.

Conclusion

While the LDS Church does not explicitly ban caffeine, iced coffee is still considered coffee and is discouraged under the Word of Wisdom. The key takeaway:

• Hot or cold, coffee is off-limits for practicing Mormons.
• Caffeine itself is permitted, so sodas are fine.
• Individual interpretations vary, but the official stance is clear.

For Latter-day Saints, adhering to these guidelines is part of their commitment to faith and health.