Ready Always / Everyday questions / Food & drink

Wait, so can you even drink Coke or energy drinks?

1

The hallway answer

About 15 seconds

“Yep. The Word of Wisdom names coffee and tea, not caffeine itself, so soda is a personal call. Some members skip it and some don’t. We’re just asked to use good judgment about what’s healthy.”

Then ask them: Have you seen the dirty-soda shops? Those are kind of a thing where a lot of members live.
I want the real answer ↓
2

The real answer

About 5 minutes

This one surprises people. The revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 89 doesn’t mention caffeine. Church leaders have said “hot drinks” means tea and coffee. The Church History Library notes that a 2019 statement clarified that vaping, green tea and coffee-based products are also prohibited. Caffeinated soft drinks aren’t on that list.

So families make their own choices. Some avoid caffeine because it can be habit-forming, and some drink a soda at lunch without thinking twice. The bigger principle in For the Strength of Youth is to “do things that will strengthen your body, not things that will hurt or damage it.” That covers energy drinks, sleep and how much sugar you take in, too.

One gentle reminder goes both ways. Don’t judge friends, or other members, who choose differently on things the Church hasn’t named.

Scriptures to know. Tap to read.

D&C 89:10-11Use good things “with prudence and thanksgiving”
10And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man— 11Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. Read in Doctrine and Covenants, Connected →
D&C 58:26-28We’re not commanded in all things; use agency for good
26For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. 27Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; 28For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. Read in Doctrine and Covenants, Connected →
3

Go deeper

Research room

What’s behind the question

People hear “no coffee” and assume it must be about caffeine. It’s a reasonable guess that just doesn’t match what the Church teaches.

OfficialTopics and Questions: Word of Wisdom ↗OfficialChurch History Library: Top questions about the Word of Wisdom ↗Includes the 2019 clarification on vaping, green tea and coffee-based productsFaithful scholarshipFAIR: Cola drinks and caffeine ↗Collects the Church’s past statements, including the 2012 Newsroom noteOfficialFor the Strength of Youth: Your body is sacred ↗

Source labels: Official = published by the Church. Scripture = the standard works. Faithful scholarship = independent Latter-day Saint researchers. Helpful, but not official.

4

For me

Think it through
  1. When the Church hasn’t named something, how do I decide for myself?
  2. What does “prudence and thanksgiving” look like in what I eat and drink?
  3. Do I ever judge others for choices the Lord has left to them?
Act in faithWhat do I already know and believe here?
Eternal perspectiveHow does God’s plan change how I see this?
Good sourcesWho could I ask: a parent, a leader, the scriptures?

Notes stay on this page while it’s open and aren’t saved or sent anywhere.

5

Practice this one

Pick a reply

Friends also ask

Why don’t you drink coffee?You’ve never even tried a drink? Not even once?

Weak Things is an independent site, not an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Answers are written to match the Church’s published teachings, and every answer links to its sources.

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