“Old habits die hard,” but for Mormons, drinking coffee was never a habit to begin with. If you’ve ever been to a business meeting, a college study group, or even just a casual hangout at a café, you might have noticed something interesting—Mormons will politely decline a cup of coffee, even when everyone around them is sipping on one. This often sparks curiosity: Why can’t Mormons drink coffee?

Is it about health? Is it about discipline? Or is there a deeper spiritual reason behind it? Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, with over 2.25 billion cups consumed daily. 

So why would an entire religious group avoid it? To truly understand this, we need to go beyond the surface and dive into the doctrine, history, and faith that shape this practice.

Who Are Mormons? More Than Just a Religious Group

Before we get into why Mormons avoid coffee, let’s first understand who they are. Mormons are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)—a Christian denomination founded in the early 19th century in the United States. They believe in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, a sacred text they consider another testament of Jesus Christ.

Mormons follow a set of spiritual and health-based principles that shape their daily lives. One of the most well-known is the Word of Wisdom, which is the foundation of their dietary and health choices—including the prohibition of coffee.

The Word of Wisdom: More Than Just a Health Code

The Word of Wisdom is the key to answering the question, why can’t Mormons drink coffee? In 1833, the LDS Church’s founder, Joseph Smith, received a revelation about health and well-being. This revelation, recorded in the church’s scriptures under Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, outlines a set of guidelines meant to promote a healthy and spiritually disciplined lifestyle.

It advises Mormons to:

•  Eat wholesome foods, including grains, fruits, and herbs.
• Consume meat sparingly.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea.

The scripture specifically states:
“Hot drinks are not for the body or belly.”

While the term hot drinks may sound vague, later church leaders clarified that it referred to coffee and tea. But why these two beverages specifically?

Is It About Caffeine? The Science and the Spiritual Perspective

Many people assume that the prohibition against coffee is about caffeine. After all, caffeine is a stimulant, and excessive consumption can lead to insomnia, anxiety, increased heart rate, and even addiction. Studies show that over 85% of Americans consume at least one caffeinated beverage per day, and caffeine dependence is a real concern.

However, caffeine alone is not the primary reason why Mormons avoid coffee. If it were, then drinks like cola, energy drinks, and even hot chocolate (which contains caffeine) would also be forbidden—but they’re not.

Church leaders have explained that it’s not just about caffeine but about the spirit of obedience. The restriction on coffee is not necessarily because of its health effects but because it was specifically named in the Word of Wisdom as something to avoid. Following this commandment is an act of faith, showing devotion to God’s guidance.

The Cultural and Social Impact of Avoiding Coffee

For many people, drinking coffee is a daily ritual. It’s what fuels early mornings, long work hours, and late-night study sessions. But for Mormons, not drinking coffee has become part of their identity.

In fact, this practice often shapes their social interactions. Imagine a Mormon professional attending a corporate conference where coffee breaks are standard. While others gather around for their caffeine fix, a Mormon colleague may stand out by opting for water or juice instead. This small act often sparks conversations, allowing Mormons to share their faith and beliefs.

It also fosters a strong community bond. Since everyone in the LDS Church follows the same guidelines, they create environments that support one another—where herbal teas, smoothies, and other non-caffeinated beverages are the norm.

But What About Hot Chocolate? The Big Question

A common question is: If Mormons can’t drink coffee, why can they drink hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate contains caffeine, but the LDS Church does not prohibit it. The reason is simple—the Word of Wisdom explicitly mentions coffee and tea, but not chocolate. This is a clear example of how the LDS Church follows the direct wording of their scriptures rather than applying a blanket ban on all caffeinated drinks.

Similarly, some Mormons drink caffeinated sodas like Coca-Cola, while others choose to avoid them out of personal preference. It’s a gray area, but the restriction on coffee is non-negotiable.

The Spiritual Perspective: Obedience Over Logic

To an outsider, the prohibition against coffee may seem overly strict or even unnecessary. After all, there’s no universal law stating that coffee is unhealthy or sinful. But for Mormons, the principle behind this rule is more important than the rule itself.

Faith is about trusting in divine guidance, even when the reasons are not fully clear. Consider this:

📌 Why do some religions fast for spiritual clarity?
📌 Why do certain faiths avoid pork or beef?
📌 Why do millions of people around the world follow dietary restrictions as acts of devotion?

The answer is simple: Faith isn’t always about logic—it’s about obedience and spiritual growth.

Final Thoughts: A Lifestyle Rooted in Faith

So, why can’t Mormons drink coffee?

It’s not just about health.
It’s not just about caffeine.
It’s about faith, obedience, and a commitment to living according to the principles of the Word of Wisdom.

Mormons believe that by following this guideline, they are not only keeping their bodies healthy but also strengthening their spiritual connection with God. The practice sets them apart, creates a sense of community, and reinforces their dedication to their faith.

At the end of the day, whether or not one agrees with this belief, it is a deeply personal and spiritual choice—one that Mormons uphold with pride and devotion.