10 Religions that don’t let you drink coffee

Coffee fuels millions every day—but not everyone drinks it. In several religious traditions, avoiding coffee reflects deeper values of discipline, mindfulness, and spiritual commitment.

But why do some faiths prohibit this everyday beverage, and what does that choice reveal about the role of religion in daily life?

Let’s explore.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints choose not to drink coffee. This choice comes from a spiritual guideline called the Word of Wisdom, a teaching revealed in the early 19th century that encourages healthy living and spiritual focus.

For many in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, avoiding coffee is a way to honor their faith, practice self-discipline, and strengthen their connection to God.

While coffee is common in many cultures, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow this principle to support both physical wellness and spiritual commitment.

Seventh-day Adventist Church

The Seventh-day Adventist Church encourages a healthful lifestyle grounded in biblical principles and practical wellness.

In the Seventh-day Adventist Church, many believers choose to limit or avoid stimulants like coffee to support mental clarity, spiritual focus, and overall well-being.

This approach reflects the Seventh-day Adventist Church emphasis on holistic health, Sabbath rest, and living in harmony with faith-based values that nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

The Amish Community

The Amish community is known for its simple lifestyle and strong spiritual values, and this extends to their views on daily habits like drinking coffee.

In many Amish groups, caffeinated beverages such as coffee are discouraged because they can be seen as stimulating and potentially distracting from prayer, work, and community life.

Instead of coffee, the Amish often choose herbal teas or homemade fruit juices, reflecting a faith-centered approach that values modesty, health, and harmony.

While practices can vary by church district, the guiding principle remains the same: to live in a way that supports devotion, discipline, and spiritual focus—values at the heart of Amish religion and spirituality.

Rastafarianism

Rastafarianism teaches a natural way of life and spiritual purity, which is why many followers choose to avoid stimulants like coffee.

In Rastafarianism, this choice supports a holistic approach to health, balance, and respect for nature.

Instead of coffee, people who practice Rastafarianism often turn to herbal teas and plant-based remedies that promote wellness and mental clarity, staying true to a lifestyle rooted in natural healing and spiritual growth.

The Bahá’í Faith

Many people wonder about dietary practices in the Bahá’í Faith. While the Bahá’í Faith encourages moderation and healthy living, it does not prohibit coffee.

Instead, Bahá’í teachings emphasize balance, mindfulness, and avoiding excess. Followers are encouraged to make thoughtful choices that support physical health and spiritual clarity, which may include choosing herbal teas or other gentle beverages if stimulants feel disruptive.

Islam and coffee consumption

Islam and coffee consumption has a rich and nuanced history. While Islam does not explicitly forbid coffee, Muslim scholars and communities have discussed its use over time.

In general, Islam and coffee consumption is considered permissible because coffee is not an intoxicant and falls within halal guidelines. However, moderation is encouraged, as Islam values health, self-control, and balance.

For those exploring spirituality and daily habits, understanding Islam and coffee consumption can help align personal routines with faith-based principles, promoting mindful drinking without excess.

Jainism and dietary restrictions

Jainism is widely known for its strict vegetarianism, but its dietary rules go further, guided by the core principle of non-violence (ahimsa).

In Jainism and dietary restrictions, followers avoid foods that may harm living beings or stimulate the mind, which is why many Jains choose to exclude coffee and other stimulants.

These Jainism and dietary restrictions support spiritual purity, self-control, and mindful living, helping practitioners align their daily habits with ethical values.

Buddhism and stimulant avoidance

Buddhism and stimulant avoidance is rooted in the practice of mindfulness, which guides daily choices, including what we consume.

To support clarity and presence, many practitioners of Buddhism and stimulant avoidance choose to limit or avoid caffeine, such as coffee, because it can agitate the mind and disrupt meditation.

Instead, herbal teas and naturally calming beverages are preferred, aligning with Buddhism and stimulant avoidance by promoting steady focus, gentle energy, and spiritual discipline without relying on stimulants.

Some Hindu Sects and coffee

Some Hindu sects discourage drinking coffee because of its stimulating effects, which can disrupt meditation and self-control.

In these traditions, avoiding coffee helps maintain mental clarity and inner balance, both of which are important for spiritual practices.

Some Hindu sects and coffee don’t mix well for this reason, so many practitioners choose herbal teas or other gentle drinks instead.

If you’re exploring the connection between some Hindu sects and coffee, consider spiritual caffeine alternatives that support calm focus, steady energy, and a deeper meditation experience.

Certain Orthodox Christian practices

Although coffee is widely accepted in many Christian communities, certain Orthodox Christian practices discourage its consumption, especially during fasting periods.

In these seasons, certain Orthodox Christian practices emphasize abstaining from foods and drinks as a form of spiritual discipline.

Conclusion

Many faiths discourage drinking coffee as part of their spiritual practice, linking it to mindfulness, purity, and self-control. In religion and spirituality, avoiding stimulants like coffee is seen as a way to protect mental clarity and support healthy living. From the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Jainism and Rastafarianism, communities limit or avoid coffee to honor their values, simplify daily habits, and deepen spiritual focus. In this context, the choice to avoid coffee becomes a spiritual discipline—one that aligns body, mind, and soul. If you’re exploring religion and spirituality, understanding why some traditions don’t drink coffee can offer insight into how daily choices reflect deeper beliefs. By choosing alternatives and practicing moderation, believers strengthen their commitment to spiritual growth and holistic well-being, showing how religion and spirituality guide everyday life.