Can Mormons Drink Iced Coffee?
Exploring Coffee and the Mormon Faith
The Summer Afternoon Surprise
It was a hot July afternoon in Salt Lake City. Sarah, new to the Mormon community, sat with her friends at a local café. As she sipped her iced coffee, she noticed curious glances and a question from her friend: “Can Mormons even drink iced coffee?”
This question isn’t uncommon. Coffee, in all its forms, has long been a cultural touchstone — but for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), coffee carries special religious significance.
So, can Mormons drink iced coffee? The answer is both straightforward and nuanced, and it depends on doctrine, tradition, and personal interpretation.
The Mormon Word of Wisdom: The Foundation
The LDS Church’s teachings on coffee come from the Word of Wisdom, a health guideline revealed to founder Joseph Smith in 1833. The Word of Wisdom warns against substances considered harmful, including “hot drinks” (interpreted by church leaders to mean tea and coffee).
Though the original text doesn’t specify coffee explicitly, church leaders clarified over time that all forms of coffee are discouraged. This includes hot and cold coffee, espresso, and generally any beverage brewed from coffee beans.
Is Iced Coffee Considered Coffee in Mormon Doctrine?
Many people wonder if iced coffee is different — since it’s cold and often mixed with milk and sugar, does it still break the rules? The answer is yes.
Iced coffee is brewed coffee, regardless of temperature, so it’s considered coffee by the LDS Church. The Word of Wisdom’s prohibition is generally understood to cover all coffee, no matter how it’s served.
Why Does the LDS Church Prohibit Coffee?
Understanding why helps clarify the position.
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Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant.
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Church leaders promote health and moderation.
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The Word of Wisdom encourages avoiding substances that may harm the body or lead to addiction.
While caffeine itself isn’t explicitly mentioned in official scripture, the church’s interpretation associates coffee drinking with breaking the health code. This caution is both spiritual and physical.
What About Decaf or Coffee-Flavored Drinks?
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Decaffeinated coffee: The LDS Church typically discourages it since it’s still coffee.
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Coffee-flavored ice cream or candy: These are usually acceptable, since they don’t contain actual coffee as a beverage.
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Coffee substitutes like chicory or grain-based “coffee” drinks might be allowed, as they’re not true coffee.
The Cultural Aspect: Mormon Coffee Habits
Despite the official stance, Mormon culture varies. Some Mormons avoid all coffee entirely; others interpret the rules more flexibly.
In some communities, especially in Utah, tea and coffee substitutes like herbal tea, hot chocolate, or energy drinks are popular alternatives.
What About Caffeine? Is It the Real Issue?
Caffeine is the stimulant found in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. Some non-coffee caffeinated drinks (like soda) are commonly consumed by Mormons, leading to questions about consistency.
The LDS Church does not explicitly forbid caffeine; it focuses on coffee and tea as harmful. This has led to debates and even recent studies on whether caffeine alone warrants avoidance.
Can Mormons Drink Other Coffee-Related Drinks?
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Espresso and espresso-based drinks (lattes, cappuccinos): No, since they contain coffee.
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Iced coffee drinks: No, for the reasons above.
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Energy drinks: Allowed but discouraged by some leaders for health reasons.
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Herbal coffee substitutes: Allowed.
How Does This Affect Mormon Coffee Drinkers?
Many faithful Mormons abstain fully. However, like all religions, individual interpretations vary. Some may enjoy coffee privately, while others strictly avoid it in every form.
Coffee’s Role in Mormon Social Life
Coffeehouses aren’t central in Mormon social life like in some cultures. Instead, home gatherings, church socials, and community events focus on other beverages like water, juice, and hot chocolate.
What About Youth and Coffee?
Church teachings encourage youth to avoid coffee entirely as a part of the Word of Wisdom. This cultural teaching is reinforced by church programs and community expectations.
How Does This Relate to Broader Coffee Culture?
Mormons are part of a global coffee-loving society but hold a unique cultural stance shaped by faith. This sometimes creates misunderstandings for non-Mormons, who may wonder why coffee is forbidden but soda is allowed.
How Coffea Alchemy Helps Curious Coffee Lovers
At Coffea Alchemy, we love coffee in all its forms and appreciate the rich cultural stories behind it. Understanding why some communities avoid coffee helps us approach coffee culture with respect and curiosity, expanding how we enjoy our brews and connect with others.
Conclusion: The Answer in Context
So, can Mormons drink iced coffee? According to official LDS teachings, no. All coffee—including iced coffee—is generally considered off-limits because it falls under the Word of Wisdom’s health code.
However, personal beliefs and cultural practices can vary widely, with some Mormons strictly abstaining and others interpreting teachings differently.
Coffee’s story in Mormonism is one of faith, culture, and identity—a fascinating example of how deeply intertwined food and drink can be with belief systems.
As coffee culture continues to evolve globally, how might the relationship between faith and coffee shift in the future?
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