Mormons are known for their strict adherence to the Word of Wisdom, a set of guidelines outlining what substances members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should avoid consuming. One of the most controversial substances on this list is caffeine. While many Mormons choose to abstain from caffeine, others consume it regularly. In this article, we’ll explore the Church’s stance on caffeine, the history of caffeine consumption among Mormons, and the current state of caffeine use within the community.
The Mormon Church’s Stance on Caffeine

The official position of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that caffeine is not explicitly prohibited by the Word of Wisdom. However, the Word of Wisdom does advise against the consumption of “hot drinks,” which many Mormons interpret to mean coffee and tea. While there is no official stance on caffeine, some Mormons choose to interpret the Word of Wisdom more strictly and avoid all caffeinated beverages.
The Church’s stance on caffeine has evolved over time. In the early days of the Church, caffeine was not a major concern, and many Mormons consumed coffee and tea without issue. However, as the Church grew and spread across the United States, it began to encounter new cultural and social norms around caffeine consumption. As a result, the Church began to take a closer look at the issue and provide guidance to members. Today, the Church’s stance on caffeine is more nuanced than it once was, with members encouraged to use their own judgment and seek guidance from Church leaders if they have questions.
Historical Perspective
The history of caffeine consumption among Mormons is a complex one. In the early days of the Church, caffeine was not a major concern, and many members consumed coffee and tea without issue. However, as the Church grew and spread across the United States, it began to encounter new cultural and social norms around caffeine consumption. As a result, the Church began to take a closer look at the issue and provide guidance to members.
In the early 20th century, the Church began to discourage the consumption of coffee and tea, which many members interpreted to mean that all caffeinated beverages were off-limits. However, there was no official stance on caffeine until the 1970s, when the Church clarified that caffeine was not specifically prohibited by the Word of Wisdom. Today, many Mormons choose to avoid caffeine as a matter of personal preference or interpretation of the Word of Wisdom, while others consume it regularly without issue.
Historical Perspective
The development of the Church’s stance on caffeine has been influenced by a number of cultural and social factors. In the early days of the Church, many members were converts from other religions and cultures, and caffeine consumption was not seen as a major issue. However, as the Church grew and spread, it began to encounter new cultural norms around caffeine consumption. In the 19th century, for example, the temperance movement was gaining popularity in the United States, and many Mormons began to see the consumption of coffee and tea as a form of intemperance.
In the early 20th century, the Church began to discourage the consumption of coffee and tea, which many members interpreted to mean that all caffeinated beverages were off-limits. However, there was no official stance on caffeine until the 1970s, when the Church clarified that caffeine was not specifically prohibited by the Word of Wisdom. Since then, the Church’s stance on caffeine has been more nuanced, with members encouraged to use their own judgment and seek guidance from Church leaders if they have questions.
Mormons and Caffeine Consumption Today
Today, the prevalence of caffeine consumption among Mormons varies widely. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2014, 74% of Mormons reported that they never consume coffee, while 63% reported that they never consume tea. However, the same survey found that 89% of Mormons reported that they consume soda or other caffeinated beverages at least occasionally.
The different interpretations of the Word of Wisdom can have a significant impact on individual Mormons’ caffeine consumption habits. Some Mormons choose to abstain from all caffeinated beverages as a matter of personal interpretation, while others consume caffeine without issue. Still, others may choose to avoid caffeine for health or lifestyle reasons unrelated to their faith.
Ultimately, the decision to consume caffeine is a personal one for Mormons, and the Church encourages members to use their own judgment and seek guidance from Church leaders if they have questions or concerns. While caffeine may be a controversial topic within the community, it is not explicitly prohibited by the Word of Wisdom, and many Mormons choose to consume it in moderation without issue.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite the Church’s nuanced stance on caffeine, there have been criticisms of its approach to the issue. Some members feel that the Church’s guidance on caffeine is too vague and leaves too much room for interpretation, leading to confusion and disagreement within the community. Others feel that the Church’s stance on caffeine is too strict and that caffeine consumption should be a matter of personal choice.
One controversy surrounding caffeine consumption among Mormons is the “caffeine-free” policy at Brigham Young University (BYU), a Church-owned university in Utah. Until 2017, BYU did not sell caffeinated beverages on campus, leading to criticism from students and outsiders alike. While the Church had no official policy on caffeine at BYU, the decision to not sell caffeinated beverages was seen by some as an attempt to discourage caffeine consumption among students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of caffeine consumption among Mormons is a complex and nuanced one. While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not explicitly prohibit caffeine, many members choose to abstain from it as a matter of personal preference or interpretation of the Word of Wisdom. The Church’s stance on caffeine has evolved over time, and today, members are encouraged to use their own judgment and seek guidance from Church leaders if they have questions.
Despite the Church’s nuanced approach to caffeine, there have been criticisms and controversies surrounding the issue. Some members feel that the Church’s guidance on caffeine is too vague or too strict, and there have been controversies surrounding the “caffeine-free” policy at BYU.
At Marmalade Cafe, we believe that caffeine consumption is a matter of personal choice. Whether you choose to consume caffeine or not, we’re here to help you make the perfect cup of coffee, tea, or any other beverage that you love. So go ahead and enjoy that cup of joe – or don’t – it’s up to you!