My Daniel Fast Grocery List

This grocery list is designed to help you prepare before the Daniel Fast begins, so you’re not overwhelmed or unsure of what to eat once the fast starts. Planning ahead allows you to stay focused on prayer, discipline, and spiritual growth rather than food decisions.

Shopping Tips

1. As you shop, read ingredient labels carefully.

Many foods contain hidden sugars, additives, or preservatives. It’s also important to note that some foods and ingredients are debated among Christians regarding whether they are allowed on the Daniel Fast. Prayerfully decide in advance what aligns with your conviction so you’re not second-guessing yourself during the fast.

2. Aim for balanced meals that include a variety of whole foods.

Be mindful of balance when planning your meals. Without well-rounded meals, it’s possible to lose or gain weight during the Daniel Fast, and consuming too many natural sugars, beans, or starches can leave you feeling tired, gassy, or unwell.

Foods Allowed on the Daniel Fast

• Fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits
• Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat products (if unprocessed), unleavened bread/tortilla
• Legumes including lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas
• Nuts and seeds (raw or dry-roasted, unsalted)
• Healthy oils in moderation, such as olive, coconut, or avocado oil
• Water
• Some items may be prayerfully decided based on personal conviction: nutritional yeast, herbal teas, and natural, unsweetened beverages, date/coconut sugar, natural preservatives (ascorbic/citric acid/Calcium Chloride), soy sauce, unsweetened vanilla or almond extract, and sparkling water

Foods Not Allowed on the Daniel Fast

During the Daniel Fast, participants avoid foods that are animal-based, processed, or refined, choosing simplicity and intentionality in what they consume.

Foods to avoid include:

• All animal products: meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy
• Processed and refined foods: leavened or yeast breads, pastries, chips, and foods with preservatives
• Added sugars and sweeteners: white or brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, artificial sweeteners, and hidden sugars often listed on labels as cane juice, dextrose, fructose, glucose, maltose, sucrose, rice syrup, or any ingredient ending in “-ose”
• Refined grains: white flour, white rice, and products made from them
• Beverages: coffee, alcohol, soda, and sweetened drinks
• Other commonly avoided items: chocolate (due to caffeine), vinegar (may contain vinegar + sugar – ketchup, mustard, and most store-bought condiments)
• A helpful guideline: If an ingredient is difficult to pronounce or unfamiliar, it’s often a sign the food is highly processed and best avoided during the fast.

Establishing these boundaries ahead of time helps you stay focused on prayer, obedience, and spiritual discipline—rather than second-guessing food choices throughout the fast.

Related Article: 10 Lessons from the Daniel Fast in the Bible Explained

Daniel Fast Grocery List 

Breakfast

• Smoothie Items: fruit + spinach/kale + nuts + water
• Oats, quinoa flakes, chia seeds, flaxseeds
• Nut butters (peanut/almond, only salt allowed)
• Vegan Milk (Blend favorite nuts with water + salt)
• Rice cakes (check ingredients)
• Fresh fruits: bananas, berries, apples, oranges
• Coconut yogurt (unsweetened, plant-based)

Related: 7 Daniel Fast Breakfast Options

Snacks

• Fresh fruits
• Raw nuts: almonds, cashews, walnuts
• Trail mix (nuts + seeds + unsweetened dried fruit)
• Homemade popsicles (blend fruit with water or coconut milk)
• Veggie sticks with hummus

Lunch & Dinner Components

Proteins

• Beans & legumes: chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, black beans
• Vegan burgers (simple, plant-based ingredients) – BUY or MAKE
• Tofu or tempeh (unsweetened, plain)
• Quinoa (complete plant-based protein)

Related Article: My Favorite Daniel Fast Foods & Meals

Starches / Carbs

• Sweet potatoes, golden potatoes
• Green bananas (boiled)
• Plantains (green or ripe, boiled, baked, lightly fried with minimal oil)
• Cassava, taro, yams, or other root vegetables
• Brown rice, quinoa, millet, barley
• Gluten-free whole grains (rice pasta, buckwheat)

Vegetables

• Leafy greens: spinach, kale, romaine, collard greens
• Cruciferous: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage
• Bell peppers, zucchini, squash
• Mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, garlic

Fats & Flavorings

• Olive oil, coconut oil
• Herbs: parsley, cilantro, basil, rosemary, thyme
• Spices: cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper

Related Article: My Favorite Daniel Fast Foods & Meals

Beverages

• Water (plain or infused with fruit)
• Herbal teas
• Coconut water (unsweetened)

This setup helps you build each meal intentionally:

• Pick 1 protein, 1 starch, and 1–2 vegetables for lunch or dinner.
• Add a small healthy fat (avocado, olive oil) for satiety.
• Snacks and breakfast fill gaps and keep energy stable.