According to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormonism), there are no specific foods that are forbidden, per se. However, members of the LDS Church follow the “Word of Wisdom,” (D&C 89) which serves as a dietary code of healthful living.
This health code encompasses a broad range of food-related behaviors and encourages members to eat healthy, organic, and unprocessed foods.
Specifically, consuming alcohol, tea, coffee, and addictive substances are frowned upon. Eating of large quantities of meat is discouraged, and members are encouraged to fill their plates with nutritious plant-based foods.
Young members of the church are also encouraged to eat a balanced diet and to focus on avoiding sugar and processed foods as much as possible.
Also, many LDS members are vegetarian or vegan due to their commitment to following the “Word of Wisdom. ” While not all Mormons follow the directives of the “Word of Wisdom” strictly, they strive to live according to the teachings of the LDS faith and to be good stewards of their body and soul.
FAQ
Can Mormons eat McDonald’s french fries?
Yes, Mormons can eat McDonald’s french fries. Like many other religions, the LDS Church does not have dietary laws that restrict all members to following a particular diet. All foods, including McDonald’s french fries, are generally accepted as permitted, so long as they are not consumed to excess or abused in any way.
As with anything, it ultimately comes down to individual choice, and members should consider their own specific beliefs and preferences when making decisions about whether or not they will eat McDonald’s french fries.
Do Mormons eat processed food?
Yes, Mormons eat processed food. Although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints encourages eating healthier food and choosing local, organic, and additive-free when possible, there are no specific Church doctrines regarding processed foods.
The Church does suggest avoiding foods with high amounts of “empty calories” that lack significant nutritional value or that have excessive amounts of fats, salt, and sugar. Additionally, Mormons generally avoid any food or drink that is specifically prohibited in the Word of Wisdom, which includes alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee.
Mormon teachings encourage maintaining good health and “living a balanced life,” and processed foods can still fit into that lifestyle. Many Mormons make informed decisions about the type of processed food they consume and may opt for items that are lower in fats and contain fewer processed ingredients.
What is not allowed for Mormons?
Mormons follow the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and one of the core values of the Church is to adhere to a strict code of morality. As such, Mormons are not allowed to engage in a number of behaviors, such as drinking alcohol, smoking, recreational drug use, consuming caffeine, premarital sex, and many others.
Additionally, Mormons are typically discouraged from watching R-rated movies, engaging in gambling and other forms of gaming, and participating in practices such as witchcraft, divination, sorcery, and other occult activities.
The Church also advises its members to avoid participation in political protests and encouraging activities that celebrate immorality.
Do Mormons eat shrimp?
No, Mormons do not eat shrimp. Shrimp, along with other seafood, is prohibited in the dietary practices of Mormons, according to the Word of Wisdom—a law of health given by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This specific rule is based on a certain interpretation of verses in the Doctrine and Covenants, the scripture accepted by members of the faith. As stated in verse 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, eating seafood has been deemed undesirable because of its “excess of dead animal flesh.
” Beyond seafood, Mormons are encouraged to live in general health, morality, and abstinence by following these dietary code which includes avoiding harmful substances, such as alcohol, coffee, and tobacco.
Can Mormons drink Coke?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, does not have any specific policy forbidding members from drinking Coca-Cola or other caffeinated soft drinks.
In principle, Mormons are free to drink Coke if they wish, although it is usually not encouraged. The church acknowledges that moderate consumption of soft drinks is not inherently bad and can even be beneficial in some circumstances, such as during pregnancy.
However, founder Joseph Smith warned against the over-use and abuse of stimulants, and many members of the church avoid caffeinated soft drinks as part of their religious practice. At the end of the day, individual members are expected to make their own decisions regarding their diet and lifestyle.
Does the Mormon Church own Dr Pepper?
No, the Mormon Church does not own Dr Pepper. Dr Pepper is actually owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, a publicly-traded company incorporated in Delaware, US. Keurig Dr Pepper was formed in 2018, following the merger of Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple Group.
The Mormon Church does not have any stake or interest in Keurig Dr Pepper or Dr Pepper.
Can Mormons have hot chocolate?
Yes, Mormons can have hot chocolate! As with all food and beverage choices, Mormons are encouraged to look to the Word of Wisdom, a scripture revealed by Joseph Smith in 1833, to guide their decisions.
It suggests that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “eat wholesome foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and grains”, and “hot or strong drinks are not for the body or belly”.
While hot chocolate does not technically fall under the category of “hot or strong drinks”, Mormons are encouraged to make wise choices when it comes to their diet. Additionally, guidance from church leaders has indicated that caffeine should generally be avoided, which is why many Mormons choose to opt for decaffeinated versions of hot beverage, including hot chocolate.
Ultimately, consuming hot chocolate is a personal choice, and Mormons can make the best decision for them based on their own health and lifestyle.
Do Mormons own Coke or Pepsi?
Mormons do not own either Coca-Cola or PepsiCo. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not own any major beverage companies, and does not have any financial interest in them. While individual Latter-day Saints may own stock in either of these companies, this does not constitute ownership by the Church of Coca-Cola or PepsiCo.
Historically, Mormon-owned businesses have included farm and ranching operations, media companies, hotels, and other types of businesses, but there is no evidence that they have ever owned a major soft drink company.
Do Mormons drink coffee and soda?
Mormons do not drink coffee or tea or consume any other beverage with caffeine, such as soda. This is part of the Word of Wisdom, a law of health revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833 and accepted as scripture by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
However, many Mormons do drink other caffeinated beverages as part of their dietary habits including coffee-flavored sodas, hot chocolate, and energy drinks. Likewise, some members may occasionally partake of caffeinated coffee or tea, depending on their individual beliefs and desires.
Do Mormons own part of Coca-cola?
No, Mormons do not own part of Coca-cola. Although some of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ (LDS) investments have included large companies, notably The Gap and Intel, Coca-cola has never been noted on the list of investments.
The Church does not manage a portfolio to earn profits for either short or long-term gain, as any recognized by investment standards, so a direct ownership stake in Coca-cola is highly unlikely. LDS church leaders make the investments disclosures as part of their commitment to financial transparency.
They have noted that many investments are made due to their potential to create jobs and other opportunities throughout the world, including in countries where the Church has a presence, rather than solely for the sake of financial gain.
Do Mormons eat a lot of sweets?
No, Mormons do not traditionally eat a lot of sweets. Although modern Mormons make different dietary choices, historically the Church of Latter-day Saints (or LDS Church) has encouraged its members to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Sweets have not been a regular part of that diet. The LDS Church does not have any specific dietary laws for its members, but its Health Code emphasizes moderation in food habits and avoidance of extremes.
Instead of sweets, Mormons tend to emphasize fruits, vegetables, and grains in their diets. Consequently, while there are Mormons who still eat both small amounts of sweets and larger amounts, there are also Mormons who do not eat sweets at all.
Can Mormons hug?
Yes, Mormons can hug. Hugging is generally understood as a sign of affection and friendship, so it is ok for Mormons to hug one another and members of their families. However, Mormonism also emphasizes modesty and personal restraint and as such, most members will be careful to keep their hugs short, avoid overly demonstrative displays of affection, and respect the feelings of other people involved.
For example, Mormons generally don’t hug in a romantic or sexual way, or embrace people of the opposite gender other than spouses and family members. Additionally, many practices associated with hugging and physical affection, such as rubbing another person’s back, are typically considered to be inappropriate for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In any situation, mindful respect for other people’s wishes, comfort levels, and principles should be exercised.
What food are Mormons known for?
Mormons are commonly associated with a variety of simple, wholesome dishes. These primarily consist of comfort food and staples that have become an integral part of the Mormon culture. Most of them are prepared with traditional and readily available ingredients that have been passed down through generations.
Specific dishes that Mormons are known for include Jell-O salads, funeral potatoes, fry sauce, green Jell-O, scones, seven-layer salad, and Dutch oven cooking, among many others.
Jell-O salads are served at virtually every gathering in the Mormon culture, often served alongside a main course such as barbeque. They are made with various combinations of flavored gelatin mixes and fruits.
Funeral potatoes are perhaps the most popular dish among Mormons, as it is typically served at funerals or as a sad-occasion-meal. They are made from mashed potatoes, cream of chicken soup, cheese, and butter and are often topped with a cornflake, potato chip, or Ritz cracker crust.
Dutch oven cooking is also very popular, as the Dutch oven is employed to create large, flavorful meals for family events such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. Fry sauce is an essential condiment for many traditional Mormon dishes, offering a tangy and savory kick to sandwiches or french fries.
Other staples of the Mormon diet include green and layered Jell-O, scones, and seven-layer salad.
While each of these dishes is distinctly Mormon in nature, they have become popular staples among many other cultures as well. Generally speaking, if you attend a gathering with Mormons, chances are you’ll be able to enjoy this variety of home-cooked and comfort foods.
Do Mormons have to eat healthy?
Yes, Mormons do have to eat healthy. Following the LDS health code, The Word of Wisdom, Mormons are encouraged to take care of their bodies by eating nutritiously and avoiding drugs, tobacco and alcohol.
As part of this health code, members of the LDS Church are asked to eat a healthy and balanced diet, free of unhealthy fats and with limited intake of sugary and caffeinated drinks. Additionally, Mormons should practice moderation with regard to food, not overindulging or fasting for long periods of time.
Eating habits should also be kept in check so that family and social obligations are met with energy and enthusiasm. Mormons should also regularly engage in physical activity and take proper time for rest and relaxation.
Ultimately, Mormons are taught to take better care of their bodies, minds, and spirits by developing and maintaining healthy habits.
