Can You Drink Coffee While Fasting?
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If youβre following a fasting routine β whether itβs intermittent fasting, a fasting period for weight loss, a fasting window for health reasons, or fasting before bloodwork β you may be wondering: can you drink coffee while fasting?
The short answer: yes, you can drink black coffee during most fasts, but some ingredients will break a fast. The type of fast matters, and so does what you add to your coffee.
This guide explains when drinking coffee is fine, when it may break a fast, how coffee on an empty stomach affects your body, and the best low-acid, high-quality, and decaf coffee options from The Coffee Connect.
β Is Coffee Allowed During a Fasting Window?
For most people practising intermittent fasting, cups of black coffee are totally acceptable. Black coffee contains only small amounts of calories, so it generally wonβt break your fast. Many people drink black coffee during:
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16:8 intermittent fasting
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fasting periods for metabolic health
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fasting for weight loss
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calorie-free fasting windows
If you stick to plain black coffee, youβll stay within a calorie-free intake.
Want to understand caffeine levels while fasting?
π How Much Caffeine Is in a Cup of Coffee
β οΈ When Coffee Will Break a Fast
Not all fasts are the same. Here's when coffee, milk, or additives can cause issues:
1. Intermittent Fasting
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You can drink black coffee.
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You can drink unsweetened decaf coffee.
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Additives like cream or sugar, heavy cream, adding milk, or sweeteners will break a fast.
Curious about caffeine differences?
π Does Decaf Coffee Have Caffeine?
2. Religious Fasts
Most religious fasts require water only.
Coffee β even black β will break a fast.
3. Medical Fasts
For bloodwork or procedures, the rules vary.
If youβre wondering βCan you drink coffee while fasting for bloodwork?β β in many cases, coffee is not allowed, even if it is calorie-free.
Always follow medical guidance.
β When Coffee Is Safe During a Fast
Here are the best options that wonβt break your fast:
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Black coffee
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Unsweetened decaf
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Freshly brewed coffee without cream or sugar
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Flavored beans brewed plain
If you want a smooth, clean black coffee for fasting, try:
π Colombian Coffee Beans
π Costa Rica Coffee
π« Coffee Drinks That Break a Fast
Avoid anything with calories, including:
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Lattes, cappuccinos, or a cappuccino or latte topped with steamed milk
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Flat whites, macchiatos
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Coffee with cream or sugar
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Coffee with heavy cream
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Bulletproof or keto coffee (fat breaks a fast)
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Any drink that isnβt pure black coffee
Learn more about different drinks and milk-based coffees:
π What Is a Flat White Coffee?
π What Is a Macchiato Coffee?
β οΈ Caffeine Sensitivity, Stomach Issues & Coffee on an Empty Stomach
Fasting often means drinking coffee on an empty stomach, which can cause:
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Acid reflux
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Jitters from excessive caffeine
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Irritation for sensitive stomachs
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Increased blood sugar levels in some individuals
A low-acid brew can help:
π Is Coffee Acidic? | Low-Acid Coffee Guide
If caffeine triggers discomfort, stick to decaf.
π« Best Decaf Coffee Options for Fasting
If you want to avoid excessive caffeine but still enjoy a rich flavor, here are the best U.S. decaf options:
π Decaf Peru Coffee
π Decaf Coffee Beans Collection
These decafs are made using high-quality beans and a natural decaffeination process removing caffeine gently. While some use alternative methods, many premium decafs rely on processes similar to the Swiss Water process, which is known for removing caffeine without chemicals while preserving flavor.
Want to test a variety of coffees during your fasting period?
π Best Seller Coffee Sample Packs
π Single Origin Coffee Sample Packs
π Flavored Coffee Sampler Packs
π§ Why So Many People Drink Coffee While Fasting
Coffee can support fasting by providing:
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Natural appetite suppression
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Improved mental clarity
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Antioxidant support
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Better adherence to fasting windows
If you prefer a naturally smooth, slightly sweet black coffee during fasting, try:
π Costa Rica Coffee
π Colombian Coffee Beans
β οΈ Who Should Avoid Coffee While Fasting
Coffee may not be suitable if you:
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Are extremely caffeine-sensitive
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Have stomach issues
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Are following a religious or water-only fast
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Are preparing for certain medical tests
In these situations, switching to decaf β or avoiding coffee entirely β may be necessary.
π Related Reading from The Coffee Connect
β Final Thoughts: Can You Drink Coffee While Fasting?
Yes β as long as you drink black coffee, you can normally enjoy it during an intermittent fasting window. Coffee is calorie-free, wonβt break your fast, and can make fasting easier.
Remember:
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Intermittent fasting β black coffee is allowed
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Religious fasting β coffee breaks a fast
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Medical fasting β usually water-only
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Caffeine sensitivity? β choose decaf
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Sensitive stomach? β choose low-acid coffee
For fasting-friendly brews, explore:
π Colombian Coffee Beans
π Costa Rica Coffee
π Decaf Peru Coffee