When I first participated in a Daniel Fast, I was taught that natural sweeteners (honey) were okay. In fact, during our church’s participation in a Daniel Fast, I cooked fresh pineapple rings in honey for a dessert for a Wednesday night church supper (which was amazing, let me tell you.)

More research has shown that it likely isn’t a “true” Daniel Fast if you’re allowing sweeteners.

That said, I think it borders legalistic. The Bible says:

“Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” Daniel 1:13-14

And also:

In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Daniel 10:2-3

The first one says he ate only vegetables and drank only water. The second one says that he abstained from pleasant food (and let me tell you – that pineapple in honey was QUITE pleasant), meat, and wine. Yet the Daniel Fast cuts out everything from cottage cheese to baking powder.

My opinion is that if your heart is where you need to be with fasting, and you’re fasting AND praying — “and praying” almost always follows the word fasting in the Bible, then God will do what He needs to do with your focus and your dedication.

When I observe the Daniel Fast, I only drink water, I go completely vegan, I don’t eat anything unnatural or processed, and I avoid leavened bread. I allow honey some.

I hope that helps!
Hallee

I put maple syrup on it, too.

I wonder if a streussel topping would work?