Wondering if liquids break a fast? Learn which drinks support your fast—from coffee to apple cider vinegar—and which ones can accidentally break it.
If you’re exploring intermittent fasting, you’ve probably wondered: What exactly can I consume without breaking my fast? The good news is that fasting doesn't mean going without everything—you can still enjoy certain drinks that support your fast and may even make the process easier.
Let’s break down some of the most common fasting beverage questions:
Can You Have Coffee While Fasting?
Yes, black coffee is absolutely allowed during a fast—and for many, it’s a game-changer. With no calories, no sugar, and no protein, plain black coffee won't break your fast. In fact, caffeine may even support fat-burning and mental clarity during fasting.
Just skip the add-ins: cream, sugar, milk, or flavored syrups will break your fast. If you need to ease into black coffee, try slowly reducing add-ins over time.
Is Flavored Water Allowed During Fasting?
It depends. If it’s naturally flavored water with no added sugars, calories, or artificial sweeteners—think water infused with lemon, cucumber, or mint—then yes, it’s generally safe.
However, many store-bought flavored waters contain hidden sugars or artificial ingredients. Always check the label to be sure you're not accidentally breaking your fast.
What About Apple Cider Vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is fasting-friendly in small amounts. A tablespoon diluted in water has minimal calories and is often used to support digestion, blood sugar balance, and appetite control during a fast.
Just be sure to dilute it well (a teaspoon in a full glass of water) to protect your teeth and stomach lining.
Can I Drink Alcohol While Fasting?
In short: no. Alcohol contains calories and stimulates metabolic activity, which breaks a fast. It can also hit harder on an empty stomach and interfere with your body’s natural fasting benefits, like improved insulin sensitivity and cellular repair.
If you’re fasting, save the wine for your eating window—and always hydrate before and after.
Are There Any Drinks to Avoid While Fasting?
Yes—anything with calories, sugars, or protein will break your fast. This includes:
- Fruit juices
- Regular soft drinks
- Smoothies
- Protein shakes
- Milk or creamers
- Sweetened teas
Even “healthy” beverages can be fasting disruptors if they contain nutrients that stimulate digestion or insulin response.
What About Diet Sodas or Zero-Calorie Drinks?
This one’s a bit controversial. Technically, most diet sodas and zero-calorie drinks won't break your fast calorically, but artificial sweeteners may still spike insulin in some individuals—and can trigger cravings, making fasting harder.
If you’re fasting for metabolic health, weight loss, or gut repair, it’s often best to limit or avoid artificially sweetened drinks. Sparkling water or herbal teas may be a better, more natural option.
Best Fasting-Friendly Beverages
To keep things simple, here’s a list of safe, supportive drinks during a fast:
- Water (still or sparkling)
- Black coffee
- Unsweetened tea (green, black, herbal)
- Apple cider vinegar (diluted)
- Natural, calorie-free infused water
Fasting doesn’t mean total deprivation. The right beverages can help curb hunger, support hydration, and make the fasting experience more enjoyable. Just be mindful of what you sip—and when in doubt, stick with water.
A Note on How To Break a Fast Gently
Start with liquids or soft foods, and avoid large, heavy meals immediately. Make a protein smoothie and pair it with a piece of fruit, avocado, or some soaked chia seeds if you want something a little more substantial without overloading your system.
Common Myths About Drinking While Fasting
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Myth 1: Diet sodas don’t affect fasting.
While technically calorie-free, artificial sweeteners may trigger insulin in some people.
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Myth 2: Lemon water always breaks a fast.
A few drops of lemon juice in water likely won’t break a fast, but more substantial amounts might.
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Myth 3: Protein shakes are fasting-approved.
They contain calories and protein, so they’re only for your eating window. Choose Sunwarrior’s vegan protein powders when breaking your fast.
Tips for Choosing the Right Drink
Stick to simplicity. When in doubt, water is always the safest option. Black coffee and tea are valuable tools, while electrolytes keep you balanced during longer fasts.
When breaking a fast, use nutrient-dense options like Warrior Blend Organic, vegan collagen, or essential optimal drink bodybuilders, such as Active Creatine for muscle support.
Let’s Talk About Sunwarrior and Breaking Your Fast
Sunwarrior Protein (Active Protein, Warrior Blend, Clear Protein Refresher, or Active)
Why it’s great:
Weight loss methods tend to lead to muscle loss. Consuming adequate amounts of protein will help mitigate this problem. Plus, after fasting, your body is primed to absorb protein for muscle repair and energy. Sunwarrior’s plant-based proteins are easy to digest, low in sugar, and free of dairy, soy, and gluten—making them gentle on the gut.
How to use:
Blend a scoop with water or unsweetened almond milk, or add to a smoothie with a little banana or berries to ease into eating.
Liquid Light
Liquid Light is packed with an abundance of micro and macro minerals essential to oxygen transport, growth, development, repair, bone health, cartilage formation, and maintaining cellular membranes—perfect for replenishing hydration and mineral levels after a fast. It supports cellular energy and detoxification.
How to use:
Take on its own or add a capful to water as your first sip when breaking your fast.
Sunwarrior Collagen Building Protein Peptides
Why it’s great:
This formula offers plant-based amino acids to support skin, hair, joints, and gut health. It’s light, nutrient-dense, and a great way to ease your body back into nourishment without heavy foods.
How to use:
Mix into water or herbal tea for a simple, protein-rich start post-fast.
Breaking a fast with protein is a smart and effective way to support your body as it transitions back into digestion. After a period without food, your body becomes more sensitive to nutrients—making protein especially valuable for muscle repair, satiety, and steady energy.
Choosing clean, easily digestible proteins, like plant-based options from Sunwarrior, helps minimize digestive stress while providing essential amino acids to fuel your metabolism and curb post-fast cravings. Whether in a simple shake or a light smoothie, protein is a nourishing way to reintroduce food and set the tone for balanced eating throughout the day.
FAQs
What drinks can I have while fasting?
You can drink water, black coffee, and plain unsweetened tea. Sugar-free electrolytes are also acceptable.
What drink won’t break a fast?
Plain water is safest. Black coffee and plain tea are also fine since they contain no calories.
Can I drink zero-calorie drinks while fasting?
Yes, but avoid artificial sweeteners when possible, as they may spike insulin in some individuals.
Does lemon water break a fast?
A splash of lemon juice is usually fine, but a full glass of lemonade will break your fast.
What is dirty fasting?
Dirty fasting allows small amounts of calories, like a splash of milk or flavored water, while clean fasting avoids everything but water, coffee, or tea.
What happens if I drink alcohol while fasting?
Alcohol breaks your fast, disrupts liver function, and can dehydrate you.
Is it okay to drink while fasting?
Yes, but only fasting-approved beverages like water, coffee, and tea.
What can I drink while fasting for a blood test?
Only plain water. Other drinks may alter test results.
Can I drink black coffee before a fasting blood test?
Most labs advise against it, as coffee can affect test results.
Can brushing teeth break a fast?
No. Brushing teeth does not break a fast as long as you don’t swallow toothpaste.
