The Daniel Fast is a partial fast based on the Biblical story of Daniel in which he ate only vegetables and water for 10 days. On the Daniel Fast, certain foods like meat, dairy, processed foods, leavened breads, refined sugars, fried foods, and solid fats are avoided. However, many people wonder if peanut butter is allowed on the Daniel Fast. The rules can be a bit unclear when it comes to things like nut butters. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at what kinds of peanut butter are considered Daniel Fast approved.
Rules of the Daniel Fast
The Daniel Fast is meant to be a purification diet, so whole, unprocessed foods are key. On the Daniel Fast, you eat:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Plant-based oils
- Water
You avoid:
- Meat and animal products
- Dairy
- Processed foods
- Leavened breads
- Refined sugars
- Fried foods
- Solid fats
The focus is on simple, wholesome, minimally processed foods. That helps determine what kinds of peanut butter are considered compliant with the diet’s guidelines.
Choosing the Right Peanut Butter
When selecting a peanut butter for the Daniel Fast, read the ingredient label carefully. Your best bet is to choose an all-natural peanut butter with as few ingredients as possible. Here are some things to look for:
Ingredients
Ideally, the only ingredient should be peanuts. Some Daniel Fast-approved options have peanuts plus a bit of salt. Avoid peanut butters with added oils, sugars, and other extras.
No Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils are heavily processed and contain unhealthy trans fats. Always check the label to make sure your peanut butter does not contain any partially hydrogenated oils.
No Added Sugars
Skip peanut butters with added sugars like corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose, and cane sugar. Sweeteners of any kind are not part of a Daniel Fast eating plan.
No Preservatives
Preservatives extend shelf life but are not natural. Look for peanut butter without preservatives like potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and others.
Healthiest Peanut Butter Options for the Daniel Fast
Based on the Daniel Fast guidelines, here are some of the healthiest peanut butter options to enjoy during your fast:
Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter
Smucker’s classic natural peanut butter has just two ingredients: roasted peanuts and salt. It contains no hydrogenated oils, sugars, or preservatives. This makes it a great Daniel Fast choice.
Teddie All Natural Peanut Butter
Teddie’s all natural creamy peanut butter is vegan and non-GMO. The only ingredients are dry roasted peanuts and a pinch of salt. It’s Daniel Fast compliant with no added oils or sweeteners.
MaraNatha Organic Peanut Butter
MaraNatha makes several organic peanut butters that work for the Daniel Fast. The ingredients include organic roasted peanuts and sometimes organic palm fruit oil or organic coconut sugar. But they are free of hydrogenated oils and refined sugars.
Once Again Nut Butter Organic Peanut Butter
Once Again’s organic peanut butter contains dry roasted organic peanuts and salt. That’s it! This smooth and creamy peanut butter is non-GMO, vegan, and Daniel Fast compliant.
Crazy Richard’s 100% Peanuts Peanut Butter
True to its name, the only ingredient in Crazy Richard’s peanut butter is dry roasted peanuts. No salt, sugar, or anything else. This allows it to meet the guidelines of the Daniel Fast.
Homemade Peanut Butter
Making your own homemade peanut butter is actually quite simple. You can use a high powered blender or food processor. Just add some roasted peanuts and blend until it reaches your desired consistency. Add a pinch of salt if you want. Homemade allows you to control exactly what goes into your peanut butter. Just peanuts and maybe a little salt is perfect for the Daniel Fast.
Ingredients
- 4 cups roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Add the peanuts to a food processor or high speed blender.
- Blend for 5-10 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add the optional salt and blend briefly to combine.
- Store your homemade peanut butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Making your own allows total control over the quality and ingredients.
Peanut Butter Alternatives
In addition to peanut butter, some other nut and seed butters can also be enjoyed on a Daniel Fast as long as they meet the guidelines:
Almond Butter
Look for natural almond butter with just almonds and salt. Avoid added oils or sweeteners.
Cashew Butter
Choose a brand with minimal ingredients like nuts and salt only. Stay away from cashew butter with vegetable oils and sugar.
Sunflower Seed Butter
Sunflower seed butter made from just roasted sunflower seeds works great. Skip kinds with hydrogenated oils.
Tahini (Sesame Seed Butter)
Sesame seed butter or tahini made purely from toasted sesame seeds is Daniel Fast compliant. Avoid added sugars and oils.
Daniel Fast Approved Peanut Butter Recipes
Peanut butter is very versatile on the Daniel Fast. Here are some creative ways to enjoy peanut butter while following the diet’s guidelines:
Homemade Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1-2 tbsp lime or lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp low sodium tamari
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1/4 cup water
Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Pour over stir frys, grains, or roasted vegetables.
African Peanut Stew
- 1 sweet potato, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, etc.
Add all ingredients to slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Season with desired spices.
Thai Peanut Zoodles
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp low sodium tamari
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Red pepper flakes
Mix peanut butter, lime juice, tamari, ginger, and garlic to make sauce. Toss with zucchini zoodles. Top with red pepper flakes.
Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- 1/2 cup steel cut oats
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 banana, sliced
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- Cinnamon to taste
Combine all ingredients in a jar. Refrigerate overnight. Top with additional peanut butter before eating.
Peanut Butter Hummus
- 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Salt and pepper to taste
Blend all ingredients in food processor until smooth. Enjoy with chopped veggies or whole grain crackers.
Peanut Butter Smoothie
- 1 banana
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- Ice cubes
Add all ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth. Add more milk or ice to achieve desired consistency.
Cautions When Choosing Peanut Butter for the Daniel Fast
While peanut butter is certainly allowed on the Daniel Fast if you choose the right kind, there are a few cautions to keep in mind:
Check Portion Size
While healthy fats are important, peanut butter is very calorie dense, with about 190 calories in 2 tablespoons. Be mindful of portions.
Avoid Peanut Allergies
If you have a peanut allergy, you’ll need to avoid peanut butter entirely. Opt for a different nut or seed butter instead.
Look for Unsalted
If sticking closely to the Daniel Fast guidelines, check the label to make sure your peanut butter does not contain added salt.
Beware of Trans Fats
Hydrogenated oils contain unhealthy trans fats. Make sure your peanut butter has zero grams of trans fat.
Don’t Add Sugary Mix-Ins
Resist the urge to make your peanut butter more palatable with honey, chocolate, or other sugary add-ins that would not comply with the Daniel Fast rules.
Conclusion
Peanut butter can be part of a healthy Daniel Fast eating plan as long as you choose an all-natural variety free of hydrogenated oils, added sugars, and preservatives. Stick to organic peanut butter with peanuts as the only or main ingredient. You can also try making your own homemade peanut butter. Just peanuts and maybe salt is perfectly Daniel Fast compliant. There are lots of tasty ways to eat peanut butter while following the guidelines. Just be mindful of portions. Peanut butter can be a nutritious plant-based addition to your Daniel Fast meals and snacks when you select the right kind.
