If you've heard that Mormons cannot drink alcohol or coffee, you may assume the Word of Wisdom is primarily a list of foods and drinks that are forbidden. Meat, however, is a different story.
The original Mormon dietary revelation does not prohibit meat. Instead, Doctrine and Covenants Section 89 recommends that meat be used “sparingly” and gives additional guidance about when it is appropriate to eat it. That distinction is important when trying to understand the actual Mormon Word of Wisdom diet and how it compares with other religious approaches to food.
The Word of Wisdom, formally known as Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, was received by Joseph Smith in 1833. It contains guidance about alcohol, tobacco, hot drinks, grains, fruits, herbs, and meat. Some of its dietary language is surprisingly different from the simplified version many people encounter today.
So, does the Mormon Word of Wisdom allow meat? Yes. Is eating meat prohibited? No. Does the revelation encourage unlimited meat consumption? Also no.
The key word is sparingly.
Understanding what that word means in its original context helps explain the difference between traditional LDS dietary principles and the more explicitly plant-focused dietary tradition associated with Seventh-day Adventists.
What Does the Mormon Word of Wisdom Say About Meat?
The most important passage for understanding Mormon dietary guidance on meat is found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89.
The revelation states that meat from animals and birds has been ordained for human use with thanksgiving. It then adds that such meat should be used “sparingly.”
The passage goes further, saying that it is pleasing for meat not to be used except in times of winter, cold, or famine.
That creates an important distinction:
The Word of Wisdom does not ban meat. It recommends moderation and presents meat as something that should be consumed sparingly rather than as a dietary staple.
This is the central point that often gets lost when the Word of Wisdom is discussed only in terms of alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco.
What does “sparingly” mean?
The revelation itself does not provide a precise number of servings, a weekly meat allowance, or a specific definition of “sparingly.”
It does not say that a person may eat exactly one serving of meat per day, once a week, or according to another measurable limit.
Instead, the language establishes a principle of restraint.
In ordinary English, eating something sparingly means using it in small amounts or infrequently rather than making it a major part of one's diet. Applied to the Word of Wisdom, the language points toward moderation rather than unrestricted consumption.
The revelation also places meat alongside a broader discussion of natural foods, grains, herbs, and fruits. That makes the meat passage part of a larger dietary philosophy rather than an isolated prohibition.
Does the Mormon Word of Wisdom Prohibit Meat?
No. The Mormon Word of Wisdom does not prohibit meat.
This is one of the most important answers for anyone researching the Mormon Word of Wisdom diet and meat.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 89 explicitly permits the use of animal flesh. The concern is not that meat is inherently forbidden. Instead, the revelation says it should be used sparingly.
That means a person can follow the Word of Wisdom while eating meat.
The distinction is similar to the difference between saying:
- “Do not eat this food.”
- “This food may be eaten, but use it sparingly.”
Those are not the same instruction.
Is vegetarianism required for Latter-day Saints?
No. Vegetarianism is not a requirement of the Word of Wisdom.
A Latter-day Saint can eat meat and still follow the basic Word of Wisdom expectations concerning substances such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea.
At the same time, someone who chooses to eat little or no meat can reasonably view that choice as consistent with the revelation's emphasis on moderation and restraint.
This is why it is inaccurate to describe the LDS diet as either strictly meat-based or strictly vegetarian.
The better description is that the Word of Wisdom permits meat while encouraging its limited use.
The Historical Context of Doctrine and Covenants Section 89
To understand the Mormon Word of Wisdom diet, it helps to distinguish the original 1833 revelation from the way the Word of Wisdom is commonly discussed today.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 89 is an early revelation concerning health and conduct. It includes guidance about several categories of substances and foods.
Among other things, it discusses:
- Wine and strong drinks
- Tobacco
- Hot drinks
- Meat
- Grains
- Fruits
- Herbs
- Honey
- Water
The meat guidance is therefore part of a much broader dietary framework.
Modern conversations about the Word of Wisdom often focus heavily on substances that Latter-day Saints are expected to avoid. That emphasis can make the revelation appear more like a list of prohibited substances than the more comprehensive health guidance contained in the original text.
Meat is an especially interesting example because the language is neither an absolute ban nor an endorsement of unrestricted consumption.
The phrase “with thanksgiving” matters
The passage concerning meat also says that animal flesh is ordained for human use with thanksgiving.
That wording is worth noticing.
The revelation does not present animals simply as forbidden or inherently impure. Nor does it frame meat consumption as something that should be pursued without limits.
Instead, meat appears within a framework of gratitude and restraint.
That combination helps explain why the text can simultaneously permit meat and encourage people to consume it sparingly.
What Are the LDS Dietary Principles in the Word of Wisdom?
The Word of Wisdom contains several different types of guidance, and not all of them function in exactly the same way.
Some substances are traditionally treated by Latter-day Saints as clear prohibitions. Other passages provide positive dietary guidance rather than strict commandments.
This distinction is especially relevant to meat.
Alcohol
The revelation strongly condemns the use of wine and strong drinks, with specific historical context surrounding their use.
Today, abstaining from alcoholic beverages is one of the most recognizable aspects of the Word of Wisdom.
Tobacco
Tobacco is also specifically addressed and rejected in the revelation.
Hot drinks
The revelation tells followers not to use “hot drinks,” which Latter-day Saint practice has traditionally interpreted as coffee and tea.
This is another reason many people associate the Word of Wisdom primarily with beverages.
Grains
Grains receive unusually positive treatment in the revelation.
Wheat is described as being specifically suited for human nourishment, while other grains are also discussed in relation to humans, animals, and different uses.
The text therefore does not simply divide foods into “good” and “bad.” It presents a broader view of food, nourishment, agriculture, and appropriate use.
Fruits and herbs
The revelation also speaks positively about herbs and fruits.
Taken together, these passages create a dietary picture in which plant foods play an important role.
That makes the meat passage even more significant: meat is permitted, but it is not presented as the foundation of the diet.
What Does “Meat Sparingly” Mean in Practical Terms?
Because the Word of Wisdom does not establish a specific serving size or weekly limit, applying “sparingly” requires judgment.
For someone interested in following the spirit of the Mormon Word of Wisdom diet, meat could be treated as an occasional component of meals rather than the centerpiece of every meal.
For example, a person might build meals around:
- Whole grains
- Beans and legumes
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Nuts and seeds
- Herbs
- Other plant-based foods
Meat could then be included less frequently or in smaller portions.
That approach is not the same thing as saying that the Word of Wisdom requires veganism. It simply recognizes what the revelation actually says about moderation.
Example: a modern meal pattern
Consider two hypothetical eating patterns.
Pattern A:
Breakfast consists of eggs and bacon. Lunch includes a large serving of beef. Dinner centers on chicken with a small amount of vegetables.
Pattern B:
Breakfast consists of oatmeal and fruit. Lunch is a grain-and-bean bowl with vegetables. Dinner is primarily vegetables and whole grains, with a modest amount of meat served occasionally.
Neither example should be treated as an official LDS meal plan. But Pattern B more clearly reflects the concept of using meat sparingly.
The important point is that “sparingly” is a principle rather than a standardized nutritional prescription.
Is the Word of Wisdom a Vegetarian Diet?
No. The Word of Wisdom is not a vegetarian diet.
This is where comparisons with other religious dietary traditions become particularly useful.
A vegetarian diet excludes meat. A vegan diet goes further by excluding animal-derived foods such as dairy and eggs.
The Mormon Word of Wisdom does neither.
Animal flesh is explicitly permitted, although the revelation recommends that it be used sparingly.
Therefore, describing the LDS Word of Wisdom as a vegetarian or vegan diet would overstate its requirements.
A more accurate description is a religious health code that includes a recommendation to limit meat consumption while establishing additional restrictions concerning certain substances.
Mormon vs. Adventist Diet: What Is the Difference?
The Mormon vs. Adventist diet comparison is especially interesting because both traditions have historical health teachings that include guidance about meat, but they approach the subject differently.
The Seventh-day Adventist tradition has developed a much stronger emphasis on vegetarian and plant-based eating.
Seventh-day Adventists have long promoted health principles that encourage diets rich in plant foods. Vegetarianism is widely encouraged within the tradition, and many Adventists follow vegetarian or vegan diets.
However, it is important not to oversimplify this tradition either.
Not every Seventh-day Adventist is vegetarian, and vegetarianism is not identical to the dietary requirements of the religion.
The distinction is one of emphasis.
The Mormon Word of Wisdom says meat should be used sparingly.
The Seventh-day Adventist health tradition has more strongly promoted vegetarian eating as an ideal.
Mormon dietary guidance vs. Seventh-day Adventist guidance
| Topic | Latter-day Saint Word of Wisdom | Seventh-day Adventist tradition |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | Permitted, but should be used sparingly | Vegetarianism is strongly encouraged |
| Veganism | Not required | Encouraged by some, but not universally required |
| Plant foods | Positively discussed | Strongly emphasized |
| Alcohol | Avoided | Avoided |
| Tobacco | Avoided | Avoided |
| Coffee and tea | Avoided | Generally avoided |
| Overall approach | Health code emphasizing moderation and avoidance of certain substances | Broad health philosophy with strong emphasis on plant-based eating |
The biggest difference is therefore not whether either tradition has dietary guidance. Both do.
The difference is how strongly each tradition emphasizes reducing or eliminating meat.
Why the Adventist Diet Is More Closely Associated With Vegetarianism
The Seventh-day Adventist health tradition developed a particularly strong reputation for vegetarian eating.
Adventist health institutions and communities have promoted plant-centered diets for generations, and vegetarianism is common among members.
The tradition also tends to connect dietary choices with broader ideas about health, wellness, stewardship, and lifestyle.
This can make the Adventist dietary model appear much more explicitly plant-based than the LDS Word of Wisdom.
For someone searching for a religion that specifically encourages vegetarianism, the distinction matters.
The Mormon Word of Wisdom says, in effect, meat is allowed, but don't overuse it.
The Adventist tradition has generally gone further by presenting vegetarian eating as a desirable health practice.
Does the Word of Wisdom Encourage a Plant-Based Diet?
The answer requires some nuance.
The Word of Wisdom does not require a plant-based diet, but its dietary language can be interpreted as compatible with eating predominantly plant-based foods.
The revelation gives positive attention to grains, fruits, and herbs while telling readers to use meat sparingly.
That creates a natural opening for a plant-centered interpretation.
A modern person following that principle might choose to make vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds the foundation of their meals and eat meat only occasionally.
That would be a personal dietary choice rather than a requirement that all Latter-day Saints become vegetarian.
This distinction is important for anyone researching plant-based Mormon dietary principles. The text supports moderation of meat, but it does not establish a vegan or vegetarian commandment.
Word of Wisdom Meat Guidance and Modern Eating Habits
One reason the meat passage is worth revisiting is that modern American diets can make meat seem almost unavoidable.
A typical meal may place meat at the center of the plate, with vegetables or grains treated as side dishes.
The Word of Wisdom presents a different possibility.
If meat is supposed to be used sparingly, then it does not necessarily need to be the default centerpiece of every meal.
That could mean experimenting with meals where plant foods take the leading role.
For example:
Instead of a meat-centered breakfast
Try oatmeal with fruit, nuts, seeds, or whole-grain toast.
Instead of a meat-heavy lunch
Build a meal around beans, lentils, vegetables, rice, quinoa, or another whole grain.
Instead of meat as the centerpiece of dinner
Try a vegetable stir-fry, lentil stew, bean chili, grain bowl, or vegetable pasta.
These examples are not official LDS dietary prescriptions. They are practical ways someone could interpret the principle of eating meat sparingly in a modern food environment.
Does Eating Less Meat Fit the Spirit of the Word of Wisdom?
For someone who wants to take the meat guidance seriously, reducing meat consumption is a straightforward way to move toward the principle expressed in Section 89.
That does not require an all-or-nothing approach.
A person might start by asking:
- How often do I eat meat?
- Is meat present at nearly every meal?
- Could beans or lentils replace meat in some recipes?
- Could I make vegetables and whole grains the main part of my meals?
- Am I choosing meat out of habit rather than necessity?
- Would eating meat less frequently better reflect the idea of using it sparingly?
These questions can turn an abstract religious phrase into a practical eating pattern.
They also avoid a common mistake: assuming that religious dietary choices have to be binary.
Someone does not have to choose between eating large amounts of meat and becoming completely vegan.
There is considerable room between those extremes.
Meat, Vegetarianism, and the Difference Between Permission and Recommendation
One of the most useful concepts in interpreting religious dietary texts is the difference between permission and recommendation.
The Word of Wisdom permits meat.
But permission does not necessarily mean encouragement to consume something without limits.
A simple comparison makes the distinction clearer.
Imagine a rule saying, “You may use this food, but use it sparingly.”
It would be inaccurate to report that the food is forbidden.
It would also be inaccurate to report that the rule encourages people to eat as much of it as they want.
The most faithful interpretation lies between those two extremes.
That is essentially the situation with meat in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89.
Common Misunderstandings About Mormon Meat Consumption
“Mormons can't eat meat.”
False.
The Word of Wisdom does not prohibit meat.
“Mormons are supposed to be vegetarian.”
Not as a universal religious requirement.
The revelation recommends using meat sparingly, but it does not require vegetarianism.
“The Word of Wisdom says meat is unhealthy.”
That is not exactly what the text says.
The revelation does not present modern nutritional science or make the same health claims found in contemporary nutrition research. It provides religious guidance about appropriate use.
“The Word of Wisdom requires a vegan diet.”
No.
Veganism is not required by the Word of Wisdom.
“The meat passage is just a modern interpretation.”
No.
The recommendation to use meat sparingly appears in the original revelation itself, making it one of the actual historical components of Section 89.
How the Word of Wisdom Compares With a Vegan Lifestyle
A vegan lifestyle and the Word of Wisdom are not interchangeable.
Veganism is an ethical and dietary framework that generally excludes animal products. People may adopt veganism because of animal welfare, environmental concerns, health considerations, or a combination of reasons.
The Word of Wisdom is a religious revelation with a much broader scope.
Someone could therefore be both Mormon and vegan, but veganism would be a personal lifestyle choice rather than a universal requirement of the Word of Wisdom.
For people interested in compassion-centered and plant-based living, this distinction can be useful.
A person does not need a religious commandment requiring veganism to decide that eating fewer animal products better reflects their personal values.
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What Can We Learn From the “Meat Sparingly” Principle Today?
The historical wording is more relevant to modern food discussions than it may initially appear.
Eating meat sparingly can mean different things to different people, particularly because the revelation does not establish a precise definition.
For one person, it might mean reserving meat for a few meals each week.
For another, it might mean keeping portions small while emphasizing plant foods.
Someone else may decide to eliminate meat altogether.
The important distinction is that the decision to eat less meat can be consistent with the principle without turning that personal decision into a religious requirement for everyone else.
This is one of the most practical ways to understand the Mormon Word of Wisdom diet meat question.
The revelation establishes a direction rather than a modern nutritional meal plan.
Practical Ways to Eat Meat More Sparingly
If you're exploring the meat guidance for personal reasons, there are several simple approaches that don't require completely changing your diet overnight.
Start with one plant-based meal each day
Choose breakfast or lunch as a starting point.
Oatmeal, fruit, beans, lentils, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts can provide plenty of variety.
Make meat a component rather than the centerpiece
Instead of building a meal around a large serving of meat, use a smaller amount alongside vegetables, grains, or legumes.
Try familiar meatless versions of favorite meals
Chili can be made with beans.
Tacos can feature lentils or seasoned vegetables.
Pasta can be built around vegetables and beans.
Burrito bowls can use rice, beans, salsa, greens, and avocado.
Increase variety
Reducing meat becomes easier when plant-based food doesn't feel repetitive.
Experiment with cuisines that naturally use beans, grains, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and spices in substantial ways.
Avoid turning moderation into guilt
The historical language is about using meat sparingly, not creating a system of shame around individual meals.
A sustainable dietary practice is generally easier to maintain when it focuses on consistent habits rather than perfection.
Is Eating Meat Against Mormon Beliefs?
No. Eating meat is not inherently against Mormon beliefs or the Word of Wisdom.
The more precise question is whether meat is being consumed in a way that reflects the revelation's instruction to use it sparingly.
This distinction matters because discussions of Mormon dietary rules sometimes collapse every food-related passage into a simple list of allowed and forbidden foods.
The Word of Wisdom is more nuanced than that.
It includes firm prohibitions, positive recommendations, and principles concerning moderation.
Meat falls into the latter category.
What Does the Original 1833 Revelation Tell Us?
The historical importance of Section 89 is that the meat guidance was present from the beginning.
The recommendation did not emerge from a recent movement toward plant-based eating.
In the original revelation, meat is acknowledged as a legitimate food while being placed under a principle of limited use.
That makes the passage particularly interesting for anyone studying the history of religious dietary practices.
It also challenges the idea that the Word of Wisdom can be reduced to “no alcohol, coffee, or tobacco.”
Those restrictions are certainly prominent in modern Latter-day Saint practice, but the original revelation contains a much broader conversation about food, health, agriculture, and the human use of natural resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mormon Word of Wisdom Diet and Meat
Can Mormons eat meat?
Yes. The Word of Wisdom permits meat but says it should be used sparingly. Meat is not prohibited under Doctrine and Covenants Section 89.
What does the Mormon Word of Wisdom say about meat?
The revelation says that animal flesh is provided for human use with thanksgiving, while also instructing that meat should be used sparingly. It further discusses avoiding unnecessary use of meat outside conditions such as winter, cold, or famine.
Does the LDS Word of Wisdom require vegetarianism?
No. Vegetarianism is not required. Latter-day Saints may eat meat while following the Word of Wisdom. Choosing a vegetarian or vegan diet is a personal dietary decision.
Is the Mormon diet plant-based?
Not officially. The Word of Wisdom positively discusses grains, fruits, and herbs and recommends using meat sparingly, but it does not require a fully plant-based diet.
How is the Mormon diet different from the Seventh-day Adventist diet?
Both traditions have strong health-related dietary teachings, but they differ in their treatment of meat. The Word of Wisdom permits meat while recommending moderation. Seventh-day Adventists have a much stronger tradition of encouraging vegetarian diets, although not every Adventist is vegetarian.
Does “meat sparingly” mean Mormons can only eat meat in winter?
The original revelation specifically discusses winter, cold, and famine in connection with meat consumption, but the broader principle commonly associated with the passage is that meat should be used sparingly. It does not establish a simple modern rule that meat may only be eaten during winter.
The Bigger Picture of the Word of Wisdom
The most accurate answer to the question “What does the Mormon Word of Wisdom say about meat?” is neither “Mormons can't eat meat” nor “Mormons have no restrictions on meat.”
The original revelation takes a middle position.
Meat is permitted, but it is to be used sparingly.
That wording is easy to overlook because modern discussions of the Word of Wisdom often focus on the substances Latter-day Saints are expected to avoid. Yet the dietary language of Doctrine and Covenants Section 89 includes a broader set of principles involving grains, fruits, herbs, and the restrained use of animal flesh.
That makes the Word of Wisdom distinct from a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet.
It also makes the comparison with Seventh-day Adventist dietary traditions particularly revealing. Both traditions have religious health teachings that can lead followers toward thoughtful eating habits, but the Adventist tradition has developed a much stronger emphasis on vegetarianism and plant-based food.
For anyone researching the Mormon Word of Wisdom diet meat question, the historical wording provides the clearest starting point: meat is not forbidden, but neither is unlimited meat consumption the ideal expressed in the revelation.
The word “sparingly” is the key.
And once that word is taken seriously, the Word of Wisdom looks less like a simple list of forbidden substances and more like a broader philosophy of moderation, gratitude, restraint, and thoughtful use of food.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding dietary or health concerns.