Let’s break it down, because my brain hurts. The extract isn’t a “drink”—it’s a concentrate. By that logic, you could argue caffeine pills are also not “hot drinks.” But nobody’s popping caffeine pills and calling it a temple recommend. The difference is intent.
Most people take green tea extract for health: antioxidants, weight loss, brain power. That’s literally the whole point of the Word of Wisdom: to keep your body healthy. So if the extract helps you avoid disease, are you really violating a 1833 revelation? Or are you just being smart? (Dave would say “just making excuses.” I say “shush, Dave.”)
I’ve read forum posts where people are terrified of green tea extract. They’ll tell you it’s a slippery slope to full-blown tea parties. But then I look at my granola bars—they have green tea extract listed as an ingredient. Am I sinning because my breakfast bar has a hint of EGCG? Please.
What Do The Real Leaders Say?
Here’s what I’ve gathered: the general authorities rarely talk about supplements. They focus on the substance—coffee and tea. If you ask your bishop, you’ll likely get a “use your best judgment.” That’s church-speak for “I don’t know, but don’t ask me again.”
Word Of Wisdom Green Tea Extract
I asked a stake president once, and he laughed. He said, “Brother, I’m more worried about your pride than your green tea capsules.” That’s a mic drop if I ever heard one. The real issue might be obsessing over the rule instead of the relationship with God.
But let’s be fair: some people have strong feelings about this. They see any tea derivative as a violation. And for them, respect that. For me? I’ll keep drinking my extract—in cold water, just to be safe. (Or is that cheating?)
