What Can and Can't Be Eaten on Fridays During Lent

A refresher on the rules of fasting and abstinence for Christians during the Lenten season.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Lent is a season of fasting and abstinence for many Christians, and the rules around what can and cannot be eaten on Fridays during this period are specific. Catholics 14 and older are expected to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent, including Good Friday. Instead, fish, seafood, and non-flesh animal products like eggs and dairy are permitted. Some Christians also fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but the rules around fasting differ from abstinence.

Why it matters

The Lenten season is an important time of spiritual reflection and sacrifice for many Christians. Understanding the dietary rules and traditions around this period can help provide context and meaning to the practices of fasting and abstinence.

The details

During Lent, Catholics are expected to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday, including Good Friday. This tradition honors the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe gave up his flesh for them. Instead of meat, Catholics can eat fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, and other non-flesh animal products. Some Christians also fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, limiting themselves to one full meal and two smaller meals that don't equal a full meal. The specific fasting rules can vary by individual based on factors like age and physical activity level.

  • Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Good Friday will be observed on April 3, 2026.

The players

Pope Francis

The current Pope and leader of the Catholic Church, who has spoken about the importance of Lent as a time for spiritual reflection and change.

Father Dustin Dought

The executive director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, who has provided guidance on the Catholic Church's rules around fasting during Lent.

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What they’re saying

“Lent is a powerful season, a turning point that can foster change and conversion in each of us.”

— Pope Francis (Archdiocese of Los Angeles)

“Since Jesus sacrificed his flesh for us on Good Friday, we refrain from eating flesh meat in his honor on Fridays.”

— Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis (Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis)

“A full meal for someone who does very intense bodily work may be different from a full meal for someone who doesn't.”

— Father Dustin Dought, Executive Director, Secretariat of Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USA TODAY)

The takeaway

Understanding the dietary rules and traditions around Lent can help provide meaningful context for the spiritual practices of fasting and abstinence observed by many Christians during this important season.