Did Virat eat non-veg? Understanding his dietary evolution

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2018, a significant year for his personal fitness, Virat Kohli revealed a major dietary shift, publicly declaring that he had stopped eating meat completely. This decision, made due to critical health problems, answers the long-standing fan question: 'Did Virat eat non-veg?' and sheds light on his path to peak physical condition.

Quick Summary

Virat Kohli was a non-vegetarian earlier in his career but transitioned to a plant-based diet around 2018. The switch was motivated by a significant health scare and has since been credited for revolutionizing his fitness.

Key Points

Pre-2018 Non-Veg Diet: Early in his career, Virat Kohli regularly consumed meat, a staple of his diet that contributed to his powerful, explosive game.
The 2018 Health Scare: He switched to a vegetarian diet in 2018 following health issues, including a neck injury, high uric acid, and an acidic stomach.
Dietary Shift to Plant-Based: Since 2018, Kohli has primarily followed a plant-based diet, though some past reports suggested he may consume eggs.
Performance Boost: The diet change led to a significant improvement in his energy levels, recovery time, and overall fitness.
Debunking Misinformation: Controversies about him eating non-veg or beef post-2018 were based on false reports or misunderstandings about 'mock meat'.
Minimalist Approach: His current eating philosophy emphasizes steamed or boiled food, minimal spices, and whole, unprocessed ingredients.

From 'Butter Chicken' to Plant-Based: The Early Years

Before his now-famous fitness regimen, Virat Kohli was open about his love for non-vegetarian food, a staple of his Punjabi upbringing. As an explosive young batsman, he consumed red meat, chicken, and fish, a diet he once admitted was far from healthy. During his early years, following the 2012 IPL season, Kohli had a crucial realization that his fitness was not up to the mark required for a top-tier international career. This wake-up call led him to begin a transformation, but meat was not entirely off his menu at this stage, merely part of a balanced diet alongside intense workouts.

The Health Scare of 2018: The Turning Point

The definitive end of his non-vegetarian days came in 2018, triggered by a serious health concern. While on a tour of South Africa, Kohli experienced a cervical spine issue that caused a nerve compression, resulting in severe pain and a tingling sensation in his hand. Unable to sleep, he underwent medical tests that revealed a startling cause: his body was creating too much uric acid, making his stomach overly acidic. To compensate for the acidity, his stomach was pulling calcium from his bones, causing them to weaken. Following a doctor's advice, Kohli made a swift and profound change, cutting all meat from his diet to reduce the uric acid levels. He hasn't looked back since, crediting this move as one of the best decisions of his life.

Diet Transformation and Public Clarifications

Kohli's dietary journey did not stop at simply becoming vegetarian. Following the health scare, he moved towards a plant-based diet, reportedly influenced by his wife, Anushka Sharma. However, the exact terminology has led to public confusion over the years. In 2021, during an Instagram live, he mentioned eating eggs, which confused fans who believed he was fully vegan. Kohli later clarified on social media that he never claimed to be vegan, only vegetarian, sparking further debate over whether eggs constitute a vegetarian diet. Some reports indicate he may consume a small amount of dairy, such as ghee. Regardless of the label, his diet has consistently moved towards being more clean and plant-based, featuring plenty of legumes, whole grains, and grilled vegetables.

The Virat Kohli Diet: Then vs. Now


Aspect	Before 2018 (Non-Vegetarian)	After 2018 (Plant-Based)
Protein Source	Red meat, chicken, fish, eggs	Plant-based protein (legumes, tofu, soy, sprouts, paneer)
Carbohydrates	Standard Indian cuisine (chole bhature), regular bread	Gluten-free bread, quinoa, millets, fruits
Cooking Style	Fried, curries, rich spices	Mostly steamed, boiled, or grilled, with minimal spices
Junk Food	Frequent inclusion, acknowledged as unhealthy	Strictly avoided, with rare, conscious 'cheat meals'
Hydration	Normal water	Increased water intake, green tea, vegetable broths
Energy Levels	Not consistently optimal, slower recovery	Significantly higher, improved recovery, feeling lighter

Debunking Controversies and Mock Meat

Virat Kohli's high-profile status has occasionally led to baseless rumors about his diet. One such instance involved a viral social media post claiming he and his wife consumed beef in the USA. This was quickly exposed as false news, as the couple follows a vegetarian/plant-based lifestyle. Another point of confusion arose when Kohli posted an Instagram story about eating 'mock chicken tikka'. Many fans misunderstood this, not realizing that 'mock meat' is a plant-based, vegetarian alternative designed to replicate the taste and texture of real meat. This was later clarified by several media outlets, confirming he remained true to his plant-based commitment.

The Verdict: Health First

The evidence is clear: Virat Kohli did eat non-veg for a large part of his life but made a conscious, health-driven decision to stop. His journey from an athlete who enjoyed traditional meaty dishes to one who prioritizes a clean, plant-based diet serves as a testament to his dedication to fitness and longevity in the sport. His transformation is not simply a lifestyle choice but a calculated move to optimize his performance and extend his career at the highest level of cricket. Kohli's example highlights that with consistency, discipline, and a focus on what fuels the body, an athlete can achieve peak fitness regardless of a traditional meat-heavy diet. Find more information on athlete diets at the Ultimate You blog.

Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift for Athletes

Virat Kohli's dietary transformation represents a monumental shift not only for his personal career but also for the wider sporting community. By embracing a plant-based approach driven by health, he challenged the old-school notion that top athletic performance requires a meat-heavy diet. The decision, born from medical necessity, resulted in improved energy, faster recovery, and a lighter, more agile physique. His commitment to a simple, nutrient-dense diet, with minimal spices and processed ingredients, has become a blueprint for modern athletes focused on longevity and peak performance. It proves that discipline in food choices is as critical as dedication in the gym, a message that continues to inspire millions globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, early in his career, Virat Kohli was a non-vegetarian and enjoyed typical Indian meat dishes like chicken and red meat, which he later admitted was an unhealthy habit.

Virat Kohli completely stopped eating meat in 2018 after experiencing a health scare during a tour of South Africa.

He became vegetarian due to health problems, specifically a cervical spine issue caused by high uric acid levels and an acidic stomach, which was weakening his bones.

While he and his wife are often referred to as vegan, Virat Kohli has clarified in the past that he considers himself a vegetarian, though his diet is heavily plant-based. Some reports note he might consume small amounts of dairy like ghee.

Yes, Kohli credits his dietary change with significantly boosting his fitness, energy levels, and recovery, allowing him to play at 120% intensity.

His diet now consists of clean, minimally processed food, with 90% of his meals being steamed or boiled and seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and lime.

As a Punjabi, some of his favorite dishes include staples like rajma (kidney beans) and lobia (black-eyed peas). He also enjoys paneer, legumes, and various green vegetables.