Does Ben Stiller Eat Meat? The Truth Behind the Actor's Diet

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

In a 2012 interview on Conan, actor Ben Stiller stated that he had made dietary changes, including quitting coffee and following a plant-based diet, but that the answer to 'does Ben Stiller eat meat?' was more complex. He disclosed that while he primarily eats vegan, he makes an exception for fish, which technically makes him a pescatarian.

Quick Summary

Ben Stiller is a pescatarian, meaning he avoids most meat and poultry while including fish and seafood in his otherwise plant-based diet.

Key Points

Ben Stiller is a pescatarian: He includes fish in his diet but avoids red meat and poultry.
He is not a strict vegan: While he primarily eats plant-based meals, he does not follow a strict vegan diet because of his fish consumption.
He dislikes the 'vegan' label: Stiller has publicly stated that he finds the vegan label to be strange and constraining.
Health and family influence his diet: His decision to change his diet was partly influenced by health considerations and adopted alongside his wife, Christine Taylor.
The diet was a long-term change: Stiller's pescatarianism is not a recent or temporary dietary choice but a sustained lifestyle he's followed for over a decade.

In 2012, comedic actor Ben Stiller opened up about a significant change in his eating habits, sparking public curiosity about his dietary choices. The revelation clarified that his diet was more nuanced than a simple vegetarian or vegan label. Stiller, known for roles in Zoolander and Meet the Parents, explained his new culinary path during an interview, admitting a fondness for fish that keeps him from being a strict vegan. This decision, made alongside his wife, Christine Taylor, marked a pivot towards healthier, more mindful eating.

From Vegan Aspirations to Pescatarian Reality

Around 2012, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor reportedly began to adopt a cruelty-free, plant-based diet, as noted by PETA. However, the actor candidly revealed on Conan O'Brien's show that he had an aversion to the term 'vegan' because it felt like a restrictive, strange category. His honesty provided a dose of reality often missing from celebrity lifestyle narratives; he admitted to missing foods like ribs and finding some vegan substitutes unappealing. The admission that he also eats fish solidified his status not as a vegan but as a pescatarian, a dietary pattern that often includes other vegetarian staples alongside seafood.

The Health and Lifestyle Connection

Stiller's dietary shift is part of a broader trend among celebrities and the general public toward more health-conscious lifestyles. While many choose a diet for ethical or environmental reasons, personal wellness often plays a major role. For Stiller, who has been open about his battle with prostate cancer, a proactive approach to health is particularly important. A pescatarian diet, rich in healthy fats and lean protein from fish, can offer significant health benefits, which may align with Stiller's focus on maintaining his well-being post-diagnosis.

His wife, Christine Taylor, has also discussed their family's journey toward more plant-based eating. In a 2012 interview, she mentioned they had started making green drinks for their children, Ella and Quinlin, with some playful family resistance. The story highlights that transitioning to a new diet, even for a Hollywood couple, involves practical, day-to-day challenges and adjustments for the whole family.

A Comparison of Diets: Pescatarian vs. Vegan vs. Omnivore

To better understand Ben Stiller's diet, here's a simple comparison of his eating style against vegan and omnivorous diets.


Feature	Ben Stiller's Pescatarian Diet	Typical Vegan Diet	Typical Omnivore Diet
Meat and Poultry	Avoids	Avoids	Includes
Fish and Seafood	Includes	Avoids	Includes
Dairy	Often includes, but Stiller's is primarily vegan	Avoids	Includes
Eggs	Often includes, but Stiller's is primarily vegan	Avoids	Includes
Plant-Based Foods	Emphasis on fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains	Emphasis on fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains	Includes some
Primary Protein Sources	Fish, legumes, nuts, seeds	Legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu	Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy

Addressing Recent Speculation

Despite Stiller's long-established pescatarian status, recent online discussion speculated about his current eating habits. Some viewers of his Apple TV+ series Severance questioned if his diet had changed based on the inclusion of certain foods in the show. It's important to differentiate an actor's personal diet from the creative choices made in their professional work. The presence of non-vegan props in a television series does not provide factual evidence of a shift in an individual's personal lifestyle choices, particularly against years of consistent public statements.

The Longevity of Stiller's Dietary Choice

It's clear from his public statements that Ben Stiller made a conscious and long-term decision to follow a pescatarian diet. This was not a passing fad but a sustained lifestyle change implemented over a decade ago. The consistency of this choice indicates its suitability for his personal health goals and preferences. His journey highlights that many people find a middle ground between being a full vegan and a meat-eater, settling on a dietary pattern that best fits their needs and personal tastes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, does Ben Stiller eat meat? The definitive answer is yes, but only certain types. While he primarily follows a plant-based, vegan-style diet, Ben Stiller eats fish, classifying him as a pescatarian. His public comments and enduring commitment to this dietary choice, sometimes alongside his family, reveal a thoughtful approach to health and lifestyle. This path, while not strictly vegan, is an intentional and sustainable choice that aligns with his personal wellness goals.

Here is an example of a pescatarian-friendly meal plan that someone like Ben Stiller might enjoy:

Breakfast: A smoothie with kale, spinach, a handful of fruit, and a plant-based protein powder.
Lunch: A Mediterranean salad with grilled salmon, fresh greens, olives, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
Dinner: Tacos with grilled cod, topped with salsa, avocado, and lime.
Snack: A serving of kale chips or hummus with vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ben Stiller follows a pescatarian diet, meaning he eats fish but avoids other types of meat and poultry. His diet is otherwise primarily plant-based, focusing on vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Yes, Ben Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, reportedly began adopting a vegan diet around 2012. However, Stiller later clarified that his inclusion of fish means he is technically not a vegan.

Stiller's decision was related to overall health and wellness, a change he undertook with his wife. His later battle with prostate cancer likely reinforced his commitment to healthy eating.

Yes, as a pescatarian, Ben Stiller includes seafood in his diet. He has specifically mentioned that he eats fish.

Yes, Ben Stiller has openly discussed his diet in interviews, including a notable appearance on Conan O'Brien's show in 2012 where he explained his pescatarian lifestyle.

According to his wife, Christine Taylor, they introduced plant-based foods to their children, though with some initial resistance. The family has collectively made a move toward healthier eating habits.

No, Ben Stiller is not a vegetarian. While vegetarians avoid all meat and fish, Stiller's consumption of fish makes him a pescatarian, which is a different category.