Does LeBron James Eat Tacos? Uncovering the King's Favorite Meal

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

Since approximately 2018, LeBron James's infamous "Taco Tuesday" Instagram videos have cemented his love for the dish in the public's mind. This article investigates the story behind the viral sensation, confirming that yes, LeBron James does eat tacos, especially on Tuesdays.

Quick Summary

This article confirms that LeBron James loves eating tacos, especially for his family's viral 'Taco Tuesday' tradition, and delves into his history with the meal, from his social media posts to trademark attempts and community outreach efforts.

Key Points

Origin of Taco Tuesday: LeBron James’s viral Instagram videos, starting in 2018, popularized his family's tradition of having tacos on Tuesday nights.
Trademarking Attempt: In 2019, LeBron’s company attempted to trademark the phrase "Taco Tuesday" but was denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which deemed the phrase too common.
Business and Philanthropic Ties: James has used his affinity for tacos for both community good and business promotion, including feeding families in Akron and partnering with Epic Games and Taco Bell.
Dietary Balance: Tacos are typically considered a "cheat day" meal for James, who otherwise follows a very strict and healthy diet regimen of lean proteins and vegetables for peak performance.
Cultural Phenomenon: Beyond his personal love for the food, James's embrace of tacos has become a relatable pop culture moment, proving even world-class athletes enjoy comfort food.

The Origins of LeBron's "Taco Tuesday"

LeBron James’s famous tradition of celebrating "Taco Tuesday" gained significant traction in the summer of 2018 through his enthusiastic Instagram posts. The videos often featured James loudly proclaiming "Taco Tuesday!" during his family's dinner, a ritual that quickly captured public attention and became a pop culture phenomenon. The widespread popularity of his posts showcased a relatable, family-oriented side of the superstar athlete and solidified tacos as a staple in the James household.

The Viral Trademark Attempt

Following the widespread fame of his videos, James and his company, LBJ Trademarks LLC, attempted to trademark the phrase "Taco Tuesday" in 2019 for use in podcasts and other media. However, this request was ultimately denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which deemed the phrase too common to be exclusively owned. The incident, though unsuccessful, further highlighted the extent of James’s passion for the meal and his influence in popular culture. In 2023, he even teamed up with Taco Bell to help "liberate" the phrase from its existing trademark holder, Taco John's.

LeBron's Dietary Habits and Cheat Meals

While James is renowned for a meticulously controlled, healthy diet focused on lean protein, fish, fruits, and vegetables, tacos fall into a category of occasional indulgence. His commitment to peak physical performance means that while his daily routine is disciplined, he does allow for cheat meals. A balanced approach is key, as his body requires complex carbohydrates and proteins to fuel his demanding athletic performance. His love for tacos, pizza, and French toast on cheat days demonstrates that even elite athletes enjoy comfort food.

Community and Sponsorship Involvement with Tacos

LeBron's taco obsession has extended beyond his family dinner table and into his philanthropic and business ventures.

Community Outreach: In March 2020, through the LeBron James Family Foundation, he leveraged the Taco Tuesday theme to provide hot meals to families in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, including students from his I Promise School. This initiative supplied hundreds of families with chicken and beef tacos and all the fixings, demonstrating how a simple family tradition could be used for widespread good.
Promotional Events: In 2021, James partnered with Epic Games and Fortnite to create a themed pop-up restaurant called “El Rey's Taco Tuesday” in West Hollywood. The event offered complimentary, gluten-free tacos and special Fortnite-themed beverages, serving as a unique promotional experience for fans.
Brand Ambassadorship: His advocacy for freeing the "Taco Tuesday" trademark led to a partnership with Taco Bell in 2023, where he became a global ambassador for the brand.

Taco vs. Health Food: A Comparison

To understand how tacos fit into James's diet, it's useful to compare his typical clean eating regimen with his more relaxed cheat-day choices.


Feature	Healthy Meal (Example: Salmon)	Cheat Meal (Tacos)
Protein Source	Lean fish like salmon	Ground beef, chicken, or other meats
Carbohydrates	Quinoa, whole wheat pasta	Tortillas, rice
Vegetables	Broccoli, asparagus, salad greens	Pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, corn salsa
Fats	Healthy fats from fish, nuts, and seeds	Cheeses, sour cream
Frequency	Part of a regular, disciplined diet	An occasional indulgence or 'cheat day' meal

Conclusion: The Cultural Icon and His Tacos

Ultimately, the answer to the question "Does LeBron James eat tacos?" is a resounding yes, and his enthusiasm for the meal has evolved into a well-documented part of his public persona. What started as a fun family video series grew into a cultural phenomenon that includes philanthropy, business partnerships, and a high-profile legal battle. For fans, the enduring legacy of LeBron’s Taco Tuesday is a testament to his influence both on and off the court. While he maintains a strict diet for performance, his unapologetic indulgence in tacos provides a relatable glimpse into his life beyond basketball.

The L.A. Taco Guide to Eating Like the King

For those interested in exploring some of LeBron's L.A. taco options, the website L.A. Taco published a guide referencing some spots the star could enjoy. For the ultimate experience, fans can even visit the House Three Thirty in Akron on a Tuesday to participate in the local version of his famous tradition.

All Flavor No Grease: A popular food spot known for its loaded quesadillas featuring shrimp, steak, and chicken.
El Coraloense: Famous for its decadent lobster nachos.
Guerrilla Tacos: A taco truck that offers a modern, high-end take on Mexican-American cuisine, with a weekly rotating menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

LeBron James's Taco Tuesday is a weekly tradition in his family where they eat tacos, which he famously documented through enthusiastic social media posts, particularly on Instagram, starting around 2018.

No, LeBron James did not invent the phrase "Taco Tuesday." It was already a widely used expression and had an existing trademark held by a Wyoming-based restaurant chain, Taco John's, before his viral videos.

Yes, in 2019, LeBron James's company filed an application to trademark "Taco Tuesday" for entertainment and marketing purposes, but the request was denied because the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office found it to be too common of a phrase.

Yes, following his denied trademark attempt, LeBron James collaborated with Taco Bell in 2023 to help them in their legal efforts to free the "Taco Tuesday" trademark for all restaurants.

LeBron has been seen enjoying a variety of tacos, including beef and chicken tacos. A nutrition expert also mentioned he enjoys fish tacos. For a pop-up event, he offered gluten-free Chicken Tinga, Grilled Carne Asada, and Roasted Barbacoa Mushroom tacos.

While LeBron James generally follows a very strict, healthy diet, tacos are considered one of his occasional "cheat day" meals, along with pizza and French toast. The specific healthiness depends on the ingredients, with lean proteins and fresh toppings being healthier options.

In March 2020, LeBron James and his Family Foundation provided hundreds of taco meals to students and their families from his I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, using the theme of Taco Tuesday for his community outreach.