Distinguishing the Namesake: Brian vs. Bryan Johnson
Before diving into the dietary habits, it's essential to clarify a common point of confusion. The question "Is Brian Johnson a vegetarian?" most often refers to Bryan Johnson, the Silicon Valley millionaire pursuing longevity and biological age reversal through his Project Blueprint. Brian Johnson, the lead singer of the rock band AC/DC, has no publicly documented history of following such a specific dietary path. For the remainder of this article, we will focus on Bryan Johnson and his biohacking regimen.
The Project Blueprint Diet: Vegan with a Caveat
Bryan Johnson's dietary protocol is a cornerstone of his $2 million-a-year longevity project. He follows a plant-based, nutrient-dense diet that is primarily vegan, meaning he abstains from meat, eggs, and dairy. His diet is meticulously measured and planned to meet specific biomarker targets, consisting largely of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. However, a key exception to his vegan regimen is his use of non-vegan collagen peptides as a supplement. This addition is part of his data-driven approach to optimize his health, acknowledging that no single diet, even a vegan one, can provide every essential nutrient.
The Motivation Behind the Meal Plan
Johnson’s decision to adopt this strict diet was influenced by a blend of ethical and scientific reasoning.
The Ethical Awakening
In a 2024 social media video, Johnson recounted a pivotal moment while elk hunting that led him to adopt a plant-based diet. After shooting an elk and seeing the creature breathing, he described having an emotional breakdown and feeling a profound sense of compassion. This experience was a major turning point, pushing him towards a more ethical approach to food consumption.
The Scientific Pursuit
Beyond ethics, Johnson's diet is fundamentally rooted in his scientific quest for longevity. He frames his diet as an optimization strategy, stating that every calorie consumed must have a specific purpose. Research suggests that fiber-rich, plant-based diets can support longevity and reduce the risk of certain age-related diseases. By tracking and fine-tuning his intake, he aims to maximize his health and reverse his biological age. He avoids items like sugar, processed junk food, and alcohol, which he believes hinder his health goals.
A Day in the Life: Bryan Johnson's Meals
Johnson's day is structured around a compressed eating window, with all meals consumed between approximately 6 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.. His food choices are designed for maximum nutrient delivery.
Here is a look at his typical daily meals:
- Morning Shake: He starts with a "longevity mix" shake containing various supplements, including collagen peptides.
- Meal 1 (Breakfast): The "Super Veggie" meal, a blend of broccoli, cauliflower, black lentils, mushrooms, ginger, and garlic, providing fiber and protein.
- Meal 2 (Lunch): A "Nutty Pudding" featuring macadamia nuts, walnuts, flax seed, and berries, offering healthy fats and protein.
- Meal 3 (Optional/Dinner): A simple, nutrient-dense meal like stuffed sweet potatoes or a vibrant salad, depending on his metrics.
Bryan vs. Brian Johnson Diet Comparison
This table highlights the stark differences in public information regarding the dietary approaches of the two individuals.
| Feature | Bryan Johnson (Biohacker) | Brian Johnson (AC/DC Singer) |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Philosophy | Strict, data-driven, plant-based longevity protocol (Project Blueprint). | No public reports of specific or strict dietary requirements. |
| Meat & Dairy | Avoids meat, eggs, and most dairy. Includes non-vegan collagen peptides. | Not publicly known. His bandmate Angus Young avoids alcohol, but Brian's diet is not widely discussed. |
| Calorie Intake | Carefully controlled, approximately 2,250 calories per day within a tight window. | Not publicly documented. Assumed to be a normal rockstar diet. |
| Motivation | Longevity, health optimization, and ethical compassion for animals. | Unknown. |
Expert Opinions and Cautions
While Bryan Johnson's dedication to health is impressive, many experts caution against replicating his extreme protocol without extensive medical oversight. His diet is based on a sample size of one—himself—and includes numerous expensive and experimental interventions. Nutritional experts emphasize that balance is key and that Johnson's approach, with its potential for over-supplementation and restrictive nature, may not be sustainable or healthy for the average person. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before making radical dietary changes. For guidance on creating a balanced and healthy diet, authoritative sources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health can offer evidence-based advice.
Conclusion
To answer the question, Bryan Johnson is a vegan by choice, though his use of non-vegan collagen peptides as a supplement technically means he isn't fully vegetarian or vegan. His diet is a highly controlled experiment aimed at reversing age, born from a mix of ethical conviction and scientific data. The rock musician Brian Johnson is a separate individual whose dietary habits are not publicly known. Bryan Johnson's approach, while fascinating, is a hyper-personalized regimen that should not be blindly emulated without professional consultation.
