Olivia Rodrigo’s Vegetarian Upbringing and Departure
Olivia Rodrigo's dietary journey began with a vegetarian upbringing, a lifestyle choice influenced by her mother. For many years, she adhered to this plant-based diet. However, her preferences shifted as she grew older. The singer famously recounted her departure from vegetarianism in a 2021 interview with the Los Angeles Times, explaining, “Until one day when I was like, I just want chicken tenders so bad. Ordered the tenders and never went back”. This anecdote clearly establishes that Rodrigo no longer follows a vegetarian diet, and by extension, is not a vegan, as veganism is the most restrictive form of plant-based eating, excluding all animal products.
Evidence of a Non-Vegan Diet
Several instances confirm that Rodrigo's diet includes both meat and dairy. These publicly known habits contradict the notion that she is either vegan or vegetarian.
- Consuming Meat: The chicken tender story is the most direct evidence of her eating meat. Additionally, fans on social media have reported seeing her eat burgers and chicken tenders on Instagram, further cementing her status as a non-vegetarian. Her appearance on the popular YouTube series Hot Ones in 2021 also featured her eating wings, though she specified in a subsequent fan-post on Reddit that they were vegan wings. While the Hot Ones incident showcased her willingness to try vegan options, her personal anecdote about chicken tenders shows a preference for non-vegan foods.
- Consuming Dairy: In a May 2025 interview with EatingWell, Rodrigo shared her love for Babybel cheese, a popular dairy product. This explicitly confirms she consumes dairy and is not vegan. For vegans, cheese is a major dietary exclusion, and Rodrigo’s affection for it indicates her diet is flexible and not restricted by vegan principles.
- Honey in Erewhon Smoothie: When she collaborated with Erewhon on her "good 4 ur GUTS" smoothie, the ingredient list included Nate's Organic Raw & Unfiltered Honey. Honey is an animal product and is not considered vegan. Her inclusion of honey in her branded product is another clear indicator that she does not adhere to a vegan lifestyle.
Olivia Rodrigo's Known Food Preferences
Even though she is not vegan, Olivia Rodrigo has a well-rounded set of food preferences that include some plant-based and whole-food options. Her diet appears to be balanced, incorporating various items that fuel her demanding lifestyle. Her favorite foods, according to different sources, include:
- Babybel cheese
- Turkey sandwiches
- SkinnyPop popcorn
- Macaroni Grill-inspired mac and cheese with bell peppers
- Taco Bell crunch wraps (with beans, no meat, no cheese)
- McDonald's oatmeal
- Health-Ade Kombucha
- Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat tea
Vegan Diet vs. Olivia Rodrigo's Diet: A Comparison
| Feature | Vegan Diet | Olivia Rodrigo's Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | Excluded | Consumed (e.g., chicken, turkey) |
| Dairy | Excluded | Consumed (e.g., Babybel cheese) |
| Eggs | Excluded | No public information, but likely consumed due to non-vegetarian status |
| Honey | Excluded | Consumed (e.g., in Erewhon smoothie) |
| Plant-based foods | Cornerstone of diet | Included (e.g., healthy options, vegan wings) |
| Lifestyle | Avoidance of all animal products | Balanced diet with both plant-based and animal-derived foods |
| Primary Motivation | Ethical, environmental, and/or health | Personal taste, health, and preference |
Conclusion: Not Vegan, but Appreciates Plant-Based Foods
In conclusion, all available evidence and public statements confirm that Olivia Rodrigo is not a vegan. She transitioned from a vegetarian diet to one that includes meat and dairy products after her childhood. While she clearly enjoys and sometimes incorporates plant-based items into her meals, her personal dietary choices are not restricted to a vegan lifestyle. The widespread fan speculation about her being vegan likely stems from a combination of her past vegetarianism and her vocal advocacy for other causes like reproductive rights, which can sometimes be conflated with ethical dietary choices. Ultimately, the truth is that Olivia Rodrigo has a balanced, omnivorous diet that she has chosen for herself. For fans seeking more insight into her life and artistic journey, an interview like the one in the Los Angeles Times provides a more in-depth look.
Separating Fact From Speculation
Facts About Olivia Rodrigo's Diet
Olivia Rodrigo's personal account of transitioning from vegetarianism to eating meat provides a definitive answer regarding her diet. She has consumed non-vegan products publicly, confirming her status as a non-vegan. While she has eaten vegan wings on Hot Ones, this was an exception, not the rule. Her Erewhon smoothie, containing honey, further dispels any vegan speculation.
Veganism and Celebrity Diets
The perception that all young, progressive celebrities are vegan or vegetarian is a common misconception, and Rodrigo's case highlights the importance of relying on concrete evidence rather than assumption. A balanced diet that incorporates plant-based foods does not equate to being vegan.
The Takeaway
Rodrigo's food choices are her own, and they have evolved over time. Speculation about a celebrity's private life, including their diet, is common but often inaccurate. Her public statements and documented preferences are the most reliable sources of information on the matter.
