Is Shania Twain a Vegetarian? The Truth About the Singer's Diet

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Since 1993, Shania Twain has publicly identified as a vegetarian, a dietary choice she believes has improved her energy levels. This long-standing commitment to a plant-based diet has been a consistent part of her health and wellness routine, even as she has navigated significant health challenges throughout her career.

Quick Summary

An exploration of Shania Twain's vegetarian diet, including her food preferences, why she made the dietary switch, and how it aligns with her overall health and wellness philosophy.

Key Points

Long-Time Vegetarian: Shania Twain has been a dedicated vegetarian since 1993, a choice that has become a core part of her lifestyle.
Excludes Meat, Fish, and Eggs: Her diet officially excludes all meat, fish, and eggs, though some reports suggest occasional dairy consumption on non-show days.
Focus on Whole Foods: Twain emphasizes a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.
Uses Diet for Energy: She credits her vegetarian diet with providing her with more energy, which is crucial for her demanding performance schedule.
PETA-Recognized: In 2001, she was named PETA's 'Sexiest Vegetarian,' reflecting her commitment to the cause.
Adaptable for Performance: On performance days, she often switches to a liquid-only diet to protect her voice, avoiding dairy and other heavy foods.

Shania Twain's Journey to Vegetarianism

Shania Twain's journey to becoming a vegetarian began in 1993, a decision she made out of personal conviction and a growing awareness of her body. Unlike some who transition gradually, Twain has been vocal about her long-term adherence to this lifestyle. In interviews, she has mentioned that she was never a big meat-eater, which made the transition feel natural and beneficial for her. Her diet excludes meat, fish, and eggs, and she was even named PETA's 'Sexiest Vegetarian' in 2001, a nod to her advocacy for the lifestyle.

The Health Benefits Shania Experienced

Twain has often spoken about the positive changes she noticed after switching to a vegetarian diet. Chief among them is an increase in energy, which is particularly important for her demanding career as a performer. Her health has been a public topic, especially after her struggles with Lyme disease, which affected her energy and vocal cords. By focusing on clean, nutrient-dense foods, she has supported her body's wellness and recovery.

Favorite Plant-Based Foods and Dishes

Twain's diet is far from restrictive; it's filled with a variety of whole, unprocessed foods. Some of her favorite foods and meals she has discussed include:

Morning Smoothies: She often starts her day with a shake made with fruit, soy milk, and tofu, or a blend of coconut water, avocado, and apple.
Indian and Eritrean Cuisine: She enjoys exploring vegetarian restaurants, with a particular fondness for Indian and Eritrean dishes, such as mixed vegetable plates served with traditional bread.
Legumes: A staple of her diet includes soybeans, black beans, and chickpeas, which she incorporates into lunches and dinners.
Tofu: As a dedicated vegetarian, tofu is a frequent ingredient. She has even shared her recipe for a tofu scramble on ABC News.
Fresh Vegetables and Nuts: Twain prioritizes eating fresh greens and nuts daily to stay full and energized.

Vegetarianism vs. Veganism

While Shania Twain has been a long-time vegetarian, it's worth noting the distinction from a completely vegan diet. A vegetarian diet excludes meat, poultry, and fish, while a vegan diet excludes all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Twain has previously stated that she also excludes eggs from her diet, but some reports indicate she occasionally enjoys dairy products like cheese. However, on show days, she avoids dairy due to its effect on her voice.

Shania Twain's Dietary Habits at a Glance


Aspect of Diet	Shania Twain's Practice	Common Vegetarian Practice	Common Vegan Practice
Meat	Excludes all types of meat.	Excludes all meat, poultry, and fish.	Excludes all meat, poultry, and fish.
Fish	Excludes fish.	Excludes fish and seafood.	Excludes all fish and seafood.
Eggs	Has stated she excludes eggs.	Often includes eggs.	Excludes all eggs.
Dairy	Avoids on show days, but sometimes includes on rest days.	Often includes dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter.	Excludes all dairy products.
Protein Sources	Tofu, legumes (beans, chickpeas), nuts.	Legumes, nuts, eggs, dairy, and plant-based substitutes.	Legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and plant-based protein sources.
Processed Foods	Focuses on whole, unprocessed foods.	Varies widely by individual.	Typically, focuses on whole foods.

Shania's Diet as a Performance Fuel

Twain's diet is carefully managed to support her physically demanding performance schedule. She adjusts her eating habits on days she performs, often sticking to a liquid-only diet of shakes and smoothies to avoid phlegm from dairy and other heavy foods that might impact her vocal performance. This strategy is a testament to her disciplined approach to health and her commitment to delivering her best on stage. When not performing, she allows for more variety, including enjoying favorite vegetarian restaurants and home-cooked pasta.

Living a Balanced, Healthy Life

Beyond her vegetarianism, Shania Twain maintains a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, mindful eating, and prioritizing mental health. She understands that a healthy lifestyle is not just about what you eat, but a holistic approach to wellness. This philosophy has helped her to not only manage her health but also to embrace her body and age naturally. Twain’s story demonstrates that dietary choices, when combined with a balanced lifestyle, can have a profound impact on one's overall well-being and longevity, both personally and professionally.

Conclusion: Shania Twain's Enduring Vegetarianism

For over three decades, Shania Twain has maintained her commitment to vegetarianism, using it as a cornerstone of her health and wellness. Her preference for whole, nutrient-dense foods, along with her careful dietary planning for performances, showcases a disciplined approach to living well. While she is primarily vegetarian, excluding meat, fish, and often eggs, her occasional inclusion of some dairy and splurges demonstrates a balanced, sustainable approach rather than a rigid one. Ultimately, Shania Twain's experience offers a powerful example of how dietary choices can positively influence energy, health, and a successful career, and her journey has inspired many to explore the benefits of a plant-based diet for themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Shania Twain has been a vegetarian since 1993 and continues to adhere to a plant-based diet as part of her healthy lifestyle.

Shania Twain's decision to become a vegetarian was a personal choice she made in 1993. She has stated it was a natural transition, as she was never a big meat-eater, and she noticed an increase in her energy levels afterward.

Twain's diet excludes meat, fish, and eggs. While she generally sticks to a vegetarian diet, some reports indicate she may occasionally consume dairy, but she avoids it on show days to prevent vocal issues.

Shania Twain enjoys a wide variety of vegetarian foods, including morning smoothies, legumes like soybeans and chickpeas, tofu dishes, fresh salads, and ethnic cuisines such as Indian and Eritrean food.

On performance days, Shania Twain adheres to a liquid-only diet, consisting of shakes and smoothies. This helps her avoid potential issues with phlegm from dairy and ensures her vocal cords are in optimal condition for singing.

While Lyme disease primarily affected her energy levels and vocal cords, Shania's emphasis on a clean, nutrient-dense diet has helped support her body's overall health and recovery process.

No, Shania Twain is a vegetarian, not a strict vegan. While she avoids meat, fish, and often eggs, she sometimes consumes dairy products on her days off, which differentiates her diet from veganism.