Is Virat Kohli Completely Vegetarian? Unpacking His Plant-Based Diet

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

In 2018, Virat Kohli switched to a vegetarian diet for health reasons, but confusion remains about his exact food choices. This article clarifies whether Virat Kohli is completely vegetarian and explores the evolution of his plant-based meal plan.

Quick Summary

Virat Kohli transitioned from a non-vegetarian diet to a largely plant-based one in 2018 for health. He is vegetarian, not vegan, and consumes eggs, clarifying past rumors.

Key Points

Vegetarian, Not Vegan: Virat Kohli publicly clarified in 2021 that he is vegetarian, not vegan, and does not fit the stricter definition of a plant-based diet.
Consumes Eggs: His diet, while largely plant-based, does include eggs, which is consistent with a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet.
Health-Driven Change: He transitioned from a meat-heavy diet in 2018 due to specific health issues, including high uric acid levels, acidity, and nerve compression.
Focus on Whole Foods: His staple meals primarily consist of vegetables, lentils, quinoa, plant-based protein powders, and eggs.
Improved Performance: Kohli credits his dietary changes for feeling more energetic, lighter, and experiencing a much faster recovery time after matches.
Reduces Dairy and Animal Protein: He has reported being approximately 90% animal protein and dairy-free, showing a strong shift towards plant-based options.

The Shift from Non-Vegetarian to Plant-Based

Virat Kohli, a renowned figure in cricket, adopted a vegetarian diet in 2018, moving away from his previous non-vegetarian eating habits. This change was prompted by significant health issues he experienced during a tour of South Africa, including cervical spine problems, high acidity and uric acid levels, and bone weakening. Health experts advised eliminating meat to reduce body acidity, a decision Kohli has credited with improving his energy and recovery.

Vegetarian, Not Vegan: The Eggs Clarification

Despite his shift towards plant-based eating and his wife Anushka Sharma being vegan, Kohli has clarified that he is not a vegan. In a 2021 tweet responding to reports about his diet including eggs, he stated, "I never claimed to be vegan. Always maintained I'm vegetarian...". This confirms he is a vegetarian who consumes eggs, aligning with a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. He has also mentioned being "90% animal protein and dairy free," indicating a significant reduction in animal products.

What Is in Virat Kohli's Diet?

Kohli's current diet is tailored for athletic performance and health, focusing on nutrient-rich whole foods. His meals include plant-based protein sources like lentils, legumes, tofu, quinoa, and protein powders. He incorporates many vegetables, nuts, and avocados, along with brown bread, rice, and mashed potatoes for carbohydrates. Hydration includes green tea and high-pH water. He allows for controlled portions of dishes like dosa and has tried plant-based alternatives such as "mock chicken tikka".

How His Diet Impacts Performance

The dietary change has positively impacted Kohli's performance and physique. He reported increased energy levels, faster recovery after training and matches, and reduced stiffness and stomach issues compared to his non-vegetarian days. The diet, combined with his training, has helped him maintain a low body fat percentage and a more agile build.

Vegetarian vs. Vegan: A Comparison

Understanding the difference between vegetarian and vegan diets is key to describing Kohli's eating habits.


Aspect	Vegetarianism	Veganism
Meat	Excludes all meat (poultry, fish, red meat).	Excludes all meat.
Dairy	Often includes dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt (Lacto-vegetarian).	Excludes all dairy products.
Eggs	May or may not include eggs (Ovo-vegetarian). Kohli's diet includes them.	Excludes all eggs.
Animal-derived products	Avoids meat but may consume other animal byproducts.	Excludes all animal-derived products, including honey and leather.
Primary Motivation	Health, religion, ethics, or personal preference.	Ethical, environmental, or health concerns related to all animal exploitation.

Conclusion: The Evolution of Kohli's Diet

Virat Kohli's dietary journey highlights the connection between nutrition and elite athletic performance. His transition from a meat-heavy diet in 2018 was a health-driven decision that significantly improved his well-being. He is vegetarian and consumes eggs, confirming he is not vegan. The evolution of his diet, including exploring plant-based alternatives, reflects his dedication to optimizing his nutrition for his career. This disciplined approach contributes to his reputation as one of the fittest cricketers globally.

Note: For an in-depth look at the evolution of Kohli's food habits, you can reference this Times of India article about Kohli's diet that details a specific meal plan crafted for him and his wife.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Virat Kohli is not a vegan. He has publicly clarified that he is a vegetarian, as his diet includes eggs, an animal product.

He became vegetarian in 2018 after experiencing significant health issues, including high uric acid levels, stomach acidity, and cervical spine problems.

His diet focuses on nutritious whole foods, including a variety of vegetables, lentils, legumes, tofu, quinoa, and eggs. He also uses plant-based protein powders.

Yes, prior to his dietary change in 2018, Virat Kohli had a non-vegetarian diet. He transitioned to vegetarianism due to his health concerns.

Yes, Virat Kohli has confirmed that his vegetarian diet includes eggs, which distinguishes him from being a vegan.

No, he is not 100% plant-based since his diet includes eggs. However, he has made a conscious effort to significantly reduce his consumption of most animal and dairy products.

After changing his diet, Kohli reported feeling lighter, more energetic, and experiencing faster recovery times between matches. He considers it one of his best decisions.