The Billionaire's Eclectic Palate
When it comes to his diet, Elon Musk has demonstrated a palate that defies easy categorization. His preferences range from gourmet steaks to common junk food, a reflection of a man who prioritizes taste and convenience over strict nutritional guidelines, a philosophy he has voiced publicly. This pragmatic, and at times hedonistic, approach has revealed a list of favorites that surprises many. While he has recently taken steps toward healthier habits, his classic indulgences remain well-documented.
A Taste for the Indulgent: Meats, BBQ, and Pizza
At the core of Musk's savory food preferences is a deep love for meat. His choices include grilled or barbecued varieties, a stated favorite during a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session. His specific culinary experiences also point to a sophisticated, albeit unconventional, palate:
- Steak and Ssamjang: Chef Akira Back, whose restaurant Musk frequents, has revealed that the tech mogul enjoys dry-aged beef with a spicy Korean fermented soybean paste known as ssamjang, a highly specific and refined taste.
- Döner Kebab: After a trip to Berlin, Musk raved about a döner kebab he had outside the now-defunct Tacheles art house, calling it "the most amazing kebab ever" and naming it his go-to German treat.
- Pizza with Pineapple: The divisive pizza topping finds a fan in Musk. He has admitted to being a former hater but now enjoys the Hawaiian variety. He was famously seen eating a pineapple and anchovy pizza on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
The Sweet Side of Success
For someone who operates on high intensity, a sweet tooth provides a necessary energy boost. Musk's long-standing affection for sugary items is particularly evident in his breakfast routine. His infamous claim of eating a donut every morning in response to a doctor's tweet about sugar being poison became a viral sensation. Other sweet favorites include:
- Chocolate milk: On X (formerly Twitter), Musk shared his delight over an "insanely good" glass of chocolate milk.
- Pastries: He has referred to freshly baked goods as "some of the great joys of life," and a photo with the President of Indonesia revealed a stack of chocolate croissants near him.
- Kopiko Coffee Candy: The Indonesian coffee candy earned a "very good" rating and two thumbs up from Musk during a meeting in 2022, even causing a spike in the company's stock price.
Fast Food Fixes and Favorite Beverages
When time is short, Musk's choices lean towards efficient, familiar comforts. He enjoys fast food french fries, though his method of pouring ketchup directly into the carton has drawn attention.
In terms of beverages, his dedication to Diet Coke is legendary. He has proclaimed he will "never quit DC" and once revealed a picture of four cans of caffeine-free Diet Coke on his bedside table. While he has reportedly cut back, his loyalty remains steadfast. For alcoholic beverages, his preferences include whiskey and the aesthetic enjoyment of red wine.
From "Tasty" to Balanced: Musk's Health Evolution
Despite his stated preference for tasty but potentially unhealthy food, Musk has undertaken significant health changes, particularly concerning weight management. His mother, Maye Musk, is a registered dietitian, so the family is certainly no stranger to nutritional science. In recent years, Musk has pursued a more structured approach to wellness.
The Fasting and Pharmaceutical Approach
Musk has openly credited a combination of strategies for his recent weight loss.
- Intermittent Fasting: A key component of his routine is intermittent fasting, specifically a 16:8 schedule where he eats within an eight-hour window. This method helps control calorie intake and has been praised by Musk for its effectiveness.
- Semaglutide: He has admitted to using semaglutide, the active ingredient in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, to aid in weight loss. This pharmaceutical approach, combined with his dietary adjustments, has resulted in a notable body transformation.
The Tesla Diner and Brand-Building
Musk's fascination with food even extends into his business ventures. The opening of the Tesla drive-in diner in Los Angeles, first proposed in 2023, is a testament to his interest. The restaurant features a menu of American classics, though initial reviews have been mixed. It reflects not a personal nutritional plan but an entrepreneurial extension of his brand into the hospitality sector.
A Comparison of Musk's Diet Over Time
| Aspect | Past Habits (College/Early Career) | Present Habits (Post-2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Diet Philosophy | Survival on limited budget; ate whatever was cheap and quick (e.g., hot dogs and oranges). | Prioritizes "tasty food"; eclectic mix of indulgent and high-protein items. |
| Breakfast | Often skipped, or a quick Mars bar or donut. | Steak and eggs for a "powerup"; occasional donut. |
| Weight Management | Minimal focus on exercise; self-admitted unhealthy lifestyle. | Incorporates intermittent fasting (16:8), semaglutide use, and regular exercise. |
| Beverages | Drank high amounts of caffeinated Diet Coke. | Reduced Diet Coke intake; enjoys whiskey and wine. |
| Motivation | Fuel for long work hours; minimal concern for long-term health. | Performance optimization and weight management; recognizes health implications. |
Conclusion
While a definitive answer to what is Elon Musk's favorite food? reveals a variety of culinary delights from steak to donuts, it is his shifting approach to diet that offers the most insight. What began as a purely functional, and at times indulgent, way to fuel his ambitious work schedule has evolved. Following periods of self-admitted unhealthy eating, he has incorporated disciplined strategies like intermittent fasting and medical weight loss tools to manage his health. His diet is a microcosm of his entrepreneurial spirit: adaptable, unconventional, and always evolving. His preferences may not align with conventional health guidelines, but his journey highlights the importance of finding a sustainable approach, whether that involves high-protein meals, sweets, or modern medical interventions.
For more insight into celebrity health routines, you can learn more from CNBC's interview covering Musk's earlier habits.
