The Drummer's Primary Allergens: Onions and Garlic
For decades, one of the most widely known facts about Ringo Starr's diet has been his aversion to certain common ingredients. The most notable of these allergens are onions and garlic. Both are staples in a vast array of global cuisines, which can make dining out and navigating food a significant challenge. This allergy has been confirmed by various sources over the years, including his fellow Beatles' relatives. Paul McCartney's daughter, Mary, once noted in an interview with the BBC how difficult it can be to cook for Ringo and his father together, given their distinct dietary needs.
A Lifetime of Dietary Caution
Starr's health issues began long before his rise to fame with The Beatles. As a child in Liverpool, he suffered from a series of serious illnesses that kept him in and out of the hospital for long periods. These early experiences likely made him more attuned to his body and cautious about his dietary choices. While the specific food sensitivities may have evolved over time, this foundation of health awareness seems to have stuck with him throughout his life. This has led him to adopt a very strict approach to what he eats, prioritizing his well-being over adventurous eating. The list of foods he avoids includes a wide variety of dishes and ingredients, making his personal chef's job a demanding one.
The Impact on Iconic Foods: Pizza and Curry
The implications of Ringo's allergies are most famously demonstrated by the fact that he has never eaten a slice of pizza or a curry. This fact might surprise many, especially given his fame and access to different foods. During his January 2025 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he reiterated this point, confirming to a shocked audience that he's never tried either dish.
The Famous Pizza Hut Commercial
This is particularly ironic when one recalls his 1995 Pizza Hut commercial. In the ad, Ringo appears alongside other members of The Monkees, playfully teasing a Beatles reunion. He pulls a slice of pizza from a box but never actually eats it on camera, a detail that now makes perfect sense in light of his allergies. The commercial served as a great comedic piece, but it also became a subtle testament to his steadfast commitment to his health. When prompted about the commercial, Starr confirmed that he was in on the joke, but that no pizza crossed his lips.
Ringo's Overall Diet and Healthy Lifestyle
Beyond avoiding his allergens, Ringo Starr is also a dedicated vegetarian, a diet he has followed for decades. He is known to eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. In a 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, he mentioned that he eats “broccoli with everything and blueberries every morning”. This balanced and plant-based approach, combined with regular exercise, contributes to his youthful appearance and energetic lifestyle. He often speaks about living a life of peace and love, and this philosophy clearly extends to his personal health and wellness.
Vegetarianism and Healthy Habits
- Regular Exercise: Starr maintains a consistent workout routine, often exercising several days a week with a trainer to stay active and fit.
- Clean Living: After overcoming struggles with alcohol and drugs in the late 1980s, Ringo and his wife, Barbara Bach, embraced a clean and sober lifestyle, further contributing to his overall well-being.
- Mental Well-being: Starr attributes his youthful energy to a positive mindset and staying busy with music, suggesting that a holistic approach to health is key for him.
A Comparison of Ringo's Diet vs. Common Foods
To better illustrate the breadth of his dietary restrictions, here is a comparison of common ingredients and why they would pose a challenge for Ringo Starr.
| Allergen(s) | Commonly Found In | Why It's a Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Onions & Garlic | Sauces, spices, soups, many savory dishes | Key, underlying flavors in many cuisines globally |
| Curry Spices | Indian, Thai, and other Asian dishes | A complex blend of spices, including potential triggers |
| Processed Foods | Packaged meals, snack foods | Contains hidden sources of onion, garlic, and various spices |
| Pizza | Sauces, toppings | A classic example of a dish containing garlic and other spices |
Conclusion
While some may see his dietary rules as restrictive, Ringo Starr’s strict avoidance of onions, garlic, and other spices is a necessary choice for his health, rooted in a history of childhood illness and a commitment to well-being. His inability to enjoy common foods like pizza and curry is a direct consequence of these allergies, a fact that has become part of his public persona in recent years. His story is a powerful reminder that food sensitivities are serious and affect even the most famous of individuals. For a more complete overview of the musician's life, see his biography on Wikipedia.
