A Royal Diet of Contradictions
Prince's approach to food was as unique and complex as his music. For decades, the icon followed a vegetarian and later a vegan diet, influenced by his deep compassion for animals. However, this public commitment to healthy, animal-free eating was balanced by a very private, and sometimes startling, love for indulgent and unconventional foods. From gourmet meals cooked by his personal chefs to childhood junk food cravings, Prince's diet reflected a fascinating mix of discipline and playful eccentricity.
The Lifelong Vegetarian and Vegan
Prince's dietary choices were driven by a strong ethical conviction. As a devout Jehovah's Witness and animal rights advocate, he was a vocal proponent for vegetarianism and veganism. At his Paisley Park studio and residence, a strict vegetarian and later pescetarian rule was enforced for both staff and guests, demonstrating his commitment to the lifestyle. This commitment was not just for show; it was a deeply held belief that influenced both his food and his music. The vegetarian food served at Paisley Park was often creative and gourmet, as evidenced by his chefs' accounts.
A Penchant for Sweets and Junk Food
Despite his clean-living image, Prince had a well-documented sweet tooth. He wasn't above enjoying comfort food, and some of his favorite indulgences were far from healthy:
- Cap'n Crunch: The musician famously referenced his love for this sugary cereal, eaten with soy milk, in his song "Joint 2 Joint".
- Dunk-a-roos: The late singer reportedly had a great fondness for the nostalgic cookie and frosting snack, finding comfort in childhood favorites.
- Desserts: His personal chefs recalled that he sometimes treated an entire dessert as a meal, enjoying sweets like chocolate mousse and cheesecake.
- Pancakes: Guests at Paisley Park often enjoyed pancakes served after late-night parties, a sign of his playful, less-than-strict approach to some areas of his diet.
The Iconic Spaghetti and Orange Juice
Perhaps the most famously bizarre item in Prince's diet was his love for pairing spaghetti with orange juice. Accounts from the production of Purple Rain confirm this unique combination was a regular request. While most would pair pasta with water or wine, Prince's choice of a sweet, overpowering citrus beverage with a savory tomato dish perfectly captures his unconventional and rebellious spirit.
The Final Months: Changes to Prince's Diet
In the months leading up to his death, Prince's diet changed noticeably, as reported by his personal chef, Ray Roberts. He began eating less, drinking less water, and appeared to be losing weight. Battling frequent sore throats and stomach issues, he requested smoothies, fresh juices, and other easily digestible foods. Roberts's last meal prepared for Prince was a roasted red pepper bisque with a kale and spring vegetable salad, but it went untouched.
A Comparison of Prince's Diet Stages
| Aspect | Early/Peak Career Diet | Later Career/Final Months Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Philosophy | Strictly vegetarian/vegan with some snack indulgences. | Pescetarianism was tolerated at Paisley Park, but Prince remained largely vegan. |
| Favorite Meal | Spaghetti with orange juice was a frequent order. | Shift towards lighter, easily digestible foods like soups and smoothies. |
| Dessert Habits | Loved sweets like Dunk-a-roos, Cap'n Crunch, and fancy cakes. | Still enjoyed sweets but in smaller amounts, according to chefs. |
| Protein Sources | Focused on plant-based proteins, hummus, and some Asian dishes. | In addition to plant-based, his chef noted a love for Asian foods, including teriyaki salmon. |
| Chef Insights | Chefs had to adapt to his spontaneous and nocturnal schedule, often preparing simple meals. | Chefs noted his declining appetite and shift towards softer, more soothing foods. |
More Favorite Foods and Quirks
Beyond his core staples, Prince's food preferences showcased more of his eccentricities:
- Asian Cuisine: Personal chefs noted his fondness for Asian foods, including pot stickers and teriyaki salmon during a pescetarian phase.
- Real Maple Syrup: Prince insisted on authentic maple syrup for his pancakes and waffles, emphasizing the clear difference in flavor.
- Microgreens: He was a fan of microgreens, which he would eat with balsamic vinaigrette and good olive oil.
- Mustard: In a humorous (and later revealed to be likely fictional) anecdote, Prince reportedly had 18 different types of mustard in his fridge.
Conclusion
Prince's diet was a mosaic of a committed vegan lifestyle, nostalgic junk food cravings, and unusual pairings that mirrored his creative genius. He was a man of contrasts, enjoying both meticulously prepared health foods and unapologetic sweet treats. His eating habits, like his music, were uniquely his own, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him and an intriguing mystery for the public.
