Jeff Bezos's Unexpected Morning Rituals
Unlike the standard coffee and toast, Jeff Bezos's breakfast is famously adventurous. The tale of his 'breakfast octopus' has become a business legend, signaling his preference for the bold and unconventional. The meal, which he reportedly ordered during a high-stakes 2010 meeting with the founder of Woot, included Mediterranean octopus, poached eggs, potatoes, bacon, and green garlic yogurt. He used the unfamiliar nature of the dish as a metaphor for his aggressive business acquisition strategy. Beyond the exotic, his mornings also feature a simple, calming tradition: a leisurely breakfast with family after reading the paper, often made with his fiancée Lauren Sánchez. This contrast between the adventurous and the comforting is a hallmark of his eating habits.
Lunch and Dinner: A Mix of High-End and Humble
When it comes to lunch and dinner, Bezos's choices are equally varied. He moves seamlessly from upscale dining to simple American fare. His affinity for high-end international cuisine is evident from his meal at New York's Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Bungalow, in 2024, where he praised the experience as a "pilgrimage" across India. He has also been spotted enjoying Peking duck at a beloved but unassuming Chinese restaurant in Miami. Despite his appreciation for refined food, Bezos remains grounded, as evidenced by his celebration of a successful Blue Origin launch with a simple diner breakfast of pancakes and eggs.
The 'Two-Pizza Rule' and Corporate Pizza
Famously, Bezos instituted the 'two-pizza rule' at Amazon: meetings should be small enough that everyone can be fed with just two pizzas. This rule was designed to foster efficiency and innovation among small, nimble teams. While rooted in business strategy, it highlights his practical and straightforward relationship with food in a professional context. On a personal level, he is also a confirmed fan of pizza, with custom pies being made for him at pizzerias in Italy.
Indulgences and Thematic Eating
For all his healthy eating and structured routines, Bezos is no stranger to indulging in nostalgic comfort food and occasional 'cheat days'.
- McDonald's Nostalgia: In 2022, Bezos shared a photo of himself enjoying a McDonald's burger, reflecting on his very first job flipping burgers for the fast-food chain as a teenager.
- Cheetos Cravings: His fondness for junk food was also evident in a 2018 Instagram post where he showed off Cheeto-dusted fingers.
- Sunday Pancakes: A cherished family tradition involves him making pancakes for his children every Sunday morning using a Betty Crocker mix, showcasing a relatable and grounded side to his private life.
Exotic and Adventurous Tastes
Beyond his regular meals, Bezos's curious and adventurous side extends to his palate. At an Explorers Club dinner in New York, he was photographed sampling unusual delicacies meant to raise awareness about invasive species. These included:
- Roasted iguana
- Cooked cockroaches
- Crunchy tarantula bites
The Dietary Transformation: Past vs. Present
Bezos's diet today is a far cry from his early Amazon days, when he would reportedly eat an entire can of Pillsbury biscuits for breakfast. This was before his ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott, pointed out his unhealthy eating habits. His transformation is focused on whole, unprocessed foods and a high-protein diet, influenced by his trainer, Wes Okerson.
| Aspect | Early Amazon Diet (Past) | Current Diet (Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Processed, carb-heavy options like Pillsbury biscuits. | High-protein meals like breakfast octopus, poached eggs, and green garlic yogurt. |
| Focus | Ignored nutrition labels and ate what tasted good. | Considers nutrition; focuses on whole foods to support an active lifestyle. |
| Protein | Lower protein intake, more processed foods. | High protein, supplemented by healthy fats and investments in plant-based alternatives. |
| Indulgences | Habitual, daily consumption of processed convenience foods. | Strategic, occasional 'cheat meals' like McDonald's or Cheetos. |
Bezos's Impact on the Future of Food
His influence on food goes beyond his personal plate. Through his Bezos Earth Fund, he has invested significantly in transforming the global food system towards more sustainable, plant-based proteins. This initiative, dubbed 'Beans Is How,' aims to increase the consumption of beans, lentils, and nuts to reduce the environmental footprint of food production. This philanthropic effort highlights a broader, future-looking aspect of his food philosophy beyond his individual daily intake. For more information on these initiatives, you can visit the Bezos Earth Fund website.
Conclusion: The Billionaire's Balanced Plate
Jeff Bezos's diet is a mosaic of different influences: the protein-rich regimen of his physical transformation, the extravagant tastes afforded by his wealth, the simple comforts of his family life, and the nostalgic cravings of his past. The journey from a diet of processed biscuits to one featuring breakfast octopus and strategic plant-based investments reveals a man whose approach to eating mirrors his approach to business and life—curious, disciplined, and forward-thinking, with a healthy dose of tradition and fun.
