The Cowboy's Coffee Ritual
For many, a cup of coffee is a crucial first step in the morning. For actor and director Kevin Costner, it's the centerpiece of his private, quiet time before his family wakes up. The Mountainside Mocha Latte, a blend he helped develop with Green Mountain Coffee, features prominently in his morning routine. He is particular about his coffee, enjoying the specific balance of coffee and dark chocolate that the Mountainside Mocha provides. Costner has admitted to adding whipped cream to his coffee, revealing a sweet-toothed, almost childlike indulgence. This simple act is part of his personal quiet time, a moment to think and prepare for the day ahead before the commotion begins. He even carries a Keurig mini-brewer with him while filming to ensure he can enjoy his preferred brew wherever he is.
The All-American Sweet Tooth
While coffee is his morning constant, Costner's penchant for sweets extends beyond his caffeinated beverage. According to interviews, his favorite dessert is warm, store-bought apple pie, specifically mentioning brands like Sara Lee or Marie Callender's. He has a history of professing to be on a diet while simultaneously requesting a slice of pie. This reveals his aversions to overly complicated, 'gourmet' foods and his love for simple, nostalgic tastes. His on-set chef from Yellowstone, Gabriel Guilbeau, has confirmed this, noting Costner's simple eating habits often involve classic comfort foods like chili and hot dogs. His love of apple pie also has a quirky rule: he prefers ice cream in his coffee rather than on his pie.
A Simple Diet for a Lifelong Career
Costner's no-fuss approach to breakfast is reflected in his overall lifestyle. He has openly resisted the pressure to conform to typical Hollywood wellness routines involving intense workouts or restrictive green juice diets. Instead, he focuses on consistency and balance. This is supported by his former Yellowstone chef, Gabriel Guilbeau, who noted that feeding Costner was easy because he prefers simple, recognizable ingredients. This simple, balanced approach has likely contributed to his enduring career and ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle for decades. His diet isn't driven by trends but by what he genuinely enjoys and what works for his demanding schedule.
On-Set Breakfasts and Simple Preferences
On the set of Yellowstone, chef Guilbeau was responsible for feeding up to 300 cast and crew members, a task that often involved long, intense workdays. While the catering menu might include a variety of dishes, Costner's requests remained simple. Guilbeau recalls that while Costner would often claim to be watching his sugar intake, he would almost inevitably request a piece of apple pie. The chef also recounted a story of Costner's genuine aversion to exotic foods like octopus, further illustrating the actor's preference for simple, familiar fare. The juxtaposition of Costner's sweet tooth with his otherwise simple eating habits shows a man who knows what he likes and isn't afraid to indulge a little, even if it contradicts his stated diet plans.
Comparing Cowboy Breakfasts
To better understand Costner's simple breakfast, it's helpful to compare it to a more stereotypically rugged 'cowboy' breakfast. While the on-screen persona of John Dutton might suggest a hearty, protein-heavy morning meal, the reality is quite different for the actor.
| Feature | Kevin Costner's Breakfast | Stereotypical 'Cowboy' Breakfast |
|---|---|---|
| Main Drink | Green Mountain Mountainside Mocha Latte, sometimes with whipped cream | Strong, black drip coffee, often called 'cowboy coffee' |
| Solid Food | Warm, store-bought apple pie | Hearty staples like biscuits and gravy, eggs, and bacon |
| Preparation | Easy, single-serve K-cup machine or simple stirring | Often cooked over a campfire or in a simple skillet |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet and creamy with chocolate | Rich, savory, and robust |
| Overall Vibe | Private and reflective | Hearty and practical for a long day of physical labor |
The Psychology of Simplicity
Why does Kevin Costner prefer such a straightforward and seemingly non-traditional breakfast? The answer lies in his long-standing preference for classic comfort foods over anything too complex or trendy. His is a diet of consistency, built on habits formed over many years. His love for sweet treats like apple pie and mocha lattes suggests that he enjoys small, comforting pleasures. This contrasts with the highly regimented and sometimes extreme diets followed by many in the entertainment industry. Costner’s approach seems to be one of moderation and enjoyment, not strict discipline. The private moment with his cup of coffee is an integral part of his day, a moment of reflection that fuels his creativity. It is this simplicity and dedication to small, private pleasures that define his breakfast routine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kevin Costner’s breakfast routine is far from the stereotypical rugged cowboy fare one might expect. It is centered around a big cup of coffee, often a chocolatey Mountainside Mocha Latte with an indulgent dollop of whipped cream. This simple drink is occasionally accompanied by a piece of warm, store-bought apple pie, a reflection of his enduring sweet tooth and preference for no-fuss comfort foods. His approach to his first meal of the day mirrors his overall philosophy on health and wellness: a simple, balanced, and consistent lifestyle that prioritizes genuine enjoyment over fleeting trends. For more insights into Costner's simple pleasures, you can read the exclusive interview with EatingWell that originally revealed his breakfast secrets.
