What Does Virat Kohli Eat for Snacks?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Since his transition to a strict vegan diet, Virat Kohli has transformed his fitness by focusing on clean, plant-based meals. The cricket star adheres to a highly disciplined eating plan, which includes selecting wholesome, energy-boosting snacks to maintain his peak physical condition.

Quick Summary

Virat Kohli's snack choices are rooted in his plant-based lifestyle, emphasizing nutrient-dense, whole foods. He avoids processed items, opting instead for snacks like sprouts, homemade bhel, and roasted nuts, prepared with minimal spices and oil for optimal health.

Key Points

Plant-Based Power: Virat Kohli’s snacks are almost exclusively vegan, focusing on nutrient-dense plant sources for energy and recovery.
Clean and Simple: He prefers minimally processed and home-cooked options, often featuring steamed vegetables and pulses seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and lime.
Smart Swaps: Kohli avoids fried and processed chips, choosing healthier alternatives like homemade bhel and roasted makhana to satisfy cravings.
Protein and Fiber Focus: His snack regimen emphasizes sources of plant-based protein and fiber, such as sprouted salads and nuts, for sustained energy.
Mindful Eating: Beyond the food itself, Kohli practices mindful eating, focusing on his body's needs and nutrient absorption rather than just taste.
Consistent Discipline: Kohli maintains his dietary discipline consistently, often eating the same simple meals and snacks for extended periods to stay in peak condition.

Virat Kohli's Shift to a Clean-Eating Philosophy

Virat Kohli's dietary journey is as disciplined as his cricketing career. His move away from a conventional diet, which previously included meat and dairy, to a strictly vegan and whole-food-based regimen was a game-changer for his performance. This shift was not based on fads but on a scientific understanding of how proper nutrition fuels the body for high-intensity sports. For a professional athlete, every meal and snack choice directly impacts energy levels, recovery time, and overall fitness. Kohli's approach prioritizes fuel over flavor, which means his snacks are strategically chosen for their nutritional benefits rather than indulgence.

The Cornerstone of Kohli's Snacking: Simplicity and Wholesomeness

Kohli has repeatedly emphasized his preference for simple, home-cooked meals over restaurant food, which extends to his snacking habits. He has stated that a significant portion of his diet consists of steamed or boiled foods, seasoned only with salt, pepper, and lime. This minimal approach ensures he avoids unhealthy fats, excess salt, and unnecessary additives. This focus on simplicity makes his snack options highly replicable and effective for anyone aiming for a cleaner diet. The sources of his protein and energy come from plant-based alternatives, which he has adopted with unwavering discipline.

A Look at Virat Kohli's Go-To Healthy Snacks

Virat Kohli’s snack rotation is centered around maximizing nutritional intake while minimizing processing. His choices are designed to provide sustained energy without weighing him down, which is essential for an athlete's demanding schedule. A common snack for him is a sprout salad, which is a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Another favorite is homemade bhel, a tangy mix of puffed rice and vegetables, but prepared in a much healthier, oil-free manner. Roasted makhana (fox nuts) and various nuts and seeds, like almonds, cashews, and chia seeds, are also key components for their healthy fats and protein content. For hydration and a refreshing boost, he drinks natural spring water with a high pH, along with coconut water and fresh juices.

Sprout Salad: A simple yet powerful mix of steamed sprouts with chopped onions, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice provides a nutrient-dense and energizing snack.
Healthy Bhel: A guilt-free version of the popular Indian snack, featuring puffed rice mixed with vegetables like onions and tomatoes, seasoned lightly with chaat masala and lemon juice.
Roasted Makhana: Fox nuts, roasted dry or with a hint of ghee and spices, offer a light, crunchy, and calcium-rich snack.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, and other nuts, along with flax and chia seeds, are staples for healthy fats, protein, and sustained energy.
Fresh Fruits: Whole fruits like apples and pomegranates are excellent choices for a quick, natural sugar boost, along with essential vitamins.

Comparison Table: Kohli's Snacks vs. Common Unhealthy Alternatives

To highlight the difference, here is a comparison of Kohli's preferred snacks against common, less-healthy options.


Feature	Virat Kohli's Snack (Example: Sprout Salad)	Common Unhealthy Snack (Example: Fried Chips)
Nutritional Value	High in protein, fiber, and vitamins. Low in unhealthy fats.	High in saturated fat, sodium, and empty calories. Lacks significant nutrients.
Energy Source	Provides sustained energy due to complex carbs and protein.	Offers a quick sugar spike followed by an energy crash.
Processing Level	Minimal processing. Made from fresh, whole ingredients.	Highly processed, containing artificial flavors and preservatives.
Health Impact	Supports muscle repair, aids digestion, and promotes overall well-being.	Can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and increased health risks.
Preparation	Simple preparation, often requiring steaming or minimal chopping.	Ready-to-eat but produced using industrial frying methods.

The Mindful Approach to Snacking

Beyond just the food itself, Kohli's approach is also about mindful eating. He consumes his snacks with intention, listening to his body's cues and savoring each bite. This practice helps prevent overeating and ensures optimal digestion. For an elite athlete, this mental discipline is as critical as physical training. By prioritizing health and function over taste, he has cultivated a mindset that allows him to stick to his disciplined diet long-term. This consistent repetition has been a key factor in his sustained fitness.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli's snack choices are a clear reflection of his commitment to peak performance and a disciplined lifestyle. His preference for simple, whole, and plant-based foods like sprouts, homemade bhel, and roasted nuts provides a powerful example for aspiring athletes and anyone looking to improve their health. By opting for nutrient-dense snacks and practicing mindful eating, Kohli ensures his body is always fueled with the best possible ingredients. His dietary habits demonstrate that achieving elite fitness is less about complex or restrictive diets and more about consistent, clean, and intentional choices.

For more insight into high-performance plant-based diets, check out this LinkedIn article detailing Virat Kohli's protein routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virat Kohli eats a healthy, homemade version of bhel, which is a mix of puffed rice and chopped vegetables like onions and tomatoes, seasoned lightly with chaat masala and lime juice, and prepared without oil.

No, Virat Kohli strictly avoids deep-fried and spicy items. He has made it clear that he prefers snacks and meals that are steamed or boiled, focusing on nutrition over taste.

Makhana, or fox nuts, are a light, crunchy, and nutritious snack. Kohli eats them roasted, sometimes with a little ghee and spices, as they are a healthy and calcium-rich alternative to processed chips.

While he may have occasional treats, Kohli maintains strict dietary discipline and does not have regular 'cheat days.' His mantra is to eat foods that fuel performance, and he has a highly mindful approach to eating.

Virat Kohli's protein-rich snacks include sprouts, nuts like almonds and cashews, seeds such as chia and flax, and supplements like plant-based protein powders.

For hydration, Virat Kohli prefers natural spring water with a high pH. He also incorporates coconut water and fresh juices to keep his energy levels high during and between training sessions.

When traveling, Kohli focuses on selecting the purest forms of food and water, often carrying healthy snacks like dry-roasted nuts and seeds to avoid hotel or junk food. He prioritizes eating clean, home-cooked food whenever possible.