The Pragmatic, Fuel-Focused Approach to Eating
Despite being one of the world's most prominent and busiest innovators, Elon Musk's eating habits are surprisingly relatable and, at times, indulgent. For Musk, food has often been viewed as fuel to sustain his relentless work schedule rather than a central source of pleasure. This practical mindset means his diet is highly adaptable, fluctuating between convenience-driven choices during hectic periods and more deliberate, enjoyable meals during downtime. Much of what is known about his diet comes from his own public statements on social media and interviews, which reveal a man who enjoys simple, savory tastes and has a noted sweet tooth. His dietary journey has not been static, however, with recent efforts focused on improving his health and shedding weight.
Breakfast Habits: From Donut Jokes to Power-Up Meals
Musk's approach to breakfast has been particularly fluid over the years. For a time, he famously joked on X (formerly Twitter) about eating a donut every morning, an exaggerated but telling response to a comment on sugar consumption. He later clarified this was not a strict daily habit. In the past, he also admitted to skipping breakfast entirely or grabbing a Mars bar or coffee on the run to get his day started. However, a notable shift occurred, and in a 2024 tweet, he enthusiastically praised a breakfast of steak, eggs, and coffee as a "powerup," indicating a move towards a high-protein start to his day. This protein-heavy meal provides stable energy, which is essential for his demanding work schedule.
On-the-Go Lunch and Fast Food Favorites
For a man who prioritizes work above all else, lunch is often an afterthought. Musk has stated that he will "inhale" whatever his assistant brings him during meetings in as little as five minutes. This pragmatism leads him to favor uncomplicated, easy-to-prepare meals. Pizza and hamburgers are among his comfort foods and are often his go-to when time is short. He also has a well-documented and somewhat controversial preference for pineapple on pizza, a liking he developed after trying it on a podcast with Joe Rogan, despite hating it as a child. He has also been spotted eating McDonald's fries with Donald Trump, though his method of pouring ketchup directly into the fry carton went viral. In essence, his midday meal is about efficiency and sustenance, not culinary artistry.
Indulgent Dinners and Global Cuisine
Dinner is where Musk allows himself the most freedom and indulgence, particularly when dining with friends or for business. His palate is quite advanced and global. He has expressed a long-time fondness for French cuisine and barbecue. His barbecue tastes have expanded to include Korean barbecue, where he particularly enjoys a dry-aged beef with ssamjang, a fermented Korean miso paste. During a visit to Berlin, he raved about the city's döner kebabs, making them a preferred treat when in Germany. He is also a fan of sushi, a convenient and tasty meal for busy executives.
The Sweet Tooth and Beverage Choices
Musk has a well-known weakness for sweets and caffeinated beverages, a humanizing trait for someone often perceived as otherworldly. Donuts and pastries are a frequent indulgence, with Musk once calling them "some of the great joys of life". He also enjoys chocolate and has praised a glass of chocolate milk on X. His beverage choices are also distinctive: a significant coffee drinker, though he claims not to feel the stimulant effect much unless he has several cups. He is, perhaps most famously, a staunch fan of Diet Coke. He once posted a picture of several cans on his bedside table and has sworn he will "never quit DC". For alcoholic drinks, he named whiskey as his preference in a Reddit AMA, though he also appreciates the aesthetic of red wine.
Musk's 2024 Diet Evolution and Weight Loss
In 2024, Elon Musk's eating habits underwent a significant transformation after a health-conscious pivot. His 50-pound weight loss was attributed to several factors. He utilized intermittent fasting, a popular dietary strategy. He also admitted to using the weight-loss drug semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy), which helps curb appetite. The diet shift involved adopting a higher-protein and lower-carbohydrate approach, reducing processed foods and sugars. This change led to improved energy levels and overall well-being, highlighting a more disciplined phase in his previously hedonistic food philosophy.
A Glimpse into Elon Musk's Food Preferences
- Breakfast: Can be skipped entirely, or consist of a quick coffee and omelet, or more recently, a "powerup" of steak and eggs.
- Lunch: Often a hurried meal of fast food like pizza, burgers, or other quick convenience items eaten between meetings.
- Dinner: A time for more enjoyment, featuring French and barbecue cuisine, including Korean barbecue and sushi.
- Favorite Dishes:
- Donuts and Pastries: A self-proclaimed lover of baked goods.
- Steak and Barbecue: Especially Korean barbecue with ssamjang.
- Döner Kebab: A favorite from his visits to Germany.
- Sushi: Another preferred meal for its convenience and flavor.
- Pizza: Notably, with pineapple.
- Drinks:
- Diet Coke: A long-time favorite and daily staple.
- Coffee: A ritualistic morning drink.
- Whiskey and Red Wine: Enjoyed less for effect and more for taste and aesthetics.
- Snacks: Chocolate and chocolate milk.
Comparison of Musk's Diet Evolution
| Aspect | Pre-2024 Diet Habits | Post-2024 Diet Habits |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Often skipped, or a quick donut or Mars bar. | More intentional, featuring high-protein options like steak and eggs. |
| Lunch | Typically whatever fast food could be consumed in minutes between meetings. | Still often pragmatic, but with a reported shift to lower-carb and prepped meals. |
| Dinner | Focused on indulgent, flavorful favorites like French food and barbecue. | Continues to enjoy flavorful meals, but likely with more moderation and healthier choices. |
| Weight Management | Disregarded, prioritizing work and hedonistic food tastes. | Proactively managed through intermittent fasting and medication (Wegovy). |
| Sugar Intake | Frequent indulgence in donuts, pastries, and soda. | Consciously reduced processed sugars and refined carbohydrates. |
| Energy Source | Caffeine and sugar to counteract a lack of sleep and poor eating. | High-protein meals providing more stable energy, complemented by fasting. |
A Diet Shaped by Ambition and Taste
Elon Musk's food journey is a reflection of his priorities and his lifestyle as a relentlessly driven innovator. For many years, his diet was a secondary concern, a utilitarian function to fuel long work hours. This resulted in an eclectic mix of convenience foods, high-calorie treats, and international fine dining, often blurring the lines between what is considered healthy and unhealthy. The pivot towards healthier choices in 2024, spurred by his public weight loss, marks a strategic shift towards viewing diet as a means to enhance longevity and performance, rather than just a necessity. While his love for certain flavorful indulgences remains, it is now tempered by a more disciplined regimen, including intermittent fasting and specific medication. This evolution suggests that even a figure as ambitious as Musk has come to recognize the importance of personal health for sustained performance and long-term success, illustrating a blend of self-care and pragmatism that fuels his continued work.
You can read more about the eating habits of Elon Musk and other tech leaders in this article.
