Gauff's signature match-day snack: The fruit salad
For optimal performance on the court, Coco Gauff relies on simple yet effective fuel: a fresh fruit salad. This snack became widely recognized during her 2023 US Open run, where she was famously spotted eating it courtside. The fruit provides easily digestible carbohydrates for quick energy and aids in muscle recovery. Her parents, who support her nutrition, often prepare this homemade snack for her.
The components of Gauff's fruit salad
The ingredients in Gauff’s signature fruit salad are straightforward and designed for athletic performance. Her personal favorite is pineapple, which is often a key component. Other fruits typically included are:
- Grapes
- Honeydew
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
This simple, natural approach to mid-match nutrition allows her to refuel without the heaviness or potential digestive issues associated with more complex foods. This practical, no-fuss approach is a cornerstone of her diet.
Off-court indulgences and partnerships
While disciplined during tournaments, Gauff embraces moderation and enjoys a range of "guilty pleasure" snacks on her days off. She has been open about her love for a variety of chips, mentioning both sour cream and onion and barbecue flavors. Other off-day treats she enjoys include:
- Chocolate: Citing Kit Kats and Twix as favorites.
- Candy: She has been spotted with Sour Patch Kids while watching other sporting events.
- Other chips: She also enjoys banana chips, apple crisps, and even recently discovered a liking for seaweed chips.
Her balanced mindset allows her to treat herself without guilt, believing that as long as she gets the nutrition she needs, indulgences in moderation are fine. She also finds that food can be an emotional comfort after a tough day.
This willingness to enjoy treats makes her relatable to fans and demonstrates a healthy, non-restrictive relationship with food, a perspective she says her parents instilled in her.
Comparison of Gauff's snacks: Match day vs. day off
| Aspect | Match Day Snacks | Day Off Snacks |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Quick energy, digestion, muscle recovery | Enjoyment, emotional comfort |
| Primary Items | Fruit salad (pineapple, grapes, melon), protein bars, Naked Smoothie | Potato chips, various candies (Kit Kats, Twix, Sour Patch Kids) |
| Key Nutrients | Carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, electrolytes | Fats, sugars, comfort |
| Digestion | Easy to digest, light on the stomach | Heavier, slower to digest |
| Hydration Focus | Fruit (high water content), electrolyte drinks | Less focused, more for flavor |
The Naked Smoothie collaboration
Inspired by her well-known courtside fruit salad, Coco Gauff collaborated with Naked Smoothies to launch her signature Protein Pineapple Orange Smoothie. This partnership highlights the appeal of her simple, fruit-based fueling strategy. The smoothie, designed for athletes, contains 20 grams of plant-based protein, pineapple and orange juices, and electrolytes from coconut water. This venture represents a full-circle moment for Gauff, bringing her courtside favorite to a wider audience in a convenient, high-protein format.
The big picture: Gauff's overall diet
Snacks are just one part of Gauff's complete diet. Before a match, she consistently eats a simple pasta dish with plain tomato sauce, chicken, and spinach for optimal digestion. This pre-match ritual is a staple she rarely changes. Her meals are generally balanced and practical, including protein (like chicken or eggs) and carbohydrates (like potatoes or pasta). Off-court, her dinner choices are more versatile, sometimes including fast food like burgers or Chick-fil-A.
Her parents taught her to maintain a flexible diet, ensuring she could still enjoy a normal teenage life despite her professional athletic career. As she has gotten older, she has become more mindful of her nutrition, focusing on consistent protein intake, hydration, and regular snacking. She uses hydration products like Pedialyte Sport to replenish electrolytes lost during intense matches and practices.
Conclusion
What is Coco Gauff's favorite snack? It's not one single item but a dual approach balancing a reliable, nutritious fruit salad for her tennis matches with a variety of indulgent treats on her off-days. This philosophy reflects a refreshing and sustainable perspective on eating, emphasizing both performance and pleasure. It has made her a relatable and authentic figure in the sports world, proving that even elite athletes enjoy comfort food in moderation. Her journey from courtside fruit snack to her own branded smoothie further cements her status as a role model for a balanced, practical approach to nutrition.
Visit Women's Health for more insights into Coco Gauff's diet and daily routine
