The Story Behind Robbie's Shifting Palate
Over his decades in the public eye, Robbie Williams has been remarkably open about his struggles with health, addiction, and body image, all of which have shaped his relationship with food. His favourite dishes have changed with his life's phases, from the simple joys of youth to disciplined health regimes and recent health-focused eating. His dietary journey reflects his personal battles and triumphs, making his 'favourite food' a constantly moving target.
Comfort Foods of the Past
In the earlier days of his career, Williams' palate was anchored in nostalgia and comfort. A well-known favourite from this period was the toasted tuna, onion, and salad cream sandwich his mum made. This simple, humble meal speaks to a time before the pressures of fame and strict dieting, offering a glimpse into his life in Stoke-on-Trent. Another consistent favourite that emerged during this time was sushi and sashimi, which he mentioned in a Q&A session with BBC Staffordshire. This marked an early contrast in his tastes, balancing traditional British comfort food with international cuisine.
Health Scares and Dietary Overhauls
Williams' eating habits have often been driven by a need to get into shape for performances or manage health issues. This has led to several notable dietary overhauls:
- The Tuna, Jacket Potato, and Cottage Cheese Phase: During a period of strict weight-watching, Williams lived off a very limited diet featuring these three items, demonstrating an intense discipline when required.
- Juice Diets (2015): A source told the Daily Mirror that Williams used fruit and vegetable juice diets to get back into shape for touring, a method he found effective.
- Mercury Poisoning (2020): After consuming fish twice a day, a medical exam revealed alarmingly high mercury levels, prompting an immediate switch back to a plant-based diet.
- Scurvy Diagnosis (2025): The most recent health scare involved a diagnosis of scurvy, caused by severe vitamin C deficiency after using appetite suppressants. This forced him to incorporate vitamin C-rich foods into his diet.
The Plant-Based and Vegan Era
In 2017, Williams announced via a vlog that he was adopting a plant-based diet for health reasons. His wife, Ayda Field, has been a major influence in this shift, and the star has shared plant-based meal ideas on his social media. While announcing his veganism, he admitted to occasionally eating a burger, demonstrating a more flexible, balanced approach to his health than a strict adherence to one label. The mercury poisoning incident in 2020 served as a stark reminder of his health priorities, reinforcing his commitment to a diet with fewer animal products.
Surprising Night-Time Cravings
In 2017, Williams revealed a bizarre sleep-related eating disorder where he would consume large amounts of sugary food while unconscious. He tweeted about one such incident, mentioning he ate cold macaroni and cheese and cookies dipped in peanut butter. This nocturnal binging added another layer of complexity to his relationship with food, highlighting the deep-seated psychological aspects of his eating habits.
A Return to Old Favourites?
Despite the health challenges and transitions, some preferences seem to endure. A recent report from June 2025 indicated that Williams ordered an expensive sushi feast for himself and his crew while in Bath. This echoes his earlier fondness for the Japanese dish and suggests that while his diet is primarily plant-based, he may still enjoy some of his long-time favourites in a more balanced way. He continues to share healthy meal ideas with fans, showcasing a mindful yet adaptable approach to his diet. His journey reminds us that a person's favourite food is often a complex reflection of their past, present, and ongoing health challenges.
Comparison of Robbie Williams' Eating Habits Through the Years
| Dietary Phase | Typical Foods | Key Influences | Health Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Mum's sandwiches, sushi, sashimi | Comfort, nostalgia, early fame | Pre-major health interventions |
| Weight-Watching | Tuna, jacket potato, cottage cheese | Strict weight management | Intensive dieting periods |
| Juice Diet (2015) | Fruit and vegetable juices | Shedding weight for tour | Short-term, intense dieting |
| Vegan/Plant-Based (2017+) | Plant-based meals, sushi (occasionally), burgers (cheat meal) | Health, partner's influence | Post-addiction, ongoing health focus |
| Post-Mercury Poisoning (2020+) | Recommitted plant-based | Health scare, doctor's advice | High mercury levels detected |
| Post-Scurvy Diagnosis (2025+) | Vitamin C-rich foods | Diagnosis from restrictive diet | Nutrient deficiency recovery |
Conclusion: More Than Just One Favourite
So, what is Robbie Williams' favourite food? The answer is not one single item but a dynamic reflection of his life's journey. While nostalgic sandwiches and sushi remain staples, his diet is now predominantly plant-based, a conscious choice made for health. His experiences with mercury poisoning, scurvy, and sleep-related eating disorders reveal a constant battle to find a healthy balance. Ultimately, his story is less about a single favourite dish and more about a person's evolving relationship with food as they navigate fame, health, and personal growth. For the latest on his journey, fans can follow his social media updates and vlogs, where he continues to share snippets of his life. For more on his recent dietary shift following health concerns, see this article by Onlymyhealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Robbie Williams a vegan?
According to a 2017 vlog, Robbie Williams stated he was vegan but admitted to having a burger once a week, possibly indicating a flexible, plant-based diet rather than strict veganism. He returned to a plant-based diet more strictly after a mercury scare in 2020.
Did Robbie Williams really have scurvy?
Yes, in April 2025, Robbie Williams revealed he was diagnosed with scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, after taking appetite-suppressant drugs and not eating enough nutrients.
What caused Robbie Williams' mercury poisoning?
Williams revealed in a 2020 radio interview that he had a very high percentage of mercury after eating fish twice a day, prompting him to revert to a plant-based diet.
What did Robbie Williams eat while sleepwalking?
During a 2016 bout of sleep-related eating disorder, Robbie Williams tweeted that he ate cold macaroni and cheese and cookies dipped in peanut butter.
What comfort food did Robbie Williams' mum make for him?
In an older fan fact sheet, it was noted that one of his favourite foods was toasted tuna, onion, and salad cream sandwiches, just like his mum used to make.
Why did Robbie Williams become a Weight Watchers ambassador?
Williams became a Weight Watchers ambassador in 2018 as part of his ongoing efforts to manage his weight and battle his addictive nature with food.
What does Robbie Williams eat for his pre-show meals?
A June 2025 report detailed that Williams ordered an expensive sushi feast, including salmon sashimi and abura-age tofu nigiri, from a Michelin Guide-featured Japanese restaurant for himself and his crew before a show.
Conclusion
Robbie Williams' favourite food is not one fixed item but a reflection of his life's journey, which has seen him shift between nostalgic comforts, strict dietary regimes, and plant-based eating driven by health scares. While his palate has included everything from his mum's sandwiches and sushi to plant-based meals, his recent health challenges have pushed him towards more mindful eating. His story is a testament to the fact that diet is not static but evolves with our circumstances.
