Donald Trump’s eating habits have always been a topic of interest, sparking curiosity and sometimes surprise. While he avoids alcohol, coffee, and pizza crust, his fondness for Diet Coke, fast food, and cherry-vanilla ice cream is well-documented. Let’s explore some of the former president’s favorite foods.
Trump’s Culinary Preferences: More Than Just Fast Food
Trump’s dietary choices offer a glimpse into his personality and preferences. From breakfast staples to late-night cravings, here’s a look at what fuels the former president.
Bacon and Eggs: A Classic Start
Alt text: A close-up shot of a plate with crispy bacon strips and perfectly cooked over-well eggs, showcasing a classic American breakfast.
While often skipping breakfast, Trump has stated his preference for bacon and eggs when he does indulge. He prefers his “bacon medium and the eggs over-well,” as he told People in 2015.
McDonald’s Egg McMuffins: A Campaign Trail Staple
Alt text: A single McDonald’s Egg McMuffin on display, highlighting its layers of toasted English muffin, egg, Canadian bacon, and cheese.
During the 2016 presidential election, Egg McMuffins from McDonald’s were a frequent fuel source. A former bodyguard reportedly made regular trips to a McDonald’s near the Marine Air Terminal in Queens to satisfy Trump’s craving.
Cereal: American-Made Only
Alt text: Assortment of colorful cereal boxes on a store shelf, showcasing popular American breakfast cereals, including cornflakes.
Trump expressed a fondness for “patriotic cereals” during his 2016 campaign, emphasizing that they “have to be made in the USA.” He specifically mentioned “cornflake-type stuff, Raisin Bran,” ideally sourced “right out of the fields of Iowa.”
Diet Coke: A Constant Companion
Alt text: A waiter elegantly pouring a Diet Coke into a glass for former President Donald Trump during a working lunch at the United Nations.
Since Trump abstains from coffee, tea, and alcohol, Diet Coke fills the void. Reports suggest he consumes approximately a dozen Diet Cokes each day. His dedication to the beverage is such that he reportedly has a “little red button” in the Resolute Desk to summon a fresh Diet Coke.
Well-Done Steak: A Matter of Preference
Anthony Senecal, Trump’s longtime butler, revealed that the president prefers his steak cooked so well-done that “it would rock on the plate.” This preference, while unconventional to some, reflects Trump’s specific tastes.
KFC: A Fast Food Feast
Alt text: A candid photo of Donald Trump sitting at a table with a bucket of KFC fried chicken, highlighting his affinity for fast food during the 2016 campaign.
A tweet featuring Trump alongside a bucket of KFC during the 2016 campaign confirmed his fondness for the fast-food chain. The meal likely came from KFC’s bucket meal menu, offering a variety of fried chicken pieces, biscuits, and sides.
Meatloaf: A Family Tradition
Alt text: A beautifully plated meatloaf, garnished with herbs, showcasing a classic comfort food dish.
Trump shared that his older sister, Maryanne, makes meatloaf for him on his birthday. He even demonstrated how to prepare “Meatloaf with The Donald” alongside Melania Trump on Martha Stewart’s cooking show in 2005.
Seafood: Beyond the Red Meat
Alt text: A luxurious seafood platter featuring stone crab claws and shrimp, representing a high-end seafood dining experience.
Despite his reputation for enjoying red meat, Trump also reportedly enjoys crab and shrimp, showcasing a broader palate than some might expect.
McDonald’s: A Go-To Choice
Alt text: Exterior of a McDonald’s restaurant, capturing the iconic golden arches and branding associated with fast food.
Trump’s typical McDonald’s order, according to former campaign aides, could include two Big Macs, two Filet-o-Fish sandwiches, and a large chocolate shake, totaling a staggering 2,430 calories. He reportedly favored McDonald’s due to a fear of being poisoned and appreciated the chain’s cleanliness standards.
Pizza: Crust Averse
Alt text: A slice of pizza with the crust partially removed, representing the unique pizza-eating habit of discarding the crust.
Despite starring in a Pizza Hut commercial in 1995, Trump has admitted to not eating the crust, a habit that has garnered attention and commentary.
Trump Grill Taco Bowl: A Cinco de Mayo Controversy
Alt text: Donald Trump eating a taco bowl at Trump Tower, accompanied by a controversial Cinco de Mayo tweet.
Trump famously tweeted a photo of himself eating a taco bowl from the Trump Grill on Cinco de Mayo in 2016, proclaiming his love for Hispanics. However, the $19 dish was criticized for being overpriced and inferior to options from other Mexican food chains.
Lay’s Potato Chips: A White House Staple
Alt text: A variety of Lay’s potato chip bags on display, illustrating the brand’s wide range of flavors and popularity.
The kitchen in the presidential residency was reportedly stocked with Lay’s potato chips, indicating a preference for this classic snack.
Keebler Vienna Fingers and Oreos: Airplane Snacks
Alt text: A side-by-side comparison of Keebler Vienna Fingers and Oreo cookies, showcasing two popular packaged snack options.
Former Trump campaign aides revealed that he kept Oreos and Keebler Vienna Fingers on hand as snacks during plane trips, highlighting his preference for familiar and readily available treats.
See’s Candies: A Sweet Tooth Indulgence
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Alt text: The exterior of a See’s Candies store, displaying the brand’s classic signage and storefront design.
Trump has publicly expressed his fondness for See’s Candies, a West Coast-based confectionery company known for its chocolates and sweets.
Cherry-Vanilla Ice Cream: A Presidential Favorite
Alt text: Close-up of cherry ice cream being dispensed into a container, showcasing the creamy texture and vibrant color of the dessert.
Cherry-vanilla ice cream is reportedly Trump’s favorite flavor. It was even featured on the menu for his inauguration celebration dinner. He also reportedly received two scoops of vanilla ice cream with his chocolate cream pie, while others received only one.
Chocolate Cake: A Momentous Dessert
Alt text: A decadent slice of chocolate cake, highlighting its rich layers and frosting.
Trump recounted informing Chinese President Xi Jinping about the April 2017 US strike on Syria while enjoying chocolate cake at his Mar-a-Lago resort, linking a significant political decision with a simple dessert.
Conclusion: A Unique Palette
Donald Trump’s favorite foods offer a fascinating look into his personal preferences. While his fondness for fast food is undeniable, his diet also includes a variety of other items, reflecting a unique and sometimes surprising culinary palette. Whether it’s a Diet Coke, a well-done steak, or a scoop of cherry-vanilla ice cream, these choices contribute to the story of a public figure whose tastes are as distinctive as his persona.
