Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has a famously unconventional diet, which reportedly includes abstaining from water for nearly half a century. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman recently recounted a conversation where the 96-year-old Berkshire Hathaway CEO claimed he had not consumed water in 48 years, preferring his beloved Cherry Coke.
Buffett's affinity for Coca-Cola is well-documented. He reportedly drinks five cans of the beverage daily, famously stating in 2015 that he was “one-quarter Coca-Cola” due to its significant contribution to his daily caloric intake. His loyalty to the brand solidified after switching from Pepsi to Cherry Coke at the 1986 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting, subsequently declaring it the official drink for future shareholder events.
A Sweet Investment and Dietary Habits
Beyond personal preference, Coca-Cola has been one of Buffett’s most successful long-term investments. Berkshire Hathaway built a substantial US$1.3 billion position in the company between 1988 and 1989, maintaining roughly a 9 percent stake ever since. This initial investment has yielded an impressive return of approximately 21 times.
Buffett’s dietary choices extend beyond soft drinks to a range of comfort foods. He is known to start his day with McDonald’s breakfast and frequently enjoys hot dogs, French fries, popcorn, cookies, candy, and ice cream. These preferences align with some of Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio companies, including See's Candies, Dairy Queen, and a significant stake in Kraft Heinz.
The Sushi Incident and Global Accommodations
Not all culinary experiences have been pleasant for the investor. According to his biography, Buffett once vowed never to eat Japanese food again after a 1989 dinner hosted by then-Sony chairman Akio Morita. Faced with a 15-course sushi meal, Buffett found the raw dishes unpalatable and left without eating, describing it as the “worst experience ever.”
However, during a 17-day trip to China in 1995 with Bill and Melinda Gates, arrangements were made to accommodate his tastes. Hotel chefs were taught to prepare hamburgers and French fries, and a chilled Cherry Coke even awaited him at the top of the Great Wall of China, underscoring the lengths taken to cater to his unique dietary habits.