Charles Esther
Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, once again showcased his unconventional lifestyle during the company’s annual shareholder meeting in Omaha on Saturday.
Seated comfortably with two cans of Coca-Cola and a box of See’s Candies in front of him, Buffett used the moment to double down on his love for junk food and his distaste for exercise.
“I’ve Been Able to Drink Whatever I Like”
With a can of Coke in hand, Buffett declared that his longevity is evidence that his childlike eating habits haven’t harmed him.
“At 94 years of age, I’ve been able to drink whatever I like to drink,” he said.
Buffett highlighted that despite decades of warnings from health professionals about soda consumption, neither he nor his longtime business partner, the late Charlie Munger, suffered disastrous health outcomes.
Munger lived to the age of 99.
The Secret Is “Preservation,” Not Exercise
Buffett humorously explained that he and Munger avoided physical activity in favour of what he called careful “preservation.”
“Charlie and I never exercised all that much — we focused on preserving ourselves carefully,” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.
He even pointed to the toll on professional athletes’ bodies as a reason for his sedentary lifestyle, saying their wear and tear proves that too much exercise might not be ideal either.
A Diet of McDonald’s, Coke, and Candy
Buffett has long been famous for his fast-food habits.
He often picks up McDonald’s breakfast on his way to work, drinks five cans of Coca-Cola a day, and enjoys Dairy Queen ice cream — another business Berkshire Hathaway owns.
Hot dogs, French fries, cookies, and popcorn also make regular appearances in his daily menu.
Investing in What He Loves
Buffett’s love for junk food also extends to his investing strategy.
Berkshire Hathaway holds significant stakes in companies like Coca-Cola and Kraft Heinz and has acquired See’s Candies and Dairy Queen outright.
He believes in investing in businesses he understands — and eats from.
“Happiness Equals Longevity”
In a 2023 interview, Buffett tied his unusual health habits to a broader philosophy about life.
“I think happiness makes an enormous amount of difference in terms of longevity,” he said.
“And I’m happier when I’m drinking Coke or eating hot fudge sundaes or hot dogs.”
That belief — combined with his carefree eating — seems to be working just fine for the Oracle of Omaha.
