Here’s What Elon Musk And His Family Typically Eat In A Day

The People at the Table

When most people think of Elon Musk, they picture the billionaire entrepreneur revolutionizing industries from electric vehicles to space travel. But beyond his ambitious tech ventures and marathon work hours, Elon’s approach to food is surprisingly grounded, bordering on minimalist.

Before diving into what Musk eats in a day, it’s important to recognize the people he shares his meals with—his family. While much of his life is spent juggling multiple companies and pushing the boundaries of human innovation, those closest to him offer a grounding force. His children and family are a major source of joy, inspiration, and motivation.

Musk is the father of 12 children, which often surprises those who primarily associate him with his business pursuits. His older children—twins Griffin and Xavier (now Vivian), as well as triplets Kai, Saxon, and Damian—grew up alongside his rise to prominence. Despite his demanding schedule, Musk prioritizes his children’s growth, often integrating life lessons and problem-solving discussions into their time together.

His younger children, including his son X Æ A-12 (affectionately called X) with musician Grimes, bring out a playful and affectionate side of Musk that contrasts with his intense public persona. X is frequently seen accompanying his father at Tesla and SpaceX facilities, giving the world glimpses into Musk’s paternal nature. Additionally, Shivon Zilis, an artificial intelligence expert and the mother of Musk’s twins born in 2021, plays an integral role in his family dynamic. Their shared passion for technology and innovation reflects in their parenting.

Elon’s mother, Maye Musk, is also a significant figure in his life. A model and dietician, she instilled in him values of hard work and resilience. His younger brother, Kimbal Musk, a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur, often joins Elon for meals, bringing his culinary expertise to the table. His sister, Tosca Musk, a filmmaker and producer, also remains closely connected with him. The Musk siblings share a strong bond and a deep appreciation for their South African roots.

The Food Habits of a Tech Titan

Unlike many high-profile figures who follow meticulously curated diets, Elon Musk has admitted that healthy eating isn’t his top priority. In his own words: “I’d rather eat tasty food and live a shorter life than eat boring food and live a long one.” For Musk, food is often a means to sustain his relentless pursuit of innovation rather than an indulgence.

He has mentioned that he doesn’t put much thought into meals. With his packed schedule running Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, food is typically consumed quickly, often during meetings or between flights. Despite this, his eating habits have evolved over time. While he once grabbed whatever was convenient, he now allows himself occasional moments of indulgence.

Elon’s Daily Eating Routine

Breakfast: Musk rarely eats breakfast, often skipping it entirely. If he does partake, it’s usually something light—perhaps a croissant, Danish pastry, or a slice of toast. Coffee is a staple in his morning routine, though he doesn’t consume it in excessive amounts.

Lunch: Lunch is often a working meal, quickly consumed while multitasking. His meals are typically catered at Tesla or SpaceX, consisting of sandwiches, salads, or whatever is readily available. Occasionally, if something particularly appetizing is on the menu—like a well-prepared burger or soup—he might take a moment to enjoy it. However, efficiency remains the priority.

Dinner: Unlike breakfast and lunch, dinner is a time when Musk unwinds and enjoys his food. It’s typically the most substantial meal of his day and often involves meat-based dishes. He loves steak, often paired with a glass of fine wine. He also enjoys French and Japanese cuisine, including sushi and barbecue. While he doesn’t follow a strict diet, he indulges in rich foods and desserts from time to time.

When dining with his family, meal options become more varied, including pasta, pizza, or grilled chicken alongside salads and roasted vegetables. Shivon Zilis reportedly ensures there’s a balance of healthier options at the table.

Favorite Foods and Indulgences

Although Musk claims to eat primarily for necessity, he has admitted to having a few favorites. French food and barbecue are among them, with a particular fondness for steak. He also enjoys rich sauces, ice cream, and, surprisingly, Diet Coke—calling it “The Elixir of Life.” While many billionaires meticulously optimize their diets, Musk’s approach remains refreshingly unpretentious.

Cultural Heritage and the Family Dinner Table

Despite being a global figure, Musk’s South African heritage occasionally makes its way into his meals. The South African braai (barbecue) is a staple in the Musk family, featuring grilled meats like boerewors (a spiced sausage), lamb chops, and sosaties (kebab skewers). These flavors bring a nostalgic connection to his childhood.

Snacks like biltong (South African dried, spiced meat) also align with his on-the-go lifestyle, serving as a convenient, protein-rich snack. Traditional South African desserts, like milk tart (a creamy custard pie with cinnamon) and koeksisters (a syrupy braided pastry), may occasionally make an appearance at the dinner table during special occasions.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s eating habits reflect the duality of his personality—highly efficient yet open to moments of enjoyment. While food is primarily a tool to sustain his high-energy lifestyle, he still takes the time to indulge in flavorful, hearty meals, particularly at dinner with family and close friends. His South African roots, combined with a love for barbecue and fine dining, create a surprisingly balanced approach to eating. Whether it’s a simple sandwich at work or a steak dinner paired with wine, Musk’s diet—like his life—is a fascinating mix of pragmatism and indulgence.