Warren Buffett Has Not Drunk Water In 48 Years!
Warren Buffett has not drunk water for 50 years, preferring soda instead, according to hedge fund manager Bill Ackman.
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has reportedly gone nearly five decades without drinking plain water, according to hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who recalled the 96-year-old’s unusual beverage preference during a recent podcast appearance.
Ackman, the founder and chief executive of Pershing Square Capital Management, shared the anecdote on the Equity Mates Investing Podcast, recalling a dinner at his home several years ago when Buffett declined an offer of still or sparkling water.
Knowing Buffett’s preference for Cherry Coke, Ackman had stocked up on the soft drink before the visit. When he asked Buffett whether he drank water, the veteran investor replied, “Bill, I haven’t had water in 48 years,” Ackman recalled.
It remains unclear whether Buffett’s remark was meant literally. Ackman’s account does not establish whether the investor has completely avoided plain water or whether his drinking habits have changed since their dinner.
Buffett’s long-standing love for Coca-Cola
Buffett’s fondness for sugary drinks has been well documented over the years. He has previously said that he consumes at least five 12-ounce servings of Coca-Cola daily.
In 2015, the investor joked that he was “one-quarter Coca-Cola”, explaining that the beverage accounted for about 25% of his daily calorie intake.
His preference for Cherry Coke dates back decades. At Berkshire Hathaway’s 1986 annual meeting, Buffett announced that he was switching from Pepsi after 48 years of loyalty to the rival brand, making Cherry Coke the official beverage of the company’s shareholder gatherings.
His enthusiasm for the drink also aligns with one of his most successful investments. Berkshire Hathaway built a roughly 9% stake in Coca-Cola in the late 1980s, investing about $1.3 billion. The holding was valued at approximately $28 billion at the end of December, according to reports.
A taste for fast food and sweets
Beyond soft drinks, Buffett is known for his preference for familiar fast food and sweet treats. His regular favourites include McDonald’s breakfasts, hot dogs, French fries, popcorn, cookies, candy and ice cream.
His dietary preferences also have links to Berkshire Hathaway’s business interests, which include confectionery maker See’s Candies and ice cream chain Dairy Queen, alongside a major investment in Kraft Heinz.
Buffett’s food choices have occasionally created challenges while travelling. During a 17-day trip to China in 1995 with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his then-wife Melinda, the couple arranged for hotel chefs to learn how to prepare hamburgers and French fries to accommodate his preferences.
They also ensured that Cherry Coke was available when the group visited the Great Wall of China.
Although Buffett’s eating and drinking habits have long attracted public attention, Ackman’s recollection alone does not verify his current hydration routine. The anecdote primarily offers another glimpse into the long-time investor’s distinctive preferences.
