Michael Jackson was one of the most famous entertainers of all time, known for his iconic music, dancing skills, and distinctive style.
However, what may not be as widely known is that Jackson had a varied palate and enjoyed both classic American comfort foods as well as international cuisines. From pizza and KFC to Mexican dishes and vegetarian lasagna, Jackson’s favorite foods showed his taste for both indulgent treats and healthier options.
Pizza was a staple in Jackson’s diet that he enjoyed on a regular basis. Like many Americans, he found pizza to be the perfect casual meal. Pizza is one of the most popular dishes worldwide thanks to its versatility – it can be customized with a variety of toppings to suit any taste. For Jackson, a simple cheese or pepperoni pizza hit the spot as a familiar and satisfying meal. The combination of bread, cheese and tomato sauce is hard to beat as comfort food. Pizza was likely an easy meal for Jackson, as it requires no preparation and is readily available for takeout or delivery. Its portability also made pizza a convenient food that he could enjoy at home or on the go.
Another American favorite of Jackson’s was Kentucky Fried Chicken. He had a particular fondness for the fried chicken chain KFC. Chicken is a popular protein worldwide due to its versatility and relatively low cost compared to other meats. The crispy fried chicken and sides that KFC is known for were indulgent treats that Jackson enjoyed. Like pizza, KFC provided a comforting meal in a box that was simple to obtain and eat. The fried chicken and mashed potatoes likely brought back memories of childhood meals. KFC was a taste of home for Jackson, satisfying his craving for Southern comfort food.
While he appreciated classic American fare like pizza and fried chicken, Jackson’s palate extended well beyond the United States. He had developed a taste for Mexican cuisine over the years as well. One Mexican dish Jackson especially loved was cheese quesadillas. Quesadillas are a classic appetizer or light meal consisting of a tortilla that is filled with melted cheese. Their simplicity and cheese-forward flavor profile would have appealed to Jackson. As an artist constantly on the move, quesadillas also traveled well as a handheld meal. In addition to quesadillas, Jackson enjoyed other Mexican staples like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas filled with beans, rice, meats and fresh salsas. The blend of flavors from spices, vegetables, cheese and tortillas in Mexican cooking added variety to Jackson’s regular diet.
In addition to savory meals, Jackson had a notable sweet tooth. He indulged in classic American desserts like cookies and cream ice cream, glazed donuts, banana cream pie and M&Ms. Ice cream is one of the most popular sweet treats around the world for its cool, creamy texture and ability to satisfy a sugar craving. Cookies and cream ice cream in particular combines the flavors of vanilla ice cream swirled with crunchy cookie bits, delivering intense chocolate and vanilla flavors in each bite. Donuts are another universally loved pastry for their fried dough texture and ability to be topped with sweet glazes and fillings. Banana cream pie layers sweet banana filling between layers of custard and a crumb crust, delivering decadent flavors in each slice. And M&Ms, arguably America’s most popular candy, offered Jackson bite-sized chocolaty goodness in bright colors. These sweet indulgences provided a comforting escape and palate cleanser between meals for the hard-working entertainer.
While he enjoyed his fair share of indulgent foods, Jackson was also conscious of healthy eating, balancing treats with more nutritious options. One favorite healthier dish was vegetarian lasagna. As a vegetarian later in life, lasagna offered Jackson a satisfying pasta-based meal without meat. Lasagna layers noodles with ricotta cheese, spinach or vegetables, and tomato sauce for a flavorful meal. The blend of carbs, protein and nutrients from the cheese and veggies would have sustained Jackson through busy days of rehearsals and performances. He also regularly consumed steamed broccoli, a nutrient-dense green vegetable that provides fiber, vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits like bananas, apples and grapes offered natural sugars alongside vitamins, minerals and fiber to nourish Jackson’s body and mind. Tofu with chili sauce was another protein-rich, plant-based dish he enjoyed for its meat-like texture and bold flavors. Including these wholesome foods in his routine helped Jackson feel and perform his best while on rigorous international tours.
In conclusion, Michael Jackson demonstrated a varied and well-rounded palate through his favorite foods. He appreciated both indulgent American comfort foods and international cuisines, from pizza and KFC to Mexican dishes. Jackson also balanced rich sweets with healthier vegetarian proteins and produce. His tastes reflected his adventurous spirit as a global superstar while also satisfying cravings for nostalgic flavors from his childhood. Through the meals he enjoyed, we gain insight into Jackson’s personality – an artist who found joy in both indulgence and wellness, and appreciated the comfort of familiar favorites as well as new culinary discoveries from around the world. His diverse food preferences demonstrated how food can both nourish us and bring us pleasure in its many forms.
