When you’re the King of the United Kingdom, even your daily meals are influenced by royal traditions, public duties, and personal preferences. While King Charles III enjoys many ordinary foods, there are several items he either avoids completely or consumes only under specific circumstances.
Some of these dietary choices are rooted in long-standing royal protocol, while others simply reflect the King’s individual tastes and commitment to healthy, sustainable living. Here are seven foods that rarely make it onto King Charles III’s plate.
Chocolate Isn’t Among the King’s Favorite Treats
Unlike his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III has never been known for having a sweet tooth when it comes to chocolate. While the Queen reportedly enjoyed chocolates from her favorite London chocolatier, Charles developed very different preferences.
Former Welsh Culinary Team manager Graham Tinsley has confirmed that the King simply does not enjoy chocolate. As a result, royal chefs carefully plan menus to avoid featuring chocolate-based desserts when preparing meals for him.
Avoids Non-Bottled Water
Some reports have claimed that bottled British water may be carried during overseas royal travel as a precaution against unfamiliar water supplies. However, this should not be interpreted as proof that King Charles refuses to drink tap water in the United Kingdom.
Royal travel arrangements often include careful planning around food and drink to reduce the risk of illness during official engagements. Any claim about the King’s personal water preferences should be attributed to a named former staff member or reliable royal source.
Garlic Is Avoided During Royal Engagements
Garlic is one ingredient that has long been absent from many royal meals. The tradition dates back to Queen Elizabeth II, who reportedly disliked garlic and preferred it not to be used in palace cooking.
King Charles also generally avoids garlic, particularly because his role involves frequent face-to-face meetings with world leaders, dignitaries, and members of the public. Avoiding strong-smelling foods helps ensure pleasant conversations throughout official engagements.
Raw Onions Rarely Appear on Royal Plates
Garlic and raw onion have reportedly been limited in some royal meals, particularly before public engagements, because their strong aromas can linger after eating.
Cooked onions may still be used in dishes, so this should not be described as a complete ban or as proof that King Charles personally dislikes them. The practice is better understood as a practical dining consideration for members of the Royal Family who regularly meet the public soon after meals.
Cookies Must Be Served a Certain Way
King Charles has an unusual preference when it comes to enjoying cookies. Rather than eating them straight from the package, he reportedly prefers them to be warmed before serving.
The exact temperature matters, as the King believes properly heated cookies offer a far better texture and flavor. It’s one of several small but well-known preferences that palace chefs carefully accommodate.
Coffee Is Not the King’s Preferred Beverage
Many people begin their day with a strong cup of coffee, but King Charles has never been particularly fond of the beverage. Palace kitchens therefore take his preference into account when planning meals and refreshments.
Instead of relying on strong coffee, the King is often associated with lighter beverages that better suit his personal taste. His culinary choices generally reflect moderation rather than indulgence.
The King Limits Dairy for Sustainability
King Charles has long championed environmental causes, and his dietary habits often reflect those beliefs. One example is his decision to avoid consuming dairy products for one day each week.
This practice aligns with his broader commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact. By making small but consistent changes to his own lifestyle, the King continues to promote responsible consumption while setting a personal example.
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