Beyoncé Follows a Completely Plant-Based Diet Except for This One Meat (It’s Not What You’d Expect)

It’s no secret that Beyoncé weaves intentionality into her eating habits to stay tour-ready and fuel her artistic and entrepreneurial lifestyle. The BeyHive has gotten a glimpse into her kitchen from time to time, and knows that, above all, she tends to prioritize plant-based foods. That is why her loyal followers were recently shocked to learn that she frequently enjoys a specific type of meat on her plate.

She prioritizes her well-being by relying on high-protein foods for energy. “I’ve given up meat, except for turkey, this summer,” Beyoncé said in an interview with GQ. “I’ve been trying to focus on my health.”

Her fans rushed to social media to discuss her kitchen secrets. One of Beyoncé’s biggest supporter accounts, @beylegion on X, shared a screenshot of the interview, and the post gained nearly 500K views. One user replied, “She loves a good turkey sandwich!!” While another person commented, “What’s up w turkey, what does she know that we don’t. I love chicken.” 

When cooked properly, the protein is actually a delicious and versatile ingredient, offering a wide range of possibilities for flavorful meals. The Kitchn spoke with Heidi Orrock, a fourth-generation turkey farmer, and culinary educator at Diestel Family Ranch, to understand what tips to keep in mind when cooking turkey.

“Temperature is the most important factor when cooking turkey,” Orrock says. “Be sure to check your bird more frequently so you don’t risk over-roasting it.” Experts recommend not going over or under 165°F to get the best results.

Don’t forget to add the flavor, too, Orrock says. “Don’t be afraid to season your turkey with delicious spices,” she says. You can lean on harissa, jerk, or cayenne pepper if you prefer spicy bites, or curry, za’atar, or sage if you like aromatic notes.  

Finally, the fat content of your turkey plays an important role. “The most flavorful fat ratio is a 93 percent lean / 7 percent fat,” Orrock explains. 

You can get really innovative in the kitchen by using this protein as your blank canvas and painting it with all kinds of flavorful ingredients. For starters, it’s delicious in a sandwich, whether you’re layering slices of it on toasted multi-grain or turning it into a creamy chipotle turkey salad. It can also take center stage for dinner, soaking up the aromatic flavors of a curry or absorbing the richness of a cheesy baked ziti. 

Turkey may be approaching its renaissance, thanks to Beyoncé, and we’re here for it.