American presidents are some of the most highly-publicized and biographed figures in history. Every president you can think of has been meticulously studied and analyzed to the very last detail of their life, including their diet! Each president had their own distinct taste (some more than others), so let’s take a look back at the 20 favourite dishes of American presidents.

1. Donald Trump: Fast Food

Donald Trump, the business-mogul-turned-president, has a longstanding and well-established fondness for fast food. The 45th president is regularly seen enjoying a helping of fast food from popular chains like McDonald’s and KFC. In addition to his love for quick, convenient meals, the former president is regularly seen washing things down with a refreshing can of Diet Coke. 

The White House from Washington, DC on Wikimedia Commons

2. Thomas Jefferson - Macaroni and Cheese

As if the man couldn't be any more of an innovator, America’s third president, Thomas Jefferson, is often cited as popularizing the beloved dish in America. Jefferson was first introduced to macaroni and cheese while serving overseas as the ambassador to France. Jefferson’s love of mac and cheese even prompted him to bring back his very own pasta machine to the US. 

 Vancouver Bites! on Wikimedia Commons

3. Richard Nixon - Cottage Cheese with Ketchup

In what is probably the most unconventional and bizarre dish on this entire list, Richard Nixon’s unique breakfast was a well-documented footnote in his presidential tenure for just how peculiar it was. Nixon’s penchant for cottage cheese and ketchup has been a long-standing rumour for decades, with many questioning the veracity of the claim and others seemingly more than happy to indulge in its absurdity. 

FASTILY on Wikimedia Commons

4. Ulysses S. Grant - Rice Pudding

No doubt a product of his era, America’s 18th president and the commanding general in the Union army during the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant, found his solace in a simple and comforting dish: rice pudding. Grant’s fondness for the dessert dates back to his time as a soldier, with many still recreating his famous recipe to this day. 

Rudi Riet on Wikimedia Commons

5. Rutherford B. Hayes - Cornmeal Mush

A man of humble taste, Rutherford B Hayes (America’s 19th president) was known to enjoy a heaping bowl of cornmeal mush as his daily breakfast. This staple of rural American cuisine was made with boiled cornmeal and would often include additions like maple syrup or molasses to give it some much-needed flavour. 

David Orban on Wikimedia Commons

6. Ronald Reagan - Jelly Beans

This ever-present snack in Reagan’s Oval Office and Air Force One was initially intended to help the actor-turned-politician kick his smoking habit. Luckily, the 40th president’s love of jellybeans quickly undermined his nicotine addiction and became a permanent fixture throughout his tenure as governor and president. 

White House Photographic Collection on Wikimedia Commons

7. Theodore Roosevelt - Fried Chicken

This famed Southern American comfort food was the dish of choice for Theodore Roosevelt, the US’s 26th president. A man most notable for his robust “cowboy” persona and active lifestyle, it’s no surprise that Teddy Roosevelt would often indulge in a hearty and delicious meal of fried chicken. 

Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons

8. William Howard Taft - Lobster Newberg

William Howard Taft, America’s 27th president, was widely known for his appreciation of gourmet cuisine, which is most evident in his favourite dish: Lobster Newberg. This rich and creamy dish was emblematic of Taft’s robust and decadent taste, especially when compared with other presidents of his time. 

stu_spivack on Wikimedia Commons

9. George Washington - Hoecakes

George Washington was an extraordinary figure in American politics with a modest breakfast routine. According to his step-grandson, America’s first president was quite fond of hoecakes. Essentially a type of pancake, this cornmeal-based dish is a minimalist yet delicious slice of Americana, especially when paired with butter and syrup or honey. 

US Embassy Belize on Wikimedia Commons

10. Franklin D. Roosevelt - Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup

This time-honored classic food combo was regularly enjoyed by none other than the 32nd president of the United States: Franklin D. Roosevelt. Numerous accounts corroborate FDR’s love of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, with many reporting that the New Deal president would often have the dish during informal family meals. 

Neil Conway on Wikimedia Commons

11. Harry S. Truman - Well-Done Steak

A man of zero pretension, Harry S. Truman, FDR’s famed presidential successor was reportedly a huge fan of steak — well-done steak, to be exact. The wartime American president was known for his unabashedly straightforward and no-nonsense personality, which clearly translated to his culinary preferences. Alongside his well-done steak, the 33rd president enjoyed a helping of potatoes and green beans. 

Photo by Ajeet Panesar

12. Barack Obama: Chili

Barrack Obama’s fondness for chilli is a well-known tidbit from the former president’s personal life, so much so that many have taken to replicating his famous homemade recipe. Featuring all of the staples of this classic hearty dish (including ground meat, beans, and a variety of spices), the 44th president’s special homemade chilli was a beloved staple of numerous family gatherings. 

The White House on Wikimedia Commons

13. John F. Kennedy - New England Clam Chowder

Emblematic of his obvious Massachusetts origins, this New England staple was a culinary favourite of the 35th president of the United States of America. John F. Kennedy would regularly ask for the rich and creamy soup during his tenure in the White House, showcasing his undying love and admiration for his home state. 

Jon Sullivan on Wikimedia Commons

14. Lyndon B. Johnson - Texas Barbecue

A true reflection of his Texas roots, Lyndon B. Johnson was known for his fondness of Texas BBQ, especially brisket and ribs. The 36th president and successor to JFK following his tragic death was a lover of the Lone Star staple food, and would regularly serve it to visitors at the LBJ ranch. 

LBJ Library on Wikimedia Commons

15. Abraham Lincoln - Gingerbread Cookies

Abraham Lincoln, the famed 16th president of the United States most known for his efforts to preserve the union and abolish slavery, also had quite the sweet tooth. His favourite sweet of all was gingerbread cookies. Lincoln was fond of the gingery baked goods because they reminded him of his childhood with his mother, who would regularly bake them for Honest Abe. 

Photo by Cyrus Crossan

16. Gerald Ford - Pot Roast

Gerald Ford took the reigns of the presidency following the resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974. Ford, a humble Midwestern man, didn’t stray too far from his roots with this favourite dish: pot roast. The classic American comfort food was a staple of many Ford family dinners, as it was served alongside vegetables and gravy. 

David Hume Kennerly on Wikimedia Commons

17. Jimmy Carter - Grits

Jimmy Carter, the Georgia native who became America’s 39th president, was a man of simple taste who wore his Southern roots on his sleeve, as is exemplified by his all-time favourite dish: grits. An unabashed staple of Southern cuisine, the one-term president regularly enjoyed this corn-based dish for breakfast. 

U.S. National Archives and Records Administration on Wikimedia Commons

18. William McKinley - Beef Steak

America’s Gilded Age was characterized by rapid economic growth, and what better food to represent this era than William McKinley’s favourite dish: beef steak. Although nothing to ride home about now, President McKinley’s favourite dish is a stark contrast to some of the more humble foods of previous presidents. 

Photo by Sergey Kotenev

19. Dwight D. Eisenhower - Vegetable Soup

America’s 34th president, known for his successful tenure as a prominent military officer during World War II, had a penchant for cooking. His main meal of choice: vegetable soup. The simple yet hearty meal was a staple in Eisenhower’s White House, and the two-term president would often make it himself. 

U.S. Army Pictorial Agency on Wikimedia Commons

20. Woodrow Wilson - Chicken Salad

Taft’s presidential successor, Woodrow Wilson, was known to appreciate a light yet wholesome dish: chicken salad. America’s 28th president, who served during the tumultuous period of World War I, regularly enjoyed the dish, even going as far as to make it a common fixture at luncheons and various White House events during his time in office. 

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library Archives on Wikimedia Commons