96-Year-Old Buffett Reveals He Hasn't Drunk Plain Water in Nearly 50 Years
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman recently shared a revealing anecdote about legendary investor Warren Buffett on a podcast, disclosing that the 96-year-old "Oracle of Omaha" claims to have gone nearly half a century without drinking plain water . When Ackman hosted Buffett for dinner at his home, he offered the billionaire his choice of still or sparkling water, only to have Buffett politely decline and reach for his beloved Cherry Coke instead . The exchange prompted Ackman to ask directly whether Buffett never drinks water, to which the investor reportedly replied: "Bill, I haven't had water in 48 years."
Key Points
- Buffett consumes approximately five cans of Coca-Cola daily, having publicly stated in 2015 that roughly 25% of his body is Coca-Cola
- Berkshire Hathaway holds approximately 9% of Coca-Cola, acquired at a cost basis of $13 billion that has since grown to about $28 billion
- Buffett stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway in December after 60 years, becoming honorary chairman in September
- His dietary preferences include McDonald's breakfast, hot dogs, fries, popcorn, cookies, candy, and ice cream
- Bill Gates once arranged for hotel chefs in China to learn hamburgers and fries during a 17-day trip with Buffett in 1995
Why It Matters
Buffett's extraordinary longevity to age 96 while maintaining such an unconventional diet challenges conventional health assumptions and offers a fascinating glimpse into how personal habits intersect with investment philosophy . His decades-long commitment to Coca-Cola—both as a beverage choice and a core portfolio holding—demonstrates the rare alignment between personal passion and professional conviction that has defined his investment approach .
Buffett's extraordinary longevity to age 96 while maintaining such an unconventional diet challenges conventional health assumptions and offers a fascinating glimpse into how personal habits intersect with investment philosophy . His decades-long commitment to Coca-Cola—both as a beverage choice and a core portfolio holding—demonstrates the rare alignment between personal passion and professional conviction that has defined his investment approach .