What Sabrina Carpenter Eats on Tour Will Totally Surprise You—Hint: It’s Not What You Think

Sabrina Carpenter, the 25-year-old pop sensation behind Short n’ Sweet and hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” is known for her high-energy performances and whirlwind tour schedules. With her first arena tour kicking off in September 2024, fans are curious about how she fuels her body to keep up with the grueling demands of life on the road. While you might expect a star of her caliber to stick to a strict, glamorous diet of smoothies and salads, Carpenter’s food choices on tour are surprisingly relatable, quirky, and even a bit unconventional. From comfort foods to unexpected breakfast picks, here’s a deep dive into what Sabrina Carpenter eats on tour—and trust us, it’s not what you’d expect.

Morning Fuel: Not Espresso, but Yerba Mate

Given her chart-topping single “Espresso,” you’d assume Carpenter starts her day with a strong coffee. Surprisingly, she’s not a coffee fanatic. Instead, her go-to morning drink is Yerba Mate, an Argentinian tea she’s described as a “terrible obsession” in interviews with Rolling Stone and The Strategist. “I have a little refrigerator in my room full of the mint flavor,” she told The Strategist, explaining that she discovered it at 17 in Argentina and prefers its lighter, minty taste over coffee’s heavier kick. Yerba Mate, packed with caffeine, is a staple on her tour rider, keeping her energized for late-night shows and long travel days. She even partnered with Dunkin’ Donuts in December 2024 to launch Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso, a nod to her hit song, but in real life, she’s sipping tea, not espresso.

For breakfast, Carpenter’s choices can be downright surprising. In a 2021 Interview magazine chat, she admitted to eating chicken fingers with ketchup one morning while filming Emergency. “I doubt this is her daily go-to,” noted a StyleCaster writer who tried her diet for a day, but the quirky combo reflects Carpenter’s playful approach to food. While she hasn’t shared a consistent breakfast routine on tour, her love for comfort foods suggests she might opt for something hearty yet simple, like eggs or a quick diner-style meal, to power through soundchecks and rehearsals.

Midday Munchies: Chicken Fajitas and Fast Food Favorites

When it comes to lunch, Carpenter’s favorite dish is a crowd-pleaser: chicken fajitas. She’s raved about them on Instagram Live, saying, “My favorite food is actually fajitas. Chicken fajitas are my favorite,” and credited her dad for teaching her how to make them in a Father’s Day post on X: “Dadda thank u for teaching me how to make fajitas”. This Mexican classic, with its sizzling chicken, bell peppers, and tortillas, is a practical tour meal—quick to prepare and easy to customize. BBC Food even shared an air fryer fajita recipe inspired by Carpenter, perfect for two and ready in 15 minutes, proving her taste is accessible even for fans. On tour, her catering likely includes fajitas to keep her fueled between shows.

Carpenter also has a soft spot for fast food, particularly In-N-Out Burger. During her Short n’ Sweet tour stop in Los Angeles, she cheekily referenced the chain in her “Nonsense” intro: “Should we talk about how I like my In n Out animal style and I’m not talking about the burger place?”. This playful nod suggests she indulges in their iconic burgers and fries, likely animal-style with extra sauce, when she’s on the West Coast. Her love for In-N-Out aligns with her broader appreciation for nostalgic, all-American eats, as she’s also mentioned enjoying burgers and fries in general.

Dinner Delights: Mac and Cheese and Local Gems

For dinner, Carpenter leans into comfort food, with mac and cheese being a self-proclaimed “staple” in her life. “A really great mac and cheese is the best,” she told J-14 during a 2022 Instagram Live. On tour, this creamy dish is likely a go-to, whether it’s a boxed version for convenience or a gourmet take from a local eatery. StyleCaster noted that she opts for boxed mac and cheese for its simplicity, a practical choice for late-night meals after performances. Its nostalgic appeal fits Carpenter’s vibe—she’s a star who balances glamour with relatability.

When she’s not indulging in comfort classics, Carpenter explores local cuisine during tour downtime. In October 2024, she was spotted enjoying a lowkey lunch at Buvette, a French bistro in New York City’s West Village, during a break from her Short n’ Sweet tour. Dressed casually in a Dallas Cowboys sweater, she embraced the cozy atmosphere, likely savoring dishes like croque monsieur or tartines. This suggests that while on tour, she mixes catering staples with local flavors, keeping her diet varied and exciting.

Snacks and Treats: From Tim Tams to Hershey’s Kisses

Carpenter’s snack game is as eclectic as her music. While touring in Australia, she raved about Tim Tams, saying, “You don’t understand the passion I have for Tim Tams,” and praised eucalyptus lemon drops gifted by a friend. Stateside, she’s been known to enjoy dark chocolate and ice cream, with Rachael Attard noting these as her go-to treats in moderation. She also has a quirky New Year’s Eve tradition of eating a Hershey’s Kiss, a sweet ritual that adds a personal touch to her food preferences. On tour, her dressing room is likely stocked with Yerba Mate and small bites like broccoli or chocolate cake, which she’s mentioned as favorites.

One surprising omission? McDonald’s. In a 2022 LADbible video, Carpenter shocked fans by revealing she’s never eaten at the fast-food giant, saying she’s waiting for a major career milestone—like “going to Disney after a Super Bowl win”—before trying it. Even after her 2025 Grammy wins for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album, she hasn’t confirmed a McDonald’s visit, though fans on X and TikTok jokingly speculate she’s earned her Big Mac.

Carpenter’s tour diet reflects a balance of healthy eating and indulgence. Protein Teacher reports she prioritizes lean meats, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables to maintain her trim figure, but she’s not afraid to enjoy cheat meals like fajitas or mac and cheese. Her approach is mindful—she stays hydrated with water and herbal teas like Yerba Mate, which also keeps her skin glowing. On tour, this balance is key, as she needs energy for performances but craves the comfort of familiar foods. Her love for Pilates and weight training, including glute kickbacks and squats, complements her diet, helping her stay strong for dance-heavy shows.

Why It’s Surprising

What makes Carpenter’s tour diet so unexpected is its blend of down-to-earth comfort foods and quirky choices. Chicken fingers for breakfast? A McDonald’s-free life? Her preferences defy the stereotypical celebrity diet of kale and quinoa, leaning instead into nostalgic, accessible dishes that resonate with fans. Her obsession with Yerba Mate over coffee and her playful indulgences, like In-N-Out and Tim Tams, show a star who’s confident in her tastes, no matter how unconventional. Whether she’s savoring fajitas backstage or snacking on Hershey’s Kisses, Carpenter’s tour eats are a testament to her authenticity—proving that even pop royalty can keep it real.