Philly Eagles’ Secret Menu: Unexpected Foods Behind Their Success
When you think of what fuels a pro football team, you probably picture mountains of meat, stacks of eggs, and endless protein shakes. But in the Philadelphia Eagles’ kitchen, the menu is a little more surprising. These players lean on unlikely favorites, including fermented cabbage and beet juice, to stay sharp, energized, and ready to win.
Here’s a look at the offbeat food lineup keeping the Birds flying high.
Beet Juice
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Beet juice isn’t what most athletes reach for after sprints. But in the Eagles’ locker room, it’s a popular choice for one reason: endurance. Chef James Sirles swears by it. Beets are full of natural nitrates, which boost circulation and muscle oxygen. That means more stamina on the field.
Monster Mash
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This isn’t a Halloween special. Lane Johnson’s “monster mash” is a serious fuel-up meal built to hit 6,000 calories a day. It combines rice, ground beef or bison, scrambled eggs, bone broth, and red peppers—all soft and easy to eat fast. The meal is inspired by sumo wrestler diets.
Tart Cherry Juice
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After a brutal game, soreness is guaranteed. To bounce back faster, Eagles players drink tart cherry juice. It’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce muscle damage and improve sleep, which are both crucial for recovery.
Wawa Hoagies
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You won’t find Wawa listed on any official team diet plan, but try telling DeVonta Smith about that. His go-to order is the honey turkey hoagie, which is quick and filling for the team. For players used to tight schedules and heavy training blocks, Wawa delivers something comforting without being a total nutritional derailment.
Sweet Potatoes
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When it comes to staying energized on game day, sweet potatoes are a go-to on the Eagles’ plate. Their complex carbs digest slowly and help players avoid energy dips mid-game. Plus, they’re rich in fiber and vitamin A, and they support stamina and aid overall health, too.
King Crab Legs
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Nolan Smith grew up in Savannah, loving all kinds of seafood, but king crab legs are at the top of his list. He says he could eat them every day, and he’s not shy about cooking, either; since he has skills he picked up helping his mom and grandma in the kitchen. Smith’s dinner plans for teammates always include something special: king crab legs boiled and split open with kitchen scissors.
Crawfish
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Jalen Hurts brought more than talent–and crawfish boils–from Texas. He’s got high standards when it comes to proper prep; after all, his dad and grandfather taught him the trick. The Eagles’ chefs occasionally honor his roots by serving it up just right. Beyond tradition, crawfish are packed with protein, low in fat, and offer trace minerals essential for recovery.
Quinoa
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Bacon and waffles? No. Many Eagles start their mornings with quinoa bowls. This nutrient-dense grain is a complete protein and provides slow-digesting carbs. Players customize it: some go savory with eggs and veggies, and others add almond milk and berries for a sweet option. It’s filling without being heavy, and its versatility keeps it from getting boring in a long season.
Yogurt
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For Lane Johnson, yogurt is a staple. He fits three servings into his day without blinking, often mixing in fruit or granola for extra texture. Greek yogurt gets the job done with high protein and gut-friendly probiotics, which makes it ideal for someone who needs fast, effective fuel.
Fruit and Nut Butter
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When a heavy lift or long practice is done, some players don’t want a full meal but just a smart snack. Bananas with almond butter, apples with peanut butter, or oranges with cashew spread do the trick. They’re easy to prep and rich in natural sugar and healthy fat.
Pasta and Garlic Bread
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Darius Slay tailors his meals to game time by adjusting his carb load depending on when he hits the field. For early kickoffs, he sticks with grits and eggs. When games fall at night, he turns to a plate of Alfredo pasta with pesto and a side of garlic bread. It may raise eyebrows, but it’s about fueling up properly because carbs help restore glycogen.
Kimchi and Sauerkraut
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Fermented cabbage dishes might raise eyebrows in the cafeteria, but the Eagles know their value. Kimchi and sauerkraut are probiotic-rich and support digestion and immune health. Nutrition experts explain that gut health directly impacts athletic performance: everything from nutrient absorption to inflammation levels.
Hamburger Helper
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Jalen Carter doesn’t need fancy plating. His favorite meal is the Homemade Hamburger Helper, courtesy of his mom. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and totally off the nutritionist-approved menu, but meaningful nonetheless. In interviews, he says it disappears in a minute flat.
Marry Me Chicken
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Offensive guard Mekhi Becton has skills that go beyond the gridiron. His chef mom taught him how to cook, and his standout dish is Marry Me Chicken. The dish includes cream, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and pepper flakes. While indulgent, it’s still based on lean protein.
Australian-Style Burgers with Beets and Eggs
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Jordan Mailata keeps his Aussie food traditions alive in Philly. His go-to burger toppings include canned beets and a fried egg, which are common in Australian burgers but a surprise to most Americans. He’s even tried lobbying for pineapple, though it’s been less successful.