What fuels Haaland? Inside his 6,000-calorie diet

Norway striker Erling Haaland's reported 6,000-calorie daily diet has sparked widespread discussion about the nutritional demands of elite athletes and whether such an eating plan offers any health benefits.

According to a Forbes report, Haaland follows an "ancestral" diet centred on whole, minimally processed foods and reportedly consumes around 6,000 calories a day to support the physical demands of top-level football. The 25-year-old has scored 62 goals in 54 appearances for Norway, including seven goals in four matches at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Haaland's eating habits have long attracted attention. Norway teammate Joshua King once said, "I've never seen anyone eat as much as him. He eats like a bear." The report also notes that Haaland's daily calorie intake exceeds that of a bear, underscoring the extraordinary energy demands of elite-level sport.

For most adults, however, consuming 6,000 calories a day would be excessive. An average adult woman typically requires around 2,000 calories a day to maintain her weight, while an average adult man needs about 2,500 calories, depending on age, activity level and overall health.

According to the report, burning 6,000 calories in a day would require an extraordinary level of physical activity, making such an intake unsuitable for the vast majority of people. Haaland's intense training schedule, professional football commitments and individual metabolism allow him to consume significantly more energy than the average person.

Haaland's diet reportedly focuses on whole foods, including seasonal produce, animal protein and nutrient-rich organ meats, while avoiding ultra-processed foods, refined sugar and industrially processed oils. The approach is based on the concept of an ancestral diet, which aims to resemble the eating habits of early humans by prioritising natural, minimally processed ingredients.

Health experts generally agree that diets rich in whole foods can be beneficial. Research cited by Forbes has linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, premature death and other health problems.

Organ meats, which form part of Haaland's diet, are rich in protein, iron, vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as minerals such as magnesium, zinc and selenium. They are also often less expensive than premium cuts of meat.

However, experts caution that consuming large amounts of organ meat may not be appropriate for everyone. These foods can be high in cholesterol, saturated fat and vitamin A, while excessive iron intake may increase the risk of iron overload. Organ meats are also rich in purines, which can trigger gout in susceptible individuals.

Some studies have also suggested possible links between high organ meat consumption and conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and bladder cancer, although the evidence remains inconclusive and further research is needed.