Erling Haaland #9 of Norway, seen here battling Danilo Luiz #13 of Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16, reportedly consumes 6,000 calories a day. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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Erling Haaland, Norway’s formidable striker, has made quite an impression with his performance. He has netted 62 goals in just 54 matches for his national team, including an impressive seven goals in four matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, reports suggest that the six-foot-five-inch forward regularly consumes around 6,000 calories daily.
Consuming 6,000 Calories Daily: Not Recommended for Most
The idea of consuming 6,000 calories each day is not something most dietitians or doctors would endorse. This intake far exceeds the 1,600 to 3,000 calories per day recommended by the Dietary Guidelines of America. To burn such a high number of calories, an average person would need to engage in extensive physical activities—like running for six to seven and a half hours, jumping rope for five to six hours, or more.
Most people cannot burn 6,000 calories daily, but Haaland, at 25 years old, is exceptional. He regularly engages in the intense physical demands of his sport, and his metabolism is likely significantly different from the average person.
The Diet Behind Haaland’s Caloric Intake
Curiosity abounds regarding what Haaland eats to reach his 6,000-calorie goal. He follows an “ancestral” diet, which isn’t a singular concept but rather encompasses various diets mimicking those of human ancestors. These diets typically avoid modern processed foods, refined sugars, and industrial seed oils, favoring locally sourced, natural whole foods like seasonal produce and various animal meats.
An important aspect of this diet is “nose-to-tail” eating, which encourages consuming the entire animal to maximize nutrient intake. Haaland is known to regularly include cow hearts and livers in his meals, as highlighted in the 2022 documentary Haaland: The Big Decision. His diet also features items like raw honey, sea bass, asparagus, and egg fried rice.
Potential Benefits of Haaland’s Diet
Choosing “natural,” “locally sourced,” and “whole foods” is generally preferred over “artificial” and “incomplete foods” for healthy eating. Studies have linked ultra-processed foods with colorectal cancer and premature death, and they can even lead to overeating.
The extensive processes involved in manufacturing and storing processed foods often alter the food’s original composition, potentially leading to adverse reactions in the body, such as inflammation and hormonal disruptions. Organ meats, a staple in Haaland’s diet, are not only cost-effective compared to premium cuts but are also nutrient-rich, offering iron, protein, essential minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins.
Drawbacks of Haaland’s Diet
However, organ meats can be high in cholesterol and saturated fat, more so than leaner cuts. Overconsumption of vitamin A and iron can pose health risks, including birth defects during pregnancy and iron overload disorder.
For those with gout, organ meats may trigger attacks due to their high purine content. Some studies have also suggested a potential link between organ meat consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and bladder cancer, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Furthermore, caution should be exercised with any ancestral diet that lacks certain nutrients, such as fiber and various vitamins and minerals found in grains. While our ancestors survived on such diets, their life expectancies were shorter, and they faced more nutrient-deficient conditions.
For those considering adopting a diet similar to Haaland’s, it’s crucial to tailor it to individual needs, significantly reducing the calorie intake unless you have extraordinary energy demands. Monitor saturated fat and cholesterol intake, ensure a balanced diet, and remember that Haaland’s dietary choices might not suit everyone.
