Is Virat Kohli Vegan Truth Behind “Chicken Tikka”

No, Virat Kohli is not strictly vegan.Virat Kohli follows a plant-based diet but not a 100% vegan lifestyle. He has clarified this in multiple interviews and social media interactions.

📜 What Virat Kohli Has Said:

In 2019, media outlets widely reported that Kohli had turned vegan. This was based on:

His switch to a meat- and dairy-free diet.
Comments about feeling “lighter” and having “better digestion and endurance.”

However, in October 2021, Kohli himself tweeted:

“I never claimed to be vegan. Always maintained I’m vegetarian.”

This means:

He doesn’t eat meat or eggs.
He may consume dairy products, which distinguishes a vegetarian from a vegan.

🍗 What About “Chicken Tikka”?

In June 2022, Virat Kohli shared a post on Instagram where he mentioned “chicken tikka” as part of his favorite meals. This caused a stir on social media, with people questioning how a vegetarian could list a non-veg dish.

🧾 Clarification:

Kohli later clarified that it was likely a “mock meat” or plant-based chicken tikka.
Many restaurants and home recipes now use soy-based or seitan-based meat substitutes to replicate chicken tikka.
It’s also possible it was a throwback to his pre-vegetarian days, as he used to be a big fan of grilled meats.

🧠 Summary: Virat Kohli’s Diet Today

Food Group	Included?	Notes
Red meat/poultry	❌ No	Avoided completely
Fish	❌ No	Avoided
Eggs	❌ No	Avoided
Dairy	✅ Maybe	Some vegetarian items may include dairy
Plant-based protein	✅ Yes	Soy, tofu, legumes, etc.
Processed vegan meats	✅ Yes	Likely includes plant-based chicken substitutes

🥗 His Diet Focuses On:

Seasonal fruits and vegetables
Plant-based protein (quinoa, tofu, lentils)
Smoothies and nuts
Hydration and electrolyte balance
No junk food or processed sugar

🔍 Final Verdict:

Virat Kohli is not vegan, but a strict vegetarian.
The “chicken tikka” reference is either a plant-based version or a misinterpretation from fans.
He emphasizes performance nutrition tailored for elite athletes.