As Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning gears up for its much-anticipated release later this year, all eyes are once again on Tom Cruise. Not just for the high-octane stunts he insists on performing himself (even now, in his 60s), but for how the Hollywood superstar manages to look like he’s barely aged since the first Mission film hit cinemas back in 1996. In this article we look at Tom Cruise’s diet and what he eats in a day to give younger actors a run for their money.
While Cruise turned heads at the Cannes Film Festival this month for the film’s special screening, another question quietly followed him down the red carpet: how does he do it? At 62, Cruise continues to defy the expectations of time; not just physically, but in energy and presence. And as it turns out, his secret weapon isn’t just good genes or sheer willpower, it’s also a deeply disciplined approach to food.
All about Tom Cruise’s diet
According to Men’s Health Magazine, Cruise limits his daily calorie intake to around 1,200. That’s significantly less than the average recommendation for adult men, but the actor makes it work through small, strategic meals with around 15 snack-sized portions a day rather than the traditional three.
Forget cheat days and greasy indulgences, Cruise sticks to clean, simple plates. His go-to? Steamed white fish with vegetables, minus any oil, butter, or sauce. It’s all about keeping it light and functional. When he’s out socialising, he skips alcohol altogether, opting for non-alcoholic drinks that don’t interrupt his regimen.
When craving something sweet or salty, Cruise swaps chips and chocolate for fruit instead. Not only does it curb cravings, he’s said to rely on fruit to help ease anxiety—a gentle nod to the mental health benefits of clean eating.
Processed foods and refined carbs don’t have a place on his plate, and everything he eats is reportedly prepared at low temperatures by his personal chef. Why? To preserve nutritional value and keep flavours intact, without turning meals into bland calorie counts.
What’s actually on Tom Cruise’s menu?
The ingredients on Cruise’s diet list read like a wellness influencer’s dream board: salmon, raw oats, dark chocolate (the good kind), blueberries, ginger, beets, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, olive oil, and plenty of nuts. It’s the kind of plan that prioritises antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory foods—meals that nourish without weighing you down.
To keep his nutrition game strong, Cruise also includes a range of vitamins and supplements, ensuring his body has what it needs to keep up with the demands of his stunt-heavy roles.
At the heart of Cruise’s lifestyle is a deep awareness of what his body needs—and what it doesn’t. In many ways, his diet reflects the same precision and control he brings to his action sequences. It’s less about vanity, and more about sustainability—staying strong, staying sharp, and keeping pace with a career that shows no signs of slowing down.