M . Leandro Heien

I have not drunk water in the last 48 years — Billionaire Warren Buffett Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has reportedly gone nearly five decades without drinking water, with his preferred beverage being Cherry Coke, according to fellow billionaire Bill Ackman. Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square, shared the surprising revelation during an appearance on the Equity Mates Investing podcast. Recalling a dinner Buffett had at his home years ago, Ackman said he had stocked up on Cherry Coke, knowing it was the legendary investor’s favourite drink. While they were at the dining table, Ackman offered Buffett still or sparkling water, but the 96-year-old declined and requested his usual soda instead. Curious about his drinking habits, Ackman asked, “Don’t you drink water?” According to him, Buffett replied, “Bill, I haven’t had water in 48 years.” Buffett, who stepped down as Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO last December after six decades in the position and relinquished his chairmanship in September, is famously known for consuming about five cans of Coca-Cola daily. In 2015, he jokingly described himself as “one-quarter Coca-Cola,” explaining that the beverage accounted for roughly 25 per cent of his daily calorie intake. Beyond soda, Buffett is known for his preference for fast food and sugary treats, including McDonald’s, hot dogs, fries, popcorn, cookies, sweets and ice cream.