Jerry Seinfeld ate “absolutely anything” during his Seinfeld era. But that’s all changed in the years since. These days the comedian’s eating habits, which were reflected in his titular character’s love of cereal, aren’t dominated by breakfast foods. Sorry, Seinfeld fans! He’s not chowing down on Cheerios like his namesake often did at Monk’s. At least not all the time. Ahead, when the actor “decided” to change what he ate and why he still loves cereal. 

Seinfeld didn’t change his eating habits until his 50s

Speaking to Men’s Health in 2024 while promoting Unfrosted, his movie about the rise of Pop-Tarts, Seinfeld discussed his eating habits and how they’ve changed over the years. 

“I can’t eat now like I used to when I was a kid,” the now-70-year-old told the publication. “Or even when I was doing Seinfeld, when I was in my 30s and early 40s.” The Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee creator and host starred on the award-winning comedy series from 1989 to 1998. Seinfeld was approximately 35 years old when the show premiered and 44 when it ended.

“I would still eat absolutely anything, anytime I wanted,” Seinfeld continued. “So I really had an incredible free ride. I never learned anything about [healthy] eating until I was in my 50s. Then I decided it was time to find out what you’re supposed to eat.” 

His love of breakfast foods started in childhood

So, what did the Golden Globe winner eat before he ultimately changed his eating habits? Lots of breakfast food, which had become a favorite of his during childhood.  

“You just cannot believe what I ate as a child,” he said. “I would have cereal in the morning, Pop-Tarts in the afternoon. Then I’d eat a little bit of lunch, but I hated it.” 

“And I would never eat dinner. My mother would make dinner, I’d have a couple of bites, and then I’d push it away,” Seinfeld continued. “But before bed, I’d make another gigantic bowl of cereal.” 

“I was eating a lot of Entenmann’s, which was on top of the refrigerator,” he added, saying his diet consisted of “nothing but junk.” 

Jerry Seinfeld now uses cereal for ‘mood management’ 

These days, the Bee Movie star uses his beloved breakfast foods, namely cereal, as “mood management.” (Notice all the cereal in the Seinfeld clip above.) His recommendations range from “pretend” cereal to Cheerios and Frosted Flakes.

The comedian likes Frosted Flakes for those moments when “you’re in real trouble.” Other times, “If you just need a little bit of a lift,” he explained, “you might go with Honey Nut Cheerios.” Lastly, he recommended Raisin Bran for those who want to “pretend” they’re “not eating cereal.” 

As far as he’s concerned, there’s never a bad time for a bowl of cereal. “I’m in favor of having cereal anytime you want it,” the Emmy Award winner said. “I have a line: ‘You’re eating and drinking at the same time, with one hand, without looking.’ That’s just going to change your whole day.”