No Bullets, No Missiles... Chicken Is the Real Fuel of Israeli Soldiers!

International News: For Israeli soldiers, food isn’t just about calories—it’s about culture, discipline, and faith. Among all kinds of meat available to them, IDF soldiers don’t lean toward beef, lamb, or fish. Their ultimate go-to is something far simpler but incredibly popular: chicken. Chicken is not only delicious and protein-rich, but it also fits perfectly into kosher dietary laws, making it easy to cook and serve across military kitchens. Whether grilled, shredded into shawarma, or cooked in hearty stews, chicken dominates the IDF plate with unmatched versatility and approval.

Chicken Tops the Charts in Army Kitchens

All meals served in IDF camps follow kosher laws based on Jewish religious guidelines. These rules allow consumption of chicken, turkey, lamb, goat, and select fish, but strictly prohibit pork and shellfish.Every military base is equipped with certified kosher kitchens, ensuring religious adherence while maintaining nutritional standards. Chicken emerges as the top choice due to its fast cooking time, storage ease, and high adaptability in multiple dishes. In the IDF mess halls, it's not just a meal—it's a staple.

Kosher Code Shapes the Soldier’s Plate

Not all Israeli soldiers are meat eaters. Many identify as vegetarian or even vegan. For them, the army provides satisfying alternatives like falafel, sabich (eggplant and egg sandwich), and fresh Israeli salads. These options are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats—keeping soldiers combat-ready without the need for meat.The IDF’s food strategy reflects modern Israeli values, where personal choice, religious respect, and physical performance coexist on the same plate.

Vegans Get a Combat-Ready Menu Too

Breakfast in the IDF is designed for both speed and strength. Soldiers are offered Tunisian sandwiches, shakshuka (eggs poached in tomato sauce), hummus, falafel, muesli, cereals, and energy bars.Every item on the breakfast table is calculated for its nutritional value—engineered to power soldiers through physically demanding drills and long operations. Nothing is left to chance. Even the timing and composition of meals align with the rhythm of a soldier's combat routine.

Breakfast: A Pre-Mission Powerpack

For lunch, meat-eating IDF soldiers are served grilled chicken, shawarma, and beef burgers—rich in protein and ideal for rebuilding energy post-training or combat exercises. Alongside meat, the menu often includes soups, pasta, and pita bread. But chicken remains the undisputed star of the midday meal.The IDF’s approach makes one thing clear: in today’s warfare, nutrition is as strategic as firepower. What goes into a soldier’s stomach may just be as important as what’s in his hands.