What do NHL players generally eat?

By Jayson Panganiban June 04, 2025 16:06

These days, on the whole, professional athletes take more care of themselves. Sports science has evolved, and nutritionists have been assigned to look after each athlete’s dietary needs. In the NHL, this certainly applies, with players not tending to consume the type of grub fans do inside arenas.

These consummate professionals carefully monitor what goes into their bodies; food plays a crucial role after a high-intensity game where recovery matters. For fans who make their fantasy picks, play hockey-themed video games, and bet on the big occasion after looking at the latest Stanley Cup Odds , they perhaps don’t appreciate some of the sacrifices these dedicated professionals have to make.

Of course, there is a balance to be stuck up here. Some players might occasionally devour a dirty burger or destroy some animal-style fries from In-N-Out, but it might only happen after a big win. Generally, when there are huge encounters to prepare for, NHL players have strict diets and only focus on specific nutritional components.

Carbohydrates are crucial

Given the intense action on the ice, NHL players consume a lot of carbohydrates. A key energy source, they allow them to find bursts of energy when needed and give them the power they require to smash opponents with hard hits. We aren’t talking about heavy carbs here either, with hockey players avoiding loaded fries and nachos daily. Instead, complex carbs are a preference, with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables typically making up an NHL player’s diet.

Protein is essential

You won’t find a professional athlete that isn’t trying to consume a good amount of protein. We need it for muscle repair and growth, something professional athletes in the hockey arena are desperate to maintain. Additionally, a high-protein diet also aids recovery in between games and enables a professional hockey player to go again without feeling too many aches and pains. Regarding the types of protein they munch on, dairy products, eggs, lean meats, and legumes are good protein sources. Some athletes also adopt strict vegan diets, perhaps getting their protein from nuts, seeds, and plenty of plant-based products that are now easy to find.

Healthy fats are also essential.

Healthy fats are also crucial as they enable an NHL athlete to be at the peak of their powers. Not only do they provide sustained energy and add additional support to the body’s various functions, but they also help people feel fuller for longer as they’re filling foods that can give an athlete the energy boost they need as they burn off these healthy fats while enjoying an intense work out or training session. Healthy fats come from popular ingredients like avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

A typical pre-game meal

While the aforementioned nutritional components are generally the most popular, every player has their preferred pre-game meal. What they eat before a primary matchup on the ice is hugely important. It isn’t rocket science either; if they don’t eat something that makes them feel good, they’ll struggle to reach the performance levels demanded. As such, many NHL players eat meals containing carbs, protein, and healthy fats they need. So, for example, a pasta-based meal with chicken and vegetables might be an option for many players. Likewise, they might destroy a bowl of Greek yogurt with almonds and berries for breakfast.

Hydration is key

Hydration is also an essential factor here. Drinking plenty of water is a must as it aids recovery and performance, while some NHL players also drink alkaline water and consume sports drinks.