Bill Gates Says, 'Cheeseburgers Are My Favorite Food. But I Wish They Weren't' — Loves Animal Fat Even Though It's A 'Climate Disaster'

For someone dedicating his life and fortune to solving climate change, Bill Gates has an unexpected culinary guilty pleasure: cheeseburgers. The billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft Corp. co-founder reveals his love for this iconic American dish is at odds with his environmental crusade. 

Gates laments that while he’s sampled many plant-based burger alternatives, none can truly replicate the irresistible sizzle and richness that comes from real beef fat. This craving exposes a fundamental tension — how can one satisfy primal food cravings while also protecting the planet? Gates’s insights shed light on the challenge of marrying personal indulgences with ethical consumption in the face of climate change.

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In his blog GatesNotes, Gates wrote, “Cheeseburgers are my favorite food. But I wish they weren't, given the impact they have on the environment.” 

He discussed the difficulty in finding alternatives that fully satisfy the craving for a traditional cheeseburger. Despite the advancements in meat and dairy replacements, Gates said, “Nothing currently on the market would fool a burger lover completely.”

The heart of the issue, as Gates sees it, lies in the unique qualities of animal fat, which contributes significantly to the taste and texture that many crave in foods like cheeseburgers. 

“The secret ingredient is animal fat,” Gates said, emphasizing its role in providing foods with their richness, juiciness and overall flavor profile. “It's also a disaster for the climate” because of the significant greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal agriculture.

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Addressing this dilemma, Gates highlights the innovative efforts of a company called Savor, which is working to produce fat molecules without the environmental impact of traditional methods. By developing a process that takes carbon dioxide from the air and hydrogen from water, the company aims to replicate the fat molecules found in animal products.

In the ongoing battle against climate change, another noteworthy startup, Wind Harvest, is making significant strides with its pioneering technology. The company aims to address the pressing global demand for low-cost electricity by introducing short, long-lasting wind turbines. Anyone can invest with as little as $200. 

Gates’s discussion about his favorite food brings a personal touch to the challenges of reconciling a love for certain foods with their environmental impact. He underscores the need for solutions that are both effective and scalable. As he said in a 2021 Vanity Fair interview, choosing to reduce consumption of foods that harm the environment is a step he has taken, noting, “A burger and fries is still my favorite meal, though I’ve cut back because beef is responsible for a lot of greenhouse gases.” 

Gates recognizes that asking people to give up beloved foods is not a realistic plan. His approach highlights the importance of developing innovative alternatives that can satisfy cravings without the environmental toll.

His investment in and support for innovative startups exemplify a commitment to leveraging technology for environmental benefits, aiming to make sustainable options more accessible and appealing to the masses. Investing in these kinds of companies isn’t only for the wealthy or tech moguls; it’s an opportunity open to anyone interested in supporting change. 

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