
Chicken, mutton or...: Which animal meat is preferred by Israeli soldiers? The answer will SHOCK you, it is...
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which is currently giving a tough time to Iran in the ongoing Israel-Iran war, is ranked among the world's most professional and lethal armies, and it stands to reason that the Israeli Army ensures that its soldiers are well-fed with a protein-rich balanced diet.
But which animal meat is the most preferred by the IDF soldiers? No, its not beef or mutton as many would have imagined. The answer is chicken. Here's why Israeli soldiers prefer to eat chicken the most. Favorite meat of Israeli soldiers
A majority of IDF troops are staunch followers of Judaism, while a tiny minority consists of Arab Muslims. Both these Abrahamic religions have somewhat similar religious edicts when it comes to food. Thus, any food prepared for Israeli soldiers is strictly Kosher (or Halal for their Muslim troops).
The IDF soldiers are allowed to eat beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, goat, and fresh water fish, while pork and shellfish are strictly prohibited in both Judaism and Islam. But the savored meat preferred by Israeli troops is chicken, primarily because it takes less time to prepare, tastes good, and is readily available basically everywhere. What about vegan soldiers?
While a major portion of IDF soldiers eat meat, a small yet significant number are vegan. Special vegan food is prepared for the soldiers who do not eat meat or any animal products. These include delicacies like falafel, sabich, and Israeli salad. What do Israeli soldiers eat for breakfast, dinner, and lunch?
According to media reports, IDF soldiers are served Tunisian sandwiches, shakshuka, hummus, falafel, muesli, energy bars and cereal for breakfast, while lunch for non-vegetarian soldiers includes protein-rich foods like grilled chicken, shawarma and beef hamburger.
Vegan or vegetarian soldiers are served tofu schnitzel, tofu shawarma, vegetarian hamburger, rice, potatoes, yogurt, along with an assortment of fruits and vegetables.
Dinner has usually same menu as lunch, but the quantity served is slightly less to ensure soldiers sleep with a light stomach, and become quickly mobile if required. What about alcohol?
Unlike many armies around the world, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have strict prohibition on the consumption of alcohol, and no soldier or officer is allowed to consume any alcoholic beverage while on active duty or in the camp. There are no exemptions to this rule.
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