The Final Feast: America’s Wildest and Most Popular Last Meal Requests

What would you eat if it were your last meal on Earth? It’s a question that’s both morbid and deeply human—and one that has fascinated researchers, food lovers, and true crime fans alike. A new study by Choice Mutual surveyed Americans across all 50 states to uncover the most popular last meal requests, while historical records from death row inmates reveal some of the most bizarre and unforgettable food choices ever made.

The Most Popular Picks

According to the survey, Americans overwhelmingly lean toward comfort food classics when imagining their final bite. The top 10 most requested last meals include:

• Steak
• Potatoes (mashed, baked, or fried)
• Pasta or noodles
• Pizza
• Vegetables
• Bread
• Lobster
• French fries
• Mac and cheese
• Chicken

When it comes to drinks, soda tops the list, followed by wine, water, tea, and beer—a surprising snub to coffee and cocktails.

The Wildest Requests

While most people crave familiar flavors, some death row inmates have made infamously strange or symbolic requests. One of the most chilling came from James Edward Smith, who asked for a bowl of “rhaeakunda dirt,” a type of soil used in voodoo rituals. The request was denied, and he was given yogurt instead.

Other eyebrow-raising choices include:

• A single olive with the pit still in it (reportedly for symbolic reasons)
• Mint chocolate chip ice cream as the only item requested by Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh
• Grape Hubba Bubba bubble gum, requested alongside a Whopper and fries
• A full buffet-style feast—including fried okra, fajitas, and a meat-lover’s pizza—ordered by Lawrence Russell Brewer, who then refused to eat any of it, prompting Texas to end the last meal tradition altogether

Experts say last meal choices often reflect a person’s cultural background, emotional state, or nostalgia. Fried foods, fast food, and childhood favorites dominate the list, suggesting that in life’s final moments, people crave familiarity and comfort over extravagance.