Ringo Starr's Favorite Sandwich Features A Controversial Cheese

Ringo Starr has never eaten pizza, but the legendary drummer hasn't sworn off cheese. His favorite sandwich is a simple grilled cheese sandwich, but with a twist. Rather than American or cheddar, he eats his sandwich with goat cheese. During a 2001 appearance on Stephen Colbert's late-night television talk show, "The Late Show," Starr said, "Have you seen a cow? The molecules are so big." He went on to say that goat milk is better because goats are smaller than cows.

This isn't the only time Starr has shared food preferences. During a 2025 appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," the former Beatle revealed that he's never eaten pizza or curry. Starr explained that he has a few food allergies that make him adhere to specific diets, and he's always careful about what he eats to avoid feeling ill. When he's craving a sandwich, goat cheese is an excellent alternative. The creamy texture adds a tangy zing to otherwise simple ingredients, while the natural enzymes in goat cheese make it easier to digest.

Ringo Starr's explanation about the size of the animals may sound nonsensical at first, but he is correct that goat and cow milk structurally differ. Research published in the Journal of Dairy Science states that goat milk often has smaller fat globules than cow milk. Globules are the tiny particles of fat throughout milk. Fat globules in goat milk measure between 0.73 and 8.58 micrometers, while the fat globules in bovine milk measured between 0.92 and 15.75 micrometers. 

The science behind how your body digests milk is complex. Research shows that the size, composition, and structure of fat globules can affect digestibility, but Starr just knows that goat cheese works better with his digestive system. Science aside, it's worth trying his sandwich. Goat cheese is flavorful enough that it doesn't require any added ingredients to taste delicious. You can even spread it on good bread and turn it into a jazzed-up grilled cheese sandwich.

Of course, part of the appeal of a cheese sandwich is how easy it is to take it from basic to gourmet by adding tomato slices, bacon, or a drizzle of balsamic. There are many ways to turn bread and cheese into unexpected flavor combinations. Starr certainly marches to the beat of his own taste buds, and you can join him with your next meal. Grab some goat cheese instead of cheddar or American and see if Starr's favorite deserves an encore in your weekly menu.