For decades, Ringo Starr has adhered to a simple culinary preference: a sandwich made with goat cheese on bread. Starr, the iconic drummer for The Beatles, shared this favored meal during a 2021 appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." He stated that he no longer consumes many types of cheese, but when he does, it must be goat cheese.
Starr explained his preference by articulating a theory that cow milk contains "big molecules." "I don’t eat anything from the cow because the molecules are so big. Have you seen a cow? The molecules are so big," he said. "And that’s why if you drink a glass of milk, you’re full. With a goat, it’s a good size for our bodies."
While Starr's explanation regarding molecule size lacks scientific backing, there are acknowledged differences between goat and cow milk. Research indicates that goat milk typically has smaller fat globules compared to cow milk and possesses a different fat and protein composition. These distinctions, along with how proteins coagulate during digestion, may influence how each type of milk is processed by the body. Goat cheese itself is known for a distinct tangy, earthy flavor and is often complemented by sweet elements like fruit and honey, or savory additions such as prosciutto.
The simplicity of Starr's sandwich has been noted by content creators and fans alike. One Instagram user, @domenicskitchen, featured Starr's sandwich in a video series recreating musicians' favorite meals. For this interpretation, two slices of bread were toasted in butter, then spread with soft goat cheese and topped with grated goat cheddar. This approach sparked discussion among social media users, with some expressing surprise that the sandwich was not grilled like a traditional grilled cheese, while others found it fitting for Starr's famously unconventional style. Some users also commented on Starr's molecule theory, with one noting that goat milk fat molecules are indeed smaller and finer than cow's milk, potentially aiding digestion.