American investor Warren Buffett has reportedly avoided drinking plain water for decades, preferring Cherry Coke instead. The unusual habit was shared by hedge fund manager Bill Ackman during an appearance on the Equity Mates Investing podcast.

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Recalling a dinner with Buffett, Ackman said he offered him still or sparkling water. Buffett reportedly declined and replied, "Bill, I haven't had water in 48 years." Ackman also mentioned that he had stocked up on Cherry Coke before the meeting, knowing it was Buffett's favourite beverage.

According to British author Glen Arnold's book The Deals of Warren Buffett Volume 2: The Making of a Billionaire, the investor has reportedly consumed as many as five cans of Coke a day.

However, nutrition experts caution against replacing plain water with sugary soft drinks over the long term. Aditi Prasad Apte, Senior Clinical Nutritionist at Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, explains that regular consumption of sugary drinks can increase calorie intake and contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

Soft drinks can also affect dental and kidney health. Their sugar content may encourage tooth decay, while their acidity can gradually weaken tooth enamel. Excessive caffeine consumption may also cause disturbed sleep, acidity, restlessness and palpitations in some individuals.

Water plays an important role in regulating body temperature, supporting digestion, transporting nutrients and helping the kidneys remove waste. Experts particularly advise older adults and people with diabetes, high blood pressure or existing kidney conditions to be mindful of their fluid intake.

While Buffett's reported preference is unusual, nutrition experts caution that it should not be treated as a healthy drinking routine to follow.