Cow in Mario Kart World Eats Burgers, Steak

In the midst of all the news about tariffs and Nintendo Switch 2 pricing, it's refreshing to dive into something a bit more whimsical. This week, IGN had the chance to play Mario Kart World at a Nintendo event in New York, and they confirmed an amusing detail that's got fans buzzing: the new Moo Moo Meadows Cow character can indeed eat burgers and steak, along with a variety of other foods.

If you're not yet up to speed, let me fill you in. Nintendo recently announced Mario Kart World, which introduced the Moo Moo Meadows Cow as a playable racer. The internet has gone wild over this, generating countless memes and fanart of the once-background character now thrust into the spotlight.

However, fans noticed a curious detail in the Nintendo Direct 2 trailer. Mario was seen eating a burger, sparking a debate: would Cow, a character representing a species that's typically a source of beef, consume beef herself? This sparked a flurry of questions and discussions among the fanbase.

At the Nintendo preview event, IGN got the answer. Food items featured in the trailer are available at Yoshi's diner locations throughout the game's courses. These function like drive-thrus, where racers can grab take-out bags just as they would item boxes. The menu is diverse, offering burgers, steak kebabs, pizza, and donuts.

And yes, Cow can eat them all.

Yes, Cow CAN eat steak in Mario Kart World. pic.twitter.com/qN5PZ9IIM4

— IGN (@IGN) April 4, 2025

During the session, IGN observed Cow consuming various items, including the controversial burger. While other racers undergo costume changes upon eating these foods, Cow doesn't seem to be affected in the same way. This raises intriguing questions: Is Cow eating beef purely for enjoyment? Is there a hidden power-up she gains from consuming these foods that Nintendo hasn't disclosed yet? Or could these be vegetarian or plant-based alternatives?

IGN reached out to Nintendo for clarification but hasn't received a response yet. It's likely because they're busy with the New York event, and not because this is a bizarre question to pose to their PR team. Right?

In the meantime, be sure to check out IGN's preview of Mario Kart World, which includes a delightful appearance by our friend Cow.