On ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, famous contestants often find themselves depending on a humble meal of rice and beans. While the basic dish may seem uninspiring, a nutritionist explains there’s a practical and nourishing reason behind this staple on the show.
In the Australian jungle, food is scarce and the celebrities' diet reflects that. When contestants fail the daily challenges hosted by Ant and Dec, they are left with limited rations—usually just rice and beans—to sustain themselves for breakfast and lunch. These plain staples are far from random; they are carefully chosen for their nutritional benefits.
Jenny Tschiesche, a nutrition expert, author, and broadcaster, reveals that the combination of rice and beans forms a complete protein. “On their own, rice and beans lack certain essential amino acids, but together they provide all the building blocks our bodies need,” she explains. This makes the pair incredibly important for maintaining energy and muscle function during the physically demanding days in the jungle.
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Furthermore, the fibre content in beans slows the absorption of carbohydrates from the rice, helping contestants feel fuller and more energized for longer periods. Beans also contribute vital nutrients such as folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins, turning this simple meal into a nutrient powerhouse.
Throughout the current series, several celebrities have faced empty-handed returns to camp after failed challenges, forcing them to rely heavily on these basic rations. Groups like Win City and Doomsville often experience nights where rice and beans constitute their entire intake. Notable stars including Martin Kemp, Kelly Brook, and Lisa Riley have endured these tough stretches without additional food.
Ant and Dec even provided fans a glimpse into the exact portion sizes via TikTok, revealing that each pre-packaged serving of rice and white beans contains roughly 800 calories. While plain, these portions are critical to keeping contestants fueled.
Occasionally, participants earn exotic dishes such as kangaroo tail, crocodile meat, or ostrich eggs through challenges, adding variety to their diets. But when luck runs out, it’s rice and beans that keep the jungle stars going—simple, sustaining, and surprisingly effective.
The finale, crowning the King or Queen of the Jungle, airs Sunday, December 7 on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm.