Gameplay · Spotted Edge Issue 430, October 29 2026; Rob Nelson, Famitsu, August 2026
Food and Drinks
Food and drinks give temporary gameplay buffs. Edge saw Rob Nelson pour a stamina-boosting coffee and swig a health-buffing protein shake, and Nelson told Famitsu an energy drink strengthens the stamina meter.
Edge Issue 430, published in full on GamesRadar+ on October 29 2026, describes Rob Nelson playing as Jason in a live demo: he 'pours a stamina-boosting cup of coffee, swigs a health-buffing protein shake', then steps outside.
Nelson, Rockstar North's head of development and co-studio head, explained the system earlier in a Famitsu interview translated by iGrandTheftAuto. 'Food provides buffs that strengthen your meters,' he said, adding that 'you can strengthen your stamina meter by drinking an energy drink.' If health falls below its normal maximum, the extra amount from the buff is lost. TGG's Rockstar-hosted preview in October 2026 saw a gym vending machine selling protein or energy drinks that could give a stamina boost before exercising.
GTA San Andreas used food to build and maintain stats over the long run, while Red Dead Redemption 2 tied eating to health, stamina, and Dead Eye cores. In GTA 6 the food buff is temporary, and Nelson told Famitsu that base health and stamina are raised through training, covered in the Body Customization entry. How long buffs last, how many items can be carried, and the full roster at launch are all unconfirmed.
What we know
- Coffee boosts stamina (Edge Issue 430, October 29 2026)
- Protein shakes provide a health buff (Edge Issue 430, October 29 2026)
- Food buffs strengthen the meters, and the extra is lost if health drops below its normal maximum (Rob Nelson, Famitsu)
- An energy drink strengthens the stamina meter (Rob Nelson, Famitsu)
- A gym vending machine sells protein or energy drinks (TGG preview, via iGrandTheftAuto, October 2026)
- How long buffs last, how many items can be carried, and the full item roster are unconfirmed
Frequently asked
Does eating and drinking do anything in GTA 6?+
Yes. Edge Issue 430, published October 29 2026, describes a stamina-boosting coffee and a health-buffing protein shake. Rob Nelson, Rockstar North's co-studio head, told Famitsu that food provides buffs that strengthen your meters and that an energy drink strengthens the stamina meter.
Can you buy food and drinks in GTA 6?+
Yes. TGG's Rockstar-hosted preview in October 2026 saw a gym vending machine selling protein or energy drinks, per iGrandTheftAuto. The full range of items available at stores and vending machines has not been confirmed.