After a whirlwind week of tariff talks and Nintendo Switch 2 price speculation, here’s a lighthearted detour for your Friday: IGN got an early look at *Mario Kart World* during a recent Nintendo event in New York—and yes, we finally have answers about the Cow. Specifically, whether she can eat beef. Spoiler: she absolutely can.
If you missed the buzz, *Mario Kart World* recently revealed a surprising new playable character—the beloved Moo Moo Meadows Cow, previously just a background staple in one of the franchise’s most iconic tracks. Her promotion to full racer status sent fans into a joyful frenzy, spawning countless memes and fan art celebrating the adorable bovine breakout star.
But amid the excitement, a philosophical dilemma emerged. In the *Mario Kart World* Nintendo Direct trailer, Mario is seen munching on a burger. Given that burgers are typically made from beef—and cows are, well, cows—fans were quick to ask: would Cow eat a beef burger? Is it cannibalism in the Mushroom Kingdom? Does it even matter in a world where Yoshis eat apples and Wario runs a garlic farm?
At the preview event, we got our answer. Food plays a new role in *Mario Kart World* through Yoshi’s Diner, a series of drive-thru-style takeout spots scattered across the tracks. Racers can pull up just like at an item box and drive away with a bag of food. Options include burgers, steak kebabs, pizza, donuts, and more. 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 our hands-on session, we watched Cow chow down on multiple items, including a burger. Interestingly, while other racers change costumes or get visual buffs when eating, Cow shows no apparent reaction. So what’s going on? Does she gain a hidden stat boost? Is this purely for flavor and fun? Or could these be plant-based patties—veggie burgers and Beyond Meat kebabs—safely enjoyed without ethical dilemmas?
We reached out to Nintendo for clarification, but haven’t heard back—likely because they’re deep in event mode, not because our question was too bizarre. Probably.
For now, one thing’s certain: Cow eats steak, and the internet will never be the same. Be sure to check out our full *Mario Kart World* preview, including a special appearance by Cow herself, in the video below.
