Dame Mary Berry, the beloved chef and television personality, recently shared insights into her lifestyle and personal choices during an episode of the Lessons From Our Mothers podcast. Now 90 years old, Mary revealed that she strictly avoids one particular category of food: processed foods. “Absolutely definitely,” she emphasized, adding that she prefers shopping at farm shops where she can buy fresh, natural ingredients—even if the vegetables aren’t perfectly shaped. “I don’t mind knobbly vegetables,” she added warmly.
Mary described her approach to shopping as traditional and thoughtful. She frequents supermarkets and butchers, praising the latter not just for quality meat but also for the helpful advice they offer. Unlike many who follow food trends, Mary prefers to stick with what she knows and enjoys. “I don’t go with the trends,” she explained. For example, she’s not fond of kale, joking, “I used to give that to my pony.” Instead, she prefers other greens like cabbage and watercress, which she enthusiastically promotes.
Earlier this year, Mary celebrated a significant milestone—her 90th birthday. The occasion was marked with well wishes from fans and celebrities alike, including a heartfelt message from Prince William. During a segment on The One Show, the Prince of Wales called her a “national treasure” and jokingly wondered who was brave enough to bake her birthday cake, knowing the high standards she would hold it to. According to host Alex Jones, the royal message moved Mary to tears before the show even began.
Mary was also recently honored at the prestigious Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards with a special recognition. At the event, she asked the crowd to quiet down out of consideration for herself and others who may struggle with hearing. “Please do keep it very, very quiet,” she asked sincerely, noting how important it was for everyone to hear and appreciate the moment.
Beyond food, Mary also opened up about her long-lasting marriage to her husband Paul, whom she married in 1966. In an interview with Vogue, she highlighted the importance of mutual respect in their relationship. “Love, of course, but respect is so important,” she said. She also shared a glimpse into how they handle conflict: “We never raise our voices at each other… If I’m a bit miffed, I very often think, ‘Well, I’m not gonna say that right now.’ I’ll go to the greenhouse and do some cuttings.”
Through her candid reflections, Dame Mary Berry continues to inspire with her timeless wisdom, gracious presence, and enduring commitment to authenticity in all areas of life.