The Real Reason Dean Winchester Is Obsessed With Food In Supernatural

The Unscripted Obsession

While Dean’s constant snacking was a noticeable Supernatural character detail, it emerged entirely by accident on set. Some characters are meticulously scripted, while others come to life through collaboration and improvisation. Often actors will improvise a behavior or a line of dialogue while acting, and filmmakers will opt to keep the moment since it fits the character’s persona. Other times, actors have certain recurring motifs that they want to slip into all of their roles. This might explain why Tom Cruise has a running scene in almost all of his movies, while Brad Pitt is often seen eating on-screen.

Jared Padelecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester smiling while standing in the forest in Supernatural's final episode

The cast of the CW's Supernatural placed Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki at the helm as Dean and Sam Winchester, a pair of demon-hunting brothers who couldn’t have been more different. Both actors contributed to the mannerisms of their characters, with Padalecki ad-libbing a couple of one-liners throughout the show’s 15 seasons. Ackles was no slouch in this department either, with the actor realizing around season 2 that part of Dean’s comedic appeal was how afraid he was of the monsters the brothers often faced. According to Entertainment Weekly, this wasn't the only attribute of Dean’s that Ackles improvised either.

Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester eating a plate of bacon as Jared Padalecki as Sam frowns in Supernatural

In Supernatural season 1, episode 14, “Nightmare,” the moment Dean grabbed a sausage was improvised by Jensen Ackles. This led to the food obsession that became a major part of Dean's character — although, ironically, Ackles recalled that the sausages were disgusting. While they were edible, the prop sausages weren’t particularly appetizing because they weren't meant to be consumed. Still, this led the show’s writers to incorporate more scenes of Supernatural’s Dean Winchester eating whatever he could get his hands on, even in high-stakes situations. Per Ackles, the ad-lib “peeled back the layer of Dean’s affinity towards food.”

Jensen Ackles smiling as Dean Winchester in Supernatural

A Full-On Obsession

Over the years, this affinity for food became a full-on obsession as Dean proclaimed his love for pie, burgers, and beer. This made the contrast between Sam and Dean even more striking, as the former was rarely seen eating and almost never seen snacking. While Sam got his occasional moments of levity, Dean was the show’s heart; this was embodied in his big appetite. Dean’s penchant for goofing off and snacking with wild abandon made him a perfect foil for the more stoic, disciplined Sam. While not all of Supernatural’s mysteries were solved, the show did explain Dean’s appetite.

Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester looking at pie in the fridge in Supernatural

In Supernatural season 1, episode 18 “Something Wicked,” the show revealed that Dean gave Sam the last of their limited food supply when he was taking care of his little brother during their deprived childhood. While it is not uncommon for people who grew up with limited means to develop a deep appreciation for food later in life, this backstory makes Dean’s love of food an even more moving character attribute. Dean doesn’t snack simply because he is a big eater, but rather because his access to food was limited in his youth. Caring for his little brother meant that the Supernatural hero often went hungry.

Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester sitting at a table and eating a burger while talking on the phone in Supernatural

The Significance

Dean’s constant snacking may have seemed like a lighthearted character trait, but it held significant meaning in the context of his backstory and the dynamics of the Winchester brothers. It gave depth to Dean’s character, portraying him as a caring and selfless brother who put Sam’s well-being above his own needs. Additionally, it served as a stark contrast to Sam's more serious and disciplined persona, highlighting the complexity of their relationship. Dean’s food obsession became a defining aspect of his character, shaping his identity and adding layers of emotional depth to his portrayal.

Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles as Sam and Dean Winchester in suits in Supernatural