The answer is: Locusts and honey

Matt 3:4 - Locusts were a clean food under the Levitical law and living in the desert, he couldn't afford to pass them up.

John the Baptist’s diet of locusts and honey is quite fascinating when we consider the cultural and agricultural context of his time. While many people might recoil at the thought of eating insects, locusts were not only permissible as clean food according to the Levitical laws in Leviticus 11, but they also served as a practical meal for someone living in the harsh environment of the Judean wilderness. This diet symbolizes more than mere sustenance; it reflects John's ascetic way of life and commitment to his spiritual calling.

The choice of honey adds a sweet contrast to the rugged, desert-dwelling life. Honey was valued for its natural sweetness and preserved with ease, often seen as a symbol of God's goodness. It brings to mind passages from Psalms and Proverbs resembling "the land flowing with milk and honey," representing abundance and divine blessing. Interestingly, honey was one of the few widely available sources of natural sugar during biblical times, widely appreciated for its nutritional properties.

John’s diet also mirrors a popular theme in religious narratives about simplicity. The ruggedness reflects the urgency of his message—the need for repentance and preparation for the coming of a significant figure, interpreted by many as a call to spiritual renewal. His lifestyle resonates with the prophetic tradition, marking him as a spiritual voice in stark contrast to the opulence and corruption often depicted in the establishment of his day. What does this connection between John's simple life and spiritual depth say about the values of a life dedicated to purpose? It reminds us that sometimes, the most profound truths come from the simplest of paths.