There are so many amazing foods that start with the letter A, it’s hard to figure out where to even begin!
We could talk about apples and almonds, but those are too easy.
And how about artichoke? They’re a favorite for salads and appetizers. But there’s also avocados and apricot- both of which start with “A.” And don’t forget acai! It’s one of our favorites because it makes amazing smoothies! There’s Aloe, Arugula…and more! There are so many more great foods that start with A, but I’m getting hungry just keeping them all straight in my head. Let’s see the list below.
Contents
Foods That Start With A
Apples
Apples are a delicious fruit and come in many different varieties. The list includes Fuji, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Rome, and Granny Smith. Apples are a great snack and can form the base for many different desserts and snacks like apple pie, apple sauce, and apple juice.
Almonds
Almonds are a popular snack and can even be bought flavored with honey or barbecue flavors. They are crunchy and delicious on their own or can be used in baking desserts like almond-flavored cake. Almond flour is another variety of almonds; it is often made by grinding whole almonds into a powder. It has many uses, including the replacement of wheat flour in some baked goods that do not require rising agents like yeast or baking soda.
Artichoke
Artichoke is a vegetable that looks similar to a thistle. Its edible portion is the flower bud. Artichokes are often cooked in boiling water then marinated in oil, lemon juice or vinegar. They can be eaten whole or added to salads, soups, and stews.
Avocados
Avocado is a green, pear-shaped fruit. It has a rich flavor and can be used in many different recipes including guacamole, pesto sauce, and even in smoothies. Avocados are also high in healthy fats.
Apricot
Apricots are a delicious fruit you can eat fresh or dried. Dried apricots have a chewy texture and contain more sugar than fresh apricots, but they’re great in trail mix, granola bars, and other baked goods.
Acai
Acai berries are a berry that is native to the Amazon rainforest. Acai powder can be added to smoothies or other drinks, but it also makes a great frozen dessert when mixed with milk and sugar.
Aloe
Aloe vera has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as “the plant of immortality.” You can eat it fresh in fruit salads or slice off a piece and add it to your tea. Aloe vera juice is also popular, which you can drink on its own or mix with other fruit juices.
Arugula
Arugula is a green leafy vegetable that has a peppery flavor. It is often used in salads or sandwiches, but can also be sautéed and served as part of an entree. For those who don’t like its bitter flavor, arugula can also be blanched before sautéing.
Acerola
Acerola is a red fruit-like berry that can be eaten to harbor vitamin C and other vital nutrients. The fruit has a tart flavor and is often blended with other fruits like papaya to make a healthy juice.
Ackee
Ackee is native to West Africa, but it also grows in other tropical areas. It’s a popular snack food in the Caribbean and sometimes served with saltfish. The taste is similar to scrambled eggs and has a subtle tartness. It’s often served with breadfruit and boiled yams on the side.
Alfalfa sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts are a popular addition to sandwiches and burgers. They have a mild flavor that is similar to radish sprouts but with a hint of citrus. They are usually served raw, but if you prefer them cooked, they are great in stir fry dishes.
Allspice
Allspice has a nice flavor that is similar to cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s often used to season meats like ham and beef and is a traditional ingredient in so many Jamaican recipes.
Anchovies
Anchovies are a type of small fish that is often used as an ingredient in salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. One popular dish that uses anchovies is puttanesca, which includes tomatoes, capers, olives, and anchovies. Anchovies are also used to make a sauce called remoulade.
Andean tubers
Andean tubers are varieties of potatoes that thrive in the Andes Mountains. They came about due to a lack of genetic variation and can be divided into many different categories such as yellow, purple, and red.
Ajwain seeds
Ajwain seeds are a relatively rare spice that is usually used in Indian cooking. They can be found on the dark seed coat of an herb known as Bishop’s Weed. The seeds are similar in appearance to celery seeds, though they may be distinguished by their strong thyme-like aroma.
Annatto
Annatto is a reddish-orange spice that has been used as a food dye and as a seasoning for foods such as rice, soups, and curries. It is also used in many cosmetic products due to its nutrient content, especially vitamins A and E.
Algaroba beans
Algaroba beans are a staple food source in some parts of South America. They are similar to peanuts and contain vitamin C, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and phosphorus.
Amaranth
Amaranth is a seed that has been used in cooking for centuries and was originally cultivated by Mesoamerican civilizations. The seeds can be ground into flour and the leaves can be used like spinach in salads or cooking.
Apple cider
Apple cider is the liquid that comes from pressing apples. It can be served on its own or added to cocktails and other mixed drinks. Apple cider is also used in the preparation of many desserts, such as pies and tarts.
Arrowroot
Arrowroot is a type of starch that comes from the root of a plant. It has many uses in baking, especially in gluten-free baking. It can be used in place of corn starch, potato starch, and even white flour to thicken sauces and other liquids. For best results, arrowroot flour should be mixed with a cold liquid like water, fruit juice, or milk before adding it to the hot mixture.
Asian pear
Asian pears are an oblong, green fruit that is crunchy and tastes very sweet. They are often used in salads because they are tasty and easy to eat. You can also serve them as a side dish with your meals.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a spring veggie that comes in many colors and sizes. The tips of the asparagus tend to be more tender than the base, so they are often cut off and discarded before cooking. The stalks can be boiled or roasted; both methods create a sweet flavor that is best served with a bit of salt and butter.
Aubergine
Aubergines are purple vegetables that can be cooked and turned into a delicious, rich sauce called “ratatouille.” To cook aubergine, cut the vegetable into slices and bake it in the oven for 20 minutes. Once it is tender, remove some of the aubergine seeds and mix it with some garlic, onion, tomatoes, eggplant, green pepper, olive oil, thyme, and salt. Bake for another 30 minutes. Yum!
Asian Greens
Asian greens are a favorite of many people because they’re tender, delicious, and healthy. They come in many varieties that include Chinese cabbage, bok choi, and several types of choy. You can eat them raw or cooked in a variety of dishes.
Aonori
Aonori is a seaweed that is commonly dried and crumbled to make dashi, or broth. It can also be used as a garnish or topping to flavor things like salads, rice balls, seaweed salad, and pizza.
Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a common winter squash. Acorn squash has hard skin and the flesh inside is usually orange or yellow. It can be roasted and eaten as a main dish or pureed for use as a side to other dishes.
Anchovy pear
Anchovy pears are a delicacy and are considered to be the highest-quality anchovies on Earth. Encrusted in salt on the outside, they can range from ripe and salty all the way to slightly bitter like green olives.
Achacha
Achacha is a delicious fruit that comes from the Andes mountain region. It has a sweet flavor that can be compared to pineapple, mango, watermelon, guava, and coconut combined.
Amanatsu
Amanatsu is a very sweet and tasty citrus fruit. It can be eaten as is or squeezed into juice or cocktails. The fruit itself contains no seeds or pits, so it’s very easy to eat!
Agave Syrup
Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that is derived from the agave plant. It has become popular in recent years, and some people even use it as a substitute for sugar when baking. Agave syrup can be used in any recipe where you would like to add sweetness; one tablespoon of agave syrup contains about 60 calories, while one tablespoon of sugar contains 48 calories.
Adzuki beans
Adzuki beans are small red legumes that come from Asia. They can be grown in both hot and temperate climates, and they contain B vitamins as well as minerals like iron. Adzuki beans are often used to make bean paste desserts, but they can be cooked whole or mashed to form the basis of many dishes.
Anise Seed
Anise seed comes from the anise plant and is often used as a licorice or black jelly bean alternative. It has a strong flavor so it is usually not eaten alone but used in small doses to add flavor to baked goods, candies, and even teas.
Ashcake
Ashcakes are a regional food that is especially popular in Appalachia. Traditionally, ashcakes are cooked on the sides of a fire so there is no need for an oven or baking pan. They are made by cooking cornbread batter in cast-iron skillets directly over coals so the bread cooks quickly and takes on a crisp exterior with a soft, moist interior.
Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo sauce is a type of sauce made with cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. It is commonly used as a pasta sauce, but can also be used for other dishes like chicken or vegetables.
Agrodolce Sauce
Agrodolce sauce is a sweet and sour sauce originating in Sicily. The name “agro” means sour, while “dolce” means sweet, so the literal translation of this food would be “sour-sweet”. It often has raisins and pine nuts added, which makes it even more delicious.
Allemande Sauce
Allemande is a type of sauce with origins in France. It has many variations but is often made with velouté sauce, egg yolks, cream, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Antipasto
Antipasto is Italian for “before the pasta.” It usually consists of meats like salami, pepperoni, and ham mixed with vegetables like carrots, broccoli, olives, tomatoes, and onions. The ingredients are served cold along with bread or crackers.
Asida
Asida is a delicious drink made from the pulp of the Cadamba tree fruit. The pulp is strained and then mixed with water and sugar, and is often described as having a flavor similar to grape or apple juice.
American Cheese
American cheese, also known as processed cheese or just “cheese food” is a type of mild cheddar that is made using emulsifiers to give it its unique taste and meltable qualities.
Adai
Adai is a pancake-like dish from India, made from lentils and rice. It is often served with side dishes like onion or potato curry. It is a great choice for breakfast or an appetizer.
Applesauce
Applesauce is a soft spread made of cooked, blended apples. It is usually sweetened with some sugar and spiced with cinnamon. Applesauce can be eaten on its own or used as an addition to baked goods- it adds moisture without changing the texture.
Appam
Appam is a type of pancake that is popular in India. It is usually served with coconut milk and bananas, although it can also be eaten plain for breakfast. It is usually cooked in a small wok and has an elastic texture.
Asian Noodles
Asian noodles are a type of pasta that comes in many shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are often made from rice or other alternative bases instead of the traditional wheat flour. Some popular Asian noodle types include cellophane noodles, glass noodles, udon noodles, ramen noodles, rice vermicelli, lo mein noodles, and rice noodles.
Aloco
Aloco is the brand name of the aloe vera plant, which is used to make aloe juice and aloe pulp. Aloco plants are often grown in farms and bought at grocery stores or online for people who want to use them at home. They can be eaten on their own, made into juices, or ground up and added to food.
Ambuyat
Ambuyat is a dish from Malaysia and Brunei that has a texture similar to tapioca. It’s made from the pith of the sago palm, but it’s usually cooked in a spicy broth with meat until it becomes thick and chewy.
Arborio Rice
Arborio rice is a long-grain Italian rice that is often used in risotto. It has a higher starch content than other varieties of rice, which allows it to absorb more liquid and thicken when cooked. The final product has a soft texture and chewy consistency.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a traditional Indian dish that consists of potatoes and cauliflower cooked in curry sauce. It’s popular throughout India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, but each region has its own special recipe for this potato side-dish. Akara
Akara
Akara is a popular Nigerian dish made of ground black-eyed peas formed into patties and fried or baked. It can be eaten as an appetizer, but it’s also great as a side dish with rice and stew for dinner.
Alphabet Soup
Alphabet soup is a type of broth-style soup with pasta in it. It’s typically made from chicken broth and most often contains small pasta shaped like the letters of the alphabet, hence its name! Alphabet soup can also contain carrots, celery, onion, or garlic.
Ahi Tuna
Ahi tuna is a type of fish from the mackerel family. It’s most often served as sushi or sashimi and has a pink to dark red color with a bold, rich flavor. Ahi tuna can also be found as steaks or as poke- a Hawaiian dish consisting of raw cubed meat seasoned with soy sauce, roasted and ground chili pepper, green onions, or other spices.
Amok Trey
Amok trey is a Cambodian dish consisting of steamed fish, kroeung (an aromatic paste), and coconut milk. It’s often served with rice or boiled vegetables like cabbage, zucchini, eggplant, or cucumber. Fresh cilantro can be used as a garnish.
Abalone
Abalone is a type of shellfish typically served in Chinese cuisine. It can also be found in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese food. Abalone is known for having a strong taste that can be altered depending on how it’s cooked.
Angus Beef
Angus beef is a type of steak and can be found at most grocery stores and restaurants that serve beef. Angus beef has a higher content of marbling (intramuscular fat) than other types of meat, making it super tender and flavorful.
Abgoosht
Abgoosht is a Persian dish that consists of meat and vegetables in a soup base. It may be served with rice or on its own, sometimes with flatbread such as sangak or lavash.
Avgolemono Soup
Avgolemono (Greek: αυγολέμονο) is a traditional Greek soup that consists of chicken broth, egg yolks, and lemon or vinegar. The dish got its name from the process of adding the hot liquid to the eggs slowly so as not to cook them.
Aguachile
Aguachile is a Mexican dish consisting of the meat of a raw or cooked shrimp marinated in a sauce made from agave cactus, lime juice, and other ingredients.
Arroz con huevos
Arroz con huevos is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish that consists of rice mixed with hard-boiled eggs. It may be served plain or with various toppings like cheese, diced onions, cilantro, and hot sauce.
Albondigas
Albondigas is a Spanish word for meatballs. They can be found in many different countries, including Spain where they are often served with rice and eaten as a main course. In Mexico they are frequently served in soup or dipped alongside tortilla chips at parties and get-togethers.
Apaki
Apaki is a common dish in Hawaiian cuisine. It is made by cooking pork in luau leaves for several hours until they are extremely tender and can be eaten with ease. After this, the broth the meat was cooked in is combined with coconut milk to create a flavorful soup that can either be served as an appetizer or an entrée.
Asopao
Asopao is a Colombian dish that has rice, chicken or ham, and vegetables in it. It usually takes around 40 minutes to make but is delicious and filling. It is served with avocado on the side, which adds a creaminess to it, but also gives you healthy fats.
Apple Pie
Apple pie is considered to be an American dish, but actually has roots in both England and France. It was originally made with acidic apples because they were much easier to farm and ship. These days it can be made with tart or sweet apples. It is often topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but that is completely optional.
Abnabat
As an Arab delicacy, abnabat is a mixture of eggs and flour that are deep-fried. It is often eaten with honey or yogurt sauce. You may know it by another name, however- harees.
Amygdalopita
Amygdalopita is a unique Mediterranean pastry with a tart filling made from almonds and lemon. Desserts with almonds in the batter are common in many cultures. Greeks and Turks will often make a baked good similar to cheesecake but with almond flour or almond extract added to enhance the flavor.
Andagi
Andagi is a popular snack in the Philippines. It’s made with flour, eggs, sugar, and shortening deep-fried in oil. They are most often served with calamansi juice or chocolate syrup. You may also know them by another name- balut.
Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is a light and airy type of cake that uses only egg whites instead of yolks. It contains no butter or oil, but may use fat-free dairy products like milk and non-fat yogurt. The egg whites are whipped to create an extremely light texture that becomes flavorful after baking in the oven.
Anmitsu
Anmitsu is a Japanese-style dessert that consists of agar, fruit, and sweet bean jelly. The dish can be served hot or cold with many different fruits and flavors to choose from. It is often served as an appetizer at sushi bars because the sweetness helps prepare the mouth for more sour flavors of sushi.
Ale
Ale is an alcoholic beverage brewed from barley and other grains. It often has a bitter taste and is popular with people who enjoy more flavorful beers and ales than those that use milder ingredients like wheat or rice.
Appletini
An apple martini is a type of cocktail that contains vodka, sour mix, and granny smith apples. This drink has a green-apple flavor and will often be served in a martini glass with an apple garnish .
Albarino
Albarino is a white grape that grows in the wine-producing region of Rias Baixas located northwest of Spain. This grape produces many fruity wines that have hints of apple and pear flavors.
Atole
Atole is a traditional Mexican and Central American beverage that is typically made from masa harina and water. It can also be made with milk, chocolate, fruit, or honey depending on the desired flavor.
Americano
Americano is a style of iced coffee drink that is made from espresso and water. It is traditionally served with hot water on the side in order to dilute it into a weaker cup of coffee which is then mixed together before drinking.
Wrap Up
There are so many foods that start with the letter A, and we’ve barely scratched the surface! In fact, there are hundreds of foods that start with an “A.”
What do you think of this list? I know these lists are usually pretty random but they sure are fun to read. Would you like to see more lists like this- maybe starting with some other letter?
