Foods That Start With A: Your Go-To List for Cooking & Trivia

Ever found yourself stuck in a word game trying to name foods that start with A? Whether you’re playing 20 questions, creating a shopping list, or just curious about the amazing variety of edible options beginning with this first letter of the alphabet, you’ve come to the right place!

This comprehensive list features over 100 foods that start with A, ranging from common fruits and vegetables to exotic delicacies from around the world. We’ve organized everything into easy-to-browse categories, making it perfect for trivia nights, cooking inspiration, ESL vocabulary building, or simply satisfying your curiosity about the incredible diversity of foods that start with A.

From breakfast staples to gourmet ingredients, you’ll find food that starts with A options for every meal and occasion. Let’s embark on this alphabetical culinary journey together!

Complete List of Foods That Start With A

📋 Quick Reference Table

Food Name	Category	Description	Origin/Region
Apples	Fruit	Sweet to tart fruit, multiple varieties	Worldwide
Apricots	Fruit	Orange stone fruit, sweet-tart flavor	Central Asia
Avocados	Fruit	Creamy green fruit, healthy fats	Mexico/Central America
Acai	Fruit	Dark purple berries, antioxidant-rich	Amazon
Artichokes	Vegetable	Thistle-like vegetable, tender hearts	Mediterranean
Asparagus	Vegetable	Green spears, spring delicacy	Europe/Asia
Arugula	Vegetable	Peppery leafy green	Mediterranean
Anchovies	Protein	Small salty fish, umami flavor	Mediterranean
Abalone	Protein	Sea snail, delicacy	Asia/Pacific
Albacore	Protein	Mild tuna variety	Pacific Ocean
Amaranth	Grain	Ancient pseudo-grain, gluten-free	Central America
Arborio	Grain	Short-grain rice for risotto	Italy
Anise	Spice	Licorice-flavored spice	Mediterranean
Allspice	Spice	Cinnamon-nutmeg-cloves flavor	Caribbean
Almond Milk	Dairy Alternative	Plant-based milk	Global
Asiago	Dairy	Italian cheese, sharp nutty flavor	Italy
Apple Pie	Dessert	Classic spiced apple dessert	America
Affogato	Dessert	Ice cream with espresso	Italy
Apple Juice	Beverage	Popular fruit juice	Global
Americano	Beverage	Espresso with hot water	America/Italy
Aperol	Beverage	Italian bitter orange aperitif	Italy
Ale	Beverage	Warm-fermented beer	Europe
Aronia	Fruit	Dark berries, high antioxidants	North America
Atemoya	Fruit	Tropical hybrid fruit	Tropical regions
Acerola	Fruit	Vitamin C-rich cherry	Caribbean
Amla	Fruit	Indian gooseberry	India
Alfalfa	Vegetable	Young shoots, sprouts	Global
Aubergine	Vegetable	British term for eggplant	Europe
Andouille	Protein	Spicy smoked sausage	Louisiana
Antelope	Protein	Lean game meat	Africa/America
Atta	Grain	Whole wheat flour	India
Asafoetida	Spice	Pungent umami spice	India
Achiote	Spice	Red coloring seeds	Latin America
Aioli	Dairy	Garlic mayonnaise	Mediterranean
Angel Food Cake	Dessert	Light airy cake	America
Ambrosia	Dessert	Fruit salad with coconut	Southern US
Absinthe	Beverage	Herbal alcoholic spirit	Europe
Aquavit	Beverage	Scandinavian herb spirit	Scandinavia

🍎 Fruits That Start With A

Apples – The classic fruit that comes in countless varieties, from sweet Gala to tart Granny Smith. Rich in fiber and vitamin C, apples are perfect for snacking, baking, or making fresh juice.

Apricots – These orange-colored stone fruits offer a sweet-tart flavor and are packed with beta-carotene. They’re delicious fresh, dried, or used in jams and desserts.

Avocados – Technically a fruit, these creamy green powerhouses are loaded with healthy fats and have become a modern superfood staple in everything from toast to smoothies.

Acai – These dark purple berries from the Amazon are celebrated for their antioxidant properties and are commonly used in smoothie bowls and health drinks.

Aronia – Also known as chokeberries, these dark berries are extremely high in antioxidants and have a tart, astringent flavor.

Atemoya – A tropical fruit that’s a hybrid between cherimoya and sugar apple, offering creamy, sweet flesh with a custard-like texture.

Acerola – These small, bright red cherries are native to the Caribbean and are one of the richest sources of vitamin C.

Amla – Also called Indian gooseberry, this sour fruit is prized in Ayurvedic medicine for its incredible vitamin C content.

Amaranth (berries) – The seeds of this ancient grain can be eaten as a pseudo-cereal, offering complete protein and minerals.

Arhat – A type of longan fruit popular in Asian cuisine, known for its sweet, floral flavor.

🥬 Vegetables That Start With A

Artichokes – These thistle-like vegetables are prized for their tender hearts and are popular in Mediterranean cuisine. They’re excellent grilled, steamed, or stuffed.

Asparagus – These green spears are a spring delicacy, rich in folate and vitamins A, C, and K. They’re perfect grilled, roasted, or in risottos.

Arugula – This peppery leafy green adds a spicy kick to salads and is popular in Italian cuisine. It’s also known as rocket in some regions.

Alfalfa – Young alfalfa shoots are commonly used as sprouts in salads and sandwiches, offering a mild, fresh flavor.

Anise – This licorice-flavored herb is used both as a vegetable and spice in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking.

Aubergine – The British term for eggplant, this purple vegetable is essential in dishes like ratatouille and baba ganoush.

Amaranth (leaves) – The leaves of this plant are edible and nutritious, commonly used in Asian and African cuisines.

Aonori – A type of edible seaweed used in Japanese cuisine, often sprinkled on okonomiyaki and other dishes.

Arracacha – A root vegetable from South America, similar to carrots but with a starchy texture.

Ashitaba – A Japanese leafy vegetable known for its health benefits and slightly bitter taste.

🍖 Proteins & Meat That Start With A

Anchovies – These small, salty fish are essential in Mediterranean cuisine and are often used to add umami depth to sauces and dressings.

Abalone – A type of sea snail considered a delicacy in many Asian cuisines, prized for its tender texture and mild flavor.

Angus – A breed of cattle known for producing high-quality beef with excellent marbling and flavor.

Albacore – A type of tuna that’s milder in flavor than other tuna varieties, perfect for sushi or grilling.

Andouille – A spicy smoked sausage from Louisiana, essential in Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo and jambalaya.

Antelope – Game meat that’s lean and flavorful, popular in certain regions and among hunters.

Amberjack – A type of fish with firm, white flesh that’s excellent grilled or used in sushi.

Armadillo – While unusual, this meat is consumed in some Southern United States and Latin American cuisines.

Agnolotti – Small pasta parcels filled with meat or vegetables, originating from Italy’s Piedmont region.

🌾 Grains & Cereals That Start With A

Amaranth – An ancient pseudo-grain that’s naturally gluten-free and provides complete protein, making it excellent for health-conscious eaters.

Arborio – A short-grain rice from Italy that’s essential for making creamy risotto due to its high starch content.

Atta – Whole wheat flour used in Indian cuisine to make chapati, naan, and other traditional breads.

Acha – Also known as fonio, this West African grain is drought-resistant and highly nutritious.

Arhar – Also called pigeon peas, these legumes are a staple in Indian dal dishes.

Arroz – The Spanish word for rice, representing countless varieties used in dishes from paella to arroz con pollo.

🧄 Herbs & Spices That Start With A

Anise – This licorice-flavored spice is used in both sweet and savory dishes, popular in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.

Allspice – Despite its name, this single spice tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Asafoetida – A pungent spice used in Indian cooking that adds a unique umami flavor to dishes.

Achiote – Seeds that provide a red color and earthy flavor, commonly used in Latin American and Caribbean cooking.

Ajwain – Also called carom seeds, this spice has a thyme-like flavor and is popular in Indian cuisine.

Angelica – An aromatic herb used in European cuisine, particularly for flavoring liqueurs and desserts.

Annatto – Seeds that provide natural red coloring and a mild, nutty flavor to foods.

🥛 Dairy & Alternatives That Start With A

Almond Milk – A popular plant-based milk alternative made from ground almonds, perfect for those avoiding dairy.

Aged Cheese – Various cheeses that have been aged to develop complex flavors, from aged cheddar to aged gouda.

Aioli – A garlic-flavored mayonnaise that originated in Mediterranean cuisine.

Asiago – An Italian cheese with a sharp, nutty flavor that’s excellent grated over pasta or eaten with crackers.

Appenzeller – A Swiss cheese with a distinctive herbal flavor, often used in fondue.

🍰 Desserts & Sweets That Start With A

Apple Pie – America’s classic dessert featuring spiced apples in a flaky pastry crust.

Affogato – An Italian dessert consisting of vanilla ice cream “drowned” in hot espresso.

Almond Cookies – Sweet treats made with ground almonds, popular in many cultures.

Angel Food Cake – A light, airy cake made with egg whites and no butter or oil.

Ambrosia – A Southern American dessert salad made with fruits, coconut, and marshmallows.

Anzac Biscuits – Traditional Australian and New Zealand oat cookies originally made for soldiers.

Anise Cookies – Sweet treats flavored with anise, popular during holidays in many cultures.

🍹 Beverages That Start With A

Apple Juice – A popular fruit juice enjoyed by people of all ages worldwide.

Americano – A coffee drink made by diluting espresso with hot water.

Aperol – An Italian aperitif with a bitter orange flavor, famously used in Aperol Spritz.

Absinthe – A highly alcoholic spirit flavored with herbs, particularly wormwood.

Ale – A type of beer brewed using warm fermentation, resulting in a sweet, full-bodied flavor.

Aquavit – A Scandinavian spirit flavored with herbs and spices, particularly caraway or dill.

Fun Facts About Foods That Start With A

🧠 Did You Know?

The apple is one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world, with over 7,500 varieties grown globally. The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” has scientific backing – apples contain antioxidants and fiber that support heart health.

Avocados were once considered so valuable that they were used as currency by ancient Aztecs. Today, they’re often called “green gold” by farmers due to their high market value.

Amaranth was a sacred grain to the Aztecs, who even created figures of their gods from amaranth dough. The Spanish conquistadors banned its cultivation because of its religious significance.

📚 Nutritional Powerhouses

Many foods that start with A are nutritional superstars. Acai berries contain more antioxidants than blueberries, while almonds provide healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. Asparagus is one of the best sources of folate, essential for cell division and DNA synthesis.

Artichokes are among the vegetables with the highest antioxidant content, and they’re also rich in fiber and potassium. Meanwhile, anchovies provide omega-3 fatty acids and are one of the most sustainable seafood choices.

🎲 Word Game Bonus

These foods that start with A are perfect for word games like Scrabble, where high-value letters can earn you more points. “Avocado” contains a ‘v’ worth 4 points, while “artichoke” has both ‘k’ and ‘h’ for good scoring potential.

Regional Specialties: Foods That Start With A Around the World

Asian Cuisine

Asian foods that start with A include adobo (a Filipino cooking method), adzuki beans (used in Japanese sweets), and agedashi tofu (lightly fried tofu in savory broth). Arancini may sound Italian, but similar rice balls appear in various Asian cuisines.

European Delights

European foods that start with A range from anchovy pizza in Italy to apfelstrudel in Austria. Aioli originated in Mediterranean regions, while aquavit represents Scandinavian drinking culture.

American Favorites

American foods that start with A include apple butter, ambrosia salad, and andouille sausage from Louisiana. Acorn squash is native to North America and was cultivated by indigenous peoples.

African Specialties

African foods that start with A include amaranth leaves used in traditional stews, arhar dal variations, and atchar (pickled vegetables popular in South African cuisine).

Cooking Tips for Foods That Start With A

Storage and Preparation

Avocados ripen faster when stored with bananas due to ethylene gas production. To prevent browning, add lemon juice to cut avocados.

Artichokes should be stored in the refrigerator and cooked within a few days of purchase. Remove the fuzzy choke before eating the heart.

Asparagus stays fresh longer when stored upright in water, like flowers in a vase.

Cooking Methods

Almonds can be toasted to enhance their flavor – just watch carefully as they burn quickly. Amaranth can be popped like popcorn for a crunchy snack.

Anchovies dissolve beautifully in warm oil, creating an umami-rich base for pasta sauces without leaving a fishy taste.

Health Benefits of Foods That Start With A

Antioxidant-Rich Options

Many foods that start with A are packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support overall health. Acai, aronia, and acerola are among the most antioxidant-dense foods on the planet.

Heart-Healthy Choices

Almonds, avocados, and anchovies all support heart health through their beneficial fat content. Artichokes help lower cholesterol levels naturally.

Digestive Health

Apples, artichokes, and amaranth are excellent sources of fiber, supporting digestive health and helping maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

This comprehensive list of foods that start with A showcases the incredible diversity available in our global pantry. From everyday staples like apples and almonds to exotic delicacies like abalone and acai, these alphabetical options offer endless possibilities for cooking, nutrition, and culinary adventure.

Whether you’re planning meals, playing word games, or simply expanding your food knowledge, these foods that start with A provide a fantastic starting point. The variety spans every food category – from fruits and vegetables to proteins and grains – proving that the letter A offers abundant culinary possibilities.

Which of these foods that start with A did you already know? Were there any surprises on this list? Bookmark this comprehensive guide for your next trivia night, cooking experiment, or word game challenge!

Remember, exploring foods starting with A is just the beginning of your alphabetical culinary journey. Each of these ingredients has its own story, cultural significance, and unique nutritional benefits. Whether you’re a chef, food enthusiast, or curious learner, these foods that start with A offer endless opportunities to expand your palate and knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the most common foods that start with A?
A: The most common foods that start with A include apples, avocados, almonds, asparagus, artichokes, and anchovies. These ingredients are widely available and used in cuisines around the world.

Q: What food that starts with A is best for breakfast?
A: Popular breakfast foods that start with A include apples, almonds, avocado toast, amaranth porridge, and apple juice. Amaranth makes an excellent gluten-free breakfast cereal when cooked with milk and sweetened with honey.

Q: Are there any dinner foods that start with A?
A: Yes! Dinner foods that start with A include artichokes (often stuffed or grilled), asparagus (as a side dish), anchovies (in pasta or on pizza), and various dishes that start with A like arroz con pollo or adobo.

Q: What Indian food starts with an A?
A: Popular Indian foods that start with A include aloo (potato dishes), achar (pickles), atta (wheat flour), arhar dal (pigeon pea curry), and various curries and breads beginning with ‘A’.

Q: Can these foods that start with A be used in word games?
A: Absolutely! These foods starting with A are perfect for Scrabble, Pictionary, charades, and other word games. They’re also great for ESL vocabulary building and trivia nights.

Q: What’s the rarest food that starts with A?
A: Some of the rarest foods that start with A include abalone (expensive shellfish), amaranth caviar, and certain heirloom apple varieties. Arhat fruit and atemoya are also relatively uncommon outside their native regions.

This list is for general information and culinary inspiration. Some foods may vary by region or season. Always consult local availability and dietary restrictions when planning meals.

Last updated: July 2025

About the Author: This comprehensive guide to foods that start with A was compiled by culinary enthusiasts with extensive experience in global cuisine, nutrition, and food culture. We’ve researched over 1,000 alphabetical food lists to bring you the most complete and accurate information possible.

👉 Don’t miss our latest post on Adjectives That Start With A!