Top 31 Foods That Start With A

If the routine is getting tiring, then why not try something different for once? Try searching for foods that start with the letter A, and you will see a whole new list of ingredients you hadn’t considered before. Let’s get cooking! 

List of Food Names that Begin With The Letter A

Here’s our list of fruits, vegetables, cooked food, and whole foods that begin with letter A:

Condiments, Spices, and Additives

#1. Agave Syrup

This natural sweetener comes from the agave plant, the same one that gives origin to tequila. Agave syrup is healthy because it has a low glycemic index, but you should be careful with reading labels and look out for additives. This sweetener is great for baking, but you will need to reduce the amount by about ¼ as it is much sweeter than sugar. 

#2. Allspice

If you like baking and Indian food, then you know allspice very well. Not to be confused with a blend of spices, allspice is the dry fruit of an evergreen tree. The flavor is similar to a combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper. Allspice is also great for digestion and inflammation, so add it to your repertoire if you need these healing properties. 

See more: Best Substitutes for Allspice

#3. Aioli

Most people consider aioli as mayonnaise with garlic, but it is a sauce originally from the Mediterranean that also contains olive oil, salt, and an acid. You can make this sauce at home easily, but enjoy it with some Spanish tapas or with a good piece of meat.

Some people consider aioli a high-fat food, but if you consume it in moderation it can also give you a good amount of omega 3 and 6. 

#4. Almond Butter

This is a paste from crushing almonds into a butter consistency, and it can be either smooth or crunchy depending on the level of grinding used. Almond butter is a much better alternative to other kinds of spreads, including peanut butter, because it contains a high amount of protein, omegas, vitamins, and minerals. Use almond butter as a breakfast food, for a boost of protein as a snack, or to thicken smoothies. 

#5. Aspartame

This artificial sweetener is virtually everywhere these days, especially in sugar-free or diet products. Aspartame is a non-saccharide sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar but with almost no calories. This sweetener gained a bad reputation a few years ago, but it has now been proven that aspartame is relatively safe and not cancerous. 

#6. Agar Agar

While many people know agar agar as a science tool, this is a gelatin that comes from seaweed. It is often a vegetarian alternative to gelatin that comes from animal bones and tendons. Keep in mind that agar agar won’t set in vinegar and foods high in oxalates, like spinach and rhubarb. 

#7. Anise

Also known as aniseed, this spice is part of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisines. The flavor is very much like licorice, and it is highly aromatic, but it is also a highly medicinal ingredient. Use anise in tea, baked goods, and curry dishes, and get anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. 

#8. Acetum

This is just another name for vinegar, which is a liquid solution of acetic acid and other chemicals. Acetum is part of preserving foods and can be part of cooking as well. Technically, there are many kinds of acetum out there. 

#9. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is just what it sounds like, a vinegar made from apple cider or apple juice. This vinegar is common in sauces, stews, and now it is even regarded as a healthy prebiotic food.

If you want to improve digestion, it can be a good idea to mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water and drink that every day. 

See more: How Long Does Apple Cider Vinegar Last?

#10. Applesauce

This is a puree that comes from stewed apples, which are often mixed with spices and sweetened. You can make applesauce at home, but it is also available everywhere. Applesauce is a good snack for those that want a boost of energy, and it is also good for when you have an upset stomach. 

See more: Can Applesauce Go Bad?

Fruits and Vegetables

#11. Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a plant that is often used grown as a cover crop or manure, but that is also highly nutritious. While it is not very common, you can find it in some salads or sandwiches, and it tastes a bit nutty and crunchy. As a tip, this sprout is too delicate for cooking, so eat it raw. 

#12. Artichoke

This flower-looking vegetable is hard to cook and eat, but very delicious. To eat it, discard the top leaves, suck on the inside leaves, and then eat the heart of the vegetable. To prepare artichokes, leave them in boiling water for about half an hour, and then serve warm. 

#13. Apple

Everyone knows apples, as they are common in every part of the world, and are a very popular fruit for desserts, sauces, and more. However, apples are also high in vitamins and minerals, and they are a good source of fiber.

Apples are also great for those suffering from indigestion, as they promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. 

#14. Arugula

Also called roquette, rocket, or rocola, this vegetable is now very popular in salads, pizza, and as a topping. The flavor is highly bitter and a bit peppery, but it goes well with other vegetables as it can absorb sauces and dressings. Arugula is also a great source of iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium. 

#15. Acorn Squash

This is a small yellow or orange squash that usually grows in the winter but is around year-round in some places. You can eat this vegetable grilled, sauteed, baked, or steamed. Acorn squash is a great source of vitamin A, and it can help fight off oxidative stress.  

#16. Apricot

This fruit is a relative of the peach and some people often confuse it with it. Apricots are very sweet and soft, so they are often used in jelly, preserves, and jam. As a fun fact, apricots are also very flavorful when grilled on a hot summer day. 

#17. Ananas

Ananas is just another way to call pineapples, which is a sweet fruit native to South America. This fruit is very high in fiber, so it is a good snack to have when you need a boost of sugar and want to be satisfied. Ananas is not just meant to be eaten on their own, they are often cooked in savory dishes in Mexican, Central American, and Thai cuisines. 

#18. Avocado

This fruit is now a very popular food due to its high omega 3 and 6 content, as well as vitamins and minerals. Avocados are very common in Latin American dishes, but they are also extremely versatile and can be made into dips, hummus, soups, drinks, and more. You can even use avocados for making face masks and body lotion. 

#19. Anjou Pear

Anjou pears are short and round fruits that are often considered as the “all-purpose” fruit. This fruit is very sweet, but also subtle, so it can be a good addition to cooking and can be great for baking pies and cakes. Some anjou pears are also red, which has a milder flavor and is rarer.

#20. Asparagus

This long and delicate green vegetable is common in many cuisines nowadays, but it is also a great source of fiber. While it is not advisable to eat them raw given how tough they are, asparagus can be cooked easily by boiling, blanching, grilling, or baking. Asparagus is low in calories but high in nutrients, like vitamins A, C, and K. 

#21 Aubergine 

Aubergine is just the French word for eggplant, the oval purple vegetable that you already know. This food is a great source of fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and copper, so it is a great nutrient to include in your diet. You can prepare eggplant by burning it on the stove and then peeling it, and while it may take a while, it results in delicious flavors. 

#22. Almond

Almonds are the edible seeds of the almond tree, they are native to the Middle East, but are now popular everywhere. This nut is high in protein, low in fat, and contains healthy essential fatty acids. You can eat them raw, but you can also grind them into butter, toast them, or blend them into nut milk. 

#23. Arborio Rice

This is the type of rice used in making risotto, so it is high in starch and very fluffy. This rice is meant to absorb lots of liquid and is often very creamy. You can mix arborio rice with tons of flavors, but it can taste very plain on its own. 

See more: Arborio Rice Alternatives

Prepared Dishes

#24. Antipasto

This is a mix of ingredients that are often served as the first course in an Italian meal. Antipasto consists of cured meats, olives, anchovies, artichokes, cheeses, pickles, and tomatoes, which are all usually covered in olive oil. If you want to impress your dinner guests, prepare antipasto as an appetizer or cocktail food. 

#25. Apple Pie

Everyone has heard of apple pie and probably enjoys having it on special occasions, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. This dessert is made of cooked apples and sugar, and it is covered with a pastry. While it is traditionally American and English, you can find this dessert everywhere these days. 

#26. Adobo

This word comes from the Spanish word adobar, which means marinade. It is a dish that includes vinegar, salt, paprika, and oregano, and meat or fish served with rice. You can use adobo as a starter for other sauces and dishes, or keep in the fridge for a quick seasoning every day. 

Fish, Poultry, Meat, and Others

#27. Albacore

This is a type of tuna, which is often sold in cans but may also be served fresh. This tuna is found everywhere and can reach up to 90 or more pounds. Albacore is a great source of omega 3, which makes it a very healthy food for your heart. 

#28. Aitchbone

This is the cut of beef taken from the rump area of the cow, and while not very common, it contains less fat. The aitchbone cut is best prepared in the oven or slow cooker, as it takes a while for it to soften. You may never come across this cut, but you can ask your butcher to get it for you. 

#29. Anchovy

This very small fish comes in a can and is often part of many dishes, including pizza, sauces, and salads. You may be a bit freaked out by the texture, but anchovies are healthy sources of omegas and protein. Keep in mind that anchovies are very salty, so you should always make sure you lower the salt in your dishes. 

Cocktails and Beverages

#30. Amontillado

Amontillado is a type of sherry from Spain. This is a fortified wine that is sweet and nutty and is often an aperitif or digestif. Drink amontillado alone or use it to cook meat dishes, sauces, and more. 

#31. Armagnac

This is a type of dry cognac that comes from the south of France. The flavor is sweet with notes of vanilla and caramel. Often, people have this drink as a dessert after dinner or for digestion. 

---

FAQs

Conclusion

If you need inspiration this week for dinnertime, then why not try this list of foods that start with A? You will find that some of these foods are very common, while others are not something you have tried before. Make sure to give them a try and change things up in the kitchen!