Top 46 Foods That Start With C

If you like trying new foods, then you should take a look at this list of foods that start with C. You will be surprised that this list is full of new things to try. Take a look and dive into all the possibilities!

Here is our list of fruits, vegetables, cooked food, and whole foods that begin with the letter C: 

Condiments, Spices, and Additives

#1. Chutney

A chutney is a type of condiment or sauce of Indian origin. Chutneys may contain tomatoes, peanuts, yogurt, pickled foods, and more. In Indian, however, the word chutney refers only to pickled preparations.

#2. Celery Salt

Celery salt is a seasoned salt made with ground celery seeds. This salt is often used as a seasoning in things like Caesar salad and drinks like the Bloody Mary. Celery salt is often added as well to commercial products to avoid spoilage.

See More: Celery Salt Substitutes

#3. Chimichurri

Chimichurri is an Argentinian and Uruguayan condiment used as both an ingredient in other foods and as a table-topping for meat. This uncooked sauce contains cilantro, parsley, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and red wine vinegar.

You can find both green and red chimichurri, and some other ingredients may be added as well. 

#4. Chicago-Style Relish

This type of sweet pickle relish is used on Chicago-style hot dogs. One specific characteristic of this relish is its neon green color, which is a result of the blue dye that is added. You may not be able to find this relish outside of Chicago or hot dog establishments. 

#5. Cocktail Sauce

Cocktail sauce is a cold or room temperature sauce that is served with seafood. The regular ingredients in this sauce are ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. In some other countries, such as Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy, the cocktail sauce contains mayonnaise.    

#6. Cream

A cream is a dairy product that consists of a high-fat layer of milk. This product is used in making ice cream, sauces, soups, stews, pudding, custard, and more.  The cream is often added to black coffee and coffee products. 

#7. Curry Ketchup

Also called Currygewürzketchup, this ketchup contains curry and is a spicy variant from the regular condiment. Curry ketchup is common in Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands. This sauce is the base for the popular dish currywurst in Germany.  

#8. Creole Mustard

Creole mustard is a common condiment in the Southeastern region of the United States, but most specifically Louisiana. This mustard is made with mustard seeds that are marinated in vinegar, horseradish, and other spices. 

Creole mustard is a common ingredient in po’boy sandwiches, sauces, dressings, and dips.   

#9. Crab Dip

Sometimes called Maryland crab dip, this is a thick and creamy dip prepared with cream cheese and lump crab meat. Some variations of this famous dip may also include mayonnaise and this dip is served hot. Crab dip is a popular appetizer served with bread or crackers. 

#10. Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds are very aromatic and have a distinct mild anise flavor. These seeds are common in bread, coleslaw, cheese, pork roast, and cakes. Caraway seeds are often added when brining and pickling foods.

See More: Caraway Seeds Alternatives

#11. Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice that comes as a pod, seeds, or ground form. There are various kinds of cardamom, including green, white, and black. Cardamom has a strong pungent and sweet flavor, with some hints of lemon.

See More: Cardamom Replacements

#12. Chili Powder

Chili powder is the dry version of one or more kinds of chili pepper. Chili powder is used in many cuisines, including Tex-Mex, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Mexican, Portuguese, and Thai. 

Some varieties of chilies used to make this powder are Aleppo, ancho, cayenne, chipotle, and jalapeno.

See More: Best Substitutes for Chili Powder

#13. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the spice that comes from the inner bark of many trees in the Cinnamomum family. This spice is used as a flavoring and aromatic agent in many foods, including beverages, desserts, and sauces. Cinnamon is a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food as well.

See More: Best Alternatives to Cinnamon

#14. Cloves

Cloves are a spice that is available in whole and ground form. You may know this spice if you like pumpkin pie. Cloves have a strong pungent flavor and warmth, which is why they are added to teas, cakes, soups, and rice.

See More: Best Replacements for Cloves

#15. Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is an unsweetened chocolate product used to flavor beverages and desserts. This powder is the result of removing the cocoa butter from the cacao beans during processing. 

The cocoa powder tastes like very intense chocolate and a bit bitter since it does not contain any sugar.

See More: Cocoa Powder Substitutes

#16. Coriander

Coriander is a herb or spice also called Chinese parsley or cilantro. The leaves and seeds are used in cooking. Coriander leaves tend to taste lemony, but some people have a genetic predisposition that makes the leaves taste like soap.

See More: Coriander Alternatives

#17. Cumin

Cumin is a spice made from dried seeds from the Cuminum cyminum plant. This spice is very common in Latin American, Middle Eastern, African, and Indian cuisines. Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor.

See More: Cumin Replacements

#18. Curry Powder

Curry powder is a combination of dried spices including ginger, garlic, and turmeric. This mix is essential in making the dish known as curry in Indian cuisine. Curry powder has been around since the 18th century and appears in many British cookbooks from that era.

See More: Best Substitutes for Curry Powder

#19. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a hot red pepper, usually between 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units. This pepper is used ground but may be added whole to some dishes. Commercial cayenne pepper may be a blend of different chili peppers.

See More: Best Alternatives to Cayenne Pepper

Fruits and Vegetables

#20. Cherry

The cherry is the fruit of many plants from the Prunus genus. The most popular types of cherries are the sweet cherry, wild cherry, and sour cherry. This fruit is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.    

#21. Cantaloupe

Also called rockmelon, sweet melon, or spanspek, this fruit is part of the Cucurbitaceae family. There are two types of cantaloupe, including European and North American. Most people consume this fruit raw, in desserts, and fruit salads.

See More: Can You Freeze Cantaloupe?

#22. Clementine

A clementine is a hybrid between the mandarin and sweet orange. This juicy fruit is easy to peel and is much sweeter than oranges. Clementines are a great source of vitamin C.   

#23. Cassava

Cassava is a root commonly called manioc, yuca, macaxeira, and mandioca. This starchy shrub is native to South America and is also an important nutrient source in Africa and Southeast Asia. Cassava flour has become popular in recent years as an alternative to wheat flour.     

#24. Cashew

Cashew is a nut that grows as the fruit from the cashew tree. The cashew is native to Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Cashews are a great source of vitamins and minerals, but some people experience a strong allergic reaction when eating this nut.  

#25. Cranberry

The term cranberry refers to the fruit of many evergreen shrubs. The United States, Canada, and Chile are the main producers of the world’s cranberries. Cranberries are commonly sold dried or as compote or jelly.        

#26. Carambola

Also called star fruit, the carambola is a fruit native to Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. Most people consume the fruit raw, in preserves, and compotes, but it is also used as a garnish. The carambola is not a flavorful fruit, so it is often a decoration in savory dishes.       

#27. Chickpea

The chickpea or garbanzo bean is a legume that is very high in protein. Chickpeas are essential in making hummus, chana masala, and falafel. This legume is a source of protein for vegetarians and vegans and is now a gluten-free alternative in flour and pasta.    

#28. Celery

Celery is a long, fibrous stalk with tapering leaves at the top. The seeds of this vegetable are often used in seasoning food. Celery is a common ingredient in soups, stews, and garnishing drinks like the Bloody Mary.

See More: Best Replacements for Celery

#29. Celtuce

Celtuce is a vegetable that is also called stem lettuce, celery lettuce, asparagus lettuce, or Chinese lettuce. This vegetable is used in salads, usually to add crunch in place of celery, carrots, or regular lettuce. Celtuce tastes nutty and slightly smoky. 

#30. Carrot

The carrot is a root vegetable that is usually orange but comes in purple, red, white, yellow, and black varieties. Carrots are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber. This vegetable is an antioxidant and promotes eye health. 

#31. Cauliflower

The cauliflower is one of several vegetables from the Brassica oleracea. While most people only eat the head of the vegetable, the leaves are also edible. Cauliflower comes in various colors, including white, purple, green, and orange.

See More: Can You Freeze Cauliflower?

#32. Cabbage

Cabbage is a leafy green, white, or purple vegetable. The cabbage is prepared by steaming, sauteing, stewing, braising, pickling, or fermenting. Cabbage contains a high amount of vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber.

See More: Freeze Cabbage

#33. Caper

Capers are the immature, unripe, green flower buds of the caper bush. This vegetable is cultivated in Spain, Italy, and Morocco. Capers are sold either brined or dried. 

Prepared Dishes

#34. Cioppino

Cioppino is a fish stew of Italian-American origin that contains clams, crab, mussels, shrimp, scallops, squid, and fish. This seafood stew contains white wine and fresh tomatoes. Cioppino is often served with toasted bread or French fries in new variations. 

#35. Casserole

A casserole is a dish prepared inside a baked deep dish. In the United States, a casserole contains meat or fish, vegetables, and a binder, such as flour. Most casseroles have cheese on top as well.   

#36. Challah

Challah is a bread of Jewish origin that is usually braided and consumed on special occasions. You can now find challah bread sold everywhere and used as a breakfast item. The word challah means a kind of loaf or cake in Biblical Hebrew. 

#37. Ciabatta

Ciabatta is an Italian white bread made with wheat flour, salt, water, yeast, and olive oil. This is the common bread used in the sandwich known as panini. This bread originated in the 80s in Italy but is now available around the world.    

#38. Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a cake that contains carrots mixed into the batter. Most carrot cake recipes include cream cheese frosting. In most cases, walnuts or pecans are also added.  

#39. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a green salad made with romaine lettuce and croutons. This salad has a dressing that contains lemon juice, olive oil, egg,  Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. 

New variations of this salad contain chicken or bacon.    

#40. Calzone

A calzone is an Italian oven-baked folded pizza, also known as a turnover. The typical calzone contains salted bread dough, salami, ham, or vegetables, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, or pecorino cheese. 

The calzone does not usually contain tomatoes, which differentiates it from stromboli. 

#41. Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a sweet dessert consisting of one or more layers. This dessert contains fresh, soft cheese, sugar, eggs, and sugar. The crust is usually made with graham crackers, pastry, or sponge cake.

See More: Can You Freeze Cheesecake?

Fish, Poultry, Meat, and Others

#42. Calamari

The word calamari is squid in Italian. In most countries, calamari refers to the battered and deep-fried dish served in restaurants and bars. Fried squid is also a common dish in Lebanese and Syrian cuisines.  

#43. Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is a relatively hard cheese that originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset. This is the most popular cheese in the United Kingdom, but it is common in North America too. Cheddar is a good source of protein and contains low fat compared to other types of cheese.   

#44. Chicken

Chicken refers to the domesticated chicken that we eat. Many dishes are made with this meat, which is referred to as poultry. Common dishes made with chicken include chicken nuggets, chicken parmigiana, and chicken pot pie.

See More: Freeze Chicken

Cocktails and Beverages

#45. Cappuccino

Cappuccino is an espresso-based drink originally from Italy. This beverage is made with steamed milk foam, but variations include non-dairy options. Sometimes cappuccinos are decorated with cinnamon or cocoa powder. 

#46. Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a white wine from the Burgundy wine region of France. This wine is produced in other countries, including England, the United States, and New Zealand. Chardonnay is also part of making sparkling wines, including champagne.    

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FAQs

Conclusion

I bet you didn’t imagine this list of foods that start with C would be this long! It is truly a comprehensive list of foods that you can start trying out today. Make sure you mix and match as well when experimenting in the kitchen.