Top 40 Foods That Start With M

All I need sometimes is a little inspiration to get started with my cooking, but it can be hard to find one when you’re busy with life.

This list of top foods that start with M is a great way to mix things up and get new ideas flowing. You will want to include some of these foods as part of your repertoire from now on!

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

Condiments, Spices, and Additives

#1. Mayonnaise

Informally known as mayo, this condiment is a staple in many households, especially as a spread for sandwiches, fries, potato and egg salads, and more.

Mayonnaise is the product of mixing egg yolks, oil, and acid. For a healthier version, you may now find mayo made with olive oil to reduce trans-fats.

See More: Mayonnaise Substitutes

#2. Mango Chutney

Mango chutney is an Indian chutney usually prepared from unripe mangoes. This type of mango has a sour flavor and hard texture, so when cooked, it makes for a tangy sauce.

This type of chutney is served with chicken, lamb, or pork, in a cheeseboard, or sandwiches.

#3. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is made from the sap of the maple tree, which is boiled down into a thick consistency. Unlike other syrups, this one contains mostly water and the sweetness comes from the sap of the tree.

Maple syrup is native to North America, particularly in Canada where maple trees are common.

See More: Maple Syrup Alternatives

#4. Miso

Miso is a Japanese staple made from fermenting soybeans with salt and the fungus koji. This paste is used as a base for sauces, soups, broth, and noodles, and may also contain salt, barley, rice, and seaweed.

You can find miso anywhere these days, especially because it is a great source of vitamins and minerals.

See More: Miso Replacements

#5. Mignonette Sauce

A mignonette sauce is a condiment consisting of shallots, pepper, and vinegar. The word mignonette comes from French referring to a mix of peppercorns, cloves, and spices used to flavor liquids. Now, though, this sauce is mostly used with raw oysters and some seafood.

#6. Mustard

Mustard is a condiment made from the mustard seeds of the mustard plant. The paste is made by mixing vinegar, lemon juice, wine, or other liquids, salt, and spices that result in a dark yellow or brown color.

Mustard is a staple in certain foods, like hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and pretzels.

See More: Mustard Shelf Life

#7. Muhammara

Muhammara is a hot pepper dip from Syria, but that is now part of Turkish and Middle Eastern foods. This dip is made with dry or fresh peppers, walnuts, Aleppo pepper, olive oil, salt, lemon juice, garlic, and pomegranate molasses.

Muhammara is meant to be used as a spread with bread, on kebabs, fish, and grilled meat.

#8. Marmalade

You may have heard of jam or jelly, but marmalade is another fruit preserve that consists of the juice and peel of citrus fruits mixed with sugar. The most common flavors are orange, mandarin, grapefruit, lime, and other citrus fruits.

Marmalade is largely considered a breakfast spread for toast or baked goods, but can also be added to desserts.

#9. Murri

Also known as almori, this condiment comes from fermented barley flour.

Murri can be part of almost every dish in Middle Eastern cuisine, and it is often used as a replacement for sumac and salt. Since it has a strong umami flavor and glutamates, many consider it to be a close option to soy sauce.

Fruits and Vegetables

#10. Mango

Mango is an extremely popular fruit originally from India and Asia, but now available in various regions of the world.

Mangoes can be eaten raw, cooked, unripe, or ripe, but the flavors vary. Ripe mangoes are very sweet, and they tend to be used in desserts and fruit salads, while unripe mangoes are very sour.

#11. Melon

The word melon is used to describe the round fruit that has sweet flesh and pulp. You can find various kinds of melons, including winter melon, watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe. Depending on the variety, melons can be sweet, sour, and a bit aromatic.

#12. Mandarin

Also called mandarin orange, this is a small citrus fruit that resembles oranges from the outside. Unlike oranges, though, mandarins are sweeter and much less sour, so they are good in desserts, juices, and as a snack. Mandarins are also a good option for jelly, jam, or marmalade.

#13. Macadamia

Macadamia is the fruit of four species of trees native to Australia that now grow elsewhere in the world. These nuts are high in monounsaturated fats, and they are somewhat full of protein. 

However, macadamia nuts are expensive and can add calories quickly, so be careful with the amount you use.

#14. Mamoncillo

Known as Spanish lime in many countries, this fruit is more of a cross between a lychee and lime.

Mamoncillos are found in various regions of Central and South America, where they are eaten raw, in juices, desserts, and more. This small fruit is high in vitamins and minerals, so you should consider eating it even though it is hard to find.  

#15. Mangosteen

Also called purple mangosteen, this tropical evergreen fruit is native to Southeast Asia, but you can find it in other tropical regions of the world.

You can eat mangosteens fresh, cooked, canned, or frozen. In many countries, mangosteens are consumed raw as a snack, in salads, and sometimes even in juices.

#16. Mamey Sapote

The mamey sapote is a tree native to Cuba, Central America, and South America. Sapote has a soft flesh that is easy to cut through when the fruit is ready. This fruit is part of milkshakes, ice cream, fruit salads, and juices.

#17. Malabar Spinach

Despite its name, this plant is not actually in the spinach family, but it does look very similar to one.

Malabar spinach is common in Southeast Asia and Africa, where people consume it as an everyday vegetable. The flavor of this vegetable is somewhat lemony with after notes of pepper.

#18. Mushrooms

These days, mushrooms are a superfood for many, as they contain various vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. This fungus family contains various species of mushrooms, all of which are found in different habitats and bring different flavors.

Some common edible mushrooms are morel, shiitake, maitake, lion’s mane, oyster, or white button.

See More: Best Substitutes for Mushrooms

#19. Mung Bean

Mung beans are small, green beans that are part of the legume family in Southeast Asia. These beans are used in both savory and sweet dishes, as they are very versatile.

Mung beans contain high amounts of fiber, making them healthy for your digestion, protecting against antioxidants, and lowering cholesterol levels.

#20. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are related to kale, cabbage, and collard greens, and they get their name thanks to the peppery flavor they contain.

When you consume mustard greens raw, they are extremely bitter, so you can cook them with oil and acid to release other flavors. Mustard greens are a staple of some cuisines, particularly southern comfort food.

#21. Millet

Millet is a small, round grain especially important in Asian and African diets. Millet is considered a healthy grain thanks to its fiber content, which helps with digestion and lowering cholesterol. There are many kinds of millet grains, which include pearl, foxtail, white, or ragi.

Prepared Dishes

#22. Mashed Potatoes

This dish is prepared by mashing boiled potatoes into a paste along with milk, butter, salt, and other spices. Mashed potatoes are very popular during the holidays and as a side dish. You can find mashed potatoes pre-packaged these days, but making them at home is also very easy.   

#23. Minestrone

This thick Italian soup consists of vegetables, as well as rice or pasta, and it has a tomato base. Some common ingredients in minestrone are beans, onions, celery, carrots, and tomatoes. 

There are variations on this soup these days, but this is a traditional winter soup meant to be eaten as an appetizer.

#24. Marinara Sauce

If you are a fan of pasta, then you surely have heard of marinara sauce before. This sauce consists of tomatoes, garlic, herbs, olives, capers, and spices. Marinara can be used in pizza, pasta, meat, and more.

#25. Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a dish of ground meat combined with other ingredients and shaped into a loaf, which is then baked. This prepared dish is an American staple, and it is often considered a hearty, home-cooked meal.

Meatloaf is often served warm with mashed potatoes and green beans but can be served over pasta or rice too.

See More: Can You Freeze Meatloaf?

#26. Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is a traditional Neapolitan pizza made with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, salt, and olive oil. This pizza is often considered the best vegetarian one, as it doesn’t contain any meat, but it has the traditional pizza flavors.

Unlike other pizzas, this one is often simple and contains only a couple of toppings.

#27. Mongolian Beef

Mongolian beef is a Chinese dish consisting of sliced beef and onions, served with a special sauce. Mongolian sauce contains soy, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, among some. This dish is served with white rice, but can also be part of a stir-fry and noodles.

#28. Mac and Cheese

Also known as mac n cheese, this dish is simply cooked pasta, usually in an elbow shape, and topped with a creamy cheese sauce.

Commonly, the cheese used is cheddar, but you can use other kinds of cheese to make it tastier or healthier. Some new recipes incorporate other toppings, like breadcrumbs, bacon, or vegetables.

#29. Macaroni Salad

This American type of pasta salad is made with cooked elbow pasta, mayonnaise, and spices. Macaroni salad is usually served cold as a side dish for other foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and more.

Some people tend to add vegetables as well, including bell peppers, celery, onions, and carrots. 

#30. Moussaka

Moussaka is eggplant or potato-based dish common to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Sometimes, this dish will also contain ground meat, such as lamb or beef, along with tomatoes and other vegetables.

Most people think of moussaka as a vegetarian-style lasagna, but this is only because of the layering that goes into this dish.

Fish, Poultry, Meat, and Others

#31. Meatballs

A meatball is simply ground meat rolled into the shape of a ball, along with other ingredients, such as breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, butter, garlic, and spices.

Meatballs are considered to be native to Italy but are now popular everywhere. This type of meat dish is often served on top of pasta and with a tomato-based sauce.

#32. Mussels

Mussels are a type of bivalve mollusk found in freshwater, streams, and lakes, as well as saltwater oceans.

You will often find mussels as the main delicacy in French or Belgian restaurants, which tend to serve them cooked in a wine broth and with French fries to dip in. Mussels taste subtly of salt, but they should never be too chewy. 

#33. Monkfish

A monkfish looks like a frog and isn’t very pleasant-looking, but the tail is often considered a delicacy in cooking. The flavor of this tail is slightly sweet, mild, and a little dense. Most dishes that serve monkfish use an acidic sauce to accompany it.

#34. Mozzarella

Mozzarella cheese is a southern Italian cheese made from buffalo milk, but that will sometimes come from cow’s milk as well. This cheese is considered very fresh and has a high water content, which is why it is good to use when you need it to melt on top of pizza or pasta.

Mozzarella is also relatively high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthier choice. 

Cocktails and Beverages

#35. Mulled Wine

Sometimes also called spiced wine, this beverage is made with red wine, spices, sugar, and raisins. Mulled wine is considered a winter drink, and it is often served around the holidays. New recipes may include other fruits, like oranges and lemons.

#36. Mojito

Mojito is a very famous cocktail that contains white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda, and mint. This drink was first invented in Cuba but is now available everywhere in the world.

The flavor of mojito is so popular that many companies have created this scent for house products or sweeteners. 

#37. Martini

Martini is another very famous cocktail made with gin and vermouth and usually garnished with a stuffed olive or a lime wedge. This drink is served straight, though it is mixed with ice before serving.

You may recognize this drink from TV and movies, as it was always James Bond’s cocktail of choice.

#38. Milk

We all know milk and have had it before, but it is still worth mentioning in this list. This drink comes from the mammary glands of animals, most popularly cows, but it can also come from goats or sheep.

Drinking milk is essential for children to grow strong bones, but it can also be enjoyed by adults as a breakfast food, snack, or part of cooking.

#39. Milkshake

A milkshake is a drink consisting of milk, ice cream, and flavorings, like chocolate, strawberry, caramel sauce, or fruit syrup. This very sweet drink is considered a treat and is usually consumed as a snack or dessert.

Milkshakes are famous in some fast-food joints that can have hundreds of flavors.   

#40. Mead

Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water, sometimes fruits, grains, and flavoring. The majority of the sugar in this drink comes from honey, so it is considered relatively healthy, though it can be very strong.

Mead tastes like wine with a hint of spices and sweetness.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Now that you know all the foods by letter M, why not try one or two this week? This list will come in handy during those times when you need inspiration. Some of these foods are common in your life, while others will be brand new!