Top 31 Foods That Start With O

Have you seen all the foods out there that start with the letter O? The list is longer than you think and will pleasantly surprise you. Take a look and start planning for your next shopping trip!

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

Condiments, Spices, and Additives

#1. Olive Oil

As the name suggests, this fat comes from olive trees usually found in the Mediterranean. Olive oil is common across the world, particularly because it contains essential fatty acids and is healthier.

Unlike other oils, however, olive oil can’t withstand high temperatures and has a low smoke point.

See More: Olive Oil Shelf Life

#2. Onion Powder

Onion powder is a condiment that contains dehydrated ground onions and sometimes salt. This seasoning is part of the preparation of many dishes, including pizza, pasta, grilled chicken, and meat. Unlike onion salt, onion powder contains more onions and less sodium.

See More: Onion Powder Substitutes

#3. Oregano

Oregano is a member of the mint family, and it has a peppery, citrus flavor. This spice is common in Greek, Spanish, and Latin American cuisines. You can also find oregano in herb mixes and tomato sauces.

See More: Oregano Alternatives

#4. Oyster Sauce

If you like Asian food, then you may know oyster sauce very well. This condiment is made from cooked oyster juice, salt, sugar, and sometimes soy sauce. Oyster sauce adds umami, sweetness, and salt to many dishes, including soups, stir-fry, and noodles.

See More: Oyster Sauce Replacements

Fruits and Vegetables

#5. Oil Palm Fruit

Oil palm fruit is a fruit native to Africa and essential in the production of palm oil. This fruit has a hard shell and is red with black at the bottom. Palm oil is also a good source of vitamin A.

#6. Olallieberry

This fruit is a mix between black logan and youngberry from the United States. This fruit was originally from Oregon, but it is now mostly grown in California. Olallieberry has a sweet and tart flavor that resembles blackberries and plums.

#7. Orangelo

Orangelo is a hybrid between an orange and grapefruit. This fruit appeared spontaneously in Puerto Rico but is now cultivated for its flavor. Orangelo tastes mild, with just a bit of acid and bitterness.

#8. Orange

Orange is a citrus fruit also known as sweet orange that is a hybrid between the pomelo and mandarin. This fruit is originally from China, India, and Myanmar but is now available in tropical regions all over the world.

Oranges are a great source of vitamin C and fiber, and their flavor may vary from sweet to sour depending on their age.

See More: Can You Freeze Oranges?

#9. Oroblanco

Oroblanco is a citrus fruit that is a hybrid similar to a grapefruit. Unlike grapefruit, this fruit is very sweet, but the white membranes are very bitter. You can consume oroblanco like an orange by peeling them.

#10. Ortanique

An ortanique is a hybrid between a sweet orange and a tangerine. The aroma of this fruit is very citrusy, and the flavor is tart and only slightly sweet. This fruit only grows in the tropics, so you may not find it easily. 

#11. Otaheite Gooseberry

The Otaheite gooseberry is a fruit in the family Phyllanthaceae, but despite its name, it does not resemble a gooseberry. This fruit is native to Asia, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Otaheite gooseberry is a common ingredient in chutneys, candy, jelly, vinegar, and more.   

#12. Oregon Grape

The Oregon grape is not an actual grape but instead a berry. This fruit is extremely tart and high in vitamin C. You will likely see the Oregon grape roasted and in jelly and jam.

#13. Onion

Onion is a common vegetable from the Allium family that also includes garlic, scallion, and chives. Onions come in many varieties, such as yellow, red, and white. This vegetable is also a common ingredient across many regions and cuisines.

See More: Best Substitutes for Onion

#14. Okra

Okra is a green edible pod from Africa and South Asia. This vegetable has a sticky texture due to the amount of soluble fiber in it, so many people cook it along with acidic foods. In the United States, okra is a staple of Southern food and traditions.

#15. Ogonori

Ogonori is a red alga common in Japanese, Hawaiian, and Filipino cuisines. You may know this alga as red moss, a healthy food used in Irish and Jamaican traditions. Ogonori contains a high amount of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. 

#16. Orache

Orache is a vegetable, known as saltbush, is native to Africa and the Mediterranean. This vegetable is a distant relative of spinach, and it is high in vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and fiber.

Orache is a common feed for pasture animals, especially sheep and lamb.

#17. Olive

Olive is the fruit of the olive tree, and it is the main source for the production of olive oil. This vegetable is cultivated in many regions, including Spain, Greece, South America, South Africa, China, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States. 

There are various kinds of olives, but the most popular are black, green, semi-ripe, and stuffed olives.

See More: Do Olives Go Bad?

#18. Oat

Oat is a cereal grain that is commonly a breakfast food around the world. You may know the oats as oatmeal and in oat milk. Oats are a healthy food, high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and the ability to lower cholesterol.

#19. Orzo

Orzo, or risoni, is a type of pasta that is very short and comes in the shape of a grain of rice. This pasta is made with white flour but can sometimes be whole grain. Orzo is usually served alone as a side dish, in a salad, soup, or casserole.

Prepared Dishes

#20. Omelet

Omelet is a breakfast dish that consists of beaten eggs, butter or oil, and fried in a pan. This egg dish is commonly folded over vegetables, meat, or cheese. While it is popular in North America, the omelet is part of many cuisines, including French, Chinese, Indian, and Japanese.

#21. Obusuma

Also known as ugali, this is an African corn porridge. The corn is cooked in water or milk until it reaches a firm texture. Obusuma is similar to polenta from Italy or grits from the United States.    

#22. Ogbono

Ogbono is a soup from Nigeria that contains dry ogbono seeds, which give the soup a dark appearance. This soup also contains water and palm oil, but sometimes it also contains meat or fish. Ogbono soup is seasoned with chiles, onions, and fermented locust beans.  

#23. Owofibo

Owofibo is a Nigerian soup that consists of oil blended with tomatoes and palm oil. This soup is creamy and has a very distinct yellow-orange color. Owofibo is reserved for special occasions, particularly weddings.

#24. Ossobuco

Ossobuco is a specialty dish from the Lombard region of Italy. It consists of braised veal with vegetables, broth, and white wine. Ossobuco is traditionally served with polenta or risotto.   

#25. Oxtail

Oxtail with broad beans is a Jamaican stew that contains onions, garlic, ginger, chili, fava beans, cornstarch, and seasonings. This dish is usually slow-cooked but can also be prepared with a pressure cooker. Oxtail is usually served with potatoes and greens.     

#26. Oreos

Oreos are a commercial American sandwich cookie consisting of two chocolate-flavored wafers filled with sweet cream filling. This type of cookie is very popular, and it is now part of other foods, such as milkshakes, cheesecake, and pie.

Oreos come in various flavors these days, including vanilla, mint chocolate, peanut butter, and more.

Fish, Poultry, Meat, and Others

#27. Octopus

Octopus is a cephalopod with eight legs that are now prepared as a delicacy in many cuisines. In some Mediterranean dishes, the octopus is left to dry under the sun for many days. Octopus is often served grilled, sauteed, or raw.

#28. Oyster

Oyster is the term that refers to various types of salt-water mollusks. Many like to consume this food raw with sauce or garnish, but oysters can also be cooked. Oysters are a great source of vitamins and minerals, but they contain virtually no calories.

See More: Can You Freeze Oysters?

#29. Oaxaca Cheese

Oaxaca cheese comes from the Oaxaca region of Mexico, and it is a soft, white cheese that comes in the shape of a knot. This cheese is very salty, and it is often an ingredient in quesadillas, tacos, and ceviche. Oaxaca cheese is also great for melting and grilling.  

Cocktails and Beverages

#30. Oolong

Oolong is a traditional Chinese tea that often contains black and green tea leaves. This tea is partially oxidized, so it is considered a middle point between black and green tea.

Oolong tea is a great source of polyphenols, which are known to help reduce blood sugar levels and protect against oxidation.

#31. Oat Milk

Oat milk is non-dairy milk that is made from whole oat grains. This beverage has a creamy texture and comes in various flavors, including vanilla, coffee, and chocolate. Other commercial products, like coffee creamers and ice cream, may also contain oat milk as a dairy-free option.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Did you know all these options by the letter O? This list is long and comprehensive, so now you can pick what to try next time you go shopping. You will be surprised at how many things you can make with foods that start with the letter O.