Foods that Start with the Letter “A”

Looking for a simple list of foods that all start with the letter “A”? We’ve got you covered! We rounded up over 20 different foods that all start with A. Check them all out!

1. Abalone

Abalone is a term used to describe several types of marine snails. These large shellfish have rich flavor that is buttery and salty.

2. Acai Berry

Acai berries are small, reddish-purple berry native to Central and South America. Their flavor is typically described as earthy, with flavor similar to a cross between blackberries and unsweetened chocolate. These berries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

3. Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a winter squash with yellow-orange flesh inside. When cooked, this squash has a sweet and nutty flavor that can be enhanced by adding brown sugar or maple syrup. 

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4. Adobo

Adobo is a sauce often used to marinade meats. It typically contains paprika, salt, oregano, garlic, and vinegar. This marinade originated in the Philippines, where Spanish invaders witnessed and adopted the practice, calling it “adobo.”

5. Agave

Agave is a succulent indigenous to the Americas. This plant is often used to make agave syrup, which is used as a sweetener. The syrup can be added to a variety of dishes, desserts, and drinks.

6. Aioli

Aioli is a sauce made with garlic, salt, and olive oil. It often also uses egg to create a sauce often used in northwest Mediterranean food. While it is not the same as mayonnaise, many American recipes may use flavored mayonnaise instead of aioli. However, aioli typically has a stronger garlic flavor.

7. Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts come from the alfalfa plant. Although the matured plant is not used for food because of its bitterness, the immature shoots are often harvested as a food source. Many steer clear of these sprouts because they are prone to carrying bacteria such as E. coli. 

8. Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is an Italian sauce often used on fettuccine noodles to create fettuccine Alfredo. The sauce combines butter and Parmesan cheese to create a rich flavor. Meats like chicken and shrimp may be added to this dish when served as an entrée. 

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9. Allspice

The dried berries of the Pimenta dioica are ground to create allspice, a spice used to flavor cuisines from around the world. It is commonly used in Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Latin American dishes. This spice has flavor notes similar to cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and nutmeg.

10. Almonds

The almond tree produces edible seeds which are commonly called “almonds.” Almonds are rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. While they often have a slightly bitter taste, both sweet and bitter varieties exist. If eaten in excess, these seeds may cause toxicity in the body. 

11. Ambrosia

Ambrosia is an American fruit salad made with fruit, miniature marshmallows, and coconut tossed in sour cream. This blend often contains pineapple (fresh or canned), canned mandarin slices or fresh orange sections, and other fruit. Many ambrosia recipes include maraschino cherries in addition to other fruit.

12. Americano

An Americano is an espresso drink made by combining espresso shots and hot water. By diluting the espresso shots with hot water, the drink is similar in strength to hot coffee. However, the flavor is different than regular coffee because of the espresso shots used. The strength of this beverage is determined by how many shots are used and how much water is used to dilute the mixture.

13. Anchovies

Anchovies are small fish with a rich, salty, fishy flavor. They can be eaten plain, added to crackers or pizza, or used to create sauces and dressings. Anchovies differ from Sardines, mainly in appearance. Anchovies have reddish-gray flesh while Sardines have white flesh and a lower jaw that sticks out slightly.

14. Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is a sponge cake made with egg whites, sugar, and flour. These ingredients are often combined with a whipping agent like cream of tartar or whipped cream. Angel food cake is often served with fruit and whipped cream.

15. Anise

Anise is a seed used to flavor food. This seed is indigenous to the eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. It has a scent and flavor similar to fennel and licorice. The strong-flavored seeds can be a polarizing flavor. People either love it or hate it.

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16. Apple

Apples are edible fruit found on apple trees. Worldwide, there are over 7,500 varieties of apples. Apples can have a variety of different flavors, depending on variety. They can be sweet, tart, sour, and even slightly bitter. Popular varieties include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Red Delicious.

17. Apricot

Apricots are small, sweet fruits that often have a golden-orange color. These fruits are tarter and less juicy than peaches. However, both fruits have large seeds or pits inside. Apricots can be eaten fresh, dehydrated, or prepared in a variety of dishes.

18. Artichoke

Artichokes come from a thistle that is often cultivated for the edible flower buds. The buds are harvested before blooming. The petals are peeled off and eaten either cooked or raw. Artichoke has a nutty, earthy flavor similar to Brussels sprouts or asparagus. Canned or jarred artichoke can be used in hot dishes or as a topping on pizza.

19. Arugula

Arugula is a leafy green known for its tart, earthy, bitter and peppery flavor. It is often used in salads or as a topping for sandwiches, although it can be used in a variety of cooked dishes. Its peppery taste can be fairly strong, making it great for adding flavor to pasta dishes, stir fries, pesto, and other dishes.

20. Asiago Cheese

Asiago cheese is made from cow’s milk. This cheese was originally made in Italy. Depending on the age of the cheese, asiago can have a smooth or crumbly texture. Because this cheese has a strong flavor, it works best as the only cheese in a dish. However, it also pairs well with Parmesan cheese.

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21. Asparagus

Asparagus is a flowering plant with edible shoots. Young shoots can be cooked with a variety of methods. They can be steamed, boiled, oven-roasted, or even eaten raw. This green vegetable has an earthy flavor similar to Brussels sprouts. 

22. Avocado

Avocado is a fruit that comes from a tree in the Lauraceae family. This large berry has a dark green skin and soft, edible greenish-yellow flesh around a large brown seed. Avocados boast a variety of health benefits, making them a popular choice for dieters looking for nutrient-dense foods.

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