50+ Amazing Foods That Start with the Letter Z

Have you ever found yourself wondering if there are any foods that start with the letter Z? Surprisingly, there are more than you might think! While Z isn’t the most common letter in the alphabet, there are some unique and tasty foods out there that begin with it.

In this post, we’ll introduce you to over 50 foods that start with the letter Z, from fruits and vegetables to international dishes.

Whether you’re curious about new foods to try or need a fun fact for your next trivia night, this list has you covered. Let’s dive in and explore these zesty options!

Fruits, Vegetables & Nuts

• Zucchini
• Zucchini flowers
• Zucchini fritters

Zucchini fritters are savory, crispy snacks made by mixing grated zucchini with flour, eggs, and seasonings, then frying the mixture until golden brown. The zucchini provides moisture, while the batter binds it together to create a crunchy texture on the outside and soft interior. They can be seasoned with garlic, herbs, and cheese, and are often served with dipping sauces like sour cream or yogurt.

Zucchini fritters are popular as a side dish, appetizer, or light meal. They are a great way to use up extra zucchini during the summer and are loved for their tasty, savory flavor and crunchy texture. Many people enjoy them because they are easy to make, healthy, and a great way to sneak in some vegetables.

• Zucchini bread
• Zucchini noodles (Zoodles)
• Zizania (wild rice variety)
• Zhe fruit
• Zigzag vine fruit

Zigzag vine fruit, also known as Cissus quadrangularis, is a fruit that grows on a plant native to parts of Asia and Africa. The fruit is small, green, and typically grows in clusters. The plant itself is known for its unique zigzag-shaped stems, which give it its name. The fruit is not commonly eaten raw but is sometimes used in traditional medicine for its health benefits, particularly in promoting bone health and improving digestion.

In some cultures, the fruit of the zigzag vine is also used to make jams or added to herbal teas. It’s known for its slightly bitter taste and is valued more for its medicinal properties than for its culinary uses. People appreciate the zigzag vine for its natural healing qualities and as a part of traditional remedies for various ailments.

• Zante currants
• Zapote
• Zebra tomatoes
• Zebra eggplant
• Zinfandel grapes
• Zwetschge (European plum)

Zwetschge, also known as European plum, is a variety of plum commonly found in Europe. It has a deep purple or blue skin and a firm, juicy flesh that ranges from yellow to red, depending on the variety. The fruit is sweet and slightly tart, making it perfect for both fresh eating and cooking. It’s often used in jams, cakes, pies, or stews and is also dried to make prunes.

Zwetschge is popular in many European countries, especially in Germany, where it’s used in traditional desserts like Zwetschgenkuchen (plum cake). It’s not only loved for its delicious flavor but also for its health benefits, as it’s rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. People enjoy it for its versatility in the kitchen and its natural sweetness.

• Zabale fruit
• Zabibu (Swahili for grape)
• Zephyr squash

Breads, Grains & Pasta

• Ziti (pasta)
• Ziti noodles
• Zopf (Swiss braided bread)
• Zwieback (German rusk bread)
• Zekiel bread
• Zupa Grochowa (Polish pea soup with barley)
• Zwiebelkuchen (German onion cake)
• Zwiebelrostbraten (German beef and onion roast)

Zwiebelrostbraten is a traditional German dish made of tender beef, usually a roast or steak, cooked with a rich, flavorful onion gravy. The beef is typically seared and then simmered with onions, creating a savory, hearty dish. The sauce is made by caramelizing the onions until they are soft and sweet, then adding broth and seasonings to enhance the flavors.

Zwiebelrostbraten is often served with sides like potato dumplings, spaetzle, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious onion gravy. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish, especially popular in southern Germany and Austria. People love it for its rich flavor, tender beef, and the sweetness of the caramelized onions that make each bite irresistible.

Main Dishes & Sides

• Zampone (Italian stuffed pig’s trotter)
• Zarzuela (Spanish seafood stew)
• Zoni (Japanese New Year soup)
• Zapiekanka (Polish open-faced sandwich)
• Zharkoye (Russian beef stew)

Zharkoye is a traditional Russian beef stew that features tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and herbs slow-cooked to create a hearty and flavorful dish. It typically includes ingredients like potatoes, carrots, onions, and sometimes mushrooms or cabbage. The beef is braised in a savory broth made with spices like bay leaves, pepper, and dill, resulting in a rich, comforting stew.

This dish is often served with bread or a dollop of sour cream on top. Zharkoye is loved for its satisfying warmth and depth of flavor, making it a popular meal in Russia, especially during the colder months. People enjoy it for its simplicity and the way it brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients with slow cooking.

• Zha jiang mian (Chinese noodle dish)
• Zhaliang (Chinese rice noodle roll)
• Zaru soba (Japanese cold buckwheat noodles)
• Zaru udon (Japanese cold wheat noodles)
• Zurek (Polish sour rye soup)
• Zupa ogorkowa (Polish cucumber soup)
• Zuppa Toscana (Tuscan soup)
• Zupa (Colombian soup)
• Zambian chicken soup
• Zimbabwean beef and vegetable soup

Zimbabwean beef and vegetable soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender pieces of beef, a variety of vegetables, and spices. The beef is simmered slowly to create a rich broth, while vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes are added to make the soup filling and nutritious. It is often seasoned with ingredients like garlic, onions, and curry powder, giving it a warm, savory taste.

This soup is commonly served as a comfort food in Zimbabwe, especially during colder months or as a special family meal. People enjoy it for its rich flavor, the tenderness of the beef, and the combination of vegetables that make it both satisfying and nourishing. It’s a popular dish for gatherings, often served with bread or sadza (a staple maize dish) on the side.

• Zuni Pueblo corn soup
• Zesty lime chicken
• Za’atar chicken

Cheeses, Spreads & Condiments

• Zamorano (Spanish sheep’s milk cheese)
• Za’atar (Middle Eastern spice blend)
• Zhoug (Yemeni hot sauce)
• Zigeuner sauce (German spicy sauce)
• Zedoary (spice similar to ginger)

Zedoary is a root spice that comes from a plant in the ginger family. It looks similar to ginger but has a pale yellow color on the inside. Zedoary has a unique, slightly bitter flavor with hints of turmeric and ginger, making it a versatile spice in both savory and sweet dishes. It is often used in traditional Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking.

Zedoary is prized for its aromatic qualities and is commonly used in curries, pickles, and spice blends. It can also be used in teas or as a natural remedy for digestive issues. People enjoy zedoary for its bold flavor and the way it adds complexity to dishes, as well as for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional herbal medicine.

• Zest (citrus peel)

Snacks & Appetizers

• Zapp’s potato chips
• Zambos plantain chips
• Zesta crackers
• Zebra popcorn
• Zebra rolls
• Zee Zee bars
• Zee Zee applesauce
• Zbar (snack bar)
• Zone protein bars
• Zummo sausage

Zummo sausage is a type of Spanish sausage, traditionally made with pork, spices, and herbs. It is known for its rich, savory flavor and is often seasoned with ingredients like garlic, paprika, and fennel. Zummo sausage has a slightly coarse texture and is usually enjoyed cooked, whether grilled, fried, or added to stews.

The sausage is commonly found in Spanish cuisine and is especially popular in Mediterranean regions. People love Zummo sausage for its bold, spicy flavor and versatility in various dishes, from tapas to pasta or served alongside other meats and vegetables. It’s a great option for anyone seeking a delicious and flavorful addition to their meals.

• Zinger (snack cake)
• Zoo animal crackers

Sweets & Desserts

• Zeppole (Italian fried doughnut)

Zeppole are delicious Italian fried pastries, similar to doughnuts, that are typically served during special occasions like St. Joseph’s Day or Christmas. They are made from a light, fluffy dough that is deep-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while soft and airy on the inside. Zeppole can be dusted with powdered sugar, filled with cream, or drizzled with honey, depending on regional variations.

These sweet treats are popular in Italy, especially in southern regions like Naples, and have become beloved in Italian-American communities as well. People enjoy zeppole for their crispy texture, sweet flavor, and the indulgent fillings or toppings that make them even more irresistible. They are a festive, comforting dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

• Zabaione (Italian custard dessert)
• Zuccotto (Italian dome-shaped dessert)
• Zuppa Inglese (Italian trifle)
• Zerde (Turkish saffron rice pudding)
• Zwetschkenknödel (Austrian plum dumplings)
• Zaleti (Venetian cornmeal cookies)
• Zimtsterne (German cinnamon star cookies)
• Zebra cakes
• Zebra donuts
• Zebra cake ice cream
• Zagnut candy bar
• Zots (fizzy candy)
• Zotz candy
• Zours (sour candy)
• Zenzai (Japanese sweet red bean soup with mochi)
• Zachary fruit slices (candy)

Drinks & Beverages

• Zinfandel wine
• Zweigelt wine
• Zima (alcoholic beverage)
• Zevia (stevia-sweetened soda)

Zevia is a brand of soda sweetened with stevia, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener. It’s a popular alternative to traditional sodas, offering a variety of flavors like cola, ginger ale, and lemon-lime, without the added sugars or artificial sweeteners found in many soft drinks. Zevia uses stevia to provide a sweet taste without impacting blood sugar levels, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce sugar intake.

Zevia is loved by people who want a healthier option for soda, especially those on low-carb or sugar-free diets. It’s available in many grocery stores and is enjoyed as a refreshing, guilt-free drink. With its clean, crisp flavors and natural sweetness, Zevia is a great choice for those wanting to enjoy soda without the calories or chemicals.

• Zombie (cocktail)
• Zu and tonic (cocktail)
• Zudriver (cocktail)
• Zulu warrior (cocktail)
• Zesty lime cooler
• Zupa (soup, also used as a beverage in some cultures)
• Zero candy bar (also a snack, but sometimes considered a treat with drinks)

This list showcases a global variety of foods, drinks, and treats beginning with “Z,” including both everyday staples and unique international specialties