The English language has more words starting with the letter S than any other letter—and the same goes for food! From sweet treats to savory dishes, the world of food is filled with delicious options that start with S.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 100 popular foods that start with the letter S, including fruits, vegetables, snacks, spices, meats, and international dishes. Whether you’re a food blogger, a trivia lover, or just curious, this list is packed with tasty inspiration.
So let’s dig in and explore these amazing foods that start with S!
1. Sablefish
2. Saccharin
Saccharin is a artificial sweetener that’s much sweeter than sugar, but it has almost no calories. It’s often used in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and sugar substitutes for people who want a sweet taste without the calories. Saccharin is one of the oldest artificial sweeteners, discovered in the late 1800s.
People use saccharin because it’s a way to enjoy sweetness without raising blood sugar levels, which is helpful for those with diabetes or those looking to reduce their calorie intake. However, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste, which some people don’t like. Despite this, it’s a popular choice in many sugar-free products.
3. Safflower oil
4. Saffron
Saffron is a spice made from the dried stigmas of the crocus flower. It has a rich, golden-yellow color and a distinctive, earthy flavor with a hint of bitterness. Saffron is often used in dishes like paella, risotto, and biryani, and it’s also found in desserts and teas.
This spice is known for being one of the most expensive in the world, due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting it by hand. People love saffron for the unique flavor it adds to food, as well as for its ability to turn dishes into vibrant, colorful meals. It also has health benefits, like being rich in antioxidants and having potential mood-boosting properties.
5. Saganaki
Saganaki is a popular Greek dish made by frying cheese until it’s golden and crispy on the outside, while still soft and gooey on the inside. The most common cheese used for saganaki is kefalotyri or halloumi, but other cheeses like manouri or feta can also be used. It’s often served as a starter or appetizer, sometimes with a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
People love saganaki for its rich, savory taste and crispy texture, making it a perfect treat to share. The sizzling sound it makes when served hot adds to the excitement of the dish, making it a favorite in Greek tavernas and restaurants. It’s a simple but indulgent way to enjoy cheese in a new and delicious way.
6. Sage
Sage is a herb with gray-green leaves and a strong, earthy flavor. It’s commonly used in cooking to season dishes like stuffing, roast meats, and soups. The leaves are aromatic, with a slightly peppery and woody taste. Sage is a key ingredient in many Mediterranean and Italian dishes.
People love sage for its bold flavor, which pairs well with rich, hearty foods like pork, chicken, and potatoes. It’s also known for its medicinal properties, being used in teas and traditional remedies for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Sage is a versatile herb that enhances both savory and sweet dishes.
7. Salad
8. Salak
Salak, also known as snake fruit, is a tropical fruit native to Indonesia. It has reddish-brown scaly skin that resembles snake scales, which is how it got its name. When peeled, the fruit reveals several segments that are crunchy and juicy with a sweet and tangy flavor, often compared to a mix of apple and pineapple.
People love salak for its unique texture and bold flavor. It’s often eaten fresh, but can also be used in salads, desserts, or juices. Salak is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy snack. Its exotic appearance and taste make it a fun fruit to try for those looking to explore new tropical flavors.
9. Salami
10. Salisbury steak
11. Salmon
12. Salsa
13. Salsa verde
Salsa verde is a green sauce made primarily from tomatillos, chilies, onions, garlic, and cilantro. It’s a staple in Mexican cuisine and can be served either raw or cooked. The flavor is tangy, slightly spicy, and very fresh, thanks to the tomatillos, which are small, green, and tart.
People love salsa verde for its vibrant flavor and versatility. It’s commonly used as a dip for tortilla chips, a topping for tacos or grilled meats, or as an ingredient in dishes like enchiladas or burritos. Salsa verde adds a bright, flavorful kick to any meal, making it a favorite in many Mexican-inspired recipes.
14. Salt
15. Saltine crackers
16. Saltwater taffy
17. Samosa
18. San Marzano tomatoes
San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomato grown in the volcanic soil around Mount Vesuvius in Italy. They are known for their sweet, rich flavor, and fewer seeds compared to other tomato varieties. These tomatoes have a firm texture and are often used in sauces, soups, or pizzas.
People love San Marzano tomatoes because they have a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making them ideal for creating rich, flavorful tomato sauces. They are considered one of the best tomatoes in the world and are a key ingredient in authentic Italian cooking. The combination of their unique growing region and taste makes them highly sought after by chefs and home cooks alike.
19. Sangria
20. Sardines
21. Sashimi
Sashimi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, served without rice. Common sashimi options include tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and octopus, but it can also feature shrimp or scallops. The fish is typically served fresh, accompanied by wasabi, soy sauce, and sometimes pickled ginger.
People enjoy sashimi for its clean, delicate flavors and the freshness of the fish. It’s considered a healthy and light dish, often eaten as an appetizer or part of a larger sushi meal. The simplicity of sashimi highlights the quality and taste of the seafood, making it a favorite among sushi lovers.
22. Satay
23. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage that is finely shredded and then pickled with salt. It has a tangy, sour flavor that comes from the fermentation process, and it’s often used as a topping or side dish in various cuisines, especially in German and Eastern European cooking.
People love sauerkraut for its crunchy texture and its ability to complement dishes like sausages, pork, and hot dogs. It’s also a healthy choice, packed with probiotics that support digestive health. Sauerkraut can be eaten cold, or it can be cooked in dishes like sauerkraut soup or pork with sauerkraut for a savory, comforting meal.
24. Sausage
25. Sauvignon Blanc
26. Savoy cabbage
27. Scallions
28. Scallopini
29. Scallops
30. Scampi
31. Schnitzel
32. Scones
33. Scotch
34. Scotch bonnet peppers
35. Scotch eggs
36. Scrambled eggs
37. Scrapple
38. Seaweed
39. Seeds
40. Sesame seeds
41. Sherbet
42. Shrimp
43. Sirloin steak
44. Sorbet
45. Sorghum
46. Soufflé
47. Soup
48. Sourdough bread
49. Soy sauce
50. Spaghetti
51. Spare ribs
52. Sparkling water
53. Spätzle
54. Spearmint
55. Speculoos
Speculoos is a type of spiced biscuit that originated in Belgium and the Netherlands. It has a crispy texture and a warm, aromatic flavor from spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The cookies are often made into intricate shapes, such as windmills or figures, and are especially popular around the holidays.
People love speculoos for its sweet and spicy taste, making it a perfect treat with coffee or tea. It’s also used to make speculoos spread, a creamy, sweet spread made from crushed cookies, which is a favorite in many homes for toast or desserts. Speculoos is a beloved comfort food in many European countries, offering a cozy, festive feel.
56. Spelt
57. Spice cake
58. Spiced rum
59. Spicy tuna roll
60. Spinach
61. Spinach dip
62. Sponge cake
63. Spring rolls
64. Sprouts
65. Squash
66. Squid
67. Steak
68. Steak tartare
69. Stew
70. Sticky rice
71. Stilton cheese
72. Stir-fry
73. Stollen
74. Straw mushroom
75. Strawberries
76. String beans
77. Stromboli
78. Strudel
79. Sturgeon
80. Succotash
81. Suet
82. Sugar
83. Sugar snap peas
84. Sultanas
85. Sundae
86. Sunflower oil
87. Sunflower seeds
88. Sunflower sprouts
89. Superfood salad
90. Sushi
91. Sweet chili sauce
92. Sweet corn
93. Sweet cream butter
94. Sweet potatoes
95. Sweet tea
96. Sweetbread
97. Swiss chard
98. Swiss cheese
99. Syllabub
100. Szechuan pepper
Jean Smith is a fitness enthusiast and blogger who focuses on fitness and a healthy lifestyle. She is passionate about assisting people in living healthier lifestyles and is constantly on the lookout for new and creative methods to stay fit and healthy. Her articles are excellent resources for anyone interested in improving their health and fitness.