Welcome to another stop on our flavorful alphabet series! Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of foods that start with the letter J. From juicy fruits and international dishes to classic snacks and sweet treats, this J foods list is packed with variety.
Whether you’re a food lover exploring new tastes or someone simply curious about foods beginning with J, this collection is sure to spark your appetite. Get ready to discover hidden gems, popular picks, and a few surprises along the way!
1. Jack cheese
2. Jack mackerel
Jack mackerel is a type of fish found in warm ocean waters, particularly around the Pacific Ocean. It has firm white flesh with a slightly rich and fishy flavor, making it a popular choice for various dishes. The fish is typically grilled, fried, or used in stews, and is often found in canned form as well, especially in many Asian and Caribbean cuisines.
People love jack mackerel for its affordability and versatility in cooking. It can be used in a variety of recipes, such as fish tacos, stews, or simply grilled and served with rice or vegetables. The fish is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy and tasty option for many meals.
3. Jackfruit
4. Jackfruit curry
5. Jägerschnitzel
Jägerschnitzel is a popular German dish consisting of breaded and fried meat cutlets (usually pork or veal) served with a flavorful mushroom sauce. The meat is typically coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before being pan-fried until crispy. The sauce, made with mushrooms, onions, garlic, wine, and cream, adds a rich, savory element to the dish.
People love Jägerschnitzel for its tender meat and delicious, creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a hearty, comforting dish often served with potatoes, spätzle (German noodles), or a side of vegetables. The dish is a staple in German cuisine and is frequently enjoyed in restaurants or at family meals, offering a satisfying combination of crispy and creamy textures.
6. Jaggery
7. Jalapeño
8. Jalapeño cheese
9. Jalapeño chips
10. Jalapeño hummus
11. Jalapeño jam
12. Jalapeño jelly
13. Jalapeño margarita
14. Jalapeño poppers
15. Jalapeño relish
16. Jalfrezi (curry dish)
17. Jam
18. Jam doughnuts
19. Jam tart
20. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a classic Creole dish from Louisiana, typically made with a combination of rice, vegetables, and a variety of meats, such as chicken, sausage, and shrimp. The dish is often flavored with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme, giving it a rich, bold taste. The ingredients are cooked together in one pot, allowing the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors.
People love jambalaya for its hearty and flavor-packed nature. It’s a versatile dish that can be made in many ways, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The combination of meats, seafood, and spices makes it a comforting, satisfying meal with deep creole influences. Whether served at a family dinner or a festive gathering, jambalaya brings a taste of the South to the table.
21. Jambon (French for ham)
22. Jambon de Bayonne
Jambon de Bayonne is a traditional French ham from the Bayonne region in the southwest of France. It is made from high-quality pork legs that are carefully cured, salted, and air-dried for several months. The ham is known for its delicate and mildly sweet flavor, with a slightly salty taste from the curing process.
People love Jambon de Bayonne for its tender texture and rich flavor, making it a perfect addition to charcuterie boards, sandwiches, or served on its own. It’s often paired with cheese, bread, and a glass of wine in traditional French meals. This ham is a celebrated product of the Basque region and is enjoyed by food lovers for its authenticity and refined taste.
23. Jambon persillé (French terrine)
24. Jamon Iberico
Jamon Iberico is a world-renowned Spanish ham made from the Iberian pig, which is native to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). The ham is known for its rich, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, achieved through a unique curing process. It is often air-dried for up to 36 months, with the longest-aged varieties being highly prized for their deep, complex taste. The best quality, called Jamon Iberico de Bellota, comes from pigs that are raised on a diet of acorns, which contributes to the ham’s distinctive flavor.
People love Jamon Iberico for its luxurious texture and intense, savory taste, which comes from the combination of quality meat and meticulous preparation. It’s commonly enjoyed in thin slices as part of tapas or served with bread, cheese, and wine. This ham is a symbol of Spanish cuisine, often served on special occasions or as a delicacy at high-end restaurants.
25. Jamun (Indian blackberry)
26. Jan Hagel cookies (Dutch cinnamon almond cookies)
Jan Hagel cookies are a traditional Dutch treat made with buttery dough, cinnamon, and sliced almonds. The cookies are often topped with a sugar glaze before baking, giving them a sweet, crunchy finish. The dough is rolled out and cut into small, rectangular pieces, making them easy to share and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
People love Jan Hagel cookies for their crisp texture and the combination of cinnamon and almonds, which adds a warm, comforting flavor. These cookies are especially popular around the holidays in the Netherlands, where they are enjoyed as a festive snack or as part of a holiday dessert spread. The simplicity of the ingredients and the delightful crunch make them a beloved treat for those who appreciate classic Dutch baking.
27. Japanese cucumber
28. Japanese eggplant
29. Japanese ginger dressing
30. Japanese omelette
31. Japanese pancake (okonomiyaki)
32. Jasmine flower jelly
33. Jasmine rice
34. Jasmine tea
35. Java apple
36. Java coffee
37. Java nut (coffee bean)
38. Jawar roti (Indian bread made from sorghum)
39. Jawbreaker candy
40. Jeera (cumin)
41. Jellied eels
Jellied eels are a traditional British dish, particularly associated with London’s East End. The dish consists of eels that are boiled with vinegar, spices, and sometimes herbs, then allowed to cool and set into a jelly-like consistency. The eels are usually served cold, often with a bit of lemon or parsley on the side.
People love jellied eels for their distinctive texture and the tangy, savory flavor imparted by the vinegar. It’s a dish with a long history and has been enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal for centuries. While it may be an acquired taste for some, it remains a cherished part of British culinary tradition, often enjoyed in fish shops or at traditional cockney events.
42. Jelly
43. Jelly beans
44. Jelly doughnuts
45. Jelly roll
46. Jellyfish
47. Jeon (Korean pancake)
48. Jerk chicken
49. Jerk pork
50. Jerky
Jerky is a type of dried meat that has been preserved through a combination of salting, seasoning, and dehydration. It can be made from various meats, such as beef, turkey, pork, or venison, and is often flavored with spices, marinades, and sometimes smoke. Jerky is usually sliced thin and dried until it’s tough but still flavorful.
People love jerky for its convenience, long shelf life, and protein-rich snack qualities. It’s a popular snack for hiking, camping, or just as a quick and satisfying treat. The blend of savory flavors and the chewy texture make jerky a favorite for those who enjoy hearty, portable snacks.
51. Jerusalem artichoke
The Jerusalem artichoke, also known as sunchoke, is a type of tuber that grows on a variety of sunflower. Despite the name, it’s not related to artichokes and is actually a root vegetable. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture when raw, but becomes soft and creamy when cooked. It can be roasted, boiled, or used in soups and salads.
People love Jerusalem artichokes for their unique taste and versatility in cooking. They are also nutritious, providing a good source of fiber, iron, and potassium, making them a healthy alternative to potatoes. Often enjoyed by those seeking low-carb or gluten-free options, Jerusalem artichokes have become increasingly popular in modern cuisine.
52. Jerusalem artichoke chips
53. Jerusalem artichoke soup
54. Jerusalem bagel
55. Jerusalem mixed grill
56. Jewfish
57. Jicama
58. Jicama salad
59. Jicama slaw
60. Jicama sticks
61. Jijona turron (Spanish nougat)
62. Jimmies (sprinkles)
63. Jjajangmyeon
64. Jjigae (Korean stew)
65. Jocoque (Mexican fermented milk)
66. Jocoqui (alternative spelling of jocoque)
67. John Dory (fish)
68. Johnnycake (cornmeal flatbread)
69. Johnnycakes
70. Jojoba (edible in some cultures, though more commonly used in cosmetics)
71. Jollof
72. Jollof rice
73. Jollof spaghetti
74. Jook (rice porridge)
75. Jordan almonds
76. Jordan bread (traditional flatbread)
77. Jordanian olives
78. Joshinko (rice flour)
79. Joumou (Haitian pumpkin soup)
80. Joumou soup (traditional Haitian soup)
81. Jowar (sorghum)
82. Jubilee chicken
83. Juice
84. Juju fruit
85. Jujube
86. Jujube tea
87. Julienne vegetables
88. Julmust (Swedish soft drink)
89. Jumbo shrimp
90. Jumping salad (Filipino dish with live shrimp)
91. Jungle curry
92. Juniper
93. Juniper berries
94. Juniper tea
95. Junket (milk dessert)
Junket is a traditional milk dessert made by curdling milk with a natural enzyme called rennet. The process turns the milk into a smooth, creamy custard-like texture. Sugar, vanilla, and other flavorings are often added to enhance the taste. Once set, junket has a delicate, mildly sweet flavor and a soft, wobbly consistency.
People love junket for its light and refreshing taste, often enjoyed as a comforting treat after meals. It has been a popular dessert for centuries, particularly in England and the U.S., and is appreciated for being easy to make and digest. With its smooth texture and mild flavor, junket remains a simple, nostalgic dessert that is both soothing and satisfying.
96. Jurel (type of fish)
97. Jurisdiction beans
98. Jus (French for juice or gravy)
99. Just ripe bananas
100. Jute leaves
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.