50+ Amazing Foods That Start with the Letter A

Ever wonder how many foods that start with the letter A you actually know? You might think of apples and avocados—but there are so many more tasty surprises that begin with A! 

Whether you’re playing a food alphabet game, teaching kids about healthy eating, or just curious, it can be hard to think of more than a few.

This blog post will give you a fun and easy list of 50+ foods—from fruits and vegetables to snacks and international dishes—all starting with the letter A.

 Let’s explore some delicious names you might not have heard before and learn something new along the way!

Fruits and Vegetables

1. Apple
2. Apricot
3. Artichoke
   
   An artichoke is a green vegetable that looks like a flower bud. It has thick, pointy leaves on the outside and a soft heart in the middle. People usually boil, steam, or roast it. To eat it, you pull off the leaves, dip them in sauce or butter, and scrape off the soft part with your teeth. The best part is the artichoke heart, which is tender and full of flavor. Artichokes come from the Mediterranean region and have been grown for hundreds of years in countries like Italy, Spain, and France. Today, California is the main place that grows them in the U.S. Many people enjoy artichokes for their earthy taste and because they are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are often used in dishes like spinach artichoke dip, grilled artichokes, or pasta recipes.
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
   
   Asparagus is a green vegetable that looks like long, thin sticks with soft tips. It grows straight up from the ground and is usually eaten cooked. People often roast, steam, or grill asparagus and sometimes add butter, garlic, or lemon juice for extra flavor. It can be eaten as a side dish, added to salads, or mixed into pasta and stir-fries.
   Asparagus has been eaten for thousands of years and comes from Europe, especially countries like Greece and Italy. Today, it is also grown in places like California, Michigan, and Peru. Many people like asparagus because it tastes fresh and slightly sweet, and it’s full of healthy nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. Popular dishes include roasted asparagus, asparagus soup, and asparagus with hollandaise sauce.
6. Aubergine (also known as eggplant)
7. Arugula
   
   
   Arugula is a leafy green vegetable with small, dark green leaves and a peppery taste. It is often eaten raw in salads but can also be added to sandwiches, pasta, or pizza for extra flavor. Some people lightly sauté it or mix it with other greens. Arugula is tender and wilts quickly when heated. This plant comes from the Mediterranean region and has been used since ancient Roman times. Today, it’s grown in many places, including the United States and Europe. People like arugula because it adds a bold, spicy kick to dishes and is full of nutrients like calcium, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It’s often found in mixed greens, arugula salad, or as a topping on flatbreads
8. Acorn squash
   
   Acorn squash is a small, round winter squash with thick, dark green skin and deep ridges. Inside, it has bright yellow-orange flesh that turns soft and sweet when cooked. People usually bake, roast, or microwave it. A common way to enjoy it is by cutting it in half, removing the seeds, and baking it with butter, brown sugar, or maple syrup. Acorn squash comes from North and Central America and has been grown for a very long time, especially by Native American tribes. Today, it’s popular in the U.S. and other countries during the fall and winter months. People like it for its sweet, nutty taste and because it’s full of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. It’s often used in soups, casseroles, and stuffed squash recipes
9. Acerola (Barbados cherry)
   
   
   Acerola, also called Barbados cherry, is a small, bright red fruit that looks like a cherry but is actually a tropical berry. It’s juicy and a little sour, with a sweet flavor when fully ripe. People eat it fresh, or use it to make juice, smoothies, jams, and even vitamin C supplements.
   Acerola grows in warm places like the Caribbean, South America, and parts of Central America. It’s especially loved for being one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C—much more than oranges. Many people enjoy acerola not just for its taste, but also for its health benefits, like boosting the immune system. It’s often found in health food stores as acerola powder, acerola juice, or added to wellness drinks.
10. Amaranth greens
    

Amaranth greens are the leafy part of the amaranth plant, which is native to Central and South America. These greens are packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. They have a mild, spinach-like taste and are often used in salads, soups, or sautéed dishes. People love them because they’re easy to cook and offer many health benefits. Amaranth greens are also a great source of protein, making them a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Amaranth greens grow in warm climates and are enjoyed in many parts of the world, especially in Latin American and African cuisines. They are often praised for their ability to grow quickly and thrive in poor soil, making them a sustainable food source.

Grains, Legumes, and Nuts

1. Almonds
2. Almond flour
3. Almond butter
4. Amaranth (grain)
   
   Amaranth is a tiny grain that comes from the seeds of the amaranth plant. It looks like quinoa and turns soft and slightly sticky when cooked. People use it in porridge, soups, or baked goods, and sometimes pop it like popcorn. It has a mild, nutty flavor and can be eaten as a side dish or mixed into salads and bowls.
   Amaranth was an important food for ancient Aztec and Inca civilizations in Central and South America. Today, it’s grown in many countries and loved for being gluten-free and high in protein, fiber, and important minerals like magnesium and iron. It’s often used in healthy diets, including in amaranth porridge, amaranth flour for baking, and energy bars.
5. Arborio rice
   
   
   Arborio rice is a short, round grain rice that becomes creamy when cooked. It is best known for being used in risotto, a popular Italian dish. When you cook Arborio rice slowly with broth, it releases starch, which gives the dish its rich and smooth texture. The rice stays slightly firm in the center, which makes each bite soft but not mushy.
   This rice comes from Italy, especially from the Po Valley region, and is named after the town of Arborio. It’s a favorite in Italian cooking and is often used in recipes like mushroom risotto, seafood risotto, or even creamy rice pudding. People like Arborio rice because it’s comforting, filling, and perfect for soaking up flavors.
6. Adzuki beans (also spelled Azuki or Aduki)
   
   Adzuki beans are small, red beans with a white line on one side. They have a slightly sweet flavor and become soft when cooked. People often boil or steam them and use them in both sweet and savory dishes. In many Asian countries, they are made into red bean paste for desserts like mochi, buns, and cakes, or added to soups and rice dishes. Adzuki beans have been grown in East Asia for thousands of years, especially in Japan, China, and Korea. They are rich in protein, fiber, and important minerals like iron and magnesium. People enjoy them not just for their taste, but also because they are easy to digest and often seen as a healthy food. You can find them in dishes like red bean soup, adzuki rice, or sweet red bean porridge.
7. Alfalfa sprouts
8. Acini di pepe (tiny pasta)

Main Dishes and Appetizers

1. Alfredo pasta
2. Albondigas (Spanish meatballs)
3. Arancini (Italian rice balls)
4. Antipasto (Italian appetizer platter)
5. Arepa (South American corn cake)
6. Aloo Gobi (Indian potato and cauliflower dish)
7. Aloo Tikki (Indian spiced potato patties)
8. Asado (barbecued meat, especially in Argentina/Chile)
9. Adobo (Filipino marinated meat dish)
10. Arroz con Pollo (Spanish/Latin American chicken and rice)
11. Ankimo (Japanese monkfish liver delicacy)
12. Ají de Gallina (Peruvian chicken stew)
13. Aubergine Parmigiana (Italian baked eggplant dish)

Snacks and Sides

1. Apple slices with peanut butter
2. Artichoke dip
3. Avocado toast
4. Asparagus spears
5. Ambrosia salad
6. Applewood-smoked barbecue

Desserts and Sweets

1. Apple pie
2. Apple crisp
3. Almond cake
4. Angel food cake
5. Affogato (ice cream with espresso)
6. Apricot tart
7. Alfajores (South American sandwich cookies)
8. Amaretti (Italian almond cookies)
9. Anzac biscuits (Australian oat cookies)
10. Açai bowl

Drinks and Beverages

1. Apple juice
2. Apple cider
3. Almond milk
4. Americano (coffee)
5. Ale (beer)
6. Absinthe
7. Açai juice
8. Agua fresca (fruit-infused water)
9. Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade mix)
10. Avocado smoothie

Condiments, Spices, and Others

1. Aioli (garlic mayonnaise)
2. Allspice
3. Agave syrup
4. Asafoetida (spice)
5. Arrowroot (thickener)
6. Agar agar (vegetarian gelatin substitute)
7. Anchovies
8. Anchovy paste
9. Apple butter

Seafood and Meats

1. Abalone
2. Albacore tuna
3. Arctic char
4. Angus beef
5. Andouille sausage
6. Angelfish
7. Antelope