20 Delicious Foods That Start With A

Food is a universal language that brings people together, and sometimes, exploring it alphabetically can lead to exciting discoveries! Whether you’re a food lover looking to expand your palate, a trivia buff searching for fun facts, or simply wondering “What are some foods that start with A?”, this guide is for you.

Before we dive into the best foods that start with A, why not explore other delicious food lists? If you’re curious about different letter-based food collections, check these out:

🔗 Foods That Start With F – Discover fantastic flavors like figs, French fries, and feta cheese.

🔗 Foods That Start With D – Dive into dumplings, dark chocolate, and dates in this tasty roundup.

From sweet to savory, exotic to everyday staples, let’s dive into a mouthwatering list of foods that start with A. You might even find a new favorite ingredient to try in your next meal!

Apples – The Classic All-Rounder

Apples are among the most popular fruits in the world, and one of the foods that start with A. With over 7,500 varieties, they range from tart Granny Smiths to sweet Fuji apples, each offering a unique taste and texture.

Why You Should Eat More Apples:

Rich in Fiber: Helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
Packed with Antioxidants: Supports heart health and fights inflammation.
Versatile: Eat them raw, baked, or turned into cider, applesauce, or even apple butter.

Pro Tip: Slice apples thinly and sprinkle with cinnamon for a simple, healthy snack!

Avocados – The Trendy Superfood

Love guacamole? Then you’re already a fan of avocados! This creamy green fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!) is packed with nutrients and has taken the culinary world by storm.

Why Avocados Are Amazing:

Healthy Fats: Full of heart-friendly monounsaturated fats.
Great for Weight Management: Keeps you satisfied for longer.
Loaded with Vitamins: High in potassium, folate, and Vitamin E.

How to Enjoy Avocados: Spread on toast, blend into smoothies, or dice them into a fresh salad.

Almonds – The Nutty Powerhouse

Almonds are not just a snack; they are a nutrient-dense superfood used in countless dishes, from almond butter to marzipan.

Why Almonds Are a Must-Try:

High in Protein: Ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
Good for Your Skin: Packed with Vitamin E, which helps keep skin glowing.
Versatile: Enjoy them raw, roasted, or turned into almond milk.

Did You Know? Almonds aren’t nuts! They are the seeds of a fruit related to peaches.

Apricots – The Sweet and Tangy Delight

Apricots are like tiny peaches, offering a sweet and tart flavor that works well in both sweet and savory dishes.

Health Benefits of Apricots:

Boosts Eye Health: Rich in Vitamin A.
Great for Hydration: High in water content.
Perfect for Snacking: Low in calories but naturally sweet.

How to Eat Them: Enjoy fresh, dried, or in jams and chutneys.

Anchovies – The Umami Bomb

Anchovies might be small, but they pack a big flavor punch. These tiny fish are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.

Why You Should Give Anchovies a Chance:

High in Omega-3s: Supports brain and heart health.
Great for Umami Flavor: Adds depth to pasta, pizza, and dressings.
Sustainably Sourced: Often caught in eco-friendly fisheries.

Try This: Mash anchovies into butter for a quick umami-rich spread.

Arugula – The Peppery Green

Arugula is a leafy green with a bold, peppery bite, making it a favorite in salads and sandwiches.

Why Arugula Rocks:

Low in Calories, High in Nutrients: Loaded with folate and calcium.
Supports Digestion: Contains natural prebiotics.
Great Flavor Boost: Adds a fresh, zesty taste to dishes.

Best Use: Toss with olive oil, Parmesan, and lemon juice for a quick salad.

Acorn Squash – The Autumn Staple

Acorn squash is a delicious winter squash with a mild, slightly nutty flavor.

Why You Should Cook with Acorn Squash:

Rich in Fiber: Supports digestion.
Naturally Sweet: Caramelizes beautifully when roasted.
Great for Stuffing: Its hollow center makes it perfect for baked dishes.

Try This: Roast acorn squash with maple syrup and cinnamon for a cozy side dish.

Amaranth – The Ancient Supergrain

Amaranth is an ancient grain that has been a staple food for centuries.

Why Amaranth is Worth Trying:

Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Protein-Rich: One of the highest protein grains available.
Mild, Nutty Flavor: Works well in both sweet and savory dishes.

💡 Use It Like This: Cook like rice, pop it like popcorn, or blend it into porridge.

Appetizers and Sides

Arancini: Italian Rice Balls

Arancini is a beloved Italian appetizer originating from Sicily. These golden-brown rice balls are typically filled with ragù (a meat-based sauce), mozzarella, and peas, then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection.

How to Enjoy Arancini:

Preparation: Start with leftover risotto or cook a fresh batch. Allow it to cool for easier handling.
Filling: Take a small portion of the cooled risotto, flatten it in your palm, and place a spoonful of your desired filling (e.g., mozzarella cheese, meat sauce) in the center.
Shaping: Gently fold the risotto around the filling, forming a ball.
Coating: Roll the ball in beaten eggs, then in breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
Cooking: Deep-fry the balls in hot oil until they turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

The result is a crispy exterior encasing a warm, savory center—a true Italian delight.

Antipasto: A Prelude to Italian Meals

Antipasto, meaning “before the meal,” is a traditional Italian starter that sets the tone for the dining experience. It typically includes a variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables, and artisanal bread.

Creating an Antipasto Platter:

Cured Meats: Arrange slices of prosciutto, salami, and mortadella.
Cheeses: Include chunks of Parmigiano-Reggiano, mozzarella, and aged provolone.
Olives: Offer a mix of green and black olives, perhaps marinated with herbs.
Marinated Vegetables: Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Bread: Serve with slices of crusty Italian bread or breadsticks.

This assortment provides a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, whetting the appetite for the courses to follow.

Main Courses

Ahi Tuna: A Taste of the Pacific

Ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna, is prized for its firm texture and mild flavor. It’s a staple in many Pacific cuisines and is often enjoyed seared to maintain its tender interior.

Seared Ahi Tuna Preparation:

Marinade: Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl.
Marinating: Place the tuna steaks in the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes.
Searing: Heat a skillet over high heat. Sear the tuna steaks for about 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
Serving: Slice the tuna thinly and serve atop a bed of mixed greens or alongside steamed rice.

The quick searing process locks in the moisture, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.

Al Pastor Tacos: Mexican Street Fare

Al Pastor is a popular Mexican dish featuring pork marinated in a blend of chilies, spices, and pineapple, then slow-cooked on a vertical spit. The meat is thinly sliced and served in soft corn tortillas.

Assembling Al Pastor Tacos:

Marination: Prepare a marinade with guajillo chilies, achiote paste, pineapple juice, and spices. Marinate thinly sliced pork for several hours or overnight.
Cooking: Traditionally, the meat is cooked on a vertical spit, but at home, you can grill or roast it until tender and slightly charred.
Serving: Place the cooked meat onto warm corn tortillas. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

The combination of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors makes Al Pastor tacos a favorite among street food enthusiasts.

Fruits and Vegetables

Artichokes: A Mediterranean Gem

Artichokes are unique vegetables with a tender heart and a slightly nutty flavor. They can be prepared in various ways, but steaming is a popular method that preserves their delicate taste.

Steaming Artichokes:

Preparation: Trim the stem and remove the tough outer leaves of the artichoke. Cut off the top quarter to remove the thorny tips.
Steaming: Place the artichoke in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 30-40 minutes, until the leaves can be easily pulled off.
Serving: Serve warm with a dipping sauce, such as melted butter or a garlic aioli.

Eating an artichoke is an interactive experience: peel off a leaf, dip it, and scrape the tender flesh with your teeth until you reach the prized heart.

Asparagus: Spring’s Tender Stalks

Asparagus is a versatile vegetable celebrated for its tender spears and slightly sweet, earthy flavor. It’s a herald of spring and can be prepared in numerous ways.

Roasting Asparagus:

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends.
Seasoning: Place the spears on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Desserts and Sweet Treats

Apple Pie: The All-American Classic

Apple pie is one of the most beloved desserts in the world, often symbolizing comfort and tradition. With a flaky, buttery crust and a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, it’s a timeless favorite.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie:

Choose the Right Apples: A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) apples creates the best balance.
Enhance the Flavor: A dash of nutmeg and a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the taste.
Get the Crust Right: Keep the butter and water cold for a perfectly flaky crust.

Angel Food Cake: Light and Fluffy

This airy, delicate cake is made with whipped egg whites, sugar, and just a touch of flour. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a light, not-too-sweet dessert.

How to Make It Extra Special:

Pair with Fresh Berries: The natural sweetness of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries enhances the flavor.
Drizzle with Glaze: A light lemon or chocolate glaze adds a delicious finishing touch.
Toast Leftovers: Lightly toasting slices of angel food cake give them a unique texture and flavor.

Beverages That Start With A

Amaretto: The Almond-Flavored Liqueur

Amaretto is a sweet Italian liqueur with a deep almond flavor. It’s commonly used in cocktails, coffee, and even desserts.

Ways to Enjoy Amaretto:

Amaretto Sour: Mix with lemon juice and simple syrup for a tangy, sweet cocktail.
In Coffee: A splash of amaretto in your coffee adds warmth and complexity.
As a Dessert Topping: Drizzle over ice cream or blend into a milkshake.

Apple Cider: A Fall Favorite

Warm apple cider is the ultimate comfort drink when temperatures drop. Made by simmering apples with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, it’s a must-have for autumn.

Creative Twists on Apple Cider:

Spiked Version: Add a shot of bourbon or rum for an adult-friendly version.
Mulled Cider: Simmer with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for extra warmth.
Iced Apple Cider: Serve chilled over ice with a splash of sparkling water for a refreshing twist.

Explore More Alphabet-Inspired Foods!

If you enjoyed discovering foods that start with A, why stop there? Continue your culinary journey with more delicious finds! Check out this ultimate list of foods that start with H for even more inspiration:

🔗 Foods That Start With H

What’s Your Favorite A-List Food?

From crunchy almonds to creamy avocados, there are so many delicious foods that start with A. Whether you’re looking for something nutritious, indulgent, or just plain interesting, this list has something for everyone.

What’s Next?

Try incorporating a new “A” food into your meals this week.
Share this list with your foodie friends.
Explore other letter-based food guides!

Try These Foods That Start With ‘A’ Today!

Exploring foods that start with A is a great way to expand your culinary horizons. Whether you’re indulging in a warm slice of apple pie, savoring seared ahi tuna, or sipping on a spiced apple cider, there’s something for everyone.

What are your favorite foods that start with A? Let us know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it with your fellow food lovers or check out our other food alphabet guides!