Welcome to the wonderful world of foods that start with P — a category packed with powerful nutrition, palate-pleasing flavor, and pantry staples you already love. Think about it: pineapple, pistachios, pasta, potatoes, peas, and prawns — the letter P gives us some of the most popular foods across cultures.
This guide explores fruits, vegetables, grains, seafood, dairy, meats, herbs, condiments, beverages, and global dishes starting with P — all alphabetically organized for easy reading and learning.
You’ll find bold flavors from Italy’s prosciutto, comforting pot pies, Asian-style pho, and tropical treats like papaya and passion fruit. And yes — there’s pizza, too!
Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recommends diverse fruits, whole grains, seafood, and plant-based foods — many of which begin with P — for balanced eating.
Let’s dive into the power-packed P foods list.
Quick-Reference Table: Foods That Start With P
| Category | Foods That Start With P |
| Fruits | Papaya, Passion Fruit, Peach, Pear, Persimmon, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate |
| Vegetables | Parsnip, Pea, Pepper, Potato, Pumpkin, Portobello Mushroom |
| Grains & Starches | Pasta, Polenta, Popcorn, Pita, Pearl Barley, Pizza Dough |
| Legumes & Beans | Pinto Beans, Peas, Pigeon Peas, Peanut |
| Nuts & Seeds | Pistachio, Pine Nut, Peanut, Pumpkin Seeds |
| Meats & Poultry | Pork, Prosciutto, Pepperoni, Pheasant |
| Seafood | Prawns, Pacific Cod, Pollock, Perch |
| Dairy & Cheese | Parmesan, Provolone, Paneer, Pecorino |
| Herbs & Spices | Paprika, Parsley, Peppermint, Poppy Seed |
| Condiments & Sauces | Pesto, Peanut Butter, Pickles, Ponzu |
| Beverages | Peppermint Tea, Pomegranate Juice, Pineapple Juice, Pinot Noir |
| International Dishes & Desserts | Paella, Pho, Pancakes, Pie, Pavlova, Pretzel |
Alphabetical List & Descriptions
All foods are alphabetically ordered for accuracy.
1. Paella (Dish / Spanish Cuisine)
A traditional Spanish rice dish filled with saffron, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. Paella is rich in protein, minerals, and Mediterranean flavor.
2. Paneer (Dairy / Fresh Cheese)
A soft Indian cheese used in curries like palak paneer. Paneer provides calcium and protein, offering a mild, creamy texture.
3. Papaya (Fruit / Tropical)
Foods That Start With P
Foods That Start With P
Bright orange and juicy, papaya supports digestion thanks to an enzyme called papain and delivers vitamins A and C for immune health.
4. Paprika (Spice / Pepper Powder)
Made from dried peppers, paprika ranges from sweet to smoky, adding depth and color to soups, meats, and stews.
5. Parmesan (Cheese / Hard Italian Cheese)
Aged and savory, Parmesan enriches pasta, risotto, and salads with calcium, umami, and quality protein.
6. Parsley (Herb / Aromatic Leaf)
Fresh parsley adds color and brightness to soups, salads, and meats while offering vitamin K and antioxidants.
7. Parsnip (Vegetable / Root)
Often roasted or mashed, parsnips have a sweet, nutty flavor and provide fiber, folate, and vitamin C.
8. Passion Fruit (Fruit / Tropical)
Fragrant and tangy, passion fruit is rich in antioxidants and fiber — often used in desserts and drinks.
9. Peach (Fruit / Summer Stone Fruit)
Juicy, sweet, and fragrant, peaches are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and hydration — a summer favorite.
10. Peanut (Legume / Nut-like Snack)
A plant-based protein powerhouse used in sauces, snacks, and butters. Peanuts contain healthy fats and minerals.
11. Peanut Butter (Condiment / Spread)
Creamy or crunchy, peanut butter is a staple rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats — delicious in smoothies, toast, and sauces.
12. Pear (Fruit / Fresh)
Crisp or soft depending on variety, pears supply soluble fiber and gut-friendly nutrients.
13. Peas (Vegetable / Legume)
Sweet, tender peas offer protein, fiber, and vitamins. Great in soups, sautés, and grain bowls.
14. Pecorino (Cheese / Italian Sheep’s Milk)
A salty, savory cheese aged for a robust flavor — Pecorino enhances pasta sauces like cacio e pepe.
15. Pepper (Vegetable/ Spice)
Sweet bell peppers provide vitamin C; spicy chili peppers offer capsaicin for metabolism and warmth.
16. Peppermint (Herb / Tea Herb)
Refreshing and soothing for digestion. Peppermint tea is popular for calm and clarity.
17. Perch (Fish / Lean Seafood)
A mild white fish low in fat and high in omega-3s — great baked or pan-seared.
18. Persimmon (Fruit / Autumn Treat)
Honey-sweet and smooth, persimmons supply vitamins A and E, supporting skin and immune health.
19. Pesto (Condiment / Italian Sauce)
Foods That Start With P
Foods That Start With P
Made from basil, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil — pesto adds bright herbal flavor to pasta and sandwiches.
20. Pho (Dish / Vietnamese Soup)
A fragrant broth with rice noodles, herbs, and protein. Pho is aromatic, nourishing, and globally adored.
21. Pineapple (Fruit / Tropical)
Sweet-tart and juicy — pineapple contains bromelain to support digestion and Vitamin C for immunity.
22. Pineapple Juice (Beverage / Fruit Juice)
Refreshing and vitamin-rich — best when fresh-pressed or blended.
23. Pine Nut (Nut / Seed from Pine Trees)
Creamy and delicate, pine nuts are used in pesto and salads, offering healthy fats and minerals.
24. Pita (Bread / Middle Eastern Flatbread)
Pocket-style bread used for wraps and dipping. Pita is versatile and satisfying.
25. Pizza (Dish / Italian Classic)
Beloved worldwide, pizza combines dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings — endlessly customizable and universally enjoyed.
26. Plum (Fruit / Stone Fruit)
Tangy-sweet and juicy, plums support digestion and provide antioxidants.
27. Polenta (Grain Dish / Cornmeal Porridge)
Creamy or grilled, polenta is a comfort staple in Italian cuisine made from cornmeal.
28. Pomegranate (Fruit / Superfood)
Ruby-red seeds loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, pomegranate supports heart health and beauty.
29. Ponzu (Condiment / Japanese Sauce)
A citrus-soy sauce blend adding brightness to seafood, salads, and noodles.
30. Popcorn (Grain / Snack)
Whole-grain and high-fiber, popcorn is best air-popped — a crunchy, light snack.
31. Pork (Meat / Protein)
Versatile and flavorful, providing protein and essential minerals — lean cuts are healthiest.
32. Potato (Vegetable / Root)
Comforting and universal — potatoes fuel the world with potassium, fiber, and starch.
33. Pot Pie (Dish / Comfort Food)
A savory pie with meat, vegetables, and creamy sauce — cozy, hearty, and loved across cultures.
34. Poultry (Meat / Protein)
Includes chicken, turkey, and duck — lean protein sources essential in global diets.
35. Prawns (Seafood / Shellfish)
Juicy and protein-rich — prawns offer omega-3s and cook quickly for soups, curries, and stir-fries.
36. Pretzel (Snack / Baked Good)
Salty twists loved in Europe and America — crisp or soft, perfect with mustard or cheese dips.
37. Prosciutto (Meat / Italian Cured Ham)
Delicate and salty — prosciutto pairs perfectly with melon, cheese, and crusty bread.
38. Provolone (Cheese / Semi-Hard Italian)
Creamy and melty — perfect for sandwiches, pasta bakes, and cheese boards.
39. Pumpkin (Vegetable / Squash Family)
Earthy and nutrient-dense — pumpkin provides beta-carotene for eye and skin health.
40. Pumpkin Seeds (Seeds / Healthy Snack)
Crunchy and rich in zinc, magnesium, and plant protein — ideal for salads and snacking.
Source: Healthline confirms pumpkin seeds support heart, prostate, and sleep health.
41. Purple Potato (Vegetable / Root)
Vibrant antioxidant-rich potatoes that add color and nutrition to plates.
Foods that start with P
Health Benefits of “P” Foods
- Plant-powered nutrients from pears, peas, plums, pumpkin, and papaya
- Heart-healthy fats from peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and seeds
- Lean protein from poultry, prawns, and perch
- Antioxidants from pomegranate, purple potatoes, and persimmon
- Probiotic richness from fermented foods like pesto with raw garlic and basil
“P” foods support digestion, immunity, brain health, and energy levels.
Fun Food Facts
- Penicillin (life-saving medicine) was discovered from Penicillium mold — yes, a fungus starting with P!
- Ancient Romans considered pears a luxury fruit.
- Polenta was once cooked in copper pots in Italy — a sign of prosperity.
- The world’s most expensive pizza — $12,000 — includes truffles and caviar!
Final Thought: Powerful “P” Foods for Every Plate
The foods that start with P bring a powerful mix of nutrition, comfort, global flavor, and creativity. Whether you’re enjoying a vibrant pineapple smoothie, a comforting bowl of phở, a sprinkle of parmesan on pasta, or a superfood kick from pomegranate seeds, each “P” food adds taste and health to your life.
Keep exploring — your plate can always be powerful, practical, and positively delicious.