Foods that start with N
If you’ve ever thought about how many delicious foods start with N, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. From the comforting warmth of noodles to the sweetness of nectarines and the crunch of nuts, “N” foods bring a natural balance of nutrition and flavor.
The letter N gives us a mix of everyday staples and global delicacies — earthy navy beans, exotic nashi pears, and flavorful nori from Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re curious, creating a food challenge, or just expanding your kitchen knowledge, this list covers fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and more — all in perfect alphabetical order.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health encourages a variety of whole, plant-based, and seafood-rich foods for a balanced diet.
Quick-Reference Table: Foods That Start With N
| Category | Foods That Start With N |
| Fruits | Nance Fruit, Nashi Pear, Nectarine, Nutmeg Melon |
| Vegetables | Napa Cabbage, Nopales, New Potatoes, Nettles |
| Grains & Seeds | Noodles, Nougatine (rice-based), Nigella Seeds, Nori Sheets |
| Legumes & Beans | Navy Beans, Northern Beans, Nepalese Lentils |
| Nuts & Oils | Nutmeg (seed spice), Neem Oil, Nut Oil, Nut Butter |
| Meats & Poultry | Neck (Beef/Chicken), Nugget (Chicken), New Zealand Lamb |
| Seafood | Norway Lobster, Northern Pike, Needlefish |
| Dairy & Cheese | Neufchâtel Cheese, Naan Bread with Cheese, Nonfat Yogurt |
| Spices & Herbs | Nutmeg, Nigella, Nettle Leaf, Nasturtium |
| Condiments & Sauces | Nam Pla (Fish Sauce), Nuoc Cham, Nacho Cheese Dip |
| Beverages | Nectar Juice, Negroni, Nitro Coffee, Nut Milk |
| International Dishes & Desserts | Nachos, Naan, Nasi Goreng, Napoleon Cake, Nougat |
Alphabetical List & Descriptions
1. Naan (Bread / Grain-Based)
A soft, leavened flatbread originating from India, naan is cooked in a tandoor oven and often brushed with butter or garlic. It’s the perfect companion to curries and stews, offering a chewy texture and smoky flavor.
2. Nachos (Dish / Snack / Grain-Based)
A Mexican-inspired dish featuring tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, beans, and jalapeños. Nachos are both comfort food and party favorite, offering crunch and flavor in every bite.
3. Nam Pla (Condiment / Fish Sauce)
A staple in Thai cuisine, nam pla is a fermented fish sauce with a salty, umami flavor that enhances stir-fries, soups, and marinades.
4. Nance Fruit (Fruit / Tropical)
Native to Central and South America, nance fruit is small, yellow, and slightly tart. It’s rich in vitamin C and used in jams, desserts, and beverages.
5. Napa Cabbage (Vegetable / Leafy Green)
Foods that start with N
A mild and crunchy Asian cabbage often used in kimchi or stir-fries. It’s high in vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and bone health.
6. Napoletana Sauce (Condiment / Tomato Sauce)
Also called “Neapolitan sauce,” this simple Italian sauce combines tomatoes, garlic, and herbs — perfect for pasta or pizza bases.
7. Napoleon Cake (Dessert / Pastry)
A rich dessert made of layered puff pastry and pastry cream, originating from France and beloved in Eastern Europe. It’s crisp, creamy, and visually striking.
8. Nashi Pear (Fruit / Asian Pear)
Crisp like an apple but juicy like a pear, nashi pears are refreshing and rich in fiber and vitamin C. Common in Japan and Korea, they’re great for snacking or salads.
9. Nasturtium (Herb / Edible Flower)
A vibrant edible flower with a peppery flavor, nasturtium is used to garnish salads and enhance visual appeal while adding vitamin C.
10. Navy Beans (Legume / Protein Source)
Small, white beans that are hearty and protein-rich. Navy beans are used in soups, stews, and baked bean recipes, offering fiber and minerals.
Healthline notes that beans support heart health and stabilize blood sugar.
11. Negroni (Beverage / Cocktail)
An Italian cocktail made from gin, vermouth, and Campari. The negroni balances bitterness with citrus aroma, making it a sophisticated classic.
12. Neem Oil (Oil / Medicinal Use)
Extracted from neem tree seeds, neem oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Though not a culinary oil, it’s valued in traditional health practices.
13. Neufchâtel Cheese (Dairy / Soft Cheese)
A French cheese similar to cream cheese but lower in fat. Neufchâtel has a soft, crumbly texture and slightly tangy flavor — perfect for spreads and desserts.
14. New Potatoes (Vegetable / Root)
Tender young potatoes with thin skins, perfect for roasting or boiling. They’re naturally buttery and rich in potassium.
15. New Zealand Lamb (Meat / Protein)
Renowned worldwide for quality and tenderness, New Zealand lamb is grass-fed, flavorful, and high in iron and zinc.
16. Nettle Leaf (Herb / Medicinal Green)
Though stinging when raw, once cooked, nettle leaves are packed with iron, calcium, and chlorophyll — often used in teas and soups.
17. Nettle Soup (Dish / Vegetable-Based)
A traditional European dish made with nettles, onions, and broth. It’s earthy, nutrient-rich, and comforting during colder months.
18. Noodles (Grain / Staple)
From Italian spaghetti to Asian ramen, noodles are universal. They provide carbohydrates for energy and can be made from wheat, rice, or even mung beans.
19. Nopales (Vegetable / Cactus Pad)
A Mexican delicacy made from cactus pads, nopales are sautéed or grilled for a tangy, slightly citrusy flavor. High in antioxidants and fiber.
20. Nordic Rye Bread (Grain / Whole Grain)
Dense and hearty, this bread is rich in fiber, iron, and minerals. Rye bread aids digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar.
21. Nori (Seafood / Sea Vegetable)
Foods that start with N
Foods that start with N
Dried sheets of edible seaweed used to wrap sushi rolls. Nori is rich in iodine, omega-3s, and minerals.
22. North Atlantic Cod (Seafood / Fish)
A mild white fish commonly used in fish and chips. Low in fat and high in protein and B12 — perfect for heart health.
23. Northern Beans (Legume / Protein Source)
Similar to navy beans but slightly larger. Great in stews and salads, northern beans are rich in folate and plant-based protein.
24. Norway Lobster (Seafood / Shellfish)
Also called langoustine, this small lobster species has delicate, sweet meat — a gourmet seafood choice for fine dining.
25. Nougat (Confection / Sweet)
A chewy candy made from sugar, honey, nuts, and egg whites. Found in European desserts and chocolate bars, it’s a luxurious treat.
26. Nougatine (Dessert / Confection)
A crisp caramelized version of nougat, nougatine adds crunch to pastries and cakes, blending texture and sweetness.
27. Nut Butter (Condiment / Spread)
A creamy spread made by grinding nuts such as almonds or peanuts. Nut butter offers healthy fats, protein, and flavor variety.
28. Nut Milk (Beverage / Dairy Alternative)
Made from blending nuts like almonds or cashews with water, nut milk is lactose-free, calcium-rich, and great in smoothies or coffee.
29. Nutmeg (Spice / Seed)
Warm and aromatic, nutmeg is used in desserts, sauces, and beverages like eggnog. It’s known for its comforting, festive flavor.
30. Nutmeg Melon (Fruit / Melon Variety)
Named for its aroma, this small melon has a sweet, nutty scent and refreshing taste — perfect for summer salads.
31. Nutter Butter Cookies (Dessert / Snack)
Peanut-shaped sandwich cookies filled with creamy peanut butter. Crunchy, nostalgic, and indulgent — a treat loved by all ages.
32. Nyama Choma (Meat / African Cuisine)
A Kenyan dish meaning “grilled meat.” Usually goat or beef, nyama choma is flavorful, smoky, and often shared during celebrations.
Foods that start with N
Health Benefits of N-Foods
Foods beginning with “N” are naturally nutritious:
- Navy beans and northern beans offer fiber, iron, and plant protein.
- Nori, nettles, and napa cabbage provide antioxidants and minerals.
- Nuts and nut butter support brain and heart health with good fats.
- Nectarines and nashi pears promote hydration and skin health.
- Noodles and rye bread give sustained energy and gut-friendly fiber.
Fun Food Facts
- Nutmeg was once worth more than gold in 17th-century Europe!
- Noodles have existed for over 4,000 years, with ancient traces found in China.
- Nachos were invented in 1943 by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya for American soldiers in Mexico.
- Nori production in Japan involves seaweed farming on nets that grow underwater.
Final Thoughts: “N” Nourishes the Body and the World
The letter “N” proves that healthy food can also be exciting. From nutrient-packed greens like napa cabbage and nettles to the indulgence of nougat and Napoleon cake, every “N” food has a story.
Exploring foods that start with N helps you appreciate culinary diversity — where tropical fruits, Asian spices, and European delicacies all come together under one letter. Whether you’re sipping nut milk, rolling nori sushi, or savoring nachos, remember: good food is about nourishment, culture, and joy.