Foods that start with S
Few letters in the food alphabet feel as stacked and satisfying as S. Think for a moment — salmon, spinach, strawberries, sesame, soba noodles, steak, shrimp, sweet potatoes, salsa, and sourdough all begin with S.
In this guide, we explore global flavors, healthy staples, everyday ingredients, and festive favorites, all starting with one letter. Whether you’re expanding vocabulary, meal-planning, or exploring cultural dishes, “S” offers bold tastes and balanced nutrition from breakfast to dinner.
Source: Harvard Nutrition Source recommends balanced plates rich in vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins — many of which begin with S.
Let’s discover the best foods that start with S, separated alphabetically and paired with fun icons representing each food.
Quick-Reference Table: Foods That Start With S
| Category | Foods |
| Fruits | Strawberry 🍓, Sapote 🍈, Starfruit , Sugar Apple 🍏 |
| Vegetables | Spinach 🌿, Sweet Potato 🍠, Squash 🎃, Scallion 🧅 |
| Grains & Starches | Soba 🍜, Semolina , Sorghum , Sourdough |
| Legumes & Beans | Soybeans 🫘, Split Peas , String Beans |
| Nuts & Seeds | Sunflower Seeds 🌻, Sesame Seeds , Sacha Inchi 🥜 |
| Meats & Poultry | Steak 🥩, Sausage 🌭, Smoked Turkey , Sweetbreads |
| Seafood | Salmon , Shrimp 🍤, Sardines , Squid 🦑 |
| Dairy & Cheese | Swiss Cheese 🧀, Skyr , Sour Cream |
| Herbs & Spices | Sage , Saffron , Star Anise , Sumac |
| Condiments & Sauces | Soy Sauce , Sriracha 🌶️, Salsa 🥫, Sesame Paste |
| Oils | Sesame Oil , Sunflower Oil 🌻 |
| Beverages | Smoothie 🥤, Soda , Soy Milk 🥛, Sparkling Water |
| International Dishes | Sushi 🍣, Shawarma , Shakshuka , Samp |
Foods that start with S
Foods That Start With S — Alphabetical List
1. Saffron
A luxury spice from crocus flowers, known for its deep golden color and floral aroma. Used in paella and Persian rice dishes; inexpensive amounts still add elegance and antioxidants.
2. Sage
This earthy herb seasons poultry, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. Its aromatic oils support digestion and clarity.
3. Salad
A mixture of raw or cooked vegetables, sometimes fruit and grains. Salads deliver fiber, hydration, and micronutrients, plus endless flavor combos.
4. Salmon
Rich in omega-3 fats, protein, and vitamin D, salmon supports brain, heart, and skin health. Poached, grilled, or baked, it’s versatile and nourishing.
5. Salsa
Fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime create salsa with brightness and spice. Adds antioxidants and fiber without heaviness.
6. Salt
A seasoning essential to flavor and electrolyte balance. Should be used with awareness, but culinary depth depends on salt.
7. Sapote
A creamy tropical fruit with vanilla-caramel notes. Sapote provides natural sugars, fiber, and vitamin C.
8. Sardines
Packed with omega-3, calcium (from edible bones), and protein. An affordable, sustainable seafood option with big health benefits.
9. Sausage
Ground meat seasoned and stuffed; styles vary globally — bratwurst, chorizo, merguez. Balance indulgence with mindful portions.
10. Scallion
Young green onions offering a mild onion taste. Perfect for soups, eggs, stir-fries, and garnishes.
11. Scallops
Tender shellfish with naturally sweet flavor. High in protein and low in fat — seared for best texture.
12. Seaweed
Edible algae rich in iodine, minerals, and umami depth. Used in Japanese soups, rice, and snacks.
13. Semolina
A coarse wheat flour used in pasta and couscous. Provides energy and satisfying texture.
14. Sesame Oil
Adds nutty aroma to Asian dishes. Rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats.
15. Sesame Seeds
Tiny seeds high in healthy fats and calcium. Used in tahini, breads, noodles, and sesame oil.
16. Shakshuka
Eggs poached in tomato and pepper sauce with spices. A Middle Eastern breakfast classic, comforting and filling.
17. Shark
Consumed in certain regions. Firm texture similar to swordfish; ensure ethical sourcing.
18. Shawarma
Middle Eastern wrap of marinated roasted meat, veggies, tahini, and pickles. Savory, aromatic, and widely popular.
19. Shrimp
Quick-cooking shellfish delivering lean protein and minerals. Works in pasta, tacos, soups, and curries.
20. Skyr
Icelandic cultured dairy, thick and protein-rich like Greek yogurt. Excellent for gut health and satiety.
21. Soba
Japanese noodles made from buckwheat. Earthy flavor, gluten-free options available.
22. Soda
Sugary, carbonated drinks. Enjoy sparingly; alternatives like sparkling water offer fizz without sugar.
23. Sorghum
A gluten-free grain rich in antioxidants and fiber. Used for porridges, flour, and breads.
24. Sourdough
Naturally fermented bread rich in gut-supporting bacteria and tangy flavor.
25. Soup
Comforting, hydrating dish with endless flavor possibilities — vegetable soups especially support gut health.
26. Soy Sauce
Fermented seasoning bringing umami depth. Enhances marinades, rice, noodles, and stir-fries.
27. Soybeans
Protein-packed legumes used in tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and edamame. Important in plant-forward diets.
Source: Healthline on Soybeans notes soy supports heart health and provides complete plant protein.
28. Spinach
Iron-rich leafy green supporting vision, energy metabolism, and immunity.
29. Split Peas
Used in hearty soups and curries. High fiber supports digestion and fullness.
30. Squash
Soft, sweet vegetable family including butternut and acorn squash. Vitamin A supports vision and immunity.
31. Sriracha
Bold chili sauce adding heat, vinegar brightness, and garlic depth.
32. Steak
Flavorful cut of beef, high in iron and B vitamins. Enjoy lean cuts and balanced portions.
33. Starfruit
Tropical fruit with crisp texture and mild sweetness. Eye-catching garnish and refreshing snack.
34. Strawberries
Bright, sweet berries full of vitamin C and antioxidants. Refreshing in desserts, salads, or smoothies.
35. Sumac
Tangy, ruby-colored Middle Eastern spice. Enhances salads, meats, and grain bowls.
36. Sunflower Seeds
Fiber-rich and protein-dense snack. Contains vitamin E and healthy fats.
37. Sushi
Vinegared rice paired with seafood, vegetables, or egg. Japanese culinary art combining nutrition and finesse.
38. Sweet Potato
Earthy, naturally sweet tuber supporting blood sugar stability and vitamin A intake.
39. Sweetbreads
Delicate organ meat (thymus/glands). Tender texture and gourmet appeal.
40. Swiss Cheese
Mild, nutty cheese perfect for sandwiches and melts.
Foods that start with S
Health Benefits of “S” Foods
- Heart health: salmon, sesame, spinach, sardines
- Gut support: sourdough, soup, soy, smoothies
- Blood sugar balance: sweet potatoes, sorghum
- Protein variety: shrimp, steak, skyr, soba
“S” delivers serious nutritional strength, making it one of the richest letters in your alphabet series.
Foods that start with S
Fun Food Facts
- Saffron requires ~75,000 flowers per pound — no wonder it’s expensive.
- Spinach gained fame thanks to Popeye’s super-strength legend.
- Sushi is about the rice, not the fish — many don’t realize this.
- Shakshuka appears in both Middle Eastern and North African cuisines.
Foods that start with S
Final Thought: S Is a Standout Food Letter
The letter S serves up sweet treats, savory comforts, superfoods, and sophisticated flavors. Whether you enjoy a warm bowl of soup, fresh strawberries, sizzling shawarma, or a nourishing soba bowl, there’s always something satisfying that starts with S.
Exploring foods that start with S sparks creativity in the kitchen and encourages mindful, global eating. With so many delicious choices, S stands for smart, satisfying, and seriously good food.