Foods that start with Y
The letter Y might not be the first one you think of when listing foods, but once you dive in, you’ll discover a surprising range of flavorful, nutritious, and globally significant ingredients. Some come from Asian cuisines, others from Middle Eastern, African, and Western traditions — but all offer unique tastes and fascinating cultural roots.
From yams and yellowtail to yak meat, yogurt, yerba mate, and yuzu, foods beginning with Y represent comfort, creativity, and culinary adventure. This list includes fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, grains, legumes, spices, oils, dairy products, and beverages — all organized alphabetically to help readers explore easily.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a varied diet rich in colorful produce and lean proteins helps support long-term health — and the “Y” food group offers plenty of those options.
Here is your complete, beautifully organized list of foods that start with Y.
Quick-Reference Table: Foods That Start With Y
Whatt are the Foods that start with Y
| Category | Foods Starting With Y |
| Fruits | Yuzu, Yellow Passion Fruit, Yellow Plum, Yumberry |
| Vegetables | Yam, Yardlong Bean, Yellow Squash, Yellow Pepper |
| Meats & Poultry | Yak Meat, Yassa Chicken, Yorkshire Ham |
| Seafood | Yellowtail, Yellowfin Tuna, Yabby |
| Dairy | Yogurt, Yak Milk, Ymer (Danish Cultured Milk) |
| Grains & Starches | Yellow Corn, Yeasted Bread, Yakisoba Noodles |
| Legumes & Beans | Yellow Lentils, Yellow Split Peas |
| Nuts & Seeds | Yellow Watermelon Seeds, Young Coconut Seeds |
| Oils | Yuzu Oil, Yellow Mustard Oil |
| Spices & Condiments | Yellow Curry Paste, Yemeni Zhug, Yuzu Kosho |
| Herbs | Yerba Buena, Yellow Dock |
| Beverages | Yerba Mate, Yuja Tea, Yop (Drinkable Yogurt) |
| International Dishes | Yakitori, Youtiao, Yorkshire Pudding, Yakhni, Yakisoba, Yassa |
Foods that start with Y
Alphabetical List of Foods That Start With Y
1. Yabby
A small freshwater crustacean native to Australia, similar to crayfish. Its sweet, delicate meat is used in stews, pasta dishes, and seafood platters.
2. Yak Meat
Lean and rich in protein, yak meat is common in Himalayan regions. It has a mild game flavor and is used in curries, dried jerky, soups, and stir-fries.
3. Yak Milk
Consumed in Tibetan and Mongolian cultures, yak milk is high in fat and nutrients. It’s used to make cheese, butter tea, and yogurt-like fermented drinks.
4. Yakhni
A South Asian dish of slow-simmered meat or vegetables in a spiced yogurt broth. It can be found in Pakistani, Kashmiri, and Afghan cuisines.
5. Yakisoba
A classic Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with cabbage, pork, carrots, and a tangy sauce. It’s one of the most popular street foods in Japan.
6. Yakitori
Japanese skewered chicken grilled over charcoal and glazed with soy sauce and mirin. It’s savory, smoky, and a staple of Japanese izakayas.
7. Yally Berry (Yumberry)
A sweet-tart fruit native to Asia. It has a refreshing berry flavor and is often turned into juices, jams, and antioxidant-rich health drinks.
8. Yam
A starchy root vegetable popular in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. It’s different from sweet potatoes and offers slow-digesting carbohydrates and fiber.
9. Yam Bean (Jicama)
A crunchy, mild root vegetable used in salads, salsas, and stir-fries. It’s hydrating, low in calories, and high in vitamin C.
10. Yam Noodles
Also known as shirataki noodles, made from the konjac yam. Low in calories and popular in low-carb or gluten-free diets.
11. Yam Porridge
A Nigerian comfort dish made with yam cubes cooked in tomato sauce, spices, and palm oil. Rich, savory, and hearty.
12. Yam Leaves
Tender, green leaves from certain yam varieties. Used in African and Asian cooking; rich in vitamin A and antioxidants.
13. Yardlong Bean
A slender green bean common in Southeast Asian cuisine. Excellent in stir-fries, curries, and salads.
14. Yellow Bean Sauce
A fermented Asian condiment made from soybeans. It adds umami to stir-fries, marinades, and noodle dishes.
15. Yellow Curry Paste
A Thai curry paste blending turmeric, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and chilies. Milder than red curry but packed with flavor.
16. Yellow Dock
An herb used traditionally for digestive and liver support. The leaves and roots appear in herbal teas or medicinal tonics.
17. Yellow Eye Beans
Creamy, mild beans used in soups, casseroles, and baked bean recipes. High in protein and fiber.
18. Yellow Lentils
A protein-rich legume commonly used in Indian dals, Middle Eastern soups, and African stews.
19. Yellow Mustard
Made from ground mustard seeds, vinegar, and turmeric. This signature condiment adds tang to sandwiches, marinades, and salad dressings.
20. Yellow Mustard Oil
A pungent, flavorful oil used in Indian and Bangladeshi cooking. Ideal for frying, pickling, and tempering dishes.
21. Yellow Passion Fruit
A bright yellow fruit with fragrant pulp. Used in desserts, drinks, and smoothies for its tropical aroma and sweetness.
22. Yellow Pepper
Sweet, mild bell peppers with a crisp texture. Great for grilling, roasting, and salads.
23. Yellow Plum
A juicy stone fruit with mild tartness. Delicious fresh or used in jams and desserts.
24. Yellow Rice
A savory rice dish flavored with turmeric or saffron. Popular in Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines.
25. Yellow Squash
A tender summer squash with a mild flavor. Used in sautés, casseroles, and soups.
26. Yellow Split Peas
Dried peas used in soups and stews, such as split pea soup or Indian dal. Nutritious and filling.
27. Yellowfin Tuna
A firm, lean fish used in sashimi, poke bowls, and grilled fish dishes. It contains omega-3 fatty acids and essential minerals.
28. Yerba Buena
A fragrant mint-like herb used in teas and traditional remedies. Popular in Filipino and Latin American cultures.
29. Yerba Mate
A South American caffeinated beverage made from dried leaves. Known for its energizing qualities and deep cultural roots.
30. Yiros (Gyros)
A Greek-inspired wrap filled with seasoned meat, veggies, and tzatziki. Flavorful, filling, and popular worldwide.
31. Ymer
A Danish cultured dairy product similar to yogurt but slightly more acidic. Common for breakfast bowls or as a topping.
32. Yoghurt (Yogurt)
A global staple made from fermented milk. Creamy, tangy, and rich in probiotics that support gut health.
33. Yokan
A traditional Japanese dessert made from red bean paste, agar, and sugar. Firm, subtly sweet, and often enjoyed with tea.
34. Youtiao
Chinese fried dough sticks often served with porridge or soy milk. Light, airy, and a beloved breakfast treat.
35. Yuca (Cassava)
A starchy root used in Latin American and African cooking. Often boiled, fried, or turned into yuca fries.
36. Yucatecan Salsa
A spicy salsa from Mexico’s Yucatán region, typically made with habaneros and sour orange. Bright, hot, and citrusy.
37. Yuzu
A fragrant East Asian citrus fruit with a tart, floral flavor. Used in sauces, cocktails, marinades, desserts, and high-end cuisine.
38. Yuzu Kosho
A Japanese condiment blending yuzu zest, chili, and salt. Intensely aromatic and delicious with meats or noodles.
39. Yuzu Oil
Cold-pressed oil made from yuzu peel. Used in seasonings, dressings, and fine dining.
40. Yuzu Tea (Yuja-cha)
A Korean tea made from preserved yuzu slices and honey. Comforting, aromatic, and rich in vitamin C.
Foods that start with Y
Health Benefits of Foods That Start With Y
Foods beginning with Y offer:
Digestive Support
- Yogurt
- Yellow lentils
- Yerba buena
Antioxidants
- Yuzu
- Yumberry
- Yellow plums
Lean Proteins
- Yellowfin tuna
- Yak meat
- Yiros fillings
Energy & Satiety
- Yuca
- Yam
- Yellow rice
These foods contribute to balanced nutrition and diverse flavor profiles.
Foods that start with Y
Fun Facts of Foods That Start With Y
- Yuzu’s fragrance is so prized in Japan that it’s used in baths, perfumes, and holiday traditions.
- Yerba mate is considered a symbol of hospitality in many South American cultures.
- Youtiao is often eaten with warm soy milk as a traditional Chinese breakfast pairing.
- Yam and yangmei have been cultivated in Asia for thousands of years.
The bottom line: Your Culinary Journey Through the Letter Y
Foods that start with Y prove that even the most unusual letters offer a world of flavor. From nourishing roots like yam and yuca to elegant ingredients like yuzu and yellowfin tuna, the letter Y brings global depth, cultural richness, and nutritional value.
Whether you want new dishes to explore, new ingredients to experiment with, or new international flavors to understand, the Y-food family delivers surprising variety and memorable taste.Your audience will love how unique, yummy, and nutritious these foods can be — making the letter Y a standout in your alphabet food series.
Foods that start with Y
Foods that start with Y
