When people think about foods that start with A, apples usually come first to mind. Yet the letter “A” covers a wide range of flavors, from everyday staples like almonds and asparagus to international dishes like arancini and avgolemono soup. Exploring foods by letter isn’t just fun—it can expand your recipe list, spark trivia knowledge, and help you learn about cultural diversity in cuisine.
According to Harvard Nutrition Source, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins improves overall health.
Foods That Start With A – Quick Reference Table
| Category | Foods That Start With A |
| Fruits | Acai Berry, Acerola, Ackee, Anjou Pear, Apple, Apricot, Asian Pear, Avocado, Ananas (Pineapple) |
| Vegetables | Alfalfa Sprouts, Arugula, Artichoke, Asparagus, Amaranth Greens |
| Grains & Seeds | Amaranth, Arborio Rice, Angel Hair Pasta, Atole (corn-based) |
| Beans & Legumes | Adzuki Beans, Anasazi Beans |
| Nuts & Oils | Almonds, Agave Syrup (plant-based sweetener) |
| Meats & Poultry | Alligator Meat, Antelope |
| Seafood | Abalone, Ahi Tuna, Anchovies, Ankimo (monkfish liver), Arctic Char |
| Dairy & Cheese | Asadero Cheese, Angel Food Cake (egg-white based dessert) |
| Spices & Herbs | Anise, Arugula (also used as a herb) |
| Condiments & Sauces | Aioli, Ajvar |
| Beverages | Ale, Amaretto, Apple Cider, Atole |
| International Dishes | Arancini (Italy), Avgolemono Soup (Greece), Aloo Gobi (India), Arepas (Venezuela/Colombia), Anmitsu (Japan) |
| Desserts & Baked Goods | Apple Pie, Angel Food Cake, Anmitsu |
Foods that start with A
Alphabetical List of Foods That Start With A
Abalone (Seafood)
Abalone is a prized shellfish in Asian cuisine, known for its chewy texture and rich, savory taste. Often steamed, grilled, or used in soups, it’s considered a delicacy.
Acai Berry (Fruit)
Acai berries are small purple fruits from the Amazon rainforest. They’re often found in smoothie bowls and juices because of their high antioxidant content.
NIH notes acai as a rich source of polyphenols that may support heart health.
Acerola (Fruit)
Acerola cherries are tart red fruits exceptionally high in vitamin C. They’re commonly used in juices, jams, and dietary supplements.
Ackee (Fruit/Vegetable)
Ackee is a tropical fruit native to West Africa but famous in Jamaica. When cooked properly, it becomes a savory dish often paired with salted fish.
Adzuki Beans (Legume)
Small red beans popular in East Asian cuisine, adzuki beans are used in sweet pastes, soups, and stews.
USDA FoodData Central shows adzuki beans as high in protein and fiber.)
Agave Syrup (Sweetener/Oil Substitute)
Derived from the agave plant, this syrup is a natural sweetener used in drinks and desserts. It’s often marketed as a sugar alternative.
Ahi Tuna (Seafood)
Ahi tuna is a lean fish often eaten raw in sushi or seared for steaks. It’s a staple in Hawaiian poke bowls.
Aioli (Condiment)
Aioli is a Mediterranean garlic-based sauce similar to mayonnaise. It pairs perfectly with vegetables, fish, and sandwiches.
Ajvar (Condiment)
Ajvar is a Balkan spread made from roasted red peppers, eggplant, and garlic. It’s eaten with bread, meats, or as a dip.
Ale (Beverage)
Ale is one of the oldest brewed beverages, known for its bold, malty flavor. It remains popular worldwide.
Alfalfa Sprouts (Vegetable/Seed)
These sprouts are grown from alfalfa seeds and used in sandwiches, wraps, and salads. They provide a crunchy texture and mild flavor.
Alligator Meat (Meat/Poultry Alternative)
In regions like Louisiana, alligator meat is consumed grilled, fried, or in stews. It’s lean and high in protein.
Almonds (Nut)
Almonds are among the most versatile nuts, consumed raw, roasted, or as almond butter. They’re rich in vitamin E and plant protein.
NIH study suggests almonds may support heart health and weight management.)
Amaranth (Grain/Seed)
An ancient gluten-free grain, amaranth is used for porridge, flour, or popped like popcorn. It’s nutrient-rich and a staple in some cultures.
Amaretto (Beverage/Flavoring)
Amaretto is an almond-flavored liqueur used in cocktails and desserts.
Anchovies (Seafood)
Anchovies are small, salty fish commonly used in sauces, pizzas, and salads for their umami kick.
Angel Hair Pasta (Grain/Pasta)
A thin pasta that cooks quickly, angel hair is ideal for light sauces and seafood-based dishes.
Angel Food Cake (Dessert/Dairy-Based)
A light, fluffy cake made with egg whites, sugar, and flour. It’s lower in fat compared to other cakes.
Anise (Spice)
Anise seeds add a sweet, licorice-like flavor to baked goods, teas, and liqueurs.
Anjou Pear (Fruit)
Anjou pears are juicy and sweet, eaten raw or baked in desserts.
Ankimo (Seafood)
A Japanese delicacy, ankimo is monkfish liver, often served as sushi.
Anmitsu (Dessert)
A Japanese dessert made of agar jelly, fruits, and sweet red bean paste, served with syrup.
Annas (Fruit – Pineapple Variety)
“Ananas” is the international name for pineapples in many languages, originating from South America.
Antelope (Meat)
Antelope meat is lean, gamey, and high in protein. It’s sometimes available in specialty markets.
Apple (Fruit)
The most iconic of all foods that start with A, apples are a daily staple worldwide. They’re versatile, used in pies, salads, sauces, and snacks.
Harvard notes that apples may reduce risk of chronic illness.)
Apple Cider (Beverage)
A refreshing drink made from fermented or unfermented apple juice. It’s enjoyed hot or cold.
Apple Pie (Dessert)
A cultural icon, apple pie is sweet, spiced, and often served with ice cream.
Apricots (Fruit)
Apricots are stone fruits enjoyed fresh, dried, or in jams. They’re rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A.
Arancini (Dish/Grain)
Italian rice balls stuffed with cheese or meat and fried until golden.
Arborio Rice (Grain)
A short-grain rice used in risotto. Its creamy texture makes it popular in Italian cuisine.
Arctic Char (Seafood)
A cold-water fish similar to salmon and trout, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Arugula (Vegetable/Herb)
A peppery leafy green used in salads, pizzas, and pastas. It’s linked to improved digestion and cardiovascular health.
Asadero Cheese (Dairy)
A Mexican melting cheese often used in quesadillas and baked dishes.
Asparagus (Vegetable)
A spring vegetable loved worldwide. It’s packed with folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
Cleveland Clinic praises asparagus for its nutrient density.)
Asian Pear (Fruit)
Crisp and juicy, Asian pears are often eaten raw or sliced into salads.
Atole (Beverage/Grain)
A traditional Mexican drink made with masa (corn flour), sweetened with cinnamon and sugar.
Avgolemono Soup (Dish)
A Greek soup thickened with eggs and lemon, typically made with chicken broth.
Avocado (Fruit)
A creamy fruit high in heart-healthy fats. Avocados are used in guacamole, salads, and smoothies.
Foods that start with A
Health Benefits of A-Foods
Many foods that start with A share common themes:
- Nutrient-Rich: Apples, almonds, asparagus, and avocados are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Protein Sources: Abalone, ahi tuna, alligator, and antelope provide lean protein.
- Cultural Dishes: Arancini, arepas, and avgolemono soup showcase global cuisine.
American Heart Association emphasizes variety for heart health.)
Fun Facts
- Almonds are seeds, not true nuts.
- Avocados were called ahuacatl by the Aztecs.
- Apples come in over 7,500 varieties worldwide.
Foods that start with A
Final Thoughts
Exploring foods that start with A reveals a world of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, grains, and more. From everyday apples to exotic abalone, the letter A delivers diversity, nutrition, and flavor. This list is just the start—each food has its own story, recipes, and cultural roots worth learning.