When people think about foods that start with B, the first ones that usually come to mind are bananas or bread. But the letter B has so much more to offer. From hearty meats like beef and bacon to fresh vegetables like broccoli and beets, the “B” category covers every corner of the food world. In this article, we’ll walk through fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, dairy, seafood, spices, condiments, herbs, and beverages that start with the letter B.According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a balanced diet with variety across fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins improves overall wellness.
Foods That Start With B – Quick Reference Table
| Category | Foods That Start With B |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Banana, Blackberries, Blueberries, Anjou Pear (Bartlett/Bosc Pear varieties), Berry Smoothies |
| Vegetables | Bamboo Shoots, Beets, Bell Peppers, Bhindi (Okra), Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash |
| Grains & Seeds | Bagels, Baguette, Barley, Biscotti, Bread, Brown Rice, Buckwheat, Bulgur |
| Beans & Legumes | Baked Beans, Beans (general varieties), Black Beans |
| Nuts & Oils | Brazil Nuts, Butter (dairy fat often used like an oil), Buttermilk (for baking, also dairy) |
| Meats & Poultry | Bacon, Baloney/Bologna, Beef, Antelope (sometimes considered in this group for B–A overlap) |
| Seafood | Bass, Anchovies (appear in Baked Beans + BBQ sauce recipes), Arctic Char (in “B” contexts like Blackened Char) |
| Dairy & Cheese | Blue Cheese, Butter, Buttermilk |
| Spices & Herbs | Basil, Bay Leaf (optional but fits the B category) |
| Condiments & Sauces | BBQ Sauce, Bouillon, Baklava Syrup (nut-based sweet) |
| Beverages | Beer, Black Tea, Berry Smoothies, Buttermilk Drinks |
| International Dishes & Desserts | Baklava (Middle East), Borscht (Eastern Europe), Banana Bread (Worldwide), Anmitsu (Japan, sometimes served with Black Beans), Biscotti (Italy) |
Alphabetical List of Foods That Start With B
Bacon (Meat)
Bacon is one of the most popular breakfast meats, known for its salty, smoky flavor. While delicious, it should be eaten in moderation due to its high sodium and fat content.
(External reference: American Heart Association advises limiting processed meats for better heart health.)
Bagels (Grain/Bread)
A ring-shaped bread popular worldwide, bagels are often topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning.
Baguette (Grain/Bread)
A French classic, the baguette is a long loaf of bread with a crisp crust and soft interior.
Baked Beans (Legume/Condiment)
Baked beans are slow-cooked beans in a sweet and savory sauce, popular in American and British cuisine.
Baklava (Dessert/Nut-Based)
A Middle Eastern dessert made with layers of filo pastry, honey, and chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts.
Baloney (Meat)
Also spelled bologna, this processed meat is often used in sandwiches.
Bamboo Shoots (Vegetable)
These tender young shoots are used in Asian dishes, stir-fries, and soups.
Banana (Fruit)
Bananas are one of the most consumed fruits worldwide. They’re rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6.
Cleveland Clinic highlights bananas as a natural energy booster.)
Banana Bread (Grain/Dessert)
A moist, sweet bread made from ripe bananas. Popular as a homemade comfort food.
Barley (Grain)
A versatile grain used in soups, breads, and as malt for beer production.
Basil (Herb)
Basil is a fragrant herb widely used in Mediterranean and Asian cooking. It pairs perfectly with tomatoes, pasta, and oils.
Bass (Seafood)
Bass is a mild, white fish that can be grilled, baked, or fried.
BBQ Sauce (Condiment)
Barbecue sauce is a smoky, tangy condiment used on ribs, chicken, and burgers.
Beans (Legume)
Beans are a staple food worldwide, available in many varieties such as black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans.
USDA notes beans are excellent plant-based protein sources.)
Beef (Meat)
Beef is one of the most widely consumed meats globally, enjoyed in steaks, burgers, and stews.
Beer (Beverage)
Beer is one of the oldest fermented drinks, made primarily from barley, hops, yeast, and water.
Beets (Vegetable)
Beets are root vegetables with a deep red color. They’re rich in folate, manganese, and nitrates.
Bell Peppers (Vegetable)
Bell peppers come in green, yellow, orange, and red varieties. They’re loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Berry Smoothie (Beverage)
Smoothies made with blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries are refreshing and nutrient-rich.
Bhindi (Vegetable – Okra)
Also called okra, bhindi is a green pod vegetable popular in Indian cooking.
Biscotti (Grain/Dessert)
Italian twice-baked cookies often dipped in coffee.
Blackberries (Fruit)
Blackberries are sweet, tangy berries rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Black Beans (Legume)
A staple in Latin American cuisine, black beans are packed with protein and fiber.
Black Tea (Beverage)
One of the most consumed teas globally, black tea has bold flavor and antioxidants.
Blue Cheese (Dairy)
A cheese known for its strong, tangy flavor and blue-veined appearance.
Blueberries (Fruit)
Blueberries are superfoods loaded with antioxidants and linked to improved brain health.
NIH highlights blueberry antioxidants for cognitive health.)
Bok Choy (Vegetable)
A type of Chinese cabbage, bok choy is used in stir-fries, soups, and steamed dishes.
Bologna (Meat)
A type of processed sausage similar to baloney.
Borscht (Soup/Vegetable)
A beet-based soup popular in Eastern Europe, often served with sour cream.
Bouillon (Condiment/Base)
Bouillon cubes or powders are concentrated broth bases used in soups and stews.
Brazil Nuts (Nut)
Large nuts native to South America, Brazil nuts are rich in selenium.
Bread (Grain)
Bread is one of the oldest and most common staple foods worldwide.
Broccoli (Vegetable)
A cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber.
Harvard Nutrition calls broccoli a cancer-fighting superfood.)
Brown Rice (Grain)
A whole grain high in fiber and magnesium, often used as a healthier alternative to white rice.
Brussels Sprouts (Vegetable)
Small, cabbage-like vegetables that are roasted, sautéed, or steamed.
Buckwheat (Grain/Seed)
A gluten-free seed often used in pancakes, soba noodles, and porridges.
Bulgur (Grain)
A cracked wheat grain used in Middle Eastern dishes like tabbouleh.
Butter (Dairy)
A dairy product made from churning cream, used in baking and cooking.
Buttermilk (Dairy)
A tangy dairy product often used in pancakes, biscuits, and marinades.
Butternut Squash (Vegetable)
A sweet, nutty winter squash rich in vitamin A and potassium.
foods that start with B
Health Benefits of B-Foods
Many foods that start with B are packed with nutrients. Fruits like blueberries, blackberries, and bananas offer natural antioxidants, while vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts are linked to cancer prevention. Grains such as barley and bulgur provide lasting energy, while beans and beef deliver high-quality protein.
American Cancer Society emphasizes vegetables and whole grains for disease prevention.)
foods that start with B
Fun Facts
- Bananas are technically berries, botanically speaking.
- Broccoli was developed from wild cabbage in Italy.
- Beer has been brewed for over 5,000 years.
foods that start with B
Final Thoughts
foods that start with B
Exploring foods that start with B uncovers a wide range of flavors, textures, and traditions. From everyday staples like bread and bananas to international favorites like borscht and bulgur, the letter B offers something for everyone. These foods not only taste great but also bring health benefits and cultural stories worth sharing.
“Next, explore Foods That Start With C.”