If you’ve been enjoying our food alphabet series, get ready for a delicious and diverse journey through foods that start with D. From juicy fruits like dates and dragon fruit to savory dishes like duck and dumplings, this list covers every flavor imaginable. “D” foods aren’t just diverse—they represent global cultures, unique textures, and essential nutrients.
According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins contributes to overall health and longevity.
Foods That Start With D – Quick Reference Table
| Category | Foods That Start With D |
| Fruits | Dates, Dragon Fruit, Damson Plum, Dewberry, Durian |
| Vegetables | Daikon Radish, Dandelion Greens, Delicata Squash, Drumstick (Moringa Pods), Dill Pickles |
| Grains & Seeds | Durum Wheat, Dalia (cracked wheat), Dough (bread base) |
| Beans & Legumes | Dal (lentil dish), Dry Beans |
| Nuts & Oils | Dried Coconut, Date Seed Oil |
| Meats & Poultry | Duck, Deer (Venison), Drumsticks (chicken) |
| Seafood | Dover Sole, Dory Fish, Dogfish |
| Dairy & Cheese | Double Gloucester Cheese, Danish Blue Cheese, Dairy Milk |
| Spices & Herbs | Dill, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano |
| Condiments & Sauces | Dijon Mustard, Duck Sauce, Demi-Glace |
| Beverages | Daiquiri, Darjeeling Tea, Dandelion Coffee, Diet Soda |
| International Dishes & Desserts | Dumplings, Donuts, Danish Pastry, Deviled Eggs |
Dates (Fruit)
Dates are naturally sweet fruits from the date palm tree, popular in Middle Eastern diets. They’re packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Dates make a healthy alternative to refined sugar and are used in smoothies, desserts, and energy bars.
Reference: Cleveland Clinic notes that dates aid digestion and support bone health.
Daikon Radish (Vegetable)
A long, white radish commonly used in Japanese and Korean cuisines. Daikon has a crisp texture and mild peppery flavor. It’s often pickled or grated into salads.
Dairy Milk (Dairy)
Dairy milk is rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin D, essential for bone health. It’s a global staple used in drinks, sauces, and baking.
Dandelion Greens (Vegetable/Herb)
These bitter leafy greens are edible and often used in salads or sautés. They support liver detoxification and digestion.
Damson Plum (Fruit)
A small, tart purple plum used in jams, preserves, and baking.
Danish Blue Cheese (Dairy/Cheese)
A creamy, tangy blue-veined cheese from Denmark. It pairs beautifully with fruits and nuts.
Danish Pastry (Dessert/Grain)
A flaky, buttery pastry filled with custard, jam, or cheese. It’s a breakfast favorite worldwide.
Darjeeling Tea (Beverage)
Often called the “Champagne of teas,” Darjeeling tea from India has a delicate floral aroma. It’s rich in antioxidants and may support heart health.
Reference: Science Direct highlights tea polyphenols for their antioxidant benefits.
Date Syrup (Condiment/Sweetener)
Made from blended dates, this syrup serves as a natural sweetener rich in minerals and antioxidants.
Dates (Fruit)
Dates are naturally sweet fruits that grow on the date palm tree, primarily found in Middle Eastern and North African regions. With their chewy texture and caramel-like flavor, they’re often used in smoothies, desserts, and energy bars. Dates are rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making them excellent for digestion and sustained energy.
Reference: Cleveland Clinic notes that dates promote heart health and provide natural sweetness without added sugars.
Deli Meat (Meat)
Thinly sliced cold cuts like turkey, ham, or roast beef used in sandwiches and wraps.
Delicata Squash (Vegetable)
A small, sweet winter squash with edible skin. It’s high in beta-carotene and delicious when roasted.
Demi-Glace (Condiment/Sauce)
A rich brown sauce made from beef or veal stock, used in French cooking.
Dewberry (Fruit)
Similar to blackberries, dewberries are wild berries that grow on low vines. They’re used in jams and pies.
Dijon Mustard (Condiment)
A French mustard known for its smooth texture and sharp, tangy flavor. Perfect for salad dressings, sandwiches, and marinades.
Dill (Herb/Spice)
Dill is an aromatic herb used fresh or dried in soups, fish dishes, and pickles. It adds a light, citrusy flavor.
Reference: USDA lists dill as a source of antioxidants and essential oils that promote digestion.
Dill Pickles (Vegetable/Condiment)
Cucumbers preserved in dill-flavored brine. Crunchy, tangy, and perfect for burgers or snacks.
Dips (Condiment/Dish)
Creamy or chunky mixtures like hummus, guacamole, or spinach dip. “D” dips include dill dip and date dip.
Dough (Grain Base)
Dough forms the foundation of bread, pizza, and pastries. It’s made by mixing flour, water, and yeast.
Donuts (Dessert/Grain)
Fried or baked sweet pastries topped with icing or sugar. They’re enjoyed globally with coffee or tea.
Doria (International Dish)
A Japanese baked rice casserole topped with creamy white sauce and cheese.
Dory Fish (Seafood)
A white, flaky fish known for its mild taste. Often pan-fried or used in fish stews.
Double Gloucester Cheese (Dairy)
A semi-hard English cheese with a smooth texture and orange hue. It melts beautifully for grilled dishes.
Dragon Fruit (Fruit)
Foods that start with D
Also known as pitaya, dragon fruit has a striking pink skin and white or red flesh with tiny seeds. It’s refreshing, mildly sweet, and rich in vitamin C.
Drumsticks (Poultry/Vegetable)
“Drumstick” can refer to two foods: chicken drumsticks (a favorite protein source) or moringa pods, an Indian vegetable rich in vitamins and iron.
Duck (Poultry)
Duck is a flavorful meat with a rich taste and high iron content. It’s served roasted, smoked, or in dishes like duck confit.
Duck Sauce (Condiment)
A sweet-and-sour sauce often served with Chinese dishes. Made with apricots or plums.
Dumplings (International Dish)
Dough pockets filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, steamed or fried. Found in Chinese, Polish, and Japanese cuisines.
Durian (Fruit)
Known as the “King of Fruits” in Southeast Asia, durian has a spiky shell and creamy interior. It’s polarizing—some love it, others find its aroma too strong.
Durum Wheat (Grain)
A hard wheat variety used to make pasta and couscous. It’s high in protein and gluten.
Foods that start with D
Health Benefits of D-Foods
From antioxidant-rich fruits like dates and dragon fruit to protein-packed duck and dairy products, foods that start with D offer balanced nutrition. Vegetables like daikon and delicata squash add fiber, while herbs like dill provide anti-inflammatory compounds. Together, they support digestion, immunity, and heart health.
American Heart Association recommends pairing vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins for a healthy diet.)
Foods that start with D
Fun Facts
- Dragon fruit grows on a cactus plant that blooms only at night.
- Duck fat has a higher smoke point than butter, making it ideal for frying.
- The word “doughnut” was first recorded in 1809 in Washington Irving’s writing.
Foods that start with D
Final Thoughts
Exploring foods that start with D uncovers a world of delicious possibilities—from sweet fruits to savory sauces. Whether you’re tasting creamy Danish cheese or sipping Darjeeling tea, “D” foods remind us that cuisine connects cultures. Try adding some of these ingredients to your kitchen list—you might discover a new favorite.