When you think of foods that start with H, items like honey or hummus might come to mind first. But the “H” category reaches far beyond those familiar names. This letter brings together vegetables like heirloom tomatoes and habanero pepper, seafood like haddock, grains and seeds like hemp seeds, and dairy delights like halloumi.
Exploring “H” foods helps you expand your culinary vocabulary, try new recipes, and discover nutrients you may not have considered. Plus, every food included here traces a cultural or nutritional story—from honey’s role in wellness traditions to hemp’s rise in plant-based diets.
Reference: According to Harvard Health, moderate honey consumption may soothe cough symptoms.
Quick-Reference Table: Foods That Start With H
| Category | Foods That Start With H |
| Fruits | Honeydew melon, Hala fruit, Huckleberry |
| Vegetables | Heirloom tomato, Habanero pepper, Horseradish, Heart of palm |
| Grains & Seeds | Hemp seeds, Hirse (millet in German), Hominy |
| Beans & Legumes | Hummus (made from chickpeas), Haricot beans |
| Nuts & Oils | Hazelnuts, Hemp seed oil |
| Meats & Poultry | Ham, Hare (rabbit) |
| Seafood | Haddock, Halibut, Herring |
| Dairy & Cheese | Halloumi, Havarti |
| Spices & Herbs | Herbs de Provence, Horseradish root, Hyssop |
| Condiments & Sauces | Hot sauce, Honey mustard, Hoisin sauce |
| Beverages | Herbal tea, Horchata, Hot chocolate |
| International Dishes & Desserts | Honey cake, Halva, Huevos Rancheros, Hushpuppies |
Alphabetical List & Descriptions
Habanero Pepper (Vegetable / Spice)
Habanero is one of the hotter chili peppers, known for its fruity, fiery flavor. Use it sparingly in salsas, marinades, or sauces. It contains capsaicin, the compound linked to increased metabolism and pain relief.
Haddock (Seafood / Fish)
A white, mild-flavored fish commonly used in fish and chips or smoked preparations. Haddock is rich in protein and low in fat, making it a great lean seafood choice.
Halibut (Seafood / Fish)
A firm, meaty white fish that holds up well to grilling and baking. It provides omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin D.
Halloumi (Dairy / Cheese)
A semi-firm cheese from Cyprus that doesn’t melt easily. It’s perfect for grilling or pan-searing to golden crispness while remaining chewy inside.
Ham (Meat / Pork)
Cured or smoked, ham is a flavorful meat used in sandwiches, breakfasts, and holiday dishes. In moderation, lean cuts can be part of a balanced diet.
Hare (Meat / Game)
Less commonly eaten today, hare is a wild rabbit relative. In traditional cuisines, it’s braised or stewed and delivers a robust, gamey flavor.
Hard-boiled Eggs (Dairy / Protein)
Eggs are a classic “H” food: boiled, scrambled, or baked, they supply complete protein and nutrients like choline and B vitamins.
Hazelnuts (Nut)
Also called filberts, hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. They’re often used in spreads, baking, or chocolate treats.
Heart of Palm (Vegetable)
Harvested from the inner core of palm trees, heart of palm is tender and mild. It’s often used raw in salads or grilled for a subtle flavor.
Heirloom Tomato (Vegetable / Fruit)
Foods that start with H
Heirloom varieties come in many colors and flavors—rich, sweet, acidic. Great for fresh salads, bruschettas, or roasting.
Herbal Tea (Beverage)
Infusions made from herbs like mint, chamomile, hibiscus, or rooibos. They’re caffeine-free and offer calming or digestive benefits.
Herbs de Provence (Spice / Herb Blend)
A seasoning mix from the Provence region of France, typically including thyme, rosemary, oregano, and lavender. Use it in roasted dishes, stews, and grilled vegetables.
Herring (Seafood / Fish)
A small oily fish eaten smoked, pickled, or grilled. Rich in omega-3 fats and vitamin D.
Hochzeitssuppe (International Dish / German Soup)
A traditional German wedding soup made with meatballs, vegetables, and sometimes egg custard strands. Rich and comforting.
Horchata (Beverage / International Drink)
A creamy, plant-based beverage made from rice, almonds, or tiger nuts, flavored with cinnamon and sweetened. Very popular in Latin American cuisines.
Houbara (Game / Poultry)
A type of bustard bird eaten in parts of Central Asia and North Africa. Rare in Western diets, but historically hunted for feasts.
Hushpuppies (Dish / Side)
Deep-fried cornmeal balls often served with seafood. A Southern U.S. favorite side dish for fish or barbecue.
Hummus (Bean / Legume / Condiment)
Foods that start with H
A creamy dip made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Full of plant protein and fiber, it’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.
Hydrosol (Beverage / Herbal Water)
Floral waters like rose or lavender hydrosol serve as gentle, aromatic beverages or add subtle flavor to other drinks.
Hyssop (Herb / Spice)
A fragrant herb used in European and Middle Eastern cuisines, often in teas, meat rubs, or liqueurs. It offers a minty, slightly bitter profile.
Health Benefits of H-Foods
Foods that start with “H” bring strong nutritional value. Hemp seeds, for example, provide a complete plant protein and healthy fats—about 9 grams of protein per 3 tablespoons and a rich omega-3 to omega-6 balance. (WebMD)
Honey offers antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and may help soothe sore throats during colds. (Harvard Health)
Hazelnuts, heirloom tomatoes, halloumi, and herbal teas deliver vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and plant compounds that support heart, gut, and immune health.
Foods that start with H
Fun Facts
- Honey never spoils — archaeologists have found edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs.
- Hushpuppies got their name reportedly because cooks tossed fried cornmeal balls to dogs to keep them quiet (“hush, puppies”).
- Hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids and are part of a growing trend in plant-based nutrition. (PMC)
Foods that start with H
Warping It Up
“Foods that start with H” deliver both familiar comfort and exotic intrigue. From the creamy tang of hummus to the sweetness of honeydew, the boldness of habanero, and the subtle charm of herbal tea, these foods enrich your diet with flavor, culture, and nutrition.Next, dive into Foods That Start With I to continue expanding your alphabet of tasty possibilities — one letter at a time.