“W” might not seem like the busiest letter in the food world — but once you start exploring, you’ll be wowed by the variety.
From crisp watermelon and hearty wild rice to spicy wasabi and rich walnuts, foods that start with W bring together sweetness, spice, and everything nice.
This complete list covers fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, nuts, legumes, herbs, dairy, condiments, and even beverages — all arranged alphabetically for easy browsing.
Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that foods like walnuts and whole grains support heart health and longevity — just two of many “W” power foods.
Let’s dive into the wonderful, wholesome, and worth-trying foods that start with W!
Quick-Reference Table: Foods That Start With W
| Category | Foods That Start With W |
| Fruits | Watermelon 🍉, Wax Apple 🍎, White Currant 🍇, Wolfberry (Goji Berry) 🍒 |
| Vegetables | Watercress, Wasabi, White Asparagus, Winged Bean 🫘 |
| Grains & Starches | Whole Wheat, Wild Rice, Wheat Germ, Wontons |
| Legumes & Beans | White Beans, Winged Beans, Wax Beans |
| Nuts & Seeds | Walnuts , Water Chestnuts 🌰, White Sesame Seeds |
| Meats & Poultry | Wagyu Beef 🥩, Wild Boar, Wiener Sausage 🌭 |
| Seafood | Wahoo Fish, Whitebait, Whelk, Whiting |
| Dairy & Cheese | Whey, White Cheese, Whipped Cream |
| Herbs & Spices | Winter Savory, White Pepper, Wasabi Powder |
| Condiments & Sauces | Worcestershire Sauce, Wasabi Paste, White Vinegar |
| Oils | Walnut Oil, Wheat Germ Oil |
| Beverages | White Wine, Wheat Beer 🍺, Water, Whiskey |
| International Dishes & Desserts | Waffles 🧇, Wellington (Beef) 🥩, Waldorf Salad, Whoopie Pie |
Foods that start with W
Alphabetical List & Descriptions
1. Waffles
Golden, crisp, and endlessly customizable, waffles are breakfast royalty. Whether sweet with syrup or savory with fried chicken, they deliver crunch and comfort in one bite.
2. Wagyu Beef
Famed for its marbling and tenderness, Wagyu hails from Japan and melts in your mouth. High in healthy omega fats, it’s a luxury protein worth tasting.
3. Waldorf Salad
A refreshing mix of apples, celery, walnuts, and mayonnaise. Created in New York’s Waldorf Hotel in the 1890s, it’s still a timeless favorite.
4. Walnut Oil
Extracted from pressed walnuts, this fragrant oil is used in dressings and drizzles. Rich in omega-3s and antioxidants, it’s heart-healthy and flavorful.
5. Walnuts
Crunchy, brain-shaped nuts rich in plant-based omega-3 fats, magnesium, and vitamin E. Perfect for snacking or baking.
6. Water Chestnuts
Crisp and juicy aquatic corms popular in Asian cooking. Add a refreshing crunch to stir-fries and spring rolls.
7. Watercress
Peppery green often used in salads and sandwiches. Packed with vitamin K and antioxidants, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense greens.
8. Watermelon
The symbol of summer — sweet, hydrating, and refreshing. Rich in lycopene and vitamins A and C, this fruit keeps you cool and healthy.
9. Wax Apple
Also called “rose apple,” this tropical fruit has a mild flavor and crisp texture. Great in salads or chilled for a refreshing snack.
10. Wax Beans
A pale-yellow variety of green beans. Slightly sweeter and tender — perfect for stir-fries, soups, or side dishes.
11. Weetabix
A whole-grain wheat breakfast cereal known for high fiber and slow-release energy. Popular in the UK and Australia.
12. Wellington (Beef)
A British classic — beef tenderloin wrapped in pastry with mushrooms and pâté. Luxurious, savory, and unforgettable.
13. Wheat Beer
A refreshing beer brewed mainly from wheat instead of barley. Cloudy and aromatic with citrusy notes — popular in Germany and Belgium.
14. Wheat Germ
The nutrient-rich embryo of the wheat kernel. Full of protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats — great in smoothies or baked goods.
15. Whelk
A type of sea snail eaten boiled or grilled. Popular in British seafood markets — chewy texture and briny flavor.
16. Whiskey
A distilled spirit aged in barrels for a deep, smoky flavor. Made from fermented grains such as barley, rye, or corn.
17. White Asparagus
Grown underground to prevent chlorophyll formation, it’s tender and delicate. A spring delicacy in Europe.
18. Whitebait
Tiny, whole young fish — lightly fried and eaten whole in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Crunchy and rich in calcium.
19. White Beans
Mild, creamy legumes like cannellini and navy beans. Great in soups, stews, and casseroles — high in fiber and iron.
20. White Cheese
Soft, fresh cheeses like feta or queso fresco. Mild and crumbly, adding creaminess to salads, tacos, and pastries.
21. White Currant
A translucent, pale-gold fruit with gentle tartness. Often used in jellies or syrups.
22. White Pepper
Made from the inner seed of ripe pepper berries. Milder than black pepper — used in light-colored sauces or soups.
23. White Vinegar
A pantry staple used for pickling, cleaning, and marinades. Adds sharp tang to dressings and sauces.
24. Whipped Cream
A sweet, airy topping made from heavy cream. Adds indulgence to pies, fruit, and coffee drinks.
25. White Wine
Produced from the fermentation of white or green grapes. Perfect for sipping or cooking — adds acidity and aroma to dishes.
26. Whiting
A mild, flaky white fish similar to cod. Used in frying or baking — low in fat and high in protein.
27. Whoopie Pie
Soft chocolate cakes sandwiched with cream filling. A nostalgic American dessert, playful and satisfying.
28. Wild Boar
Game meat with rich, earthy flavor. Leaner than pork but higher in protein and iron — great roasted or stewed.
29. Wild Rice
Technically a grass seed, not a true rice. Chewy, nutty, and packed with protein and fiber.
30. Winged Bean
An edible pod, seed, and tuber — every part of this plant is nutritious. Common in Southeast Asia for its high protein content.
31. Winter Savory
A peppery herb from the Mediterranean. Perfect for seasoning beans, meats, and stews.
32. Wontons
Chinese dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, often served in soup. Symbolize wealth and luck during festivals.
33. Wolfberry (Goji Berry)
Small red berries from Asia, celebrated for their antioxidant and vitamin content. Great in teas, smoothies, or cereals.
34. Worcestershire Sauce
A fermented condiment from England made of vinegar, tamarind, molasses, and anchovies. Deep umami flavor used in marinades and sauces.
35. Wraps
Flatbreads rolled with fillings like meats, veggies, or sauces. A global fast-food staple offering quick nutrition and flavor.
Foods that start with W
Foods that start with W
Health Benefits of “W” Foods
- Heart Support: walnuts, watercress, white beans, wild rice
- Brain Health: walnut oil, wheat germ, wolfberries
- Immunity Boost: watermelon, winter savory, white asparagus
- Muscle Repair: wagyu beef, wild boar, whiting fish
- Antioxidants: wolfberries, white currants, wine, vinegar
The “W” family covers nearly every nutrient group — from omega-rich nuts to vitamin-packed fruits and clean proteins.
Fun Food Facts
- Worcestershire sauce has been aged in barrels for over 18 months to deepen its flavor.
- Watermelon is 92% water, making it one of the most hydrating fruits on earth.
- Wagyu beef contains more monounsaturated fats than any other red meat.
- Wild rice was a sacred food for Native American tribes and is still hand-harvested in parts of the U.S.
Foods that start with W
The Takeaway: Why “W” Means “Wow” in the Kitchen
From wasabi’s kick to watermelon’s sweetness and wagyu’s luxury, foods that start with “W” prove how wonderfully diverse the culinary world can be.
Whether you’re looking for healthy staples like whole wheat and white beans, or decadent treats like waffles and whoopie pies, the letter “W” delivers a world of flavor — wholesome, well-balanced, and worth every bite.