Are you looking for some new and exciting foods to add to your diet? Look no further than the letter C!
From sweet to savory, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Below, we’ll explore a variety of foods that start with the letter c and share some fun facts about each one.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for something new to try, read on for some tasty inspiration!
Jump to:
- 🍽️ 100 Foods That Begin With C
- 🍎 Fruits That Start With C
- 🥦 Vegetables That Start With a C
- 🥨 Snacks That Start With C
- 🧁 Desserts That Start With C
- 🍹 Drinks That Start With C
- 🧂 Condiments, Herbs, & Spices That Start With C
- 🥩 Meat Dishes That Start With C
- 🥗 Vegetarian Dishes That Start With C
- 💙 Food Brand Names That Start With C
- More Alphabet Food Fun
🍽️ 100 Foods That Begin With C
If you just want a simple, straightforward list of foods beginning with the letter C, here is a list of 100:
- Cabbage
- Caesar Salad
- Cactus
- Calamari
- Calzone
- Camarones al Ajillo
- Cambodian Chicken Curry
- Camel
- Camembert
- Campari
- Canapé
- Candied Yams
- Candy Cane
- Cannellini Beans
- Cannoli
- Cantaloupe
- Cape Gooseberries
- Caper
- Capicola
- Caponata
- Caprese Salad
- Capuccino
- Capybara
- Caramel
- Caramel Apple
- Caramel Popcorn
- Carbonara
- Carne Asada
- Carne Guisada
- Carrot Cake
- Cassava Cake
- Casserole
- Catfish
- Cauliflower
- Cayenne Pepper
- Ceviche
- Chai Tea
- Chalupa
- Chana Masala
- Cheddar Cheese
- Cheeseburger
- Cheesecake
- Chef’s Salad
- Cherimoya
- Cherry Pie
- Chestnut
- Chickpea
- Chicken
- Chicken Alfredo
- Chicken Caesar Wrap
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Chicken Curry
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken Fajitas
- Chicken Kiev
- Chicken Marsala
- Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken Salad
- Chicken Satay
- Chicken Shawarma
- Chicken Teriyaki
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chili
- Chimichanga
- Chinese Dumplings
- Chinese Fried Rice
- Chipotle
- Chips
- Chocolate
- Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Truffles
- Chorizo
- Chow Mein
- Chowder
- Churros
- Cider
- Cilantro
- Cinnamon
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Clam Chowder
- Clams
- Club Sandwich
- Coleslaw
- Collard Greens
- Compote
- Conch
- Concord Grape
- Congee
- Cookie Dough
- Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- Coq au Vin
- Corn
- Corn Bread
- Corn Chowder
- Corned Beef
- Cornish Game Hen
- Cottage Cheese
- Crab Cakes
🍎 Fruits That Start With C
Calabash Fruit, also known as bottle gourd, is light green in color with smooth outer skin and white flesh. It’s consumed as a vegetable in India.
Canistel fruit, also known as egg fruit, is cultivated in Mexico, El Salvador, and India. Its appearance resembles the hard-boiled yolk of an egg.
Calamansi is a small round lime that’s yellow or green in color and is used to flavor food and in juices.
Calamondins, originally from China and introduced as an acid orange to the United States, has a thin and smooth peel.
Cape Gooseberry, also known as Physis peruviana, is an economically useful crop used to make fruit sauces, pies, puddings, and more.
Carob is a shrub with edible pods that’s native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Carob powder made from grinding the toasted pods is also used as a supplement for cocoa powder.
Cashew Apple, the fruit of the cashew tree, is eaten with sprinkling salt over it to enhance its taste. Its scientific name is Anacardium occidentals.
Capulin Cherry Fruit, these red-colored cherries are round in shape and provided with extremely juicy flesh.
Cedar Badh Fruit, also known as Eugenia carossoides, has juicy flesh that tastes like grapes and is an edible cherry.
Chayote, also known as chocho, choko, or vegetable pear, is a green pear-shaped fruit with mild flavor and crispy texture, commonly used in Spanish dishes.
Cherimoya, also known as custard apple, has sweet and creamy white flesh and is known as one of the most delicious fruits in the world.
Cherries are a summer fruit with a short growing season and come in dozens of different varieties with various colors and flavors.
Cinnamon Apple is a variety of apple that has a hint of cinnamon in its flavor.
Clementine’s, a hybrid between mandarin oranges and sweet oranges, are easy to peel and have juicy and sweet flesh.
Cocona is a yellow or red fruit with tangy and juicy flesh, commonly used in South American cuisine.
Coconut is a tropical fruit that’s commonly used in desserts and has plenty of health benefits.
Crenshaw melon, also known as a Cranshaw, is a hybrid between a cantaloupe and a honeydew with sweet and juicy flesh.
Crocodile Plum, also known as Podocarpus falcatus, is native to Africa and has a sweet and tangy flavor.
Cucumber is a fruit that’s commonly used in salads and has plenty of health benefits.
Custard Apple, also known as annona, have soft and creamy flesh that tastes like a combination of banana, pineapple, and coconut.
Currants are small, berry-like fruits that come in various colors and have a tart and sweet flavor.
Camu Camu is a cherry-sized fruit with an extremely high content of Vitamin C and antioxidants, commonly found in the Amazon rainforest.
Canary Melon, also known as Spanish melon, is a sunshine-yellow colored fruit with mild white or pale green flesh that tastes like honeydew melon but with a slight bitterness.
Cranberries are low in calories and have plenty of health benefits including preventing urinary tract infections.
Cupuacu is a chocolate-flavored fruit with a creamy and tangy flavor commonly found in the Amazon rainforest.
Carissa Fruit, also known as Natal plum, has sweet-tasting purple-red fruit and is rich in antioxidants.
Crab Apple is a unique sour fruit that works well in many dishes, including jelly, chutney, and wine.
Chinese Quince, a pretty pink flowering tree that grows across Eastern Asia, has a fragrant fruit that’s large and round with yellow skin and white flesh.
Cavendish Banana, named after William Cavendish 6th Duke of Devonshire, is a banana with serious pedigree and became the most popular banana export in the world.
Chestnuts, the fruit of the chestnut tree, are hard, bitter, and inedible when raw but soft, nutty, and slightly sweet when cooked.
🥦 Vegetables That Start With a C
Cabbage: No list of vegetables starting with C is complete without cabbage, a member of the Brassica family of plants. Highly versatile in its uses, cabbage is commonly eaten cooked, pickled, or raw.
Cactus: Surprisingly, cactus is edible despite its prickly appearance. This succulent plant is a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine and is used in dishes like salads, tacos, and stews.
Calabash: Calabash is a fruit that’s often used as a vegetable in South America and the Caribbean. Its flesh is white, and it has a tough exterior. It’s used in stews, curries, and salads.
Cardoon: Cardoon is similar to artichoke, but it’s less commonly eaten. Its stalks are blanched and used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
Carrot: One of the most well-known vegetables on the list, famous for its bright orange color. It is a great source of Vitamin A, and its sweet flavor makes it a popular snack, juice, or stir-fry ingredient.
Cassava: The cassava, also known as manioc, is an essential crop in many developing countries. It has a starchy tuber, which is fried, boiled, or made into flour.
Cauliflower: Related to broccoli, cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable. It’s low-carb, nutrient-dense, and can be eaten raw, roasted, boiled, or sautéed.
Celery: The green, long, and crunchy stalks of celery contain a lot of water and fiber. It is mostly used in soups, stews, salads, or as a snack with some peanut butter.
Chard: Chard is a leafy green vegetable that’s a close relative of beets and spinach. It’s available in different colors ranging from green to red to yellow, and it’s high in Vitamin K and antioxidants.
Chayote: This fruit is often referred to as a vegetable. Resembling a pear, it’s slightly sweet and crunchy. It can be eaten raw, steamed, or baked.
Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are small and sweet, perfect for snacking or adding to salads. They’re high in antioxidants and Vitamin C.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas are legumes that have a nutty and creamy flavor. They’re used in hummus, salads, soups, and curries.
Chinese Broccoli: Also known as Gai Lan, Chinese broccoli has a slightly bitter taste and is used in stir-fries, soups, and salads.
Coconut: This is technically classified as a fruit, but it’s often used in cooking as a vegetable. It’s widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine in curries, soups, and stews.
Collard Greens: Collard greens are a popular green leafy vegetable in the Southern United States. They’re high in dietary fiber, calcium, and Vitamin C.
Corn: Corn is technically a grain, but it’s often classified as a vegetable. It’s well-known for its sweet taste and is used in different forms, including popcorn, tortillas, and cornbread.
Cress: This peppery-tasting vegetable is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. It’s commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish.
Crookneck Squash: Crookneck squash is a type of summer squash. It’s yellow and has a curved shape. It’s delicious grilled, roasted, or sautéed.
Cucumber: This refreshing vegetable has a high water content and is a perfect addition to salads and sandwiches. It can also be used for making pickles.
🥨 Snacks That Start With C
Cake: Indulge in a slice of cake for a sweet and satisfying snack.
Carrots: For a healthy option, munch on some carrots either on their own or dipped in hummus.
Cashews: These nuts are a great source of protein and fiber, and make for a crunchy and satisfying snack.
Celery: Similar to carrots, celery can also be paired with dips or enjoyed on its own.
Cheese: Whether you prefer cheddar or feta, cheese is a delicious and protein-packed snack that pairs well with crackers or fruit.
Chips: Satisfy your salty cravings with a bag of chips.
Clementines: These small citrus fruits are easy to peel and make for a refreshing and low-calorie snack.
Cookies: Treat your sweet tooth to some cookies! From chocolate chip to oatmeal raisin, there are endless flavor options.
Crackers: Mix it up with different types of crackers, from saltines to wheat thins.
Cucumber sandwich: Cut up some cucumbers and spread cream cheese on bread for a light and refreshing snack.
🧁 Desserts That Start With C
Cake: This classic dessert comes in so many different flavors and varieties, from rich chocolate cake to fruity strawberry cake.
Candy: Whether it’s a classic candy bar or homemade fudge, candy is a sweet treat that can’t be beat.
Caramel: This gooey, buttery sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream or as a filling in decadent cakes.
Carrot cake: Don’t let the name fool you, this sweet treat is rich, moist, and packed with flavor from shredded carrots, spices, and a creamy frosting.
Cheesecake: Creamy, rich, and versatile, cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser that can be dressed up or down with various toppings and flavors.
Cherry pie: Juicy, sweet cherries baked into a flaky pie crust make for a classic pastry that’s perfect for any occasion.
Chocolate: Whether it’s in the form of cake, mousse, or candy, chocolate is a sweet and savory staple that never disappoints.
Chocolate chip cookies: Soft, chewy, and filled with chunks of chocolate, these cookies are a favorite of both kids and adults.
Chocolate pudding: This creamy, chocolaty dessert is a childhood classic that never goes out of style.
Cinnamon rolls: Warm, gooey, and filled with cinnamon sugar, these breakfast pastries are a sweet way to start your day.
Coconut: From coconut cake to coconut cream pie, this tropical flavor is a delicious addition to any dessert.
Coffee cake: A crumbly, buttery cake with a sweet, cinnamon-y streusel topping, coffee cake is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning.
Cookies: Whether you like them soft and chewy or crisp and crunchy, there’s a cookie out there for everyone.
Cotton candy: This sugary confection is a fairground favorite that’s sure to bring out your inner child.
Cranberry pie: Tart and sweet, this pie is a perfect way to showcase one of fall’s most beloved fruits.
Cream: Whether it’s whipped, heavy, or light, cream is a delicious addition to many treats.
Creme brulee: A decadent flavor featuring a creamy custard topped with a burnt-sugar crust.
Croissant: This classic French pastry may be more commonly eaten for breakfast, but its buttery, flaky layers make it a dessert in its own right.
Cupcake: These miniature cakes are perfect for parties, with endless flavor and frosting options.
Custard: A rich, creamy sweet that can be flavored with everything from vanilla to chocolate.
🍹 Drinks That Start With C
Caipirinha: Made with cachaca, sugar, and lime, this Brazilian drink is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Campari Spritz: Campari, Prosecco, and soda water make up this refreshing and bubbly drink.
Cape Codder: Vodka and cranberry juice make up this classic cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion.
Cadillac Margarita: Tequila, Grand Marnier, and lime come together to make this smooth and sophisticated cocktail.
Captain’s Thirst Quencher: Captain Morgan, lemonade, and iced tea make up this refreshing and boozy drink.
Caramel Apple Martini: Caramel vodka, apple cider, and cinnamon make up this creamy and sweet drink.
Caribbean Breeze: Rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice come together to make this fun and tropical drink.
Caribbean Sunrise: Rum, orange juice, and grenadine combine to make this fruity and tropical drink.
Champagne Cocktail: Simple yet sophisticated, this cocktail is made with champagne, sugar, and bitters.
Charro Negro: This Mexican-inspired drink is made with tequila, Coca-Cola, and lime.
Cherry Bomb: Whiskey, cherry brandy, and grenadine come together to make this bold and flavorful drink.
Cherry Limeade: This non-alcoholic drink is made with limeade, cherry juice, and seltzer for a fizzy and fruity taste.
Chi-Chi: Pineapple juice, coconut cream, and vodka make up this tropical delight.
Chocomint Martini: This sweet and smooth cocktail is made with creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and cream.
Coco Loco: Malibu rum, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice make up this sweet and fruity drink.
Coconut Martini: Coconut rum and pineapple juice combine to make this creamy and tropical drink.
Coconut Rum Punch: Coconut rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice come together to make this tropical and sweet drink.
Coffee Martini: Espresso and vodka combine to make this strong and smooth cocktail.
Cosmopolitan: Made famous by Sex and the City, this elegant cocktail features vodka, triple sec, lime, and cranberry juice.
Cranberry Margarita: Tequila, cranberry juice, and lime make up this festive and tart drink.
Cranberry Moscow Mule: Vodka, cranberry juice, and ginger beer make up this spicy and tangy drink.
Creamsicle: Orange juice, vanilla ice cream, and vodka make up this delicious and nostalgic drink.
Cuba Libre: Rum and Coca-Cola are all you need for this classic highball drink.
Cuba Libre Tiki: A fun and fruity twist on the classic Cuba Libre, this drink features rum, cola, and pineapple juice.
Cubanito: This Cuban-inspired drink features rum, lime, and mint for a refreshing and citrusy taste.
Cucumber Collins: Gin, cucumber, lemon, and simple syrup combine to make this refreshing and light drink.
Cucumber Cooler: Another cucumber-based drink, this one features gin, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice.
Cynar Julep: Cynar, sugar, and mint combine to make this bitter and refreshing cocktail.
Cynar Spritz: Cynar, Prosecco, and soda water make up this low-alcohol drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day.
🧂 Condiments, Herbs, & Spices That Start With C
Cacao Nibs: These are not technically a spice, but they add a delicious chocolatey flavor to baked goods.
Cajun Seasoning: A classic spice blend from Louisiana that adds bold flavor to meats and seafood.
Calendula: An edible flower with a peppery taste that can be used to add color and flavor to salads.
California Bay Leaves: A fragrant herb that grows in the western United States and is commonly used in soups and stews.
Canola Oil: A neutral-flavored oil that is great for baking and frying.
Capers: These pickled flower buds add a tangy, salty flavor to sauces and pasta dishes.
Caraway Seed: A nutty-flavored seed commonly used in rye bread and cheese dishes.
Cardamom: An aromatic spice that provides a warm, sweet addition to curries, chai tea, and desserts.
Carnation Milk: A creamy, canned milk that is often used for baking.
Catnip: A herb best known for its effects on cats, but can also be used to make tea or add flavor to salads.
Cayenne Pepper: A fiery spice that adds heat to dishes and is commonly used in hot sauce.
Celery Seed: A savory seed that tastes similar to celery and is often used in pickling and salad dressings.
Chai Spices: A blend of warm spices including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves that is used to make chai tea.
Chamomile: A soothing herb commonly used to make tea and also has medicinal properties.
Chervil: A delicate herb with a subtle anise-like flavor that is often used in French cuisine.
Chesapeake Seasoning: A spice blend from the Chesapeake Bay area that is perfect for seasoning seafood.
Chili Powder: A spice blend made from ground chili peppers, cumin, and other herbs and spices that is used in Tex-Mex cuisine.
Chinese Five Spice: A blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns that is used in Chinese cuisine.
Chives: A mild onion-flavored herb that is commonly used as a garnish or to add flavor to dips and spreads.
Cilantro: An herb with a bright, citrusy flavor that is used in a variety of Mexican and South Asian dishes.
Cinnamon: A sweet and warm spice that is commonly used in baking and desserts.
Cloves: A pungent spice with a warm, sweet flavor that is often used in holiday baking.
Coriander: An herb with a bright, lemony flavor used in many Asian and Latin American dishes.
Crème Fraiche: A tangy, cultured cream that is perfect for adding richness to sauces and soups.
Creole Seasoning: A spicy blend from Louisiana that adds flavor to seafood, poultry, and vegetables.
Cumin: A smoky, earthy spice that is used in many Middle Eastern, Indian, and Tex-Mex dishes.
Curry: A blend of spices that varies by region, but typically includes turmeric, cumin, coriander, and other warm spices.
Cypress Vine: The flowers of this vine can be used as a garnish or to add color to salads.
🥩 Meat Dishes That Start With C
Cabbage rolls: A popular meat dish in Eastern Europe consisting of ground meat mixed with rice or barley and wrapped in cabbage leaves, then cooked in tomato sauce.
Carnitas: A Mexican dish made from slow-cooked pork shoulder that is shredded and then fried until crispy. Perfect for tacos and burritos!
Chicken curry: A dish of Indian origin made with tender chicken breasts cooked in a fragrant and spicy sauce of coconut milk, curry powder, and other spices.
Chicken fingers: A kid-friendly dish loved by both adults and children. Tender strips of chicken breast are breaded and deep-fried until golden brown.
Chorizo: A type of sausage that originated in Spain and is made from ground pork seasoned with paprika and other spices. It can be eaten on its own or added to dishes like paella or chili.
Corned beef: A salt-cured beef that is usually boiled or simmered until it is tender. It is a staple in many countries, especially for St. Patrick’s Day.
Cornish pasty: An English savory pastry that is filled with diced meat, potatoes, and vegetables and baked until it is golden brown. It is a popular snack in the UK.
Crab cakes: A popular seafood dish made from crab meat mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, then formed into patties and fried until crispy on the outside.
Croquettes: A small and crispy fried ball made from ground meat, potatoes, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. They are a popular tapas dish in Spain.
Currywurst: A German street food dish consisting of sliced sausage smothered in a spicy curry ketchup sauce and served with French fries.
🥗 Vegetarian Dishes That Start With C
Caponata: A delicious Sicilian dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers.
Carrot and ginger soup: A healthy and flavorful soup made with carrots, ginger, and coconut milk.
Cauliflower fried rice: A healthier alternative to traditional fried rice, made with grated cauliflower and vegetables.
Cauliflower steak: Thick slices of cauliflower that have been roasted or grilled to perfection.
Chickpea and spinach stew: A hearty stew made with chickpeas, spinach, and aromatic spices.
Chickpea curry: A flavorful curry made with protein-packed chickpeas, vegetables, and spices.
Chili sin carne: A classic chili recipe without the meat, made with beans, tomatoes, and spices.
Coconut rice: A fragrant and flavorful rice dish made with coconut milk, spices, and vegetables.
Corn chowder: A creamy and comforting chowder made with corn, potatoes, and cream.
Couscous salad: A refreshing salad made with couscous, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing.
Creamy mushroom pasta: A rich and indulgent pasta dish made with mushrooms, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Creamy tomato soup: A classic soup made with tomatoes, cream, and aromatic herbs.
Crispy tofu stir-fry: A quick and easy stir-fry made with crispy fried tofu, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.
Cucumber salad: A refreshing salad made with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing.
Curried lentil soup: A warming and comforting soup made with lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
💙 Food Brand Names That Start With C
Now that we’ve covered all the foods starting with C pretty thoroughly, let’s end with some popular food-related brands you’ll recognize from grocery stores and local shopping and dining spots.
Cadbury: A popular chocolate brand that offers a wide range of confectioneries.
Campbell’s: Known for their soups and broths, they also offer products like pasta sauces and canned foods.
Cap’n Crunch: A cereal brand that has been serving crunchy, sweet breakfast cereals for years.
Carvel: Famous for their ice cream cakes and soft-serve, Carvel is a go-to for dessert lovers.
Casa Fiesta: Providing authentic Mexican food products including salsa, taco shells, tortillas, and canned beans.
Cheerios: A classic cereal that’s been a part of many breakfasts for decades with its heart-healthy whole grain oats.
Cheetos: A popular snack with a cheesy crunch, Cheetos offers a variety of flavors.
Chex: Known for their wide variety of cereals and snack mixes.
Chick-fil-A: A fast-food chain known for their chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries.
Chips Ahoy!: A cookie brand known for their crunchy, chocolate chip-filled cookies.
Chobani: A popular yogurt brand that offers a range of Greek yogurt products.
Coca-Cola: Known for their iconic soft drink, Coca-Cola also manufactures other beverages such as Sprite and Fanta.
Coffee-mate: A brand providing flavored creamers to enhance your coffee-drinking experience.
Colman’s: Is a company known for their mustards, sauces, and seasoning blends.
Cracker Barrel: A breakfast-focused restaurant chain known for their country-style cuisine.
Crave: A company specializing in protein-packed pet food.
Cream of Wheat: A hot breakfast cereal made with wheat that’s been around since 1893.
Clif Bar: A snack bar brand focused on providing healthy and natural energy bars for active people.
Crunch ‘n Munch: A snack brand offering a mix of popcorn and peanuts, covered with caramel.
Crystal Farms: A dairy company that primarily offers cheese products.
More Alphabet Food Fun
Want to eat your way through the alphabet? Or are you just memorizing lists so you can always win the alphabet game?
Either way, I’ve got you covered with comprehensive food lists for EVERY letter of the alphabet. Check out the entire collection of Foods That Start With lists!