When it comes to exploring new cuisines, delving into the world of exotic ingredients is always an exciting experience. While it might be challenging to find these ingredients at first, it can be incredibly rewarding once you do.
And there’s no better way to start your culinary adventure than by discovering foods that start with the letter “I”. From unique fruits and vegetables to palatable snacks and beverages, this letter offers an array of delectable options that you probably never knew existed.
So, join me on this journey of discovering the hidden gems of the culinary world and learn about some of the most fascinating foods that start with the letter “I”.
Jump to:
- 🍽️ 100 Foods That Begin With I
- 🍎 Fruits That Start With I
- 🥦 Vegetables That Start With I
- 🥨 Snacks That Start With I
- 🧁 Desserts That Start With I
- 🍹 Drinks That Start With I
- 🧂 Condiments, Herbs, & Spices That Start With I
- 🥩 Meat Dishes That Start With I
- 🥗 Vegetarian Dishes That Start With I
- 💙 Food Brand Names That Start With I
- More Alphabet Food Fun
🍽️ 100 Foods That Begin With I
If you just want a simple, straightforward list of foods beginning with the letter H, here is a list of 100:
- Iberico ham
- Ice cream
- Ice cream cake
- Ice cream cone
- Ice cream sandwich
- Ice wine
- Iceberg lettuce
- Iceberg wedge salad
- Iced cinnamon roll
- Iced coffee
- Iced danish
- Iced green tea
- Iced hazelnut latte
- Iced lemon cake
- Iced lemon tea
- Iced mocha
- Iced oatmeal cookie
- Iced raspberry scone
- Iced raspberry tea
- Iced strawberry donut
- Iced sugar cookie
- Iced vanilla latte
- Iced white chocolate mocha
- Icing
- Idaho potatoes
- Idaho trout
- Idli (South Indian dish)
- Imitation crab meat
- Impossible burger
- Inari sushi (Japanese dish)
- Indian butter chicken
- Indian chutney
- Indian curry
- Indian dosa (pancake)
- Indian flatbread (naan)
- Indian food
- Indian mango chutney
- Indian masala chai tea
- Indian paneer cheese
- Indian rice pudding
- Indian samosas
- Indian spiced chicken
- Indian spiced lentils
- Indian spiced rice
- Indian tikka masala
- Indian vegetable curry
- Indigo rose tomatoes
- Injera (Ethiopian bread)
- Instant noodles
- Irish breakfast tea
- Irish butter
- Irish cheddar cheese
- Irish coffee
- Irish cream liqueur
- Irish lamb stew
- Irish oatmeal
- Irish smoked salmon
- Irish soda bread
- Irish stew
- Irish whiskey
- Irish whiskey
- Italian antipasto
- Italian beef sandwich
- Italian bread
- Italian breadsticks
- Italian butter cookies
- Italian cannoli
- Italian cheese
- Italian chicken parmigiana
- Italian ciabatta bread
- Italian cold cuts
- Italian cookies
- Italian cream soda
- Italian croutons
- Italian dressing
- Italian focaccia bread
- Italian garlic bread
- Italian herb bread
- Italian hot chocolate
- Italian ice
- Italian lasagna
- Italian meat sauce
- Italian meatball sub
- Italian meatballs
- Italian olive oil
- Italian pasta
- Italian pasta salad
- Italian pizza
- Italian ricotta cheese
- Italian risotto
- Italian roast beef
- Italian salami
- Italian sausage
- Italian sausage and peppers
- Italian seasoning
- Italian sub
- Italian tomato sauce
- Italian wedding cake
- Italian wedding soup
- Italian zucchini
🍎 Fruits That Start With I
Ice Cream Bean: This fruit is native to Central and South America. It has a soft, cotton-like pulp with a sweet flavor that tastes like vanilla ice cream.
Imbe: This reddish-yellow fruit is found in Africa. It has a thin, edible skin and a juicy, tangy flesh with a sweet flavor.
Indian Gooseberry: Also known as Amla, this fruit is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has a sour taste and is high in vitamin C.
Indian Jujube: This fruit is popular in India and other parts of Asia. It has a sweet and sour flavor with a crispy texture.
Inga Fruit: This fruit grows in the Amazon rainforest and has a sweet, edible pulp with a flavor similar to cotton candy.
Inkberry: This small fruit is found in Japan and Korea. It has a dark purple skin and a sweet and sour flavor, often used in making jams and preserves.
🥦 Vegetables That Start With I
Iceberg Lettuce: This popular leafy vegetable has little flavor or nutritional value, but it’s mostly water. It got its name from looking like an iceberg when it was partly buried in ice for transport.
Indian Bean: Although a bean, it actually has a sweet flavor said to be reminiscent of vanilla ice cream. They tend to be eaten as a snack.
Indian Corn: This variegated pretty-looking corn variety has a low water content, making it hardy to freezing conditions. Although edible, it’s popular as an ornamental plant.
Indian Cucumber: The roots of the Indian cucumber plant are said to smell and taste like a cucumber, which is how it got its name. The plant is part of the lily family and was a popular vegetable with Native Americans.
Indian Pea: Part of the legume family, the Indian pea is a blue flowering plant that’s consumed in Asia and East Africa. It’s sold as a pulse in Italy and used to make flour.
Irish Moss: This red algae is grown in rocky parts of the Atlantic coastline, and while not eaten on its own, it has some interesting uses in daily life. These include as a thickener to milk products like ice cream, calico printing, and paper marbling.
Italian Parsley: Widely used in cuisine and also known as flat-leaf parsley, it can be eaten fresh or dried and found in most farmer’s markets.
Italian Tropea Onion: This red onion variety from Tropea in Italy is more aromatic. It also has a sweet taste unlike other varieties. The middle can be juicier and is great for making salsa.
Italian Yellow Pepper: Also known as friggitello and pepperoncini, this vegetable is yellow in color and goes well in salads and sandwiches. They can also be pickled and sauteed.
Ivy Gourd: When this vegetable is ripe, it’s a bright red color. It’s often stuffed or deep-fried and is a popular food in Indian cuisine. The young veg is used to make pickle.
🥨 Snacks That Start With I
Ice Cream: This frozen dessert comes in a variety of flavors and is perfect for a hot summer day.
Ice Pops: Alternatively known as popsicles, these icy treats can be made with fruit juice or other flavored liquids.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Two soft cookies with a creamy layer of ice cream in between, a classic favorite.
Iced Cookies: Cookies that have been drizzled or frosted with a sweet icing.
Indian Corn: A multicolored variety of corn grown specifically for decorative purposes, but can also be eaten as a snack.
Inchworms (Gummy Worms): A popular gummy candy in the shape of a worm, typically in bright colors and flavors.
Irish Soda Bread: A traditional Irish bread that uses baking soda as a leavening agent instead of yeast, often containing raisins.
Italian Ice: A frozen dessert made from fruit juice and sugar, often served in a cup or cone.
Italian Sausage: A type of sausage that originated in Italy, usually made with pork and seasoned with fennel seeds.
🧁 Desserts That Start With I
Ice Cream: A frozen treat made from milk, cream, and sugar. Ice cream variations include toppings, flavors, and textures.
Iced Cake: A cake that is iced with frosting, fondant, or sugar glaze.
Indian Pudding: A traditional New England dessert made with cornmeal, milk, molasses, eggs, and spices.
Italian Cream Cake: A fluffy cake made with coconut, pecans, and cream cheese frosting.
Italian Ice: A frozen dessert made with fruit juice and sugar.
Imarti: A dessert that is popular in India made from deep-fried lentil flour that is shaped into a spiral and soaked in sugar syrup.
Irish Coffee: A coffee cocktail made by adding whiskey, sugar, and cream to hot coffee.
Irish Potato Candy: A sweet treat made from cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and coconut that are shaped to look like potatoes.
Ischler: A small, Austrian pastry filled with almond paste and jam and topped with chocolate
Izmir Lokma: A traditional Turkish dessert made from fried dough soaked in simple syrup.
🍹 Drinks That Start With I
Iced Coffee: A cold and caffeinated drink made by pouring hot coffee over ice and adding milk or cream.
Iced Latte: A refreshing and creamy drink made with espresso and milk over ice.
Iced Tea: A classic and refreshing drink made with black tea and served over ice. Add lemon or sugar to taste.
Indian Spiced Chai: A flavorful and warming drink made with black tea, spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, and milk.
Infused Water: A healthy and hydrating drink made by adding fruits, vegetables, and herbs to water.
Irish Car Bomb: A boozy and intense shot made by dropping a shot of Irish whiskey and Bailey’s into a pint of Guinness.
Irish Coffee: A warm and cozy drink made with coffee, Irish whiskey, and topped with whipped cream.
Irish Cream: A creamy and sweet liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream and coffee.
Italian Margarita: A twist on the classic margarita, made with tequila, amaretto, and lime juice.
Italian Soda: A carbonated drink made with flavored syrup and soda water, served over ice.
🧂 Condiments, Herbs, & Spices That Start With I
Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar): This finely ground sugar, often produced from cornstarch, is a staple in baking for frostings, glazes, and confections.
Imli (Tamarind): This tangy fruit is commonly used in Indian, Thai, and Mexican cuisines, and adds a sweet-and-sour flavor to chutneys, sauces, and marinades.
Inca Berries (Golden Berries): Native to South America, these small, bright orange fruits are packed with Vitamin C and have a slightly tart, tropical taste that works well in salsa, smoothies, or as a snack on their own.
Indigo: Okay, this one isn’t exactly a culinary ingredient, but it’s worth noting that indigo – a plant-based dye that produces a deep blue hue – was historically used to color textiles and even some foods.
Iodized Salt: While unrefined sea salt may get more buzz these days, iodized salt – which has been fortified with iodine, an essential trace mineral – is an important part of a balanced diet to support thyroid function.
Isolate Pea Protein Powder: For vegans and vegetarians, or just those looking to bump up their protein intake, pea protein powder is an easily digestible option that can be added to smoothies, baked goods, or used as a meat substitute in vegan recipes.
Italian Seasoning: This classic blend typically contains a mix of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, and is a go-to for pizza, pasta sauce, and roasted vegetables.
🥩 Meat Dishes That Start With I
Iberico Ham: A type of cured ham from Spain, made from the meat of Iberian pigs. It has a rich, nutty flavor and is often served thinly sliced as a delicacy.
Iga Bakar: A spicy Indonesian dish consisting of grilled beef ribs seasoned with a blend of spices such as ginger, coriander, and turmeric.
Indonesian Satay: Skewered meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) grilled over an open flame and served with a spicy peanut sauce.
Inihaw na Liempo: A popular Filipino dish consisting of grilled pork belly, marinated in a blend of soy sauce, calamansi juice, and garlic.
Injera: An Ethiopian pancake made from teff flour and served with a variety of meat stews, such as doro wat, a spicy chicken stew.
Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage: A classic St. Patrick’s Day dish made with tender corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, cooked together in a savory broth.
Irish Lamb Stew: A hearty stew made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, simmered to perfection with herbs such as thyme and rosemary.
Iskender Kebab: A Turkish dish made with thinly sliced lamb or beef served over bread and topped with tomato sauce and yogurt.
Italian Beef Sandwich: A Chicago-style sandwich made with thinly sliced beef, served on a hoagie roll, and topped with giardiniera, a spicy mix of pickled vegetables.
Italian Soppressata: A type of dry cured sausage from Italy, made from pork and seasoned with fennel seeds and other spices. It’s often served thinly sliced on a charcuterie board.
🥗 Vegetarian Dishes That Start With I
Iced teapot tofu: A refreshing dish made with soft tofu cubes mixed in with celery, carrots, and a spicy and sweet sauce.
Imitation crab sushi rolls: A delicious sushi roll made with imitation crab meat, avocado, and cucumber.
Indian chana masala: A spicy and tangy vegetarian curry made with chickpeas and Indian spices.
Indian samosa: A popular snack filled with spiced potatoes and peas, wrapped in a crispy pastry shell.
Indonesian gado-gado salad: A colorful salad made with a mix of boiled veggies, bean sprouts, fried tofu, and topped with a peanut sauce.
Iranian eggplant dip (Baba ganoush): A creamy and smoky dip made with grilled eggplant, tahini, and garlic.
Irish colcannon: A comforting potato dish made with boiled potatoes, kale, and butter.
Israeli couscous salad: A flavorful and healthy salad made with pearl couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon juice.
Italian Caprese salad: A simple yet flavorful salad made with fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves.
Italian Margherita pizza: A classic pizza made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
Ivory lentil soup: A hearty soup made with ivory lentils, tomatoes, and a blend of spices.
💙 Food Brand Names That Start With I
Now that we’ve covered all the foods starting with D pretty thoroughly, let’s end with some popular food-related brands you’ll recognize from grocery stores and local shopping and dining spots.
Imagine: Organic and gluten-free soups made with real, wholesome ingredients.
Ito En: Premium Japanese green tea that is bottled for your convenience and enjoyment.
Izze: A sparkling fruit juice blend that provides a refreshing and healthy alternative to soda.
Icelandic Glacial: Naturally pure spring water that comes from Iceland’s pristine environment.
Illy: A high-quality Italian coffee that delivers a rich and smooth taste in every cup.
India Tree: Gourmet food products, including specialty sugars, spices and salts, sourced from around the world.
Inka: A caffeine-free coffee alternative made from roasted barley, rye, chicory, and beetroot.
Inkos Tea: A delicious and low-calorie bottled tea that is made with organic ingredients.
Innofoods: Healthy and tasty snacks that include chocolate-covered almonds and coconut clusters.
Italian Volcano: Organic and fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juices that are perfect for cocktails or cooking.
I Heart Keenwah: Gluten-free and vegan snacks made from high-quality quinoa ingredients.
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.