Get ready to dive into the world of foods that start with Z. You might be scratching your head, thinking, “What on earth could possibly start with that letter?”
Well, I’m here to tell you that there are some surprisingly tasty options out there. From classic dishes to unique ingredients, I’ve got it all covered.
So get ready to expand your culinary horizons and discover some delicious treats. In just a few minutes, you’ll be hungry for more and ready to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge.
Jump to:
- 🍽️ 70 Foods That Begin With Z
- 🍎 Fruits That Start With Z
- 🥦 Vegetables That Start With Z
- 🥨 Snacks That Start With Z
- 🧁 Desserts That Start With Z
- 🍹 Drinks That Start With Z
- 🧂 Condiments, Herbs, & Spices That Start With Z
- 🥩 Meat Dishes That Start With Z
- 🥗 Vegetarian Dishes That Start With Z
- 💙 Food Brand Names That Start With Z
- More Alphabet Food Fun
🍽️ 70 Foods That Begin With Z
If you just want a simple, straightforward list of foods beginning with the letter Z, here is a list of 70:
- Za’atar
- Zabaglione
- Zaffron
- Zagnut
- Zakuski
- Zampone
- Zante currants
- Zebra cakes
- Zebra fish
- Zebra mussels
- Zebra rice
- Zebra tomatoes
- Zebu steak
- Zedoary
- Zefir
- Zelnicky
- Zenzero
- Zereshk
- Zest
- Zesty breaded chicken
- Zha cai
- Zhajiangmian
- Zheergen
- Zhi zi hua kai
- Zhug
- Zigeuner sauce
- Zigni
- Zima
- Zimtsterne
- Zinfandel wine
- Zingerman’s coffee
- Zingy lime chicken
- Ziti pasta
- Zizania
- Ziziphus
- Zlatiborac prosciutto
- Zongzi
- Zoo cake
- Zoodles
- Zopf
- Zosui
- Zotz candy
- Zoupa
- Zrazy
- Zucchero
- Zucchini
- Zucchini bread
- Zucchini chips
- Zucchini flowers
- Zucchini noodles
- Zucchini relish
- Zucchini soup
- Zucchini sticks
- Zucchini tart
- Zucchini with Parmesan
- Zuccotto
- Zuckerhut
- Zucotto
- Zuke
- Zulu bread
- Zuni stew
- Zwetschgendatschi
- Zwetschgenknoedel
- Zwetschgenwasser
- Zwieback
- Zwiebelkuchen
- Zwiebelrostbraten
- Zwiebelwurst
- Zydeco gumbo
- Zydeco sauce
🍎 Fruits That Start With Z
Zalzalak Fruit: This sweet and sour fruit hails from Iran and is shaped like an oval red persimmon. It’s high in antioxidants and is known for its heart-healthy benefits.
Zhe Fruit: Also called the Mandarin melon berry or Chinese mulberry, the Zhe fruit tastes similar to a cantaloupe or watermelon. It’s rich in immune-boosting Vitamin C and is filled with micronutrients that help fight disease.
Zig Zag Fruit: This bright orange fruit is a berry that grows in Australia. It’s about the size of a blueberry and has a flavor that’s a combination of orange sherbet and citrus fruit. Most people use it to make sweet liqueurs.
Zinfandel Grapes: These small black grapes are used to make the famous zinfandel wines. They’re just as tasty as regular grapes but with a different flavor profile.
Ziziphus Fruit: Sometimes called the jujube fruit, this edible fruit comes from Asia and is enjoyed dried or raw. It’s known for its soothing effect on the nerves and is high in fiber and Vitamin C.
🥦 Vegetables That Start With Z
Zebra Eggplant: The zebra eggplant is a small eggplant with white and green stripes, and it has a slightly bitter taste. It is often used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines and can be roasted, grilled, or stir-fried.
Zephyr Squash: The zephyr squash is a hybrid squash that is a cross between the yellow crookneck and delicata squash. It has a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and nutty, and it is perfect for grilling or roasting.
Zingiber (Ginger): While not technically a vegetable, we couldn’t resist including ginger on this list. Ginger is an edible plant famous for its hot and spicy flavor. The root of the ginger plant is most commonly used in cooking, and it is well known for its medicinal benefits, such as aiding digestion and treating nausea and colds.
Zostera (Eelgrass): Eelgrass is an aquatic plant that grows in shallow water, and its edible parts are the young shoots and leaves. It is a good source of iodine and minerals, and it is believed to have anti-cancer properties.
Zucchini: A summer squash that can grow up to a meter in length. It is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a popular vegetable in diets for weight loss. Zucchini is also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help support your immune system and naturally lower cholesterol levels.
Zucchini Blossom: The zucchini blossom is the flower of the zucchini plant and is considered a delicacy in some cuisines. It has a delicate flavor and is often used in salads, stuffed, or fried as an appetizer.
🥨 Snacks That Start With Z
Zebra Cake: This fun and playful dessert is a great way to get kids excited about healthy snacks. Made with both chocolate and vanilla cake in a striped pattern, this cake is sure to impress.
Zesty Popcorn: Spice up plain popcorn by adding some zesty seasoning like za’atar or pepper jack cheese. This snack is perfect for movie nights or afternoon munchies.
Ziti Cups: These vegan ziti cups are a great snack for kids that’s both healthy and tasty. Made with ziti pasta, fresh veggies, and tomato sauce, these cups are perfect for after-school snacks or lunchboxes.
Zucchini Bread Muffins: Swap out regular muffins for these tasty zucchini bread muffins that are loaded with veggies and have a sweet taste that kids will love.
Zucchini Chips: These baked zucchini chips are a great alternative to potato chips and are easy to make. Simply slice up some zucchini, sprinkle with your favorite seasoning, and bake until crispy.
🧁 Desserts That Start With Z
Zabaglione: A traditional Italian dessert made from egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine, typically Marsala. It has a light, frothy texture and can be served as a dessert or a drink.
Zabaione Affogato: A decadent Italian dessert that combines a creamy zabaglione with a shot of espresso poured over it.
Zanahorias Rellenas: A Mexican dessert that features carrot shells filled with a sweet custard and topped with whipped cream and nuts.
Zawerat: A famous Algerian dessert made from crispy fried pastry dough, filled with a nutty almond paste and soaked in a honey syrup.
Zaytinyagli Kabak Tatlisi: A Turkish dessert that uses sliced pumpkins baked in olive oil and honey syrup. Served cold with a dollop of whipped cream.
Zebra Cakes: A popular snack cake that features moist yellow cake layers filled with creamy white icing and decorated with chocolate stripes.
Zephyr Cake: A light and fluffy cake that uses whipped egg whites to create a sponge-like texture. Typically flavored with citrus or vanilla.
Zimtsterne: A traditional German cookie made from ground almonds, egg whites, and cinnamon. Typically cut into star shapes and served during the holiday season.
Zinger: A vanilla cake with a layer of icing on top that is flavored with ginger. Available in various flavors, such as raspberry, chocolate, and vanilla.
Zucchini Bread: A sweet bread that includes grated zucchini as a key ingredient, giving it a moist and tender texture. Typically flavored with vanilla and brown sugar.
Zuccotto: A dome-shaped Italian dessert that combines layers of cake, ice cream, and rum-soaked fruits, topped with whipped cream and chocolate glaze.
Zuppa Inglese: An Italian dessert consisting of layers of sponge cake, infused with liqueur and vanilla-flavored custard, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
🍹 Drinks That Start With Z
Zabaglione: This Italian dessert wine is whipped with egg yolks and sugar, resulting in a frothy and flavorful drink that is sure to please.
Zebratini: A fun and playful take on the classic martini, this colorful cocktail is made with blue curacao, vanilla vodka, and heavy cream for a uniquely delicious flavor.
Zima: While no longer widely available, this clear, malt-based beverage was once a staple of the 90s party scene, known for its refreshing qualities and fizzy taste.
Zinfandel: While not a traditional cocktail, this red wine is a fan favorite for its bold flavors and fruity notes. Serve it slightly chilled for the perfect summer drink.
Zinger: A zesty and refreshing combination of ginger beer and citrus juices, zingers are a perfect pick-me-up on a hot day.
Zipper: A twist on the classic screwdriver, the zipper combines orange juice and vodka with a splash of Galliano for a sweet and spicy kick.
Zombie: This popular tiki drink is a fruity cocktail with a kick, typically made with rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
🧂 Condiments, Herbs, & Spices That Start With Z
Za’atar: A Middle Eastern spice mixture that typically includes thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. It’s commonly used as a garnish for dips and spreads, or mixed with olive oil as a bread dip.
Zatarain’s: A brand of New Orleans-style seasoning mixes and condiments. Their products include creole seasoning, jambalaya mix, and hot sauce.
Zedoary: A relative of ginger, zedoary is a root that’s commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a bitter and slightly sour flavor, and is often used to flavor curries and pickles.
Zero-calorie sweeteners: These are sugar substitutes that provide sweetness without the calories. Examples include stevia, xylitol, and erythritol.
Zest: The outermost layer of a citrus fruit (such as orange, lemon, or lime), which is grated off and used to add flavor to dishes. It’s commonly used in baking, marinades, and salad dressings.
Zucchini: Also known as courgette, this summer squash is a versatile ingredient that can be eaten raw or cooked. It’s commonly used in salads, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.
🥩 Meat Dishes That Start With Z
Za’atar Chicken: A Middle Eastern dish featuring chicken marinated in za’atar (a blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac) and grilled to perfection.
Zaatar Lamb Chops: Tender lamb chops marinated in za’atar and grilled to perfection, a perfect main dish for any Mediterranean-style meal.
Zabutan: A flavorful Indonesian dish featuring tender duck breast marinated in soy sauce and spices, then grilled until golden brown.
Zagreb Steak: A Croatian dish featuring grilled beefsteak served with a delicious sauce made from cream, mustard, and mushrooms.
Zampetti: A flavorful Italian dish made from boiled pigs’ feet, served with a salad of greens and citrus fruits.
Zampone: A traditional Italian dish made from a stuffed pig’s trotter, served with lentils.
Zanzibar Chicken: A spicy East African dish featuring chicken marinated in a blend of fragrant spices and grilled to perfection.
Zesty Meatballs: Deliciously seasoned meatballs made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices, served in a zesty tomato sauce.
Zesty Slow-Cooker Pork: Deliciously seasoned pork cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, with a tangy and zesty sauce made from mustard, brown sugar, and spices.
Zhajiangmian: A Chinese noodle dish served with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybeans, ground pork, and vegetables.
Zha Jiang Noodles: Another popular Chinese dish, featuring thick wheat noodles served with a savory sauce made from soybeans, pork, and vegetables.
Zigni: A spicy Eritrean stew made with beef, tomatoes, peppers, and a blend of fragrant spices.
Ziti al Forno: Similar to baked ziti, this Italian dish features ziti noodles tossed with meat sauce and cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden.
Ziti with Meat Sauce: Classic Italian-American comfort food, featuring ziti noodles served with a hearty meat sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs.
Zrazy: A Polish dish of beef rolls stuffed with a savory filling of mushrooms, onions, and spices.
Zrazy Poznańskie: Another version of the classic Polish dish, featuring beef rolls stuffed with a mixture of bacon, mushrooms, and onions.
Zucchini-Stuffed Turkey Breast: A healthier twist on traditional stuffed turkey, featuring slices of zucchini and a flavorful herb stuffing.
Zwiebelrostbraten: A traditional Viennese dish featuring thinly sliced beef that has been marinated and pan-fried with caramelized onions.
🥗 Vegetarian Dishes That Start With Z
Za’atar Roasted Vegetables: This Middle Eastern spice blend adds a unique twist to roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes.
Zesty Quinoa Salad: This refreshing salad is packed with protein and flavor, featuring quinoa, tomatoes, avocados, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Zesty Vegetable Stir-Fry: This stir-fry is packed with colorful veggies, such as zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and broccoli, all infused with a zesty ginger sauce.
Zucchini and Black Bean Enchiladas: Roll up some deliciousness with these enchiladas filled with zucchini, black beans, and smothered in a spicy enchilada sauce.
Zucchini and Cheddar Soup: This comforting soup is made with chunks of zucchini simmered in a creamy cheddar cheese broth.
Zucchini and Chickpea Curry: A hearty and flavorful curry that’s perfect for a cold winter night, made with tender chickpeas and chunks of zucchini in a spicy tomato sauce.
Zucchini and Corn Chowder: This creamy and comforting chowder is made with fresh corn and chunks of zucchini, perfect for a cold winter day.
Zucchini and Corn Quesadillas: These cheesy, veggie-filled quesadillas are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Zucchini and Eggplant Parmesan: This vegetarian twist on the classic Italian dish features layers of eggplant, zucchini, and tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Zucchini and Feta Frittata: This egg-based dish is infused with zucchini and salty feta cheese, perfect for a weekend brunch.
Zucchini and Goat Cheese Pizza: Upgrade your pizza game with this flavorful pie, featuring zucchini, tangy goat cheese, and fresh herbs.
Zucchini and Lentil Salad: This protein-packed salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, featuring lentils, zucchini, and a tangy mustard dressing.
Zucchini and Mushroom Risotto: Creamy and comforting, this risotto is infused with tender mushrooms and zucchini, topped with parmesan cheese.
Zucchini and Mushroom Stroganoff: A vegetarian take on the classic stroganoff, this dish features tender mushrooms and zucchini in a creamy sauce served over egg noodles.
Zucchini and Pesto Pasta: Elevate your pasta game with this simple yet flavorful dish made with pasta, sautéed zucchini, and a generous dollop of pesto.
Zucchini and Spinach Tart: Don’t let the word “tart” fool you, this dish is as savory as it is beautiful, made with layers of zucchini, spinach, and ricotta cheese.
Zucchini and Sun-Dried Tomato Tartlets: These bite-sized tartlets are both adorable and delicious, featuring a delicate pastry crust filled with zucchini and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
Zucchini and Sweet Potato Fries: Swap out traditional fries for this healthier option, featuring crispy zucchini and sweet potato fries, perfect for a snack or side dish.
Zucchini and Sweet Potato Gratin: Add some comfort to your meal with this creamy and cheesy gratin, featuring layers of thinly sliced zucchini and sweet potato.
Zucchini and Tofu Stir-Fry: This protein-packed stir-fry features tender zucchini and crispy tofu tossed in a savory sauce, served over rice or noodles.
Zucchini and Tomato Tart: Impress your dinner guests with this beautiful and delicious tart made with a flaky pastry crust, zucchini, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Zucchini Fritters: Start off your day with these crispy and savory fritters made with grated zucchini and flour.
Zucchini Lasagna: A healthier take on this classic Italian dish, using zucchini slices as the noodles and layers of fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Zucchini Linguine: Swap out traditional pasta for this lighter option made with thinly sliced zucchini noodles, tossed with garlic and parmesan cheese.
Zucchini Tempura: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these zucchini slices are coated in a light tempura batter and fried to perfection.
💙 Food Brand Names That Start With Z
Now that we’ve covered all the foods starting with Z pretty thoroughly, let’s end with some popular food-related brands you’ll recognize from grocery stores and local shopping and dining spots.
Zatar: This brand is known for its Middle Eastern and Mediterranean seasonings and spices. Their products range from traditional blends like za’atar and sumac to more unique options like freeze-dried garlic.
Zatarain’s: This brand is known for its delicious Cajun and Creole seasonings, mixes, and rice dishes. It was founded in New Orleans in 1889 and is now owned by McCormick & Company.
Zesta: This brand is known for its classic saltine crackers, but it also offers a range of other crackers and cookies. It was founded in 1870 and is now owned by Mondelez International.
Zevia: This brand produces natural and zero-calorie sodas that are made with stevia instead of artificial sweeteners. They offer a range of flavors, from traditional cola to unique options like grapefruit and ginger ale.
Zico: This brand is all about coconut water, which is a great source of hydration and electrolytes. They offer plain and flavored options, as well as blends with other fruits and nutrients like mango and tangerine.
Zoës Kitchen: If you’re looking for a fresh and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal, Zoës Kitchen is a great option. They specialize in salads, sandwiches, and bowl meals, as well as delicious sides like hummus and pita chips.
ZonePerfect: This brand specializes in protein bars and snacks that are designed to help you maintain a healthy and balanced diet. They offer a variety of flavors and nutritional options to suit different individual needs.
Zott: This brand is a popular dairy company in Germany that produces a range of yogurts, creams, and desserts. Their products are known for their high quality and delicious flavors.
Zoup!: This brand specializes in hearty and flavorful soups that are made with fresh and natural ingredients. They offer a range of options, from classic chicken noodle to vegetarian chili.
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!