Foods That Start With A

A list of over 30 Foods that start with A, including what it is, how to eat it, health benefits, and recipe ideas.

Looking for foods that start with A?

This post has more than 30 ideas.

Plus, it includes what each food is, how to eat it, the health benefits, and recipe ideas.

A list of over 30 A Foods:

List of Foods That Start With A

Fruits That Start With A

Apple

Apples are crisp and sweet fruits with a wide range of varieties. As one of the most common foods that start with A, apples taste great and are often enjoyed fresh or used in various recipes.

How to Eat It: This versatile fruit can be eaten fresh, sliced in salads, or used in baking for pies and crisps. Additionally, apples are enjoyed as apple juice or apple sauce.

Health Benefits: Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They support digestion and heart health.

Recipe Ideas: Apple Chicken Curry, Microwave Baked Apples, or Apple Brie Pizza.

Avocado

Avocado is a creamy, green fruit known for its nutritious fats and is used in salads, sandwiches, or as guacamole.

How to Eat It: Avocado can be enjoyed in a variety of ways like in salads, on toast, or blended into guacamole. It's also great in smoothies.

Health Benefits: Avocados are high in heart-healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, K, and E. They support heart health and skin.

Recipe Ideas: Avocado Egg Salad, Chickpea Avocado Toast, Avocado Salmon Burgers, Avocado Cilantro Dressing, and Tomatillo Guacamole.

Apricot

Apricots are small, sweet fruits, typically eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams and desserts.

How to Eat It: Apricots can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or used in jams, preserves, and both sweet and savory dishes.

Health Benefits: Apricots are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They support eye health and the immune system.

Recipe Ideas: Make a fresh apricot and prosciutto salad or an apricot-glazed chicken. Also, add dried apricots to a charcuterie board.

Acerola

Acerola is a small fruit that's also known as Barbados cherry.

How to Eat It: Acerola is often consumed fresh, as juice, or in smoothies.

Health Benefits: Acerola is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, which is essential for immune and skin health. It's also rich in antioxidants and may offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, acerola is high in vitamin A and various minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Recipe Ideas: Enjoy acerola by blending it into smoothies, making fresh acerola juice, or adding it to tropical fruit salads.

Açai Berry

Açai berries are small, dark purple fruits known for their high antioxidant content, often used in smoothie bowls.

How to Eat It: Acai berries are commonly blended into smoothie bowls or consumed in juice form, often topped with granola and fruit.

Health Benefits: Acai berries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats which means they support heart health and offer skin benefits.

Recipe Ideas: Create an acai bowl with granola and fresh fruits, blend an acai smoothie with spinach and banana, or make acai popsicles.

Vegetables That Start With A

There are multiple veggies in a list of foods that start with a.

Artichoke

Artichoke is a unique thistle-like vegetable with a tender heart, often enjoyed with a dip.

How to Eat It: Artichokes are typically steamed or boiled, and the tender heart is often enjoyed with butter or a dipping sauce. Additionally, canned or jarred artichokes are a great way to enjoy artichokes in dips, casseroles, salads, and more.

Health Benefits: Artichokes are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and support digestion and liver health.

Recipe Ideas: Artichoke Hummus, Shrimp Spinach Artichoke Pasta, Stuffed Artichokes, or Artichoke Spinach Crab Dip.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a tender green vegetable, often roasted or steamed.

How to Eat It: Asparagus can be roasted, steamed, grilled, or added to salads and pasta dishes for a unique taste.

Health Benefits: Asparagus is a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and folate. It supports digestive health and may reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Recipe Ideas: Salmon Asparagus Bundles, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, or roasted asparagus.

Arugula

Arugula is a leafy green with a peppery taste, commonly used in salads and as a pasta or pizza topping.

How to Eat It: Arugula is a peppery, leafy green perfect for salads, sandwiches, and as a topping.

Health Benefits: Arugula is a good source of vitamins A, K, and folate. It supports bone health and offers antioxidants.

Recipe Ideas: Blue Cheese, Caramelized Onion, Arugula Burger, Brie Pizza, or make an arugula pesto.

Amaranth

Amaranth is a nutritious grain used in salads and porridge; it is often used as a gluten-free flour alternative.

How to Eat It: Amaranth can be cooked like a grain and used in salads, porridge, or as a gluten-free flour in baking.

Health Benefits: Amaranth is a nutritious grain packed with protein, fiber, iron, and essential amino acids. It supports digestion and bone health.

Recipe Ideas: Try amaranth porridge with honey and fruit, use it as a base for grain salads, or make amaranth pancakes. You can also make a tasty granola - Chocolate Chip Granola With Amaranth.

Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a sweet, nutty-flavored vegetable, that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

How to Eat It: Acorn squash can be roasted, mashed, or used in soups, offering a sweet and nutty flavor.

Health Benefits: Acorn squash is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports vision and immunity.

Recipe Ideas: Make stuffed acorn squash with savory fillings, roasted acorn squash with brown sugar and spices, or creamy acorn squash soup.

Aubergine

Aubergine, also known as eggplant, is a versatile vegetable used in various cuisines and preparations.

How to Eat It: Aubergine can be various grilled, roasted, or fried.

Health Benefits: Aubergine is low in calories and a good source of fiber and antioxidants. It supports digestion and heart health.

Recipe Ideas: Eggplant Grilled Cheese with Salmon, Roasted Eggplant Hummus, eggplant parmesan, baba ganoush, ratatouille, or stuffed aubergines.

Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts are delicate, nutty-tasting sprouts used as salad and sandwich toppings.

How to Eat It: Alfalfa sprouts add a crisp texture and a mild, nutty flavor to sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more.

Health Benefits: Alfalfa sprouts are rich in vitamins C, K, and folate. They support bone health and the immune system.

Recipe Ideas: Use alfalfa sprouts in veggie wraps, on sandwiches, or as a garnish for various dishes.

Aleppo Pepper

Aleppo pepper is a unique chili pepper used in Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Mediterranean cuisine that adds a mild heat and fruity flavor to dishes.

How to Eat It: Added to dishes for heat and warmth, use it in marinades, rubs, or oil.

Health Benefits: Aleppo pepper contains capsaicin, which may offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Recipe Ideas: Use Aleppo pepper as a seasoning for meats, veggies, and more.

Aji Amarillo

Aji Amarillo is a yellow chili pepper commonly used in Peruvian cooking, known for its bright color and fruity taste. It registers as "hot" on the Scoville heat unit scale.

How to Eat It: This Peruvian pepper is often used in ceviche, salsa, potato recipes, soups, and stews.

Health Benefits: Aji Amarillo peppers contain capsaicin, which may aid digestion and metabolism.

Recipe Ideas: Make Peruvian dishes like aji de gallina (a Peruvian chicken chili) or ceviche using Aji Amarillo as the main pepper.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with gel often used in beverages and skincare products.

How to Eat It: Aloe vera gel can be consumed in drinks or smoothies.

Health Benefits: Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing properties, aiding digestion, and providing skin benefits.

Recipe Ideas: Try aloe vera gel in beverages like smoothies.

Proteins That Start With A

There are a few foods high in protein that start with a.

Almond

Almonds are another common foods that start with a; they are nuts with a mild, nutty flavor, commonly used in snacking and baking.

How to Eat It: Almonds can be enjoyed in many forms, whether they're eaten whole or sliced, made into milk, or ground into almond butter or flour.

Health Benefits: Almonds are rich in protein, fiber, heart-healthy fats, vitamin E, and minerals.

Recipe Ideas: Banana Almond Flour Muffins, Almond Butter Oat Cookies, or Coconut Almond Granola.

Ahi Tuna

Ahi tuna is the name used to refer to yellowfin tuna and big-eye tuna. It. has a mild flavor that can be prepared in a variety of ways.

How to Eat It: Ahi tuna is used in sushi and sashimi. It's also great seared, poached, or grilled.

Health Benefits: Ahi tuna is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium. It supports heart and brain health.

Recipe Ideas: Tuna Cucumber Avocado Salad, Tuna Wraps with Blood Orange Salsa, or Wine Poached Tuna

Amberjack

Amberjack is a mild, sweet fish often used in grilling or sashimi.

How to Eat It: Amberjack is a type of fish with a mild, slightly sweet flavor, suitable for grilling, baking, or sashimi.

Health Benefits: Amberjack is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It supports heart health and brain function.

Recipe Ideas: Try grilled amberjack with a lemon herb marinade, amberjack sashimi with soy sauce and wasabi, or amberjack ceviche with fresh herbs and lime juice.

Anchovy

Anchovies are small, salty fish used as a flavoring in salads, pasta, and pizza.

How to Eat It: Anchovies are small, salty fish often used as a flavoring in salads, pasta, and pizza.

Health Benefits: Anchovies are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and calcium, which support heart and bone health.

Recipe Ideas: Avocado Balsamic Caesar Dressing for a Kale Caesar Salad, linguine with anchovy and caper sauce, or anchovy-stuffed olives.

Grains & Beans That Start with A

Adzuki Beans

Adzuki beans are small red beans from East Asia.

How to Eat It: Adzuki beans are often used in sweet and savory dishes, such as soups and stews, or as a filling for pastries.

Health Benefits: Adzuki beans are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They support digestive health and offer a protein boost.

Recipe Ideas: Make adzuki bean soup, sweet red bean paste for pastries, adzuki bean salad, or adzuki bean and rice desserts.

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is a starchy powder used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.

How to Eat It: Use arrowroot powder to thicken soups, sauces, and desserts. It's an alternative to cornstarch.

Health Benefits: Arrowroot can aid digestion, provide energy from carbohydrates, and is a gluten-free alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Recipe Ideas: Use arrowroot powder in gravies, puddings, pie fillings, or as a coating for fried foods like tempura.

Agnolotti

Agnolotti is an Italian pasta made with small pieces of flattened dough that are folded over and filled with meat or vegetables.

How to Eat It: Agnolotti is filled with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or vegetables.

Health Benefits: Agnolotti can be a satisfying meal, often served with sauces, broths, or butter for a delicious dining experience.

Recipe Ideas: Make homemade agnolotti pasta with ricotta and spinach filling, served with sage butter.

Angel Hair Pasta

Angel hair pasta, also known as capellini, is a thin pasta variety that cooks quickly and pairs well with a variety of sauces.

How to Eat It: Angel hair pasta can be used as pasta for many dishes, but it is great for ones with light, delicate flavors.

Health Benefits: Angel hair pasta is made from durum wheat and provides carbohydrates for energy.

Recipe Ideas: Serve angel hair pasta with a simple garlic and olive oil sauce or a light tomato basil sauce. It's also ideal for seafood dishes, such as shrimp scampi.

Spices & Sauces That Start With A

Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is a rice and creamy Italian pasta sauce typically made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

How to Eat It: Serve alfredo sauce over pasta; it's great when adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed veggies. It can also be used as a creamy pizza sauce or drizzled over vegetables.

Health Benefits: Alfredo sauce contains calcium from the Parmesan cheese and some protein from the cream.

Recipe Ideas: Blue Cheese Alfredo

Allspice

Allspice is a spice made from dried berries and has a flavor reminiscent of a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

How to Eat It: It's used in both sweet and savory dishes. As an ingredient in pumpkin pie spice, it can be enjoyed in a Pumpkin Pie Smoothie, Pumpkin Protein Pancakes, or Pumpkin Chai Lattes.

Health Benefits: Allspice contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. It can add depth and warmth to recipes.

Recipe Ideas: Use allspice in baking sweet treats. In savory dishes, it's excellent for flavoring stews like Instant Pot Lentil Curry, soups, and jerk seasoning for meats and poultry. You can also incorporate it into mulled wine or cider, like Spiked Apple Cider, for a warm and comforting adult beverage.

Anise

Anise is a spice with a licorice-like flavor.

How to Eat It: Anise seeds are used as a spice in baking and cooking, while the leaves are used in salads and garnishes.

Health Benefits: Anise is known for aiding digestion and providing antioxidants. Its distinct licorice flavor enhances the taste of dishes.

Recipe Ideas: Bake anise cookies, prepare anise tea, or use anise in savory dishes like braised meats and bread.

Arrabbiata Sauce

Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy Italian tomato sauce made with red pepper flakes and garlic. The sauce originated from the city of Rome.

How to Eat It: Arrabbiata sauce is mostly served with pasta.

Health Benefits: This spicy sauce may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Recipe Ideas: Use arrabbiata sauce in classic pasta dishes like penne all'arrabbiata, as a pizza sauce, or serve with your favorite pasta.

Adobo

Adobo is a Filipino dish made with marinated meat in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices.

How to Eat It: Adobo is commonly made with pork or chicken.

Health Benefits: Adobo is a flavorful dish with a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. Note that it is often high in sodium.

Recipe Ideas: Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo which is great served over Cilantro Lime Black Bean Rice.

Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is a starchy short-grain rice that is ideal for making risotto dishes.

How to Eat It: Arborio rice is often used to make creamy risotto dishes with broth, wine, and various ingredients.

Health Benefits: Arborio rice provides energy thanks to the carbohydrates.

Recipe Ideas: Create classic risotto dishes such as mushroom risotto, saffron risotto, or seafood risotto, experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create a creamy masterpiece.

Akawi Cheese

Akwai cheese is a semi-soft, white cheese commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is named after the city of Akka.

How to Eat It: Akawi cheese is great for snacking or melting into dishes.

Health Benefits: Akawi cheese provides protein, calcium, and fat.

Recipe Ideas: Use Akawi cheese in traditional Middle Eastern dishes like cheese-stuffed flatbreads, or enjoy it with olives and fresh bread for an appetizer.

Desserts That Start with A

Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is a light, airy dessert made with whipped egg whites, sugar, and flour. Usually, this sponge cake is baked in a tube cake pan.

How to Eat It: Enjoy angel food cake alone, with fresh berries and whipped cream, or use it as a base for trifle desserts.

Health Benefits: Angel food cake is a sweet treat that can make your tastebuds happy; and sometimes, that's more health-promoting than eating something full of nutrients.

Recipe Ideas: Make it using a boxed cake mix or a homemade recipe. If you have leftovers, it's great as a base for trifle desserts, incorporating layers of fruit and whipped cream.

Ambrosia

Ambrosia is a dessert salad made with mixed fruits, marshmallows, and coconut.

How to Eat It: Ambrosia is a dessert made with mixed fruits, marshmallows, and coconut, often served as a sweet salad.

Health Benefits: Ambrosia is a sweet treat that many people find nostalgic.

Recipe Ideas: Make classic ambrosia salad with canned fruit, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut for a delightful and nostalgic dessert.

Agave Syrup

Agave syrup, also referred to as agave nectar, is a sweetener from the agave plant. Per gram, it is sweeter than table sugar.

How to Eat It: Agave syrup is used in various dishes and beverages.

Health Benefits: Agave syrup adds sweetness to recipes and can enhance the flavor of foods. While a lot of added sugar (from any source) isn't highly beneficial for your health, it is positive to enjoy foods you like and feel free from guilt when eating no matter what you eat.

Recipe Ideas: Use agave syrup as a sweetener in salad dressings, baked goods, or cocktails like Jalapeño Margaritas.

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Enjoy this collection of over 30 foods that start with A!

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