We all love discovering new and exciting foods that bring flavor and variety to our meals.
This list of foods that start with the letter “S” will introduce you to a wide range of delicious options, from everyday staples to unique treats worldwide.
This guide covers 132 foods to inspire your next foodie adventure.
It includes dishes like sushi and sausages, sweet delights like sugar cookies and sorbet, and healthy choices like spinach and soursop.
Let’s dive into the “S” foods world and explore what makes each special.
Amazing S Foods You Should Try Today
1. Strawberry
A juicy, red fruit known for its sweet flavor and fragrant aroma, it is often eaten fresh or used in desserts, jams, and smoothies.
2. Spinach
A leafy green vegetable rich in iron and vitamins, commonly used in salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes like soups and stir-fries.
3. Salmon
A popular fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, often grilled, baked, or smoked and used in dishes like sushi and salads.
4. Sushi
A Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice, raw or cooked seafood, and vegetables, often served with soy sauce and wasabi.
5. Sausage
A meat product made from ground meat, typically pork, beef, or poultry, mixed with spices and encased in a skin, commonly grilled or fried.
6. Sweet Potato
A starchy root vegetable with a sweet flavor, often baked, mashed, or roasted, and used in both savory and sweet dishes.
7. Sourdough Bread
A type of bread made with naturally fermented dough, known for its tangy flavor and chewy texture, often used in sandwiches and as toast.
8. Spaghetti
A long, thin pasta commonly served with tomato sauce, meatballs, or other toppings is a staple in Italian cuisine.
9. Shrimp
Small, pink seafood is often grilled, sautéed, or boiled and used in pasta, salads, and stir-fries.
10. Salsa
A spicy sauce made from tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs, commonly used as a dip for chips or a topping for tacos and grilled meats.
11. Saffron
A spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower, known for its golden color and distinct flavor, is used in dishes like paella and risotto.
12. Samosa
A popular Indian snack is made from a thin pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat and deep-fried until crispy.
13. Scallops
A type of shellfish with a sweet, tender texture, often pan-seared or grilled and served with butter or a light sauce.
14. Sauerkraut
Fermented cabbage with a tangy flavor is commonly served as a side dish or topping for sausages and sandwiches.
15. Squash
A family of vegetables that includes butternut, acorn, and zucchini, often roasted, steamed, or used in soups and casseroles.
16. Sardines
Small, oily fish are often canned and used in salads, on toast, or as a pizza topping, known for their strong flavor and high nutritional value.
17. Steak
A thick cut of beef, typically grilled or pan-seared, served as a main course with sides like potatoes and vegetables.
18. Soursop
A tropical fruit with a sweet-tart flavor, often used in juices, smoothies, and desserts, known for its soft, spiky green skin.
19. Sunflower Seeds
Edible seeds from the sunflower plant are often eaten as a snack, sprinkled on salads, or used in baking.
20. Sukiyaki
A Japanese hot pot dish with thinly sliced beef, tofu, vegetables, and noodles simmered in a sweet soy-based sauce.
21. Sorbet
A frozen dessert made from sweetened fruit juice or puree, similar to ice cream but without dairy, often served as a palate cleanser.
22. Sage
An herb with a strong, earthy flavor, it is often used to season meats, stuffing, and sauces, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine.
23. Spring Rolls
A popular Asian appetizer made from a thin pastry filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood, often deep-fried or served fresh with dipping sauce.
24. Schnitzel
A breaded and fried meat cutlet, typically made with pork or veal, popular in German and Austrian cuisine.
25. Sago
A starch extracted from the pith of tropical palm trees, often used in puddings, soups and as a thickening agent in various dishes.
26. Sambal
A spicy Indonesian sauce made from ground chili peppers, often mixed with shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, and lime, used as a condiment or cooking ingredient.
27. Snap Peas
A type of pea with an edible pod, known for its sweet, crisp texture, often eaten raw in salads or lightly cooked in stir-fries.
28. Sesame Seeds
Tiny seeds with a nutty flavor are often used as a topping for bread in Asian dishes or ground into tahini.
29. Smoked Salmon
Salmon that has been cured and smoked, known for its rich, smoky flavor, is often served on bagels, in salads, or as a canapé.
30. Shallots
A small, mild onion with a delicate flavor, often used in sauces, dressings, and as a seasoning for meats and vegetables.
31. Swiss Chard
A leafy green vegetable with colorful stems, often sautéed or used in soups and casseroles for its slightly bitter flavor.
32. Shortbread
A rich, crumbly biscuit made from butter, sugar, and flour, traditionally associated with Scottish cuisine.
33. Salami
A cured sausage made from fermented and air-dried meat, typically pork, seasoned with garlic and spices, often sliced thin and eaten as a cold cut.
34. Sloe Gin
A British liqueur made by infusing gin with sloe berries, giving it a sweet, fruity flavor, often enjoyed as an aperitif.
35. Sunchokes
Also known as Jerusalem artichokes, these tubers have a nutty flavor and crunchy texture, often roasted, sautéed, or used in soups.
36. Strudel
A layered pastry filled with sweet or savory ingredients, such as apples, cheese, or spinach, is commonly associated with Austrian cuisine.
37. Sriracha
A spicy chili sauce originating from Thailand, made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, commonly used as a condiment.
38. Sarsaparilla
A soft drink originally made from the root of the sarsaparilla plant, known for its distinct, slightly sweet flavor, similar to root beer.
39. Semolina
A coarse flour made from durum wheat, often used in making pasta, couscous, and puddings.
40. Squid
A type of seafood often grilled, fried, or used in dishes like calamari, known for its tender texture and mild flavor.
41. Sour Cream
A thick, tangy dairy product made by fermenting cream with lactic acid bacteria, commonly used as a topping for baked potatoes, in dips, or baking.
42. Sorrel
A leafy green herb with a tangy, lemony flavor, often used in salads, soups, and sauces.
43. Shiitake Mushrooms
A type of edible mushroom native to East Asia, known for its rich, umami flavor, often used in stir-fries, soups, and sauces.
44. Soy Sauce
A salty, fermented sauce made from soybeans, wheat, and salt, widely used in Asian cooking for seasoning and marinades.
45. Safflower Oil
A mild, neutral-flavored oil extracted from the safflower plant, often used in cooking and salad dressings.
46. Spanish Rice
A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, commonly served as a side dish in Mexican cuisine.
47. Sloe Berries
Small, dark purple berries from the blackthorn bush are often used to make sloe gin or jams.
48. Soppressata
An Italian dry-cured salami made from pork, seasoned with garlic, pepper, and spices, typically sliced thin and served as a cold cut.
49. Saganaki
A Greek dish of pan-seared cheese often flambéed with brandy and served with lemon as an appetizer.
50. Souvlaki
A popular Greek dish consisting of small pieces of meat (often pork, chicken, or lamb) grilled on a skewer and served with pita, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.
51. Sassafras
A plant whose leaves and bark are used for flavoring, traditionally used in root beer and as a thickener in gumbo.
52. Sprouts
Young, tender shoots from seeds like alfalfa, beans, or lentils are often used in salads and sandwiches for added crunch and nutrition.
53. Savory
An herb with a peppery flavor, often used in cooking to season meats, beans, and vegetables, available in both summer and winter varieties.
54. Seaweed
Marine algae is used in various cuisines, particularly in Asian dishes like sushi, soups, and salads, and it is known for its umami flavor and nutritional benefits.
55. Stevia
A natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant leaves, used as a sugar substitute in beverages and desserts.
56. Sambuca
An Italian anise-flavored liqueur often served with three coffee beans as a symbol of health, wealth, and happiness.
57. Sourdough Starter
A mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and bacteria is used as a natural leavening agent in sourdough bread.
58. Sardinian Bread
Traditional flatbread from Sardinia, Italy, often baked thin and crispy, enjoyed with olive oil, cheese, or meats.
59. Salt Cod
Dried and salted fish are often rehydrated and used in traditional dishes like bacalhau in Portuguese cuisine.
60. Salad Greens
A mix of leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale is commonly used as the base for salads.
61. Snow Peas
A variety of peas with an edible pod, known for its sweet flavor and crisp texture, often used in stir-fries and salads.
62. Spanish Mackerel
A type of fish known for its rich, oily flesh, often grilled, smoked, or used in sushi.
63. Sazerac
A classic New Orleans cocktail made with rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and bitters, typically served in a chilled glass.
64. Salt
A common mineral used for seasoning and preserving food, essential in cooking and baking.
65. Sesame Oil
A flavorful oil made from pressed sesame seeds, widely used in Asian cuisine for cooking and dressing.
66. Seitan
A plant-based protein made from wheat gluten, often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
67. Skyr
An Icelandic dairy product similar to yogurt, thick and creamy with a slightly tangy flavor, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
68. Smoked Ham
Cured and smoked pork, often served in slices for sandwiches, as a main dish, or in soups and stews.
69. Sausage Rolls
Pastry filled with sausage meat typically baked and served as a snack or appetizer, popular in British cuisine.
70. Savoiardi
Italian sponge biscuits, or ladyfingers, are often used in desserts like tiramisu.
71. Szechuan Peppercorns
A spice from the prickly ash tree, known for its unique tingling sensation and citrusy flavor, commonly used in Chinese cuisine.
72. Scotch Bonnet
A type of chili pepper known for its intense heat and fruity flavor, commonly used in Caribbean cooking.
73. Sole
A type of flatfish with delicate, mild-flavored flesh, often pan-fried or baked.
74. Syllabub
A traditional English dessert made from whipped cream, sugar, and wine or cider, often flavored with lemon.
75. Spaghetti Squash
A type of winter squash that, when cooked, separates into spaghetti-like strands, often used as a low-carb pasta substitute.
76. Spirulina
A blue-green algae known for its high protein and nutrient content, it is often used as a dietary supplement or added to smoothies.
77. Spritz Cookies
Traditional Scandinavian cookies are made by pressing dough through a cookie press, often flavored with almond or vanilla.
78. Star Anise
A spice with a star-shaped appearance, known for its strong licorice flavor, commonly used in Chinese and Indian cuisine.
79. Stone Fruit
A category of fruits with a large seed or “stone” in the center, including peaches, cherries, plums, and apricots.
80. Swede
A root vegetable, rutabaga, is often mashed or roasted, with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
81. Scone
A type of baked good often enjoyed with jam and cream, popular in British afternoon tea.
82. Speck
A dry-cured, smoked ham from the Alps, often sliced thin and enjoyed as part of antipasto or in sandwiches.
83. Spring Onion
A young onion with a small bulb and long green stalks is often used raw in salads or as a garnish.
84. Sichuan Sauce
A spicy and flavorful sauce from Sichuan cuisine, made with chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns.
85. Slaw
A salad made from shredded cabbage and other vegetables, often dressed with vinegar or mayonnaise.
86. Suet
The hard fat found around the kidneys and loins of cattle and sheep is often used in traditional British and Scottish puddings.
87. Swedish Meatballs
Small meatballs made from beef and pork are typically served with a creamy sauce and lingonberry jam.
88. Shiso
A Japanese herb with a distinct flavor, often used as a garnish or in sushi rolls, available in green or red varieties.
89. Spelt
An ancient grain similar to wheat, often used in baking bread, pasta, and cereals, known for its nutty flavor.
90. Salted Caramel
A sweet confection made by combining caramelized sugar with butter, cream, and a touch of salt, often used in desserts.
91. Sage Derby
A type of English cheese flavored with sage, known for its green marbling and mild, creamy flavor.
92. Saltines
Thin, crispy crackers are often eaten as a snack, with soups, or as a base for appetizers.
93. Sugar
A sweet crystalline substance from sugarcane or sugar beet is used to sweeten foods and drinks.
94. Savoy Cabbage
A type of cabbage with crinkled leaves, often used in soups, stews, or stuffed cabbage dishes.
95. Sukuma Wiki
A Kenyan dish made from collard greens, often sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and spices, served as a side or main dish.
96. Soft Pretzel
A type of baked bread typically twisted into a knot and sprinkled with coarse salt, often served warm with mustard or cheese.
97. Sake
A Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, often served warm or cold in small cups.
98. Soba Tea
A Japanese tea made from roasted buckwheat, known for its nutty flavor, is often enjoyed hot or cold.
99. Sloe Gin Fizz
A cocktail made from sloe gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, served over ice with a refreshing, fruity taste.
100. Shrimp Cocktail
A classic appetizer made with chilled shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce, often garnished with lemon.
101. Scampi
A dish made from large shrimp or prawns, typically sautéed in garlic, butter, and white wine, often served with pasta or bread.
102. Scotch Eggs
A British dish consisting of a boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried or baked.
103. Split Pea Soup
A hearty soup made from dried split peas often flavored with ham or bacon, onions, and carrots.
104. Smoked Gouda
A type of cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a rich, smoky flavor, often served in slices or used in cooking.
105. Spanish Omelette
A traditional Spanish dish made from eggs, potatoes, and onions, often served as a tapa or light meal.
106. Soba Soup
A Japanese noodle soup made with soba noodles in a hot, savory broth, often garnished with green onions and tempura.
107. Steak Tartare
A dish made from finely chopped or ground raw beef mixed with onions, capers, and seasonings, often served with a raw egg yolk on top.
108. Skillet Cornbread
A type of cornbread cooked in a cast-iron skillet, known for its crispy edges and moist interior, often served as a side dish.
109. Spanish Chorizo
A type of cured sausage made from pork, seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, often sliced and eaten as a snack or used in cooking.
110. Sprinkles
Small, colorful pieces of sugar are often used to decorate cakes, cookies, and ice cream.
111. Sugar Plum
A sweet confection made from dried fruit, often coated in sugar or chocolate, traditionally associated with Christmas.
112. Sichuan Noodles
A spicy Chinese noodle dish often made with chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and ground meat, known for its numbing heat.
113. Salt Water Taffy
A chewy candy made from sugar, corn syrup, and butter, flavored with various extracts, popular in coastal areas.
114. Sweet Corn
Various maize with a high sugar content is often eaten on the cob, in salads, or as a side dish.
115. Starfruit
Tropical fruit with a star-shaped cross-section, known for its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor.
116. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Tomatoes dried in the sun are often used in salads, pasta, and Mediterranean dishes for their concentrated flavor.
117. Spätzle
A soft egg noodle or dumpling from Germany is often served as a side dish with meats or in soups.
118. Spumoni
An Italian layered ice cream dessert typically consists of three flavors: chocolate, pistachio, and cherry.
119. Smørrebrød
A traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, often topped with fish, meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
120. Soup
A liquid dish made by boiling vegetables, meat, or fish in water or broth, often served hot as a starter or main course.
121. Shishito Peppers
Small, mild peppers from Japan, often grilled or sautéed and served as a snack or appetizer.
122. Sardinian Cheese
Various cheeses from Sardinia, Italy, are known for their strong flavors and traditional production methods.
123. Sticky Rice
A type of glutinous rice often used in Asian cuisine, particularly in dishes like sushi, dim sum, and desserts.
124. Salt Pork
Cured pork belly, often used as a flavoring in soups, stews, and beans, is popular in traditional American cooking.
125. Stinging Nettle
A wild plant with a slightly bitter flavor is often used in soups, teas, and as a green vegetable.
126. Sliders
Small, bite-sized burgers are typically served in buns with various toppings, often as an appetizer or party food.
127. Sourdough Pancakes
Pancakes made from sourdough starter, known for their tangy flavor and fluffy texture, often served with syrup or fruit.
128. Salted Peanuts
Roasted peanuts seasoned with salt are commonly eaten as a snack or used in various dishes.
129. Sugar Cookies
Simple, sweet cookies made from sugar, butter, and flour, often decorated with icing or sprinkles.
130. Sloe Jelly
A sweet jelly made from sloe berries, often used as a spread on toast or as a filling for pastries.
131. Spritz
An Italian cocktail typically made with Prosecco, a bitter liqueur like Aperol, and soda water, served over ice.
132. Swedish Pancakes
Thin, crepe-like pancakes traditionally served with lingonberry jam and powdered sugar, often enjoyed for breakfast or dessert.
Conclusion
Foods that start with the letter “S” showcase an incredible variety of tastes, textures, and culinary traditions.
These foods are integral to kitchens worldwide, from smoked salmon and sausages to the sweetness of strawberries and sugar cookies.
Exploring these options can introduce you to new flavors, whether you enjoy a classic like spaghetti or try something unique like starfruit.
Each food on this list brings something special to the table, reflecting the creativity of global cuisine.
Whether you’re cooking, baking, or simply curious, these 132 “S” foods offer endless inspiration and a delicious journey through the alphabet.