100+ Food That Starts With H: The Ultimate Reference List

If you’ve ever tried to guess what a food that starts with H is, you know it’s trickier than it sounds.

Some of these are probably in your kitchen right now, and others might send you on a little adventure to track them down. We put together a list of 101 foods starting with the letter H, so you can use it just to satisfy your curiosity.

1. Food That Starts With H: Fruits and Vegetables With Names Starting With H

What is a food that starts with the letter H? There are some really fun H foods in the produce aisle – some you probably see all the time, and others you might only spot at a specialty market if you’re lucky.

Fruits

• Huckleberries are those tart little berries that make the best pies and jams.
• Honeyberries look a bit like stretched-out blueberries and have this sweet-tart flavor that’s so good.
• Hackberries are tiny fruits with a mild, nutty flavor. They’re not something you see every day, but they’re a fun find if you’re into a food that starts with H.
• Hawthorn berries are usually cooked down into jellies.
• Hala fruit is one of those tropical fruits that looks almost too pretty to eat, with its bright, segmented sections.
• Horned melon is that wild-looking fruit with spiky orange skin and bright green, jelly-like insides. It’s fun to try at least once.
• Hardy kiwi is like a mini kiwi you can actually eat whole, no peeling needed.

Vegetables and Peppers

• Hubbard squash is one of those big, tough squashes with sweet, dense orange flesh inside. It’s perfect for roasting or making cozy fall soups.
• Hokkaido pumpkin is so versatile that you can roast it, mash it, or purée it for soups. It has a naturally sweet flavor.
• Hakurei turnips are crisp, mild, and even a little sweet. You can eat them raw or toss them into salads for a nice crunch.
• Hearts of palm are so good in salads. They are tender with a slightly nutty flavor.
• Horseradish root is what you want if you love a sharp kick in your sauces or dips.
• Habanero peppers are super hot but have this fruity flavor underneath the heat. If you like things spicy, these are for you.
• Hungarian wax peppers are great for pickling and add a nice zing to sandwiches or salads.
• Holland peppers are those sweet, colorful peppers you see in the store. They’re super versatile, perfect for snacking, stuffing, or tossing into stir-fries.

2. Main Dishes, Meat, and Seafood Starting With H

So many main dishes with the letter H. Pick a food that starts with H you love.

Meat-Based Foods

• Hamburgers are classic juicy beef patties tucked into soft buns and loaded up with all your favorite toppings.
• Ham is a food that starts with H that works for just about any occasion. It’s cured pork, and you can serve it hot for a cozy dinner or cold for sandwiches and snacks.
• Ham hock is the go-to for adding that deep, smoky flavor to soups and stews.
• Hot dogs are sausages served in soft buns.
• Honey chicken pairs poultry with sweet sauce.
• Hungarian goulash is a paprika-rich stew.
• Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that’s definitely unique. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s worth a try.
• Hawaiian pizza is that sweet-and-salty combo of ham, pineapple, melty cheese, and tomato sauce.
• Hamburger steak is basically a seasoned beef patty smothered in rich gravy.

Seafood and Fish

• Halibut is known for its firm, mild white flesh. It’s great for grilling or baking, and it takes on flavors really well.
• Haddock is a lean, delicate fish that’s perfect for lighter meals.
• Hake is a food that starts with H, known for its soft, flaky texture.
• Herring is super versatile. You can find it smoked, salted, pickled, or even fresh. It’s a staple in a lot of European cuisines, and there are so many ways to enjoy it.
• Hamachi is Japanese yellowtail, and it’s amazing served raw as sashimi or lightly grilled. If you’re a sushi fan, you’ve probably had it before.

3. International Foods With H

There’s something about food that starts with H. You’ll find it everywhere.

European and Middle Eastern Foods

• Hollandaise sauce is a buttery French sauce.
• Harira is a Moroccan soup with tomatoes and legumes.
• Halva is a crumbly confection.
• Harissa is a chile paste.
• Hotpot is a communal meal cooked in a simmering pot.
• Hummus is a chickpea and tahini dip.
• Halloumi is a firm cheese that grills well.
• Hasenpfeffer is a German rabbit stew.
• Hachis Parmentier is a French minced-meat and potato bake.
• Haggerty is a traditional British potato-and-cheese dish.

Asian and Latin American Foods

• Hainanese chicken rice pairs poached chicken with fragrant rice.
• Hotteok is a Korean filled pancake.
• Hiyashi chuka is a Japanese chilled noodle dish.
• Hu tieu is a Vietnamese noodle soup.
• Hakka noodles are stir-fried noodles with vegetables and sauce.

4. Snacks, Desserts, and Sweet Foods That Start With H

Sweet and snack foods that start with H include breakfast items, packaged snacks, and desserts from various cultures.

Snacks

• Hash browns are potatoes that are shredded or diced and cooked until crispy.
• Hummus cups are single servings of hummus that are easy to take on the go.
• Honey-roasted peanuts are peanuts coated in honey and roasted for a sweet and salty snack.
• Hawaiian rolls are soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls.
• Hard-boiled eggs are eggs cooked in their shells until solid and are a good source of protein.
• Ham rolls are slices of ham rolled up for a quick savory snack.
• Honey-roasted almonds are almonds coated in honey and roasted until crunchy.
• Hazelnut granola is a mixture of oats and hazelnuts that can be eaten as a snack or used as a topping for breakfast foods.

Desserts and Sweet Foods

• Hummingbird cake is a moist cake made with banana and pineapple.
• Honey cake is a dessert that uses honey as its main sweetener.
• Hazelnut cake is a cake flavored with hazelnuts.
• Honeycomb candy is a sweet treat with a crisp and airy texture.
• Halo-halo is a Filipino dessert made with shaved ice and a mix of sweet ingredients.
• Hotteok is a Korean pancake filled with sweet syrup and served warm.
• Honey pudding is a dessert made with honey that has a soft texture.

>>> Read more: Does Honey Baked Ham Take EBT? Find Out Before You Shop This Holiday

5. Drinks and Flavorings That Begin With the Letter H

The H category also includes drinks, sauces, herbs, and spices. These add sweetness, acidity, heat, freshness, or warmth to your cooking.

H Drinks

• Hot chocolate is a classic cocoa-based comfort drink.
• Horchata is a sweet, refreshing Latin American drink.
• Hibiscus tea has a tart flavor and ruby-red color.
• Honey lemon tea combines citrus, sweetness, and warmth.
• Hot toddy is a classic warm mixed drink.
• Hemp milk is a beverage made from hemp seeds.
• Hawaiian punch is a fruit-flavored beverage.

H Condiments, Herbs, and Spices

• Honey is useful in baking, sauces, dressings, and drinks.
• Honey mustard balances sweetness with tangy mustard.
• Habanero sauce delivers fruity chile heat.
• Hawaiian salt is traditionally associated with red alaea salt.
• Herbes de Provence is a fragrant dried-herb blend.
• Horseradish sauce adds pungent heat to roast meats.

6. Vegetarian Foods That Start With H

You definitely love how versatile vegetarian H foods are. You can make them for breakfast or turn them into a cozy noodle dish.

Most of the time, you just add whatever veggies or beans you have on hand, and it works out. They’re perfect for those nights when you want something simple but still satisfying.

• If you need a fast, meat-free lunch, hummus wraps are a simple and satisfying option you can put together in minutes.
• Try making harira as a hearty vegetarian soup when you want something filling and full of flavor.
• Pair Hakka noodles with your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a quick and flavorful meal.
• Add hearts of palm to salads or grain bowls for extra texture and a mild, refreshing flavor.
• Use Hokkaido pumpkin to create a creamy vegetarian soup.
• Start your day with hash brown patties for a quick, meat-free breakfast.
• Serve herbed potatoes as a simple, savory side dish that complements almost any main course.
• Add honey-glazed carrots to your roasted vegetable mix for natural sweetness and color.
• Make Hasselback potatoes by slicing them thinly before roasting, so you get crisp edges and a tender center every time.
• Try adding hominy to soups or stews when you want a hearty, corn-based ingredient.
• Make a vegetarian version of Hoppin’ John by combining black-eyed peas and rice for a filling, Southern-inspired meal.
• Top your yogurt, fruit, or oatmeal with hazelnut granola for extra crunch.
• Use Havarti cheese in sandwiches or baked dishes when you want a smooth melt and a mild, creamy taste.

7. H Food Brands and Named Products

H can be found on grocery shelves in many major food brands and packaged products. The following examples are helpful if you are looking for packaged foods.

What is a food that starts with the letter H you can find?

• Heinz ketchup is a widely available condiment.
• Hershey’s chocolate is a common American candy.
• Häagen-Dazs ice cream is available in several flavors.
• Haribo Goldbears are fruit-flavored gummy candies.
• Hellmann’s mayonnaise is often used on sandwiches and in salads.
• Hormel SPAM is a canned meat that does not require refrigeration.
• Hostess Twinkies are sponge cakes with a cream filling, sold in packages.
• Honey Bunches of Oats is a breakfast cereal found in most grocery stores.
• Hot Pockets are frozen sandwiches with various fillings, intended for quick meals.
• Hershey’s Kisses are bite-sized chocolates, each wrapped individually.
• Heinz baked beans are canned beans often used as a side dish.
• Haribo Happy Cola are gummy candies shaped like cola bottles.
• Häagen-Dazs Strawberry Cheesecake is one of the available ice cream flavors.
• Hormel Chili is canned chili that can be used for quick meals.

8. Unusual H Foods Worth Knowing

Some H foods are notable because they have a strong cultural background or are rarely found outside specialty stores.

• Hfoouitlacoche is a corn fungus used in Mexican cooking. It has an earthy, savory taste and is found in fillings, sauces, soups, and other traditional dishes.
• Hakarl is a traditional Icelandic food made from fermented shark. It has a strong ammonia smell and a very strong flavor. It is not commonly eaten outside Iceland.
• Hala fruit is a special food that starts with H and grows on the pandanus tree and is known for its unusual look. The fruit is made up of wedge-shaped sections and can look similar to a pineapple. It is eaten in parts of the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
• Hasenpfeffer is a German rabbit stew made with marinated rabbit, onions, and a tangy sauce. The name comes from German words for rabbit and pepper. This dish is an example of a traditional European food that is not often found on modern menus.

9. FAQs

What dessert starts with H?

Examples include hummingbird cake, honey cake, hazelnut cake, honeycomb candy, halo-halo, hotteok, and honey pudding.

What fast food starts with H?

Examples include hamburgers, hot dogs, hash browns, and hot pockets.

What berry starts with H?

Examples include huckleberries, honeyberries, hackberries, and hawthorn berries.

The Takeaway

Trying out a food that starts with H is actually a fun way to shake up your usual routine. You might stumble on a new favorite fruit or snack you never even knew existed.

If you’re experimenting with something you haven’t cooked with before, look up how to prep and store it first. It’s one of those little things that can save you from a kitchen disaster.

>>> Read more: How to Make Sushi Rice: Get the Right Texture and Flavor Every Time