Home / Blog / 31 Foods That Start With “I”

31 Foods That Start With “I”

When you buy through our links, The Breslin may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Today, you get to know more about food that starts with I. Are you a foodie or not? If yes, then there’s an excellent way for you to dip into the brunch scene!

This list amazes you with the most loveable food recipes, delightful desserts, and cozy meals that you have never known.

It’s not a piece of cake to guess what those are. That’s because some of them might come from various countries in the world. Do not miss this opportunity to teach yourself further about savory sweets and greens.

Following are the top 31 popular foods that begin with the letter I, so hurry to give them a sneak peek.

What Are Delectable Foods That Start with I?

As you know, the world bears a great variety of food going through the whole alphabet. However, there are very few foods that start with the letter I. It sounds a bit hard if you must navigate the vast culinary planet.

Do not worry since the list below helps you narrow them down.

  1. Iceberg lettuce
  2. Ice cream
  3. Ice cream soda
  4. Ice cream cake
  5. Ice pop
  6. Iced tea
  7. Iced coffee
  8. Indian mustard
  9. Indian curry
  10. Indian almond fruit
  11. Indian pea
  12. Indian squash
  13. Idaho potatoes
  14. Icaco
  15. Idiyappam
  16. Idli
  17. Inca berries
  18. Iodized salt
  19. Ikokore
  20. Italian kisses
  21. Italian ice
  22. Italian sausages
  23. Irish Stew
  24. Instant pudding
  25. Irish cream
  26. Irish coffee
  27. Iron goddess tea
  28. Ice vegetable
  29. Irish soda bread
  30. Instant noodles
  31. Israeli falafel

31 Popular Foods That Start With “I”

You surely get surprised at foods that start with I after going through this list. There are different foods from various countries you didn’t know existed.

Amazing Fruits and Vegetables Begin With The Letter “I”

These are interesting herbs and fruits that kick off with “I”. From daily to international ones, you’re certain to get some favorites!

Idaho Potatoes

Idaho Potatoes
A closeup of Idaho potatoes

Also known as a food that starts with I, these potatoes are indeed those grown in the State of Idaho. The ideal environment for them should have a warm climate, cool nights, and volcanic soil.

So how do they taste? It doesn’t have any difference from the normal potatoes you eat daily.

With a russet look and white flesh, these own a fluffy, soft, and creamy flavor. Thus, these potatoes make flawless ingredients to make French fries.

Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce gets packed with many vitamins

Also known as the crisphead veggie, iceberg lettuce shows up with the letter I at the start. With pale leaves and crispy texture, it appears in different households and restaurants nowadays.
Even kids will love to try it as it’s unlike other bitter veggies, thanks to its sweet flavor. Growing from bulbs, iceberg lettuce serves a crucial role in maintaining a healthy diet, so don’t miss it in your daily meals.
For anyone who hates swallowing greens every day but still wants to get in shape, this lettuce is a good savior for you. It contains a good amount of vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate. In other words, you and your family can gain several health benefits from it.

Inca Berries

Inca Berries
A closeup of Inca berries on hands

The locals would like to have Inca berries as a vedette in their bowls of salads. Like Icaco, these berries appear under many names. They’re golden berries, Inca berries, Poha berries, and husk cherries.

After getting dried, the fruit catches the eyes with its bronze and orange shade in the outer skin. For the taste, it’s unique enough for you to taste and keep desiring it in your later meals.

Like other superfoods, Inca berries get packed with high amounts of vitamin C, protein, and antioxidants.

Indian Almond Fruit

Indian Almond Fruit
Unripe almond fruit in the Spanish forest

It’s easy to find the plant in dunes, beaches, and mangrove swamps. For its origin, plant cultivation takes place in tropical and subtropical areas of America. People mistake these fruits with nuts, but they’re edible for real.

Once seeing it in reality, you must accept that it looks as pretty as a picture. After becoming mature, the color of fruits changes from green to yellow, red, and dark red with a pinkie shade.

So at full maturity, Indian almond fruit has a reddish and pink color. Its outer layer shines bright while the inner content is fleshy.

Indian Pea

Indian Pea
A curry dish with Indian peas

In all fundamental Indian recipes, wives always use these peas as the main ingredient. They tend to cook with red bell peppers and some spices.

Those fed up with unsalted greens but still want to maintain a good shape, should never neglect these hearty and fresh veggies.

Go ahead to mix it with your braised meat or a dish of creamy pasta. And do not forget to add more onions, garam masala, boiled eggs, and red pepper to make the food more enticing.

Allow yourself to get into the fantasy of cuisines for a romantic dinner at weekends. More than that, have fun with something Asian-inspired, like a fatty lentil curry with spiced peas, for example.

Indian Squash

Indian Squash
Tinda growing on a field in Pakistan

This type of squash has the same size as an apple. However, it’s indeed a vegetable favored in any Indian and Pakistan-styled cooking.

Everyone calls it Tinda, which is also known as a round melon. From a health perspective, the veggie offers several benefits for boosting your wellness plus your skin and hair look.

Besides, it gets used in ayurvedic medicine, a popular home remedy for different diseases.

Icaco

Chrysobalanus Icaco
Pink fruits of cocoplum or Icaco

Locals call it under many names: icaco, paradise plum, and cocoplum. It lives near beaches and on land through Africa, tropical America, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas.

Its name says it all! The fruit has circular and dark green leaves, which are similar to plums. By watching it closely, you’ll spot purple and yellow tints around the fruit. Most fruits showing up inland are more oval and reddish as compared to those near the seashore.

In medical use, Icaco or cocoplum is recommended in the treatment of several kidney and bladder issues. Its leaves and bark also help treat diarrhea and diabetes.

Ice Vegetable

Ice Vegetable
Crystalline ice plant

You won’t believe this, especially when there’s a veggie known as an ice vegetable based on its frosted appearance. So what’s interesting about it?

It gets packed with vitamins A, B, C, and several mineral salts. Surprisingly, people say that its oil can help block human’s damaged blood vessels away. Or you can use this plant to cure minor cuts on the skin.

Frozen Desserts With “I” As A Starter

Here are seven tasty tropical desserts you’ll never forget. They’re too cute to eat, right? But these treats will transport your taste buds to heaven.

Ice Cream

Ice Cream Cones
Seasonal and fluffy ice cream

It’s time to scream out loud for ice cream this time! It’s not only a frozen food that starts with I, but also a delightful snack warming your heart from the moment you see it.

There’s no way to resist its sugary and milky texture from this Italian-style treat. Go to get it in-store or feel free to make a batch of thick ice cream to store in your fridge.

Let’s dispel the annoying heat by tasting a yummy iced and cold treat here. Hang out with your friends on sunny days and capture the essence of summer with ice cream.

What flavor charms you the most? Pick out a Cheddar cheese ice cream as you fall in love with the fat percent of it!

Ice Cream Cake

Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
A chocolate ice cream cake with Oreo cookies on top

Another food with an ice-cream base any toddler desires. Among several versions, the 3-layered cake is the most trendy one. It consists of two layers of cake and only one ice-cream layer.

Let’s cool down your summertime with a sweet slice of this treat. There are many flavors available to choose from. But most people usually get intoxicated with whipped cream and sprinkles on the top of the cake. After making it, remember to freeze the dessert within 12 hours.

Ice Pop

Ice Pop
A mango-flavored ice pop against the sky

Are your kids looking for something sweet, organic, and fresh food beginning with I? Ice pop can hardly make anyone refuse it when covered with heavenly content.

Like ice cream, this sweet comes with protein-packed bases and juicy flavors. It has abundant recipes to satisfy every taste as well.

Who doesn’t like to lick those attractive ice pops on the sticks? Do it now or you’ll regret it. Today, many stores sell many artisanal popsicles with exotic decorations.

The treat seems to go well with raisin, ginger, lemon, and even Vietnamese coffee! These hilarious yet impressive sticks always know to please both young and old eaters.

Italian Kisses

Italian Kisses
Italian kisses with dark chocolate

These sweet and dairy desserts look small yet charming enough to satisfy any taste after a big dinner. Making them at home could warm anybody’s heart, particularly those who grew up chewing crispy chocolate bars.

It’s an instant no-bake recipe that only needs four ingredients to complete. They’re chocolate, milk, butter, and roasted hazelnuts.

After removing your lovely Italian kisses from the freezer, dip them in the delicious chocolate sauce. Serve them on the plate, and wait for them to get harder.

Italian Ice

Lemon Italian Ice
Yellowish lemon-flavored Italian ice

For the first time hearing it, it’s easy to mistake it for ice cubes. However, Italian ice is a semi-frozen dessert covered with beautiful artificial flavorings.

Go to make it yourself when you want to get away from the heat of the summer. One of the best things about this sweetened treat is that there’s no cream maker required here. Rely on a food blender only.

Instant Pudding

Instant Pudding
Caramelized instant pudding

Your kid will ask you for a no-cook dessert with pie filling tonight. Instant pudding is your savior at that moment. It’s also a fun and basic recipe every mother loves to prepare for their children.

Get more versions of this quick snack to make the food tasty and gut-healthy for the little ones.

Anything going with bananas is a wonderful combination. This recipe undoubtedly hits your family in no time. Remember to whisk milk and pudding together until they harden. Next, top the dessert with some slices of fruits and a whip of cream.

Since this dish is not challenging to do in the kitchen, your kid might love to make it. You can suggest he can change the flavor into vanilla and strawberries. For another creative twist, mix it with lemonade or blueberries.

Irish Cream

Irish Cream Liquor
A glass of Irish cream liqueur

A cream liqueur is an ideal treat to welcome St.Patrick’s Day. Instead of buying a bottle of whiskey, let’s make it into an insanely attractive snack in only a few minutes. All you need here are cream, condensed milk, chocolate syrup, and vanilla.

Throw those ingredients in a blender to turn them into a thicker and creamier mixture. Get ready to bring it to your friends and family as a gift on special occasions. Lastly, pour the cream into sterilized bottles and put them in the fridge. Before enjoying your favorite snack, shake the bottle gently.

Refreshing Drinks With The Letter “I” At The Beginning

Let these tropical cocktails take you to paradise. When you live in a warm climate, they work well at your swimming pool or the beach.

Ice Cream Soda

Ice Cream Soda
Homemade black ice cream soda

Again, a cold glass of ice cream soda could float the boat with only two first scoops. Order some creamy soda right away to experience a fizzy drink in the severe heat of the summer.

There are many flavors, ranging from watermelon float, peanut butter float, to vanilla float.

It’s hard to decide whether you love to have an ice cream soda for your brunch or after bland main dishes.

The magnetic layers of fruits and mild look in each creamy glass might make it hard to leave the restaurant. Let the heavy ice cream melt slowly in your mouth while you’re drinking. That’s also a great joy everyone loves to try!

Iced Tea

Iced Tea With Lemons
A glass of iced tea with golden slices of lemons

People enjoy having iced tea at their in-house parties, without a doubt. A few of them also add sliced peaches or lemons to enhance the flavor of the drink.

Which flavor excites you this time and keeps you hydrated in the sunlight? Get your favorite on the menu or make it yourself to have more time with your family.

But is iced tea good for your health or not? It depends. How come? If you have the habit of pouring a ton of sugar into your iced tea glass, then it cannot be good. In contrast, if you only use fresh ingredients, this treat is super good for your heart.

Iced Coffee

Iced Coffee
A tall glass of iced coffee with milk on the top

It’s not that hard to make an iced coffee! And this casual drink is certain to please anyone during the summer days. And guess what? Iced coffee surpasses hot coffee in a way that it feels like a real dessert served in a glass.

All you do is add more ice cubes, coffee, and a few shots of syrup plus the milk of your choice. No doubt, it’s a worth-to-try recipe to do at home! Not only a fantastic way to wake you up in the morning, but iced coffee is also a refreshing drink that everyone loves.

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee
A glass of Irish coffee on a wooden table

Despite containing a small amount of alcohol, Irish coffee fails to cause you to feel buzzed in the head. In fact, it only boosts your mood and comforts you on the whole working day.

Get a glass of this sweetened cocktail mixed with some shots of Irish whiskey if you want. To raise the flavor, add whipped cream on top of it. Or treat you nicely by using Bailey instead of whiskey to experience a classic Irish coffee.

Iron Goddess Tea

Iron Goddess Tea
A cup of Tie Guan Yin oolong tea with tea leaves

By having not too much caffeine, Iron Goddess tea still makes it hard for you to have a deep sleep. Do not overuse it, or you’re likely to suffer stomach aches and headaches.

Referred to as a Chinese tea, it’s, in fact, their classic Tie Guan Yin oolong. This sort of tea might aid in getting you in shape and regulating bad cholesterol. Along with these, the drink helps remove any risk of cancer and guard you off heart issues.

Incredible Dishes That Begins With “I”

What’s your favorite cuisine this time? The following dishes have become more popular than you expect. They’re also easy recipes to make at home.

Indian Curry

Indian Curry
Indian curry and rice dish

Your night out feels slightly dull today. One of the best ways to spice it up is to include Indian curry in your main course. Not just a food that begins with I, but this curry also gets favored in every traditional dish with eggs.

Once using it to make some Indian dishes, you probably get your hands on some familiar spices such as cumin, masala, and turmeric.

And one of the most popular foods using this ingredient in the culinary world is Murgh Kari (also known as Indian chicken curry).

Idiyappam

Indian Breakfast Idiyappam
Idiyappam and coconut milk in an Indian breakfast

You probably find it a challenge to pronounce this word. Call it string hoppers instead. This food that starts with “I” makes a debut in South Indian cuisine. The dish here is made from rice flour, which gets steamed for about 5 minutes before serving on the plate.

Enjoy it with a glass of coconut milk every morning. Like Indian peas, Idiyappam offers a wide array of health benefits. With a high content of carbohydrates, fats, and wheat flour, the food will feed you with fibers and essential minerals.

Idli

Idli Sambar
Idli sambar with coconut sauce

Idli turns out to be the healthiest snack you’ve ever known with low-calorie content and a high amount of minerals. Indian people always put Idli on their favorite breakfast food list. It’s very puffy and tasty, not to mention its delicate combination of flavor and spices.

All Idli get steamed, so it means that they won’t get fried in fatty and unhealthy oil. Thanks to that low grease content and calorie, women would choose this food to shed their fat effectively.

Differing from string hoppers, Idli is a light food but nutritious enough to fill you with energy. It gives a boost in human digestion by breaking down minerals and vitamins with ease.

Ikokore

Bowl Of Lkokore
A small bowl of Ikokore decorated with leaf spices

Water yam pottage is an English name for this food. On special occasions like New Year, let’s try this delightful recipe to help you ring at night. To make the dish more wonderful, you can enrich it with proteins and combine it with goat meat, smoked turkey, or whatever you like.

Since Ikokore is rich in fiber and low in calories, it makes one of the best superfoods to burn your belly fat. Aside from that, the food is well-known for its aid in digestion and bowel. It also treats constipation and other irritating bowel symptoms.

Italian Sausages

Grilled Italian Sausages
Italian sausages grilled with bell peppers

With a pure flavor and crunchy brown texture, nothing can beat Italian sausages. By grilling them on the stovetop, you end up having a nutritious breakfast with some caramelized onions.

The leading star of this food which starts with I is the ground pork and irresistible seasonings.

Your meat’s flavor increases thanks to those special spices. Go to fit the food with any recipe style you desire.

For example, enjoy your Italian sausages with pasta, peppers, casseroles, soups, and more. If not, prepare a zesty sausage recipe with traditional baked macaroni and heavy cream.

Instant Oatmeal

Cooked Oatmeal
A small bowl of instant oatmeal with brown sugar

If you’re in a hurry for work, instant oatmeal is a fabulous choice to make at that time. Since there’s no need to cook it thoroughly, it’s perfect for your busy mornings.

Also, these oats cover the same calorie and nutrient content as normal oats. So it doesn’t make any difference to consider using these two. But go to select the brands of your favorite, or those flavored oats packed with sugar.

Instant Noodles

Asian Instant Noodles
A smoky bowl of Asian instant noodles

Instant noodles are familiar to instant ramen that shows up in every household of Japanese. They get precooked and dried up with aromatic seasonings.

The dish is a quick choice for anyone who doesn’t have time to cook. A medium-sized bowl of instant noodles can comfort and delight anyone’s heart. Devouring the whole soup, you’re amazed at how abundantly it tastes. It’s salty, cozy, tasty, and comforting.

Irish Stew

Irish Lamb Stew
A classic Irish lamb stew

What is Irish stew in reality? It’s a delicate combination of tender meat, garlic, stock, carrots, and potatoes. All of them after getting mixed become a delightful and warm stew for a cold night.

If you choose lamb as a leading star in your recipe, then you end up enjoying a delectable lamb stew. This smoky and cozy pot meal will satisfy any taste of your family.

Aside from meat, you get to try different veggies flavored with beer and a variety of seasonings.

Israeli Falafel

Hummus And Falafe
Hummus and Falafel with pita bread on a plate

It’s a specialty in many Arab nations in which the “falafel” word means pepper. People usually choose to enjoy it with tahini sauce and hummus. Hummus is also a Middle-Eastern dipping sauce that often goes with pita bread.

Also, Falafel gets enriched with a high amount of protein. Therefore, the dish suits vegan eaters who cut animal products out of their diet.

In terms of nutrition, it’s low in fat, so it’s free of cholesterol to consume. You can add it to daily meals for more heart health benefits. Don’t forget to top it with vegetables in a loaf of pita bread.

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread
Slices of homemade Irish soda bread

Are you seeking a fast-pre bread that doesn’t need any yeast? Irish soda bread would be the ultimate candidate in this list.

Your grandmother might know how to make it at home, so go to ask her at once. Cold butter and buttermilk are the main ingredients that brighten the food. With a golden-brown crust, it’s easy to consider it crunchy inside. It feels soft and fluffy instead.

Appetizing Spices Starting With The Letter “I”

These two spices are essential flavorings that every kitchen needs to have. Add them to your wished dishes to beat the blue.

Indian Mustard

Mustard Flowers
Indian mustard flowers and seeds

Surprisingly, all seeds, stems, and leaves of mustard are digestible. You can find this plant in many cuisines of the world. These include China, Japan, Africa, Korea, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.

It’s around 6 – 24 inches tall and has colorful foliage that can catch your eyes at first sight. The leaves go from plain to vivid red to curly ones. Some of them feature contrasting colors in veins that are gorgeous enough to appear in a garden.

Better than that, those leaves receive a lot of love from African chefs and Nepali cuisine. Due to the large stem, the mustard becomes the leading star to make Chinese pickles and Nepali pickles.

Iodized Salt

Iodized Salt
White iodized salt on the table

It’s considered a mineral found in seafood, grains, and dairy products. According to health specialists, iodized salt is essential to human and animal health. Salt is also an optimal way to provide them with iodine.

Iodine is an essential type of nutrient deriving from what you eat and drink. It’s perfect for high growth in fetuses and children.

An iodine deficiency commonly triggers severe symptoms. They could be painful neck swelling, unwanted weight gain, flaky skin, hair loss, fatigue, and other pregnancy-based issues.

Expectations Vs Reality

After reading this article, you’d be amazed at such a large number of edibles. This is all about the food that starts with I. The list does not only cover foods but also drinks and other edible stuff of many nations all over the world.

You probably get a bit disappointed not to see Isaw making this list. It’s popular street food in the Philippines in which pig and chicken intestines get grilled on sticks. It’s easy to find them at the local vendors on street corners at your lunchtime.

To make up for that, many foods, ranging from fruits, veggies, herbs to snacks make their debuts here. Each of them can offer all micronutrients that your body needs. Feel free to comment below if there’s any food not mentioned in the list.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *