Here are 100 foods that start with the letter J. Taken from all around the world, these foods will challenge your tastebuds and give you unique new flavors to try!
Check out these 100 foods starting with J – there are some that are sure to surprise you!
Foods That Start with the Letter J – Alphabetized
Here is an alphabetically arranged chart of 100 foods that start with the letter J that you can use to quickly reference a food. You’ll find a quick explanation of each food underneath the chart!
| Jaboticaba | Jambon | Jelly Donut | JoJo Potatoes |
| Jack Cheese | Jambon au Madere | Jelly Mushrooms | Jokbal |
| Jackfruit | Jamón Ibérico | Jelly Roll | Jollof Rice |
| Jäegerschnitzel | Jambon Persille | Jerk Chicken | Jolly Rancher |
| Jaffa Cake | Jambu | Jerky | Jonagold Apple |
| Jaffa Orange | Jambul | Jerusalem Artichoke | Jonathan Apple |
| Jaffle | Jameed | Jésuite Pastry | Jook |
| Jaga Bata | Jansson’s Temptation | Jewfish | Joppiesaus |
| Jager | Japanese Eggplant | Jewish Rye Bread | Jordan Almond |
| Jaggery | Japanese Plum | Jhal-muri | Jostaberry |
| Jagung Bakar | Japchae | Jhinge Posto | Jota |
| Jal-jeera | Jarlsberg Cheese | Jian dui | Joumou |
| Jalapeno | Jarrahdale | Jiaozi | Jugo de Avena |
| Jalapeño Poppers | Jasmine Rice | Jibarito | Juice |
| Jalea | Jasmine Tea | Jibneh Arabieh | Juice Pulp Crackers |
| Jalebi | Jatjuk | Jicama | Jujube |
| Jalfrezi | Jatoba Fruit | Jiffy Cornbread | Julep |
| Jam | Java | Jigarthanda | Julienned Vegetables |
| Jam Roly-Poly | Java Chip Ice Cream | Jimmies | Juliet Tomatoes |
| Jamaican Ginger Cake | Javanese Sate | JingBaiJan | Jumble |
| Jamaican Hot Pepper | Jawbreaker | Jiuniang | Juneberries |
| Jamaican Mackerel Rundown | Jell-O | Jocoque | Juniper Berry |
| Jamaican Patty | Jellied Eel | John Dory | Juniper Smoked Salmon |
| Jamaican Steamed Fish | Jelly | Johnny Cakes | Junket |
| Jambalaya | Jelly Beans | Johnny Reb | Jus |
Foods That Start With J
From jaboticaba to jus, here are 100 foods starting with the letter J!
Jaboticaba
What a fun name! The jaboticaba is a grape-like fruit from Brazil with a sweet, juicy flesh that tastes similar to a mix of grape, plum, and lychee. The dark purple-black skin is peeled to enjoy the sweet fruit, eaten fresh as a snack or used in jams, wines, smoothies and desserts like tarts.
Jack Cheese
Jack Cheese, also known as Monterey Jack, is a mild and creamy cheese originating from California, USA. It has a pale yellow color with a smooth, semi-soft texture. Jack Cheese is a versatile option perfect for snacking, melting, or grating over various dishes with its mild flavor, and also pairs well with fruits, sandwiches, and omelets.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a spiky green exterior and can weigh up to 80 pounds – that’s an average 11 year-old kid!
The green skin turns yellow/brown when ripe, and the fruit inside becomes sweet with a unique smell. Something really cool about the jackfruit is that its flesh is very similar to pulled pork or shredded chicken, making it a great meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian dishes! Plus, it has a high fiber content, making it a great choice to add into your next BBQ dish!
Jäegerschnitzel
A food from my birth-country, Jägerschnitzel is a popular German dish consisting of breaded and pan-fried schnitzel (thinly pounded and breaded meat). It’s usually served with a rich mushroom sauce made by sautéing mushrooms with onions and garlic before being simmered in a broth or cream sauce.
The term “Jäger” translates to “hunter” in German, and the dish is believed to have originated as a hearty meal prepared by hunters in the forest.
Jaffa Cake
Jaffa cakes are a delightful British treat consisting of a thin sponge cake topped with a layer of tangy orange-flavored jelly that’s coated with smooth chocolate. You’ll easily be able to tell a jaffa cake by its appearance: a circular shape with a glossy chocolate coating and a small central peak, differentiating it from regular biscuits or cookies.
The sweetness of sponge cake, citrus taste of the orange jelly, and the richness of the chocolate make jaffa cake a beautiful combination of flavors, and is often enjoyed with a cup of tea!
Jaffa Orange
This fruit originating in the city of Jaffa (which is now part of Tel Aviv), Israel, is a sweet and juicy citrus that is a wonderful blend of tanginess and sweetness. Jaffa oranges can be eaten raw or pressed into juices, and are a popular snack worldwide!
Jaffle
A jaffle is a type of toasted sandwich that is cooked in a special jaffle iron or jaffle maker. It usually consists of two slices of bread with cheese, ham, vegetables, or other fillings in between, and is then put into the jaffle iron – this seals the edges of the bread together, creating a pocket-like sandwich. This gets the fillings heated evenly and enclosed.
Fun fact: jaffles originate from Australia and New Zealand.
Jaga Bata
Jaga bata is a popular Japanese snack or side dish which translates to “a buttered potato” in English. It’s very simple – a baked potato with butter and soy sauce. This makes it taste a little saltier than a regular baked potato.
Jager
Another food that comes from my home-country! Jager, or Jägermeister, is a famous German herbal liqueur made from a blend of over 50 herbs and spices that’s aged in oak barrels for at least a year. It’s super popular around the world, often enjoyed as a shot or mixed into cocktails. You may have heard of the “Jäger Bomb,” which is a shot of jager mixed with an energy drink (usually Red Bull).
Drink responsibly!
Jaggery
Jaggery is a traditional unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It’s common in South Asian cuisines, but has spread into other parts of the world.
It’s made by boiling the juice or sap until it thickens and solidifies into a dark brown, sticky substance. Jaggery has a sweet and earthy flavor with hints of caramel, which is why it’s great as a natural sweetener or alternative to refined sugar.
Jagung Bakar
Jagung bakar is a delicious Indonesian dish made by grilling or roasting corn on the cob then serving it with a variety of savory toppings – you’ll usually find it served with a spicy sweet chili sauce!
Jal-jeera
Stemming out of India, Jal-jeera is a popular drink famous for its refreshing and tangy taste. Traditionally drank during the summer, it’s made with cumin (jeera) seeds and tamarind, which give it its distinct flavor. It can be made with regular water or carbonated water, depending on how bubbly you want it to be!
Jalapeño
Jalapeño is a medium to hot chili pepper with a slightly sweet flavor, commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s named after the city of Xalapa in Mexico, and they add a fiery kick to many dishes like guacamole, salsa, nachos, and salads! Even though they are a bit spicy, they’re milder than a lot of other chili peppers, making them versatile and popular in many different meals.
Jalapeño Poppers
One of my favorite appetizers! Jalapeño poppers are simply jalapeño peppers stuffed with cheese, meat, or other fillings before being baked or fried. My favorite variation of them is a cream cheese mix with bacon bits and shredded cheese.
You can take out as many of the seeds as you want before stuffing the jalapeños, making it as spicy or mild as you want. Give these a try for your next movie night to add a spicy kick!
Jalea
Jalea is a popular Peruvian dish consisting of battered and fried seafood. It can be fish, shrimp, calamari, or other seafood, which is then coated in a light batter before being deep-fried to perfect golden crispiness! Jalea is usually served with fries, salsa criolla, or different dips.
Jalebi
A popular Indian dessert, jalebi is known for its sweet and syrupy taste. It’s made from a fermented batter of all-purpose flour, which is then shaped into pretzel-like spirals before being deep-fried until golden and crispy. Once fried, the jalebis are soaked in a sugar syrup, giving them their special sweet taste.
Jalfrezi
Jalfrezi is a popular spicy curry dish typically featuring pieces of meat (often chicken) and vegetables stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and various spices. The word “jalfrezi” comes from the Bengali word “jhal,” which mean spicy, and “phrezi,” which means stir-fry.
Serve it with some naan bread for a traditional culinary experience!
Jam
Jam is made by cooking fruit with sugar until it thickens and sets. You can preserve a lot of your favorite fruits this way, with some popular jams being made from strawberries, peaches, raspberries, and more!
Not only can you spread jam on your toast or bagel, but you can use it as a filling for donuts, cakes, and other pastries.
Jam Roly-Poly
Jam Roly-Poly is a popular British dessert made from suet pastry rolled around a layer of jam – often raspberry or strawberry. The pastry “log” is then steamed or baked, creating gooey jam-filled spirals that are typically sliced up and served with cream, custard, or your favorite ice cream!
Jamaican Ginger Cake
Jamaican ginger cake is a traditional Jamaican dessert made by combining ginger, molasses, spices, and your classic cake ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter.
The cake has a rich ginger taste, and is moist and tender. You can add some whipped cream or ice cream on top for some extra sweetness!
Jamaican Hot Pepper
Jamaican Hot Pepper, also known as the Scotch bonnet pepper, is a spicy, fiery chili pepper famous for its intense heat and distinct fruity flavor. It’s the reason for the spicy kick in many Jamaican foods, and its small, round shape has an orange/red color indicating the spice it carries!
Jamaican Mackerel Rundown
Jamaican Mackerel Rundown is a traditional and delicious dish originating from Jamaica. It is made with mackerel fish, coconut milk, and an awesome combination of spices and seasonings to create a rich and creamy stew-like consistency.
This hearty dish is often served with boiled green bananas, yams, or dumplings, creating a satisfying and traditional Jamaican meal. It’s often made with the Jamaican Hot Pepper, the food we just talked about!
Jamaican Patty
Jamaican Patty is a delicious and popular pastry originating from Jamaica. Made by seasoning ground meat (often beef or chicken), you mix it with onions, garlic, peppers, and spices before enclosing it in a pastry.
Jamaican Patties are commonly sold as street food and can be found in many Jamaican bakeries and restaurants. Their portability and distinct, delicious taste makes them a popular snack for both tourists and locals!
Jamaican Steamed Fish
Jamaican Steamed Fish is a delicious dish made by steaming fish – often snapper or grouper – with a mix of onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, thyme, Jamaican Hot Peppers, and other spices. Before it’s placed in a pot to be steamed with all the vegetables, the fish is put in a marinade to infuse it with zesty flavors. Coconut milk is added to create a rich and creamy sauce as the fish steams, and is then served with rice, bammy, or boiled green bananas once it’s done.
Jambalaya
Coming out of Louisiana, USA, jambalaya is a hearty dish with influences from African, French, and Spanish cuisines. It usually consists of rice cooked with a variety of delicious ingredients such as sausage, chicken, shrimp (or other seafood), along with vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and celery. The dish is seasoned with a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, thyme, and paprika, giving it a spicy kick.
Jambon
Jambon is the French word for “ham.” It refers to various types of cured and cooked ham commonly enjoyed in French cuisine. Jambon, or ham, can come in many different forms, including smoked, unsmoked, seasoned with a variety of different spices, sliced, served whole, and more. It’s used in sandwiches, salads, omelets, pastries, and many more delicious dishes!
Jambon au Madere
Jambon au Madère is a classic French dish that translates to “ham with Madeira wine.” Take a cooked ham, add a sauce made from Madeira wine (originally from Portugal), add broth, butter, and seasonings, and then enjoy this delicious, savory, elegant dish enjoyed by food enthusiasts all around the world!
Jamón Ibérico
Jamón ibérico is a type of cured leg from pork made in Spain and Portugal. The special thing about this delicious ham is that it has to be from either pure-breed Black Iberian pigs or a crossbred pig with at least 50% Black Iberian mixed only with Duroc pigs.
It has a smooth texture, and a rich, savory taste with a relatively high fat content. When done traditionally, Iberico ham has a slight nutty flavor due to the pigs’ diet of acorns and other natural foods from the forest!
Jambon Persille
Jambon Persillé, also known as “Potted Ham with Parsley,” is a classic French dish originating from the Burgundy region. It’s made by layering cooked ham pieces (finely chopped or shredded) with chopped parsley and garlic, then covering them with a gelatinous broth.
It’s usually served cold, and is often used as an appetizer or light entrée.
Jambu
Native to South America, jambu is a herb with a strong and pleasant taste. It was brought to
Southeast Asia by the Portuguese people during European colonization, where it is used in many traditionally home medicines.
Jambu numbs the tongue and lips when eaten, and makes you salivate. It’s often used in teas to help treat infections in the mouth and throat. It’s also used in traditional Southeast Asian cuisine, as the mildly sweet flavor compliments the many spices used in traditional dishes.
Jambul
Although it has a very similar name to the food we just talked about, jambul is very different. It’s also known as “jamun” or “Java plum,” and is a fruit native to South Asia. It grows on the jambul tree, which is also known as the Syzygium cumini tree. The fruit has an oblong shape and varies in color from purple to deep blue/black when ripe.
Jambul is known for its distinctive sweet and tangy taste, which can vary depending on the fruit’s ripeness. It’s usually eaten fresh, but is also great for making jams, jellies, and refreshing drinks! In some cultures, jambul is also valued for its potential medicinal properties, including its role in managing blood sugar levels.
Jameed
Jameed is a Middle Eastern dairy product made from dried and fermented yogurt. You first strain yogurt, shape it into balls, and then sun-dry it to make the hard and dry jameed. It’s used to make traditional dishes like Mansaf, a popular Jordanian and Palestinian dish of lamb cooked in reconstituted jameed sauce and served with rice. It has a tangy flavor, but the long shelf life makes it an important food in Middle Eastern cuisine. Jameed’s tangy flavor and long shelf life make it an important ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Jansson’s Temptation
Named after Pelle Janzon, a Swedish opera singer, Jansson’s temptation is a traditional Swedish casserole dish made with potatoes, onions, and anchovies layered in a creamy sauce made of cream and sometimes stock or milk. It’s very popular around Christmas and other holidays.
Japanese Eggplant
Japanese eggplant, also known as “Asian eggplant” or “long eggplant,” is a slender and elongated variety of eggplant that has a thinner skin and sweeter flavor than other larger eggplant types. It’s often used in Asian cuisine, and is great for stir-fries, curries, and grilling! It has a mild taste, and absorbs flavors from sauces and spices quickly, making it ideal to add into a bunch of different dishes!
Japanese Plum
Also known as “ume” or “Japanese apricot,” the Japanese plum is a small and sour fruit cultivated in Japan. It’s commonly pickled to make “umeboshi,” which is a salty-sour condiment used in Japanese cuisine.
The Japanese plum is also used to make plum wine (umeshu), plum jam, and plum syrup. It has a unique taste, with a versatility that is appreciated in many traditional Japanese dishes.
Japchae
Japchae is a popular Korean dish. It’s made as a stir-fry, mixing sweet potato noodles with vegetables and beef before being seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
You can put your own twist on it by using different meats or vegetables!
Jarlsberg Cheese
Jarlsberg cheese is a popular Norwegian cheese known for its mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. It has large, round holes throughout its semi-soft “flesh,” with a creamy texture. Jarlsberg cheese is made from cow’s milk, and is similar to Swiss cheese except it has a smoother and less tangy taste.
It’s versatile and commonly enjoyed on sandwiches, cheese platters, and in cooking, sometimes being melted to be enjoyed as fondue.
Jarrahdale
Jarrahdale is a type of pumpkin that originated in Australia. It’s quite large, has a dense texture, and has a blue/gray skin with deep ribbing. The vibrant orange flesh has a sweet and nutty flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes – and great for pies! Not only that, but Jarrahdale pumpkins are also used for decorative purposes, especially in the fall, due to their appealing appearance.
Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is a long-grain rice variety coming out of Thailand. It has a floral aroma, and a slightly sticky texture that is tender when cooked. Jasmine rice is very popular in Southeast Asian and Thai cuisines, and is often used as a side dish to curries, meats, and stir-fries.
Jasmine Tea
A soothing drink, Jasmine tea is made by infusing green or white tea leaves with jasmine blossoms. It’s a traditional Chinese tea that dates back to ancient times, but is enjoyed by many even today!
Jasmine tea is made by picking fresh jasmine flowers and layering them with tea leaves to infuse the leaves with the flower’s scent. After a couple hours, the jasmine flowers are removed, leaving a delicious jasmine-scented tea.
Jatjuk
Jatjuk is a traditional Korean dish made from ground or crushed nuts – usually either pine nuts or walnuts – mixed with water or milk to create a thick and creamy porridge. Sugar is added (or honey for a healthier option) to sweeten it, and a pinch of salt for a little extra flavor. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, and you can add cinnamon, fruits, or other toppings to add some more texture and flavor – or just to add your own unique twist!
Jatoba Fruit
Jatoba is a tree found mainly in the Caribbean, Central, and South America. It bears a legume, called “Jatoba fruit,” that has an edible pulp underneath a tough shell. The fruit is sometimes dissolved in milk or water, or eaten raw – although the flesh can be quite sticky! It’s usually enjoyed by adding some sugar to sweeten it up a bit.
Java
Java is another name for coffee – my favorite drink! Java is made from roasted coffee beans, and has a slightly bitter taste to it. The caffeine it contains gives you a bit of a boost due to its stimulating characteristics.
One of my favorite things about java is that there are so many unique flavor profiles to it depending on the type of beans used, the type of roasting done, and the ingredients added (like milk, cream, sweeteners, etc.).
Java Chip Ice Cream
Java chip ice cream is a delicious ice cream made with espresso coffee-flavored ice cream (although some people just add an espresso shot to a bowl of vanilla ice cream) and chocolate chips.
Sometimes, people use java chips, which are chocolate-covered cookie crumbs – although I do find that most people just use the chocolate chips instead.
Javanese Sate
Sate is recognized as Indonesia’s national delicacy made of seasoned, skewered, and grilled meat served with a side of sweet and salty peanut sauce. It’s extremely popular as a street food, and is made with meats from chicken to crocodile to tofu (for the meatless lovers). Traditionally, javanese sate is made by grilling the meat over a charcoal grill to give it its distinct flavor.
Jawbreaker
Jawbreakers, as you may have guessed, are extremely hard candies that should be sucked rather than chewed – unless you want to “break” your “jaw”…
These candies are notoriously hard to break, so make sure to enjoy the many flavors it comes in for a while rather than trying to bite through the candy quickly!
Jell-O
Jell-O is a dessert made from gelatin, flavoring, and food coloring. It has a jelly-like texture, and comes in many different flavors. You can also add it to pastries – a different popular use of Jell-O is “jello shots,” a mixture of Jell-O and alcohol.
Jellied Eel
Chop some eels up, boil them in a spiced stock, let it settle, and you got yourself some jellied eel. You usually serve it cold, enjoying the salty, slightly fishy flavor with some vinegar or pepper to boost the flavors!
Jelly
Similar to jam, jelly is a spreadable fruit preserve made with strained fruit juice (jam is made with mashed fruit).
You can enjoy jelly on toast, crackers, muffins, and more! Plus, jelly is made from many different fruits such as grapes, strawberries, etc., so you’ll never run out of flavors!
Jelly Beans
An extremely popular snack, jelly beans are candies with soft shells and thick gel-like insides. As the name implies, they’re essentially small beans made from jelly, and have a TON of different flavors ranging from lemon to ice cream to grape to a bunch more!
Jelly Donut
A jelly donut is simply a donut filled with jelly, and is often topped off with powdered sugar. The most common jelly donuts are filled with raspberry, lemon, or strawberry jelly fillings.
Jelly Mushrooms
These interesting-looking fungi are rubbery and seaweed-like. They come in a bunch of different colors, and even more shapes! From brown spikes to white cup-like shapes, jelly mushrooms are a unique type of mushroom that isn’t super popular. However, their earthy flavor and unique texture could make them an interesting addition to your dish!
Jelly Roll
Jelly rolls are made by spreading jam or jelly on a thin layer of sponge cake, which is then rolled up into a log shape. They’re popular in Britain, where they are often called “Swiss cake rolls.” A layer of frosting is sometimes added on top of the jam before it’s rolled up, giving it a creamier texture.
Jerk Chicken
“Jerk” is a Jamaican style of cooking where you dry-rub meat or wet-marinate it with a hot spice mixture called “Jamaican jerk spice.” Jerk chicken is just that – a spicy, sweet, fiery combination of flavors that can include hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, and more!
Jerky
One of the most popular road-trip snacks, jerky is basically just dehydrated strips of meat seasoned with many different varieties of flavoring. The flavor changes depending on what type of meat is used, and then changed again depending on the seasoning added before they’re dehydrated. Pretty much any meat can be made into jerky, and the technique is also used as a preserving strategy.
Jerusalem Artichoke
Jerusalem artichokes are native to North America and are often called “sunchokes.” Interestingly, these have no relation to artichokes, but are rather a part of the sunflower family. It looks like a potato, but Jerusalem artichokes have a sweet and nutty flavor similar to a chestnut, and are usually roasted before being served.
Jésuite Pastry
Jésuite pastry, also known as “Nun’s puffs” or “Nun’s sighs,” is a French puff pastry dessert. It’s made from layers of flaky puff pastry filled with almond cream or frangipane, which is a sweet almond-based custard filling. The pastry is typically folded into a triangular shape, resembling a nun’s habit (hence the name), and is sometimes garnished with powdered sugar or sliced almonds.
Jewfish
The jewfish is a large fish that is also called the “Goliath grouper.” It lives in and around coral regions off the coast of North America, but can also be found in regions on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Jewfish have a mild to medium fish flavor with white/pale pink flesh.
Jewish Rye Bread
Jewish rye bread is a type of bread commonly made in Jewish communities. The main difference between Jewish rye bread and other rye bread is that Jewish rye bread is made from a sour rye starter called “roshtshine.” It also has a deep earthy flavor and is somewhat sour compared to other rye bread.
Jhal-muri
Jhal-muri is a popular and flavorful street food snack from Bangladesh. It’s made from puffed rice mixed with a variety of spices, nuts, vegetables, and sometimes chilies for some extra spice! The ingredients are typically tossed together in a bowl and seasoned with mustard oil, turmeric, salt, and sometimes tamarind pulp or raw mango for a tangy flavor.
Jhinge Posto
Jhinge Posto is a traditional Bengali dish from the Indian state of West Bengal. It’s a vegetarian dish made with ridge gourd (jhinge) cooked in a flavorful poppy seed (posto) paste. It’s commonly served with steamed rice, creating a delicious blend of flavors.
Jian Dui
Jian Dui, also known as Sesame Balls or Fried Glutinous Rice Balls, is a popular Chinese dessert. These sweet treats are made from glutinous rice flour dough filled with various sweet fillings like red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or black sesame paste.
Jian Dui is often enjoyed during festive occasions like the Lunar New Year!
Jiaozi
Jiaozi are Chinese dumplings with minced meat and vegetable fillings wrapped in thin dough. Their crescent shape symbolizes wealth and prosperity. They can be boiled, steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried, and are often served during family gatherings and festivals like the Chinese New Year. Jiaozi represents unity and happiness among family members, making this a feel-good and delicious meal!
Jibarito
Jibarito is a Puerto Rican sandwich made with fried green plantains as the “bread.” The plantains are flattened, fried until crispy, and filled with steak, chicken, or other meat, along with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and garlic mayo. It’s a popular dish that showcases the versatility of plantains in Puerto Rican cuisine, and it has gained popularity beyond the island.
Jibneh Arabieh
Jibneh Arabieh, also known as “Arab cheese,” is a traditional Middle Eastern cheese made from cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk. It is a soft, white cheese with a mild and slightly tangy flavor that goes great with various Middle Eastern dishes such as pastries, salads, and sandwiches.
Jicama
Jicama is a root vegetable native to Mexico and Central America. It’s also known as “Mexican yam bean” or “Mexican turnip,” and has a round and bulbous shape similar to a turnip. The rough, brownish skin covers a crisp, white, and juicy interior that tastes like a combination of apple and water chestnut.
Jicama is often enjoyed raw and is popular in salads or as a refreshing snack due to its crunchy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. It can also be used in cooked dishes, like stir-fries or soups.
Jiffy Cornbread
Jiffy Cornbread is a popular brand of cornbread mix in the United States. It is a convenient and easy-to-use mix that allows you to quickly prepare cornbread at home without having to make it from scratch – just add milk and eggs to the premade mix, following the baking instructions, and you’ve got yourself some sweet, golden cornbread!
Jigarthanda
Jigarthanda translates to “cooling the heart,” and comes from the South Indian city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It’s served in the summer months in India, as the cooling combination of milk, almonds, ice cream, and sugar creates a wonderfully refreshing beverage!
Jimmies
Jimmies are a type of sprinkle used as a decorative topping for desserts like ice cream and baked goods. They are small, rod-shaped confectionery toppings made from colored and flavored sugar, and they come in a ton of colors – the most popular is definitely rainbow-colored. Jimmies are a great way to add some festivity to your dish!
JingBaiJan
JingBaiJan is a series of traditional Chinese desserts, usually served in batches of eight. Each dessert represents a different meaning: happiness, fertility, luck, success, longevity, wealth, education and excess. These cakes are molded into unique shapes and filled with dates, plums, sugar, raisins, red bean paste, bananas, salt and pepper, and more.
Jiuniang
Jiuniang is a traditional Chinese sweet rice wine made by fermenting glutinous rice with yeast or a fermentation starter, making it a pudding-like dish.The mildly sweet and slightly alcoholic rice wine has a pleasant smell, and is enjoyed as a drink during celebrations – it’s also used in Chinese cuisine and desserts, with its unique flavor and versatility making it a popular choice!
Jocoque
This Mexican dairy product is made from fermented milk – “jocoque” means sour milk, and tastes similar to sour cream. It’s generally used as a dip in Mexican cuisine for tortilla chips.
John Dory
John Dory, also called St. Pierre or Peter’s Fish, is a fish found in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. It has an oval-shaped body with a dark spot on its side, and is known for its mild flavor, making it a popular choice in restaurants world-wide. The flesh is white, firm, and flaky, making it a great option for grilling, pan-frying, or baking.
Johnny Cakes
Johnny cakes are pancakes made with cornmeal…that’s basically the only difference from a regular pancake!
Johnny Reb
The Johnny Reb sandwich is a Southern-style classic featuring tender pulled pork that’s slow-cooked and seasoned with barbecue sauce. It pays tribute to Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War, who were called “Johnny Reb.” Served on a bun with coleslaw and pickles, it’s a popular dish in barbecue restaurants across the South.
JoJo Potatoes
JoJo potatoes are thickly cut potato wedges seasoned and deep-fried, served with different dipping sauces – kind of like a massive version of a french fry!
The name comes from Portland, and is reportedly just a funny name they call potato wedges.
Jokbal
Jokbal is a Korean dish that translates to “braised pig’s trotters.” It’s a pig’s foot braised in a combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice wine. Jokbal has a chewy, sweet, and salty flavor that is hearty and flavorful!
Jollof Rice
Jollof rice comes from West Africa, and is a dish made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, a variety of other vegetables, spices, and meat. Traditionally, the meat is ground beef or lamb, which is cooked in a stew of all these ingredients combined.
Jolly Rancher
Jolly Ranchers are hard candies that come in a bunch of different colors and fruit flavors. They’re very popular among younger kids, and are similar to small, rectangular lollipops with flavors like green apple, strawberry, cherry, grape, and more!
Jonagold Apple
Jonagold apples are a popular apple variety that is a cross between the Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples, offering a sweet and tart flavor that goes great eaten on its own, in a pie, or sliced and dipped into peanut butter!
Jonathan Apple
Jonathan apples are of the American Heirloom variety, originating from a New York farm all the way back in 1826. It’s not very popular in stores, but the sweet and tart apples are loved in certain places around the USA.
Jook
Jook is a type of rice porridge popular in parts of Asia, and is usually made with jasmine rice. The rice is boiled with a lot of water over low heat, during which other foods and flavors are added like seafood or pork bones. Once boiled, it’s topped with things like eggs, meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Joppiesaus
Joppiesaus is a popular Dutch condiment known for its creamy and tangy flavor. The main ingredients are mayonnaise, onions, and curry spices. It is a bright yellow sauce typically used for dipping snacks and fast food, particularly French fries.
Jordan Almond
Jordan almonds are almonds covered in a sweet candy coating after being blanched, and are traditionally given out at Italian weddings. The traditional colors of Jordan almonds are white, pink, blue, green, and occasionally metallic silver or gold.
In certain cultures (like Italian), Jordan almonds are a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and well-wishes. They are often gifted in decorative bags or boxes during weddings, and the sweetness of the candy represents the sweetness and joy of the special occasion.
Jostaberry
Jostaberries are a cross between black currants and gooseberries. They are usually used in making pies, jams, and other desserts, but can be eaten fresh.
Jota
Jota, originating out of Slovenia, is a thick stew made with potatoes, beans, onions, garlic, and sauerkraut – the simple ingredients can be complemented with sausage or other meats!
Jota is usually enjoyed during colder weather, warming you up and giving you a rich and hearty meal!
Joumou
Joumou, also known as “Haitian pumpkin soup,” is a traditional Haitian dish with deep historical and cultural significance. This hearty soup has a base of pureed pumpkin, and is typically cooked together with beef, vegetables, and potatoes before being spiced up with garlic, cloves, and thyme. Certain variations include pasta or dumplings to add a bit more substance!
Jugo de Avena
Jugo de Avena, also known as “oat milk” in English, is a plant-based milk alternative made from oats. It’s super popular in dairy-free communities or for those following a vegan diet.
The oats are soaked in water and then blended to create a creamy liquid, which is then strained to get rid of the oat pulp. Try it in your coffee the next time you want to switch things up!
Juice
Juice is such a broad category of drinks. It usually refers to the liquid you get from squeezing fruits and vegetables, but can also be made by blending/chopping them extremely fine. Most of the time, however, the fruits or vegetables are pressed into a delicious and natural drink – my favorites are freshly-pressed orange juice and grapefruit juice!
Juice Pulp Crackers
Juice pulp crackers are an awesome way to repurpose leftover fruit and vegetable pulp from juicing. Instead of throwing the pulp away, it can be used to make these delicious crackers!
The pulp is combined with ingredients like flaxseeds, chia seeds, herbs, spices, and a small amount of water before being spread into even and thin slices on a baking sheet. They are then dehydrated until they become a crispy and healthy snack!
Jujube
Jujube, also known as “red date” or “Chinese date,” is a sweet and nutritious fruit grown on the jujube tree. It has a round/oval shape and a crispy, juicy flesh – similar to an apple! Jujubes can be enjoyed fresh as a snack or dried for teas, and desserts.
Julep
Julep is a classic cocktail traditionally enjoyed in the southern parts of the USA. The most famous version is the “Mint Julep,” which is made by mixing bourbon, syrup, and fresh mint leaves, typically served over crushed ice. It’s also the official drink of the Kentucky Derby!
Julienned Vegetables
Julienned vegetables refer to vegetables that have been cut into thin, matchstick-like strips. The term “julienne” is a culinary technique that involves precise cutting to create uniform and slender pieces. Common vegetables that are julienned include carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, and onions. They’re super versatile, and can be used in salads, stir-fries, soups, wraps, and more!
Juliet Tomatoes
Juliet tomatoes are small, oval-shaped grape tomatoes with a sweet flavor. They’re ideal for salads, salsas, and adding into sauces due to their juicy and sweet taste. They can grow an indeterminate amount, making them great for continuous production – plus, they’re disease resistant, making them a wonderful option for farmers and gardeners.
Jumble
Jumbles are basic butter cookies. They’re fairly plain, but can be flavored with vanilla to add a bit of sweetness – you can also choose from other flavors to make these simple cookies stand out a bit more.
Juneberries
Juneberries, also known as Saskatoon berries, are small fruits that look similar to blueberries.
They’re native to North America, with a dark purple/blue color that covers a juicy, sweet flesh. Juneberries are often eaten fresh or put into salads, pies, smoothies, and more, giving a boost of flavor and vitamins!
Juniper Berry
Juniper berries are small fruits that grow on juniper trees. They have a piney, citrus-y, and slightly sweet taste that’s popular as a “spice” in European cuisine. It’s also a key ingredient in gin production, as well as a seasoning for meats, stews, and more.
Heads up – they have a strong taste, so be sparing when cooking with them!
Juniper Smoked Salmon
Juniper smoked salmon is a delicious variation of smoked salmon that uses the unique aroma and taste of juniper berries. The salmon is cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and crushed juniper berries before being smoked using juniper wood chips or branches, infusing a delicious and distinct taste into the salmon.
Junket
Junket is a simple and traditional dessert made from milk, sugar, and rennet, which is an enzyme that helps coagulate the milk. The milk is first heated and sweetened, then the rennet is added to thicken and curdle the mixture. Once the milk sets into a custard-like consistency, it’s chilled in the refrigerator until firm. You can serve it plain or with toppings like fruit, jam, or nutmeg.
Jus
Jus, pronounced “zhoo,” is a French culinary term that translates to “juice.” It refers to a sauce or liquid that is extracted from cooking meat or vegetables, typically made by deglazing a pan with wine, stock, or water. It’s often served as a sauce to roasted or grilled meats, adding an extra layer of flavor!
These are some awesome foods that start with the letter J! Let me know in the comments of any others we can add to the list!
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