31 Foods That Start With I
Try to think of foods that start with the letter I – it isn’t easy, is it? There are quite a few different foods that start with the letter I, from different countries and continents all over the world.
Below are 31 different foods that start with the letter I, so have a read through and get to know more ingredients, fresh produce, and meals!
31 Foods That Start With The Letter I
1. Icaco
Icaco is the name of a bush or shrub which grows small white fruits, which are similar in size to that of plums. The fruit of the bush has a melon-textured flesh and is sweet with a lovely taste. The fruit of the icaco bush is often used to make preserves and jams.
2. Ice
While most of us do not crunch down on ice as a meal or snack, it is used in some meals and even more popularly to prepare cocktails.
Fresh oysters are served on crushed ice, to keep them fresh and cool. Ice is also one of the core ingredients in many cocktails, who would want to drink a Pina colada warm?
3. Ice Cream
Ice cream is one of the most loved treats around! It is most commonly enjoyed as a dessert, but many choose to enjoy it on a hot day.
Most often made from dairy milk or cream, ice cream is a sweetened, frozen food that comes in many different flavors. There are many different ways to enjoy ice cream – on a cone, in a bowl, with sprinkles, or served on a waffle or brownie!
Proper ice cream is churned and then placed in the freezer, to freeze down to a semi-solid consistency, without becoming frosty or too hard to eat.
4. Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream cakes are an absolute hit at parties – for both young and old! Ice cream cakes are made when ice cream is layered into a cake tin or similar and then frozen until fairly solid. This is then removed from the mold and served up with some decorations and candles.
These are best served in the summer months during parties, but can be served all year round! These cakes can come in many different flavors, such as plain vanilla, chocolate or strawberry, or other creative flavors such as cookies and cream and butterscotch.
5. Ice Cream Soda
Just when you thought ice cream couldn’t get any better, you get to try ice cream soda! Ice cream soda consists of a large glass of cool soda, topped with a scoop of ice cream.
This could also consist of a combination of flavored syrup and carbonated water, and then any flavor of ice cream you want!
The two ingredients in the ice cream soda mix up to make a refreshing, creamy drink that is unlike anything else.
6. Ice Pop
Ice pops are known by many different names, lollies, popsicles, freezers, and more. They are popular among young kids, with adults enjoying them as treats as well! Ice pops can be made from milk or water with added flavoring and coloring.
Ice pops are different from ice cream, as they are left to rest while frozen and freeze into a solid block, much like ice. It is often served on a stick and enjoyed that way.
7. Ice Vegetable
The ice vegetable originates in South Africa. It is a hardy vegetable that keeps a good crunchy texture, even when exposed to heat. This makes it ideal to use in stir-fries if you want some added texture.
It was given its name thanks to the frosty looking exterior. It is not as popularly used as it should be, and once you use ice vegetables in stir-fries, you will love the taste and texture!
8. Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is commonly used in dinner salads and used to top burgers. It has a refreshing crunchiness that goes well in a green salad or with a beef burger, and its neutral taste does not take away from any other ingredients in the meal.
The neutral taste of iceberg lettuce also makes it a great choice to serve to children as well.
9. Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a hit during the warmer months! The coffee can be brewed in any way, whether through a French press or even using instant coffee, but the brew is usually stronger than how you would enjoy a normal cup of coffee.
This brewed coffee is then served with ice and cold milk if desired. There are iced coffee instant packs that you can purchase and add to milk and ice if you want an easier way to prepare the beverage.
10. Icelandic Shark
Icelandic shark is traditionally known as Hákarl. It is commonly made from Greenland shark or sleeper shark, which has been cured using a particular fermentation process, and then hung out for an extended period of time. It is considered to be a very acquired taste that many people do not enjoy.
11. Idaho Potatoes
Idaho potatoes are also known as russet potatoes. They are large, with white and dry flesh, and a brown, dark skin. Idaho has the perfect environment for growing potatoes, which is why these are such a popular type to use.
While incredibly versatile, Idaho potatoes are best used for baked potatoes, roasted potatoes, and hash browns. They are perfect to keep in the kitchen for many different meals during the week.
12. Idiyappam
Idiyappam goes by a few different names, such as nool putty or string hopper. It is an Indian steamed rice-noodle meal that is made from rice flour which is pressed into noodles.
Idiyappam is often served with chicken stew, chicken curry, peas curry, or vegetable kurma. For a sweeter version, idiyappam can be served with ghee, sugar, and grated coconut!
13. Idli
Idli is a popular Indian breakfast. It is a savory rice cake which is made from a batter consisting of fermented rice and black lentils. This batter is steamed, turning out soft and fluffy. It is packed with many different nutrients and is quite a healthy breakfast choice, and can be topped with many different items.
14. Inca Berries
Inca berries are both sweet and sour and can be found in small dry parcels. It is an exotic fruit, and are now growing in popularity. They are great to use to flavor different meals or protein balls, but can also be enjoyed as a snack.
Inca berries are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, protein, and potassium. They have the nickname ‘healthy sour skittle’ which perfectly sums up the delightfully sweet and sour taste, with a punch of nutrients!
15. Indian Almond Fruit
Indian almond fruit comes from the tropical tree called Terminalia catappa. They are small seeds that contain minerals and nutrients which help with metabolic processes. This benefit is why they are popularly consumed, as well as their delightful hazelnut-taste.
Indian almond fruit is often served sitting in water on a plate. The oil of these small seeds can also be used to make soap or for cooking.
16. Indian Curry
Indian curries are enjoyed all over the world, with their balanced heat and spice making a delicious meal. Curries can be made using meat, poultry, or vegetables, and there are many different Indian curries to try.
These include Rogan josh, biryani, butter chicken, tandoori, tikka chicken, and many more. There is a curry to suit each spice level and taste. These curries can either be served with rice, flatbread, or roti.
17. Indian Mustard
Indian mustard is a plant, and the whole plant, including the stems, seeds, and leaves is edible. It is a popular ingredient in Nepali cuisine, but can also be found in many other meals around the world.
The seeds from the Indian mustard plant are used to produce the brown mustard condiment, which has a higher heat level than yellow mustard, but which still has that deep mustard taste.
18. Indian Pea
Also known as a grass pea or a white pea, the Indian pea is a legume that is grown in India and other parts of Asia. It is a good crop to grow in areas that experience drought or famine, as it reliably produces yields when other crops might fail.
Indian peas can be prepared in many different ways, on their own as a side dish, or cooked into a pea curry. They are versatile and reliable, which makes them a popular staple in many households.
19. Indian Squash
Indian squash is also known as Tinda. It is a green, apple-sized vegetable. The plant grows as a vine, and the squash is popularly used in both Indian and Pakistani cooking.
The vegetable is actually a type of pumpkin and has a mottled light green skin. The light yellow flesh has a mild flavor and offers a good cooking variety.
20. Inebriant
An inebriant is any form of brew or liquor that has alcohol as an active agent. Inebriants, such as wine, port, sherry, cider, or beer, are often used in cooking and preparing meals and desserts. Many dishes call for the addition of a certain type of brew or liquor to add a dimension of flavor.
21. Instant Noodles
Instant noodles, or instant ramen, are dried blocks of precooked noodles, which are often sold with seasonings. Instant noodles originated in Japan, but are now enjoyed all over the world as a quick, easy meal that can be prepared in a few minutes just by using some boiling water.
You can purchase instant noodles in all different spices and flavors, from plain to extra hot, and from ramen to udon noodles. These contain manganese, vitamin B, and iron, but do not contain too much protein, fiber, and other minerals and vitamins. They also have a high sodium content.
22. Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is enjoyed by many different families. It is a great breakfast option for families on the go. It is partially cooked and then dried, so you do not have to spend too much time preparing breakfast.
While instant oatmeal contains the same nutrients that regular oats do, there are some instant oatmeal brands that come in a variety of flavors that make them loaded with sugar, which can be unhealthy if consumed often.
23. Instant Pudding
Instant pudding is so handy to keep in the pantry for when you want a sweet dessert without having to put in too much effort! It is a powder that is added to either milk or other ingredients to make a pudding.
Instant pudding is usually made from flavoring agents, thickeners, and sugar. You can find instant pudding in a variety of flavors.
24. Iodized Salt
Iodized salt is commonly consumed by those who have an iodine efficiency. The added iodine is important to ensure optimal health. Table salt is combined with tiny amounts of iodine to make iodized salt, which then can be added to meals or used while cooking.
25. Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a cocktail made with Irish whiskey, coffee, and sugar. This mixture is then topped with a dollop of fresh cream.
There is not too much Irish whiskey added into Irish coffee, so it is suitable for a dessert after dinner if you do not want to consume too much alcohol. The warm coffee, sugar, and whiskey make for a rich combination, and the added cream just makes it more delicious!
26. Irish Cream
Irish cream is a liqueur made from Irish whiskey, cream, and other added flavorings. You can find Irish cream served in Irish coffee, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat.
There are many recipes out there for homemade Irish cream, but you can also buy ready-made Irish cream liqueur from the liquor store, such as Baileys Irish Cream.
27. Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread is a bread that does not require any yeast to rise. It is a quick bread to make, and the leavening of the bread is due to the baking soda and the buttermilk.
It is a dense yet soft bread that has a delightful flavor. The absence of yeast is made up for by using sodium bicarbonate, flour, buttermilk, salt, and baking soda. It is a great bread to make if you are in a hurry and need to whip something up quickly!
28. Irish Stew
Irish stew can be made from lamb or mutton and contains root vegetables that are native to Ireland, such as potatoes. Traditional Irish stew is made using neck mutton chops, potatoes, onion, and water.
29. Israeli Falafel
Israeli falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty that is made from ground chickpeas or fava beans and coriander. The falafel is traditionally served in a pita or wrapped in flatbread.
The balls or patties are commonly served with hummus and baba ghanoush. Falafel is considered to be the national dish of Israel, due to its popularity and great taste.
30. Italian Ice
Italian ice is very similar to sorbet and is a refreshing treat enjoyed by many. It is usually made with natural or artificial flavorings and is a less-creamy, non-dairy alternative to ice cream.
Made from fresh fruit or juice, sugar and water, air is beaten into the Italian ice mixture, which makes it soft and edible, and not freeze into a block of solid ice. If the individual ice crystals are small, the Italian ice mixture is smoother.
31. Italian Kisses
Italian kisses are just the perfect dessert – they are small but just big enough to satisfy your sweet tooth after a full dinner.
Ice cream, usually vanilla but you could have different flavors, is encased in chocolate and frozen. This frozen treat can be eaten as is and is best served when still frosty and cold so that the ice cream or the chocolate does not melt.
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