One of the fun things about life is there are always new things to throw us for a loop, especially when it comes to food. There are so many different flavors out there our taste buds have yet to experience that it's impossible ever to taste them all.
And when it comes to foods that start with "I," our list will probably have plenty of items you've tried before, but then there are a few new ones you probably never knew existed. If you happen to find something new on this list, do yourself a favor and find a recipe for it.
Whether you are looking for inspiration for a themed dinner party, or you are just interested to know the different foods that begin with the letter I - this article will be interesting.
There are so many different types of food available to come, from different cultures from across the world. We have chosen as widely as possible to provide you with 43 different and unique foods.
While you may already be familiar with many of our choices, we hope that you will come across some new foods that you are yet to try. Perhaps this article will help you to find your new favorite food, or encourage you to try something new!
Icaco is a type of fruit that is known by a few different names. You may have heard of Icaco being called – cocoplum, abajeru, or paradise plum.
This is a delicious fruit that can be found in places such as Africa, the Bahamas, Southern Florida, and the Caribbean.
It resembles grapes slightly in its color and size. It has a sweet flavor overall.
3. Ice
When talking about the technicalities, it could be argued that ice is not food.
However, it is included in many different dishes and does add a level of refreshment to both smoothies and cocktails. It is essential for many different recipes and is perfect for a warm day.
Ice is so versatile and can be used to make a variety of different things, such as ice pops. You can even get creative and add syrups or fruit to ice before it freezes so that it becomes a great addition to a drink!
4. Icee
Icee is a type of sweet frozen treat. It is one of the most popular brands in the United States and is sold in many different places, from Wal-Mart to movie theatres.
While this is a frozen drink it has a slush type consistency and can be drunk. It is a carbonated drink that comes in a wide variety of flavors, from Cola to blue raspberry.
While Icee’s are popular with children and teenagers, these drinks appeal to people of all ages. They are a great drink to consume all year round.
5. Ice Breakers
Ice Breakers are created by the company Hersheys and are a brand of gum and mints. They come in a variety of flavors, from cool mint to strawberry.
They are a refreshing and cool sweet treat that is particularly tasty.
They come in small packets that are easy to store in your pocket or bag whenever you need a refreshing treat. They are fairly inexpensive to purchase and are a popular choice of gum.
6. Ice Cream
We could not create a list of foods beginning with I without including ice cream.
Ice cream is one of the first foods that come to mind when you think about the letter I and for good reason – it is delicious!
There are so many different flavors of ice-cream that you can purchase, from mint chocolate chip to cookie dough. There is a type of ice cream to suit everyone’s tastes and the majority of people love this sweet treat.
There is also vegan ice cream that you can purchase and there are thousands of different brands to choose from.
7. Ice Cream Cake
If you are a fan of ice cream then you also need to try ice cream cake. Ice cream cake is a popular dessert in many different countries around the world.
It usually contains a few different layers of ice cream that are placed on top of each other and often from the outside, it resembles a normal vanilla sponge cake. However, it is made of mostly ice cream.
This is such a great dessert and sometimes included some form of sponge in it too. It can use vanilla or chocolate sponge, and there are many different types of ice cream cake.
8. Ice Cream Soda
If you have never tried ice cream soda before, you are missing out! Ice cream soda can also be referred to as an ice cream float.
It consists of a scoop of ice cream that is placed on the top of a soda drink.
Typically, vanilla ice cream is used combined with drinks such as root beer, ginger beer, or Coca-Cola. It adds a creamy and sweet addition to a soda drink.
9. Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a delicious refreshment and it can be a great alternative to consuming warm coffee, especially on a warm day.
There are many different types of iced coffee available, such as – cold brew, latte, and cappuccino.
You can even use French pressed coffee or instant coffee if you do not own a coffee machine and want to create this delicious drink at home.
10. Iced Tea
Iced tea is another delicious and refreshing drink to consume in the summer months. It is made using sweetened tea, although you can consume it unsweetened too.
While the majority of iced teas have a lemon flavor, there are also a handful of other options available too, such as peach, mint, and strawberry.
11. Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is a great addition to a salad. This vegetable is bright green and it is known for its delicious crunch.
Although it may not contain as many vitamins and nutritional value in comparison to other vegetables such as spinach, it is still a healthy option.
It has high water content and is also great when added to sandwiches and burgers.
12. Ice Pop
In the same vein as ice cream, an ice pop is an equally tasty snack. They are a brilliant treat for a warm day and they make for a hydrating and cooling treat.
There are so many different flavors and types of ice pop available, from ones packed with sugar to sugar-free and healthier options.
Some ice pops are made with water or juice and others are made with milk to create a smoothie type ice pop.
Ice pops can be purchased, but they are also equally as easy to make at home.
13. Ice Vegetable
If you are unfamiliar with what an ice vegetable is, you may assume that we are talking about frozen vegetables. However, ice vegetables are not frozen at all.
The ice vegetable originates in South Africa and it receives its name from how it looks. This green lettuce-type vegetable does have an icy look to it.
It has a unique taste that almost resembles salt and lemon.
It is frequently used in stir frys in South Africa and it does not wilt when heated up which is great. It is known for its low calories and crunchy texture.
14. Icing
We could not include a list of foods beginning with I, without including icing.
Icing is such a great addition to the cake. While it is essentially just made from sugar, it is the perfect cake topping.
While it is often referred to as frosting, icing is usually a thinner layer of frosting placed over the top of a cake. Icing can be purchased in a variety of different colors and flavors.
15. Icy Cups
Icy cups are a retro UK chocolate treat. They are small chocolates that are served in small foil cases. These cases come in a wide variety of colors.
They are typically served cold and have an icy shine to them which is where the name derives from.
16. Idaho Potatoes
Idaho potatoes are one of the most popular kinds of potato. They are large potatoes with brown skin and are white inside.
These potatoes are particularly great to make baked potatoes and mashed potatoes with. You may also see these potatoes being referred to as russet.
They are called Idaho potatoes as this state is the perfect temperature to grow these potatoes.
17. Idaho Spud
While you may think that this is another type of Idaho potato, this is actually a chocolatey treat. It is a marshmallow covered with chocolate and coconut.
It is popular in Northwest America and it was created in Idaho. They are a tasty and light sweet snack. They can be purchased in a packet, or in bulk in a tub.
18. Idiyappam
Idiyappam can also be referred to as noolappam, or string hopper. It is Indian cuisine, originally consumed in Tamil Nadu.
This is a rice noodle dish that uses rice flour to create it. The noodles are steamed and not fried before consuming.
Unlike other dishes, the noodles are woven and served as flat disks. They are typically eaten as part of a dinner and are typically accompanied by curry or chutney.
19. Idli
Idli is another popular Indian dish that is typically served for breakfast. The dish is created using rice and fermented black lentils. These ingredients are mixed into a batter and then steamed.
When steamed they create a rice cake that is served in small circular portions. It is a savory and delicious breakfast dish. It can be served alone or with other food.
20. Ilama
Ilama fruit is native to Central America and translates roughly to “old woman’s sapote”. It is a fairly big fruit that is white or green on the outside and pinkish-red when cut open.
It has a similar taste to sugar apple and can be eaten raw. It has a fairly soft and thick consistency.
21. Illawarra Plum
You may be familiar with the Illawarra plum also being called the plum pine. This is a fruit that is native to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.
This fruit looks similar to a blueberry and grape and has a dark plum coloring. It is sweet, but not overly, and is often used in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be made into things such as pickles or jelly.
22. Imarti
Imarti is an Indian dish that is made from vigna mungo flour batter. It is a deep-fried treat that has a flower, circular shape.
It is a popular dessert in India, and once it has been deep-fried it is typically covered with syrup or sugar to give it a sweet taste. It looks and tastes appealing.
23. Imperial Cocktail
The imperial cocktail is not one of the most popular choices, but it makes a fantastic alcoholic beverage. It is a sweet twist on the typically dry gin martini.
It features vermouth, gin, maraschino liqueur, and aromatic bitters. The maraschino gives the cocktail a cherry flavor and this is such a lovely drink.
You can also use real cherries if you prefer to top off the cocktail.
24. Imqaret
Imqaret is a popular type of Maltese pastry. It is a sweet treat and is filled with dates. If this dish is served at a Maltese restaurant it can be served with ice cream.
It typically has a diamond shape, which is where the name originated from. However, they can be sold in a rectangular shape too.
They are common street food in Malta. As this sweet treat has an Arabic origin, it is popularly sold in places such as Morocco too.
25. Inca Berries
Inca berries can commonly be known as golden berries and giant ground cherries. They are typically sound in Peru and Columbia. They are typically consumed in the United States as a dried fruit.
What is interesting about these berries is that they are technically not a berry as they are part of the tomato family! They have a slightly citrusy taste to them.
26. Indian Chutneys
Indian chutneys are a popular accompaniment to Indian curries and are typically eaten with naan bread and poppadoms.
While there are many different Indian chutneys, there are three that are typically the most common – mango chutney, and red chili garlic.
They all have a different distinct taste and are commonly served with chaat, an Indian savory snack.
27. Indian Curry
We could not include a list of food beginning with the letter I without including Indian curry. This is a broad food choice and encompasses many different Indian curry recipes.
Indian curries can include many different types of meat or they can just be made with vegetables. There is certainly an Indian curry to suit every taste palate.
28. Indian Gooseberry
The Indian gooseberry is grown on a tree that originates in India. The fruit can be eaten and it looks very similar to a green grape in its color and size.
The fruit does have a range of different tastes from sweet to bitter, but it is typically described as sour. The Indian gooseberry is more commonly known by the name of Alma.
What is interesting about this fruit is that it is used in Indian medicine a lot. It is thought to have many different health benefits, from helping to lower high cholesterol to helping to alleviate heartburn.
29. Indian Mustard
The seeds from the Indian mustard plant are very popular and have several different uses. They are typically used as a spice in India, and they can be used in various dishes.
It is commonly referred to as round melon and Indian baby pumpkin. While it looks like a fruit, it is a vegetable and has a squash-like consistency.
31. Inga Edulis
Inga Edulis is more commonly known as the Ice cream fruit. This fruit is native to South American and has many different uses.
It is part of the legume family and is used to create an alcoholic drink called Cachiri. It has a sweet taste overall and a fairly smooth texture. It is also used in some forms of medicine by Indigenous Amazonian people.
32. Instant Coffee
While instant coffee does not taste as great as freshly brewed drip coffee or espresso, it does the job. It is not a bad flavor and it is a great alternative if you are looking for a drink on the go.
It is easy and quick to make and it is a fairly inexpensive option too. It is a great choice if you are on more of a budget and still wants your daily cup of joe.
33. Instant Oatmeal
We have included a few different instant options in this article because they are quick and easy to make. In addition to this, they are economical and great if you are on more of a budget.
Instant oats are a fantastic option and are particularly tasty. They are typically eaten for breakfast and you only need to add water or milk and heat them up.
They are fairly healthy and you can add many different toppings from different types of fruit and berries to maple syrup. They contain the same nutrition as regular oats but have less prep time.
34. Instant Mashed Potato
While there is nothing better than freshly cooked mashed potato, if you want to create a quick side dish or meal, instant mashed potato is a useful option.
By adding some seasoning and butter to instant mash, it can become rather tasty.
While it may not be the most nutritious meal accompaniment it is always worth having in your pantry.
35. Instant Ramen Noodles
When it comes to instant food, ramen noodles are by far the most popular option. They make for a great snack or meal eaten alone or made into a larger noodle dish.
Instant ramen noodles originated in Japan but they are not a popular food across the world. They typically come as a block of dried noodles that are precooked and a small sachet of seasoning.
They are boiled in water and the seasoning is added. They can also commonly be purchased in cups.
36. Irish Cream Liqueur
Irish cream is the perfect addition to a coffee or dessert if you are looking for an alcoholic kick. Irish cream contains Irish Whisky, which is combined with heavy cream.
Often it can contain coffee, or an almond syrup to enhance the overall flavor. Irish cream has a distinct taste and it is particularly tasty. It is a liquor that can also be drunk straight with ice.
37. Irish Soda Bread
You may or may not be familiar with soda bread. It differs from the majority of bread due to how it is created. As hinted at in the name, Irish soda bread is created using sour milk and baking soda.
The reaction of both of these ingredients forms small bubbles within the bread that gives it its popular texture.
As it is created using slightly different ingredients to “regular” bread, it does have a slightly different taste. The taste resembles a biscuit.
38. Irish Stew
Irish stew is the perfect meal for the colder, winter days. It was first named Irish Stew in 1799 and has been around for centuries. Irish stew is a great meal choice because it is both filling and inexpensive.
The ingredients are simple and typically potatoes, onions, and lamb are stewed in a thick gravy-like sauce. It often contains other root vegetables such as carrots.
39. Iru
Iru is a popular food with the Edo and Yoruba people of Nigeria. Iru is a type of fermented locust bean. It is commonly used in different soups such as the ogbono soup.
While it is often added to soups, it can also be consumed in many other ways too. It can be eaten fresh or dried and is often made into flat cakes too.
While it does typically have quite a pungent taste, it is a delicacy and has a rich and unique taste.
40. Israeli Falafel
Falafel is such a tasty food that is typically created using chickpeas and fava beans that have been deep-fried. They are usually shaped into a ball or patty.
They are popular around the world nowadays, but this is a traditional Israeli dish.
Falafel can be used in many different recipes and dishes; however, it is commonly consumed in a pita or flatbread called a taboon. Falafel is popular with many vegetarians too as a meat alternative.
41. Italian Ice
Italian Ice is similar to an American Snow Cone and a sorbet. It is a sweet treat that is made using ice.
It is semi-frozen and comes in a wide variety of different flavors. However, unlike ice cream, it does not contain an egg or dairy. Many of the flavors come from fruit juices or purees.
42. Italian Meatballs
Italian meatballs are some of the best meatballs available. They typically are created using a mixture of ground beef and pork.
They are cooked in an Italian tomato and herb sauce and served with pasta, which is typically spaghetti.
They are juicy and full of flavor and seasoning. Typically, they are served sprinkled with parmesan cheese. They made a mouth-wateringly great addition to any pasta dish.
43. Italian Sausage
Italian sausage is some of the best available. It is made from pork meat and is usually seasoned with fennel. Italian sausage can be both mild and spicy.
It can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from pasta to sandwiches.
Summary
We hope that this article has helped you to discover some new types of food.
While there are some well-known American dishes included in this article, we have tried to choose some cuisines you may not be as familiar with.
It is important to explore different cuisines from around the world and we have included many different types in this article.
Why not try some of these different food or drinks over the next few months? You may find your new favorite snack, sweet treat, or dinner dish! In-N-Out Burger is a restaurant that begins with I too.
Foods That Start With I: 43 of Our Top Picks
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
