Cake, Cauliflower, Chicken, and Chocolate—these are just a few of the many foods that start with C! Here’s our epic list of so many more!

You might already know a few catchy culinary cuties, but can you name 20?

How about 30?

It may sound like a simple task, but characterizing even 10 can, after a while, seem very daunting.

Which brings us to the gist of this article: catching and calling out these foods for you, so you won’t have to!

We love to find the coolest and creative cuts, like Cod, Chapati, and Cherries.

Or Cheese, Chowder, and Curry, oh my!

I could just go on and on!

So yes, in this essential guide, I’m going to share some foods that start with the letter C so you can improve your vocabulary and explore the culinary cosmos full of fruits, vegetables, meals, ingredients, and dishes—all foods that start with C.

Take care, this charming, cacophonic list features cunning charcuterie, desserts, drinks, fruits, and recipes that you probably haven’t heard of yet.

There are so many delicious foods that start with the letter C, ranging from sweet to savory, and from healthy to indulgent.

Here are just a few examples:

Carrots – A nutritious root vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked, and is often used in salads, soups, and stews.
Chocolate – A sweet treat made from cacao beans that is enjoyed in many forms, including bars, truffles, and hot cocoa.
Chicken – A versatile meat that can be grilled, roasted, or fried, and is often used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches to curries.
Cheese – A dairy product made from the curdled milk of various animals, such as cows, goats, or sheep, that can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in many dishes.
Cabbage – A cruciferous vegetable that is often eaten raw in salads or cooked in stir-fries, soups, and stews.
Crab – A type of seafood that is often served steamed or boiled, and can be eaten on its own or used in a variety of dishes, from sushi to pasta to sandwiches.
Corn – A starchy vegetable that is often boiled or grilled, and can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in many dishes, such as tacos and cornbread.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious foods that start with the letter C.

Better keep reading to see LOTS more!

1. Couscous

If couscous is new to you, it’s essentially a processed grain that’s made from durum wheat or semolina flour. It comes in types, but the Moroccan couscous is the tiniest and most popular.

Couscous is also a staple food in the Middle East and its cooking process is much quicker than pasta or rice. You can dress it up with herbs, lemon, fruits, and nuts like almonds for a lovely crunch.

2. Crepe

If you’ve gone to a French restaurant for breakfast, you probably had some of these delectable thin pancakes – the crepes. The treat isn’t that saccharine that’s why it’s often served or topped with savory and sweet fillings.

For sweet crepes, you can partner it with fresh fruits. While a few poached eggs can be a wonderful side for those savory ones.

3. Chinese noodles

These noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine. However, many cooks throughout the culinary land have already included this essential ingredient in their daily cooking and consumption.

Chinese noodles come in varieties, but the most iconic types are mai fun, yao mein, lo mein, and la mian.

4. COD

COD is a type of fish that can be found in both eastern and western regions of the northern Pacific. It’s a versatile seafood staple that has a nice, mild flavor, as well as a firm texture ideal for frying and grilling.

5. Ceviche

Ceviche is a seafood-based dish that’s renowned in Latin American cuisine.

Preparing it is also straightforward and simple. The fresh fish and seafood are soaked in lime juice and are then mixed with herbs and spices such as chili, cilantro, and onions.

Ceviche is often served as an appetizer or a main dish for a light meal during hot summer.

6. Chapati

Chapati is a type of flatbread that’s made from wheat flour, salt, and water. This bread is considered a staple in Indian, East African, and Caribbean cuisine. You can use them as a sandwich wrap or serve with main dishes like the Indian curry.

7. Cheeseburger

Typically, a cheeseburger is a type of hamburger that’s topped with a nice slice of cheese. The cheese gets added shortly before the serving to allow the ingredient to melt.

Over the years, food enthusiasts in the culinary land have made some tweaks to their cheeseburger recipes.

8. Cherries

Cherry is a member of the genus Prunus family. The fruit comes in a variety and has a heart shape with a yellow to black color. It’s a popular fruit that’s popularly used in cocktails, food, and pastry.

9. Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a sweet dessert consisting of a creamy filling that features cheese baked in a pastry or pressed-crumb crust. It’s often topped with decadent blueberry, lemon, whipped cream, or black and white chocolate shavings.

10. Cherry pie

Cherry pie is a decadent type of pie that’s filled with cherry filling. This dessert is often served during summer alongside a dollop of fresh whip cream. Yum!

11. Chicken

Who doesn’t love chicken? A common type of poultry, chicken has become widespread throughout the cuisine of cultures around the world. You can turn it as a dinner main course option or toss them into your favorite salad and creamy pasta.

12. Cheese

Cheese is a concentrated dairy food made from milk. Depending on its type, cheese can be used in food, dessert, and drinks. You can also include them in your pizza, pasta, and sandwich dishes.

13. Cake

Typically made from flour, sugar, and other sweeteners, a cake is a dessert that’s usually filled with creaminess and sweetness. It’s often served at special gatherings, specifically birthdays and anniversaries.

14. Coffee

Your morning won’t complete without a cup of this drink-coffee. It’s a brewed drink obtained from roasted and ground coffee beans. This drink is often served in the morning along with scrambled eggs, crepes, and grilled cheese.

15. Cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a dessert made from a combination of milk, sugar, egg, butter, bread flour, and cinnamon. It has a soft and fluffy texture with a sweet cream cheese-based frosting on top.

Cinnamon rolls are often served for breakfast or as a dessert along with sides that complements its sweetness.

16. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that’s part of the Brassicaceae family and it comes wrapped up in leaves. The white head is the only edible part. On the other hand, the green stems may also be consumed if they’re tender.

Cauliflower boasts a sweet and nutty flavor with a crunchy texture, making it perfect for many recipes.

17. Cocktail

A cocktail is an alcoholic drink that consists of several mixed drinks with admixtures such as lemonade, fruit juice, soda, and others. Typically, a cocktail has three or more ingredients to create one from scratch.

18. Chocolate muffin

Another food that starts with the letter C is a chocolate muffin. It’s a dessert that’s a chocolate lovers’ dream. Chocolate muffins have a flaky texture and sweet flavor coming from buttermilk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. You can also serve them for breakfast or use them as an after-school snack for kids.

19. Catfish

Catfish is a type of fish generally found in freshwater environments. However, some live in both fresh and saltwater. Additionally, it has a mild and slightly sweet flavor profile that isn’t only great for baking but also for searing and sometimes good for soups and chowders.

20. Carrot

Carrots are a root vegetable that’s full of flavor and texture. Its versatility makes this vegetable a perfect addition to a large variety of dishes such as delicious veggie pies and stews, and glazed carrots.

21. Candy

Candy is a sweet food that contains sugar and other sweeteners. It’s typically small in sizes with different flavors ranging from chocolate to fruits to nuts.

22. Caesar salad

Caesar salad is one of the popular green salads in the culinary land. It’s typically crispy in texture with a combination of creamy, rich, and tangy flavor profiles from lemon juice, garlic, parmesan cheese, and anchovies.

23. Cabbage

Cabbage is one of those leafy vegetables that are loved by many cooks largely due to its unique taste and versatility. It has endless possibilities when it comes to cooking, too. You can saute, stir fry, or use it as a wrap for your fish or ground meat.

24. Cajun rice

If you’re into Cajun cuisine, then you probably tried Cajun rice. It’s a rice-based dish that’s generally made rice, broth, finely chopped chicken levers or ground beef or pork, herbs, and different spices. The recipe is flavorful when served with sauteed vegetables and meat-based main courses.

25. Chowders

Chowders are a type of soup that often consists of milk, cream, bacon, seafood, or chicken; a slew of vegetables like onions, celery, and potatoes is also in the mixChowders have a rich, hearty, and creamy flavor and often served with an oyster cracker, warm crusty bread, or biscuits.

26. Crab

Crab belongs to the aquatic Crustacea family and is well-known for its soft, delicate, and sweet flavor. This seafood is used in many recipes across the globe. Meanwhile, the crab meat goes well with a bunch of ingredients, making it suitable for numerous seafood-based dishes.

27. Coleslaw

Also known as slaw, it’s a salad of finely shredded raw cabbage with a mayo or vinaigrette dressing. However, other food enthusiasts sometimes ditch the mayo dressing as the ingredient is high in fat.

28. Cucumber

Most people think that cucumber is a vegetable, but the truth is it’s botanically a fruit. Still, it’s considered a vegetable by many due to its culinary purposes. It has a mild, lightly sweet flavor with a unique texture that incorporates freshness and crunchiness when added to your recipes.

29. Curry

Curry is an Indian dish that uses a complex combination of herbs and spices including cumin, turmeric, bay leaf, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. The recipe has a unique flavor and is often served over rice.

30. Cupcake

Cupcake is a small dessert that has basic ingredients such as butter, sugar, and flour. Through the years, more and more pastry enthusiasts create their own versions based on their liking. Cupcakes with vanilla, pumpkin, banana, chocolate, and coffee are among those popular cupcakes nowadays.

31. Cornbread

Cornbread is an American staple often served for breakfast and dinner alongside butter, honey, cheese, hotdogs, fruits, and pork.

32. Cookies

Cookies are a snack or dessert that can be eaten during the day or at night. It’s sweet and has variations in flavor. The most loved version is the chocolate chip cookies made from chocolate chips or chocolate morsels, vanilla extract, and other sweeteners.

33. Chili Con Carne

Chili Con Carne is a spicy stew that originated in Mexico and Texas.

The chunks of beef are cooked in a flavorful sauce with tomatoes, chili peppers, pinto beans, and cheese.

Chili Con Carne is very versatile because you can consume it on its own or as part of another course, such as a hot dog on buns, burgers, nachos, or French fries.

34. Calamari

When it comes to appetizers, nothing can beat exotic Calamari.

The meat is firm with a mild, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor, and the texture should be chewy but not rubbery.

The deep-fried squid is served with sour sauce and chili sauce.

Although it is considered as a finger food and is eaten as is, you can also eat it with rice for a filling lunch or dinner.

35. Ciabatta Bread

Bring the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread to your own home with this recipe.

This Ciabatta Bread will give you a rustic Italian loaf that can be dipped into sauces and soups.

The high hydration in this loaf results in a fantastically chewy center with loads of irregular holes.

36. Cassava

A meal is not complete without dessert, and a classic Filipino cake made from grated cassava will surely satisfy your craving for sweets.

This sticky cake is topped with condensed milk and custard.

It is also perfect for gatherings and special occasions or on days when you want something to snack on.

37. Challah

With its rich flavor, golden crush, and pillow-like interior, Challah is pretty appealing.

It is a bread often prepared during Jewish holidays, especially Shabbat, and the distinctive braid symbolizes the joining of friends and family.

The exterior is caramelized and is sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

This pastry is not only tasty but meaningful.

The best part is you can turn the leftover Challah to French toast and use your favorite spread on it.

38. Corned Beef

Are you looking for something suited for an ample family dinner?

This homemade Corned Beef dish is for you.

The beef is soft and tender, and its balanced taste of salty and sour are assertive but not overwhelming.

You can eat it with rice or mashed potatoes, or you can also thinly slice the beef for sandwiches or hash.

39. Cheese Omelet

This mushy, fluffy and cheese-filled omelet will make you look forward to breakfast everyday.

You can make this recipe your own by adding ham, bacon or vegetables, or you can wrap it in a soft tortilla for an omelet roll.

40. Carbonara

This classic pasta carbonara is a simple combination of eggs, pasta, cheese, pork, salt and pepper.

It is silky, savory, and is a much-loved dish, especially among pasta lovers.

You can include pancetta and Parmesan cheese for a richer sauce, or you can also opt for Parmigiano, Pecorino, Asiago, and Grana Padano cheeses for the best flavor and texture.

This hearty pasta goes so well with toasted garlic bread.

41. Cioppino

Cioppino, or Fisherman’s stew, is a hearty, cozy, and decadent seafood stew loaded with shrimp, cod, scallops, and clams.

The medley of ingredients in this Italian-American dish is made with fresh tomatoes and wine broth, capturing the taste of the sea.

42. Crab Cake

This Maryland staple is made from fresh lump Crab Meat and filler to bind the meat together.

The cake is patty-shaped and can be baked or fried, depending on your preference.

To fully enjoy this meal, serve it with tartar sauce.

43. Chicken Soup

Lighten up your mood with a good old Chicken Soup.

This calls for a simmering raw chicken with a thick soup base.

It is packed with herbs and spices, this soup will warm you up inside.

Remember to toast some Challah bread to pair with this dish.

44. Crème Brûlée

Flecked with pure vanilla and espresso, Crème Brûlée is a brilliantly creamy custard with a crisp, caramelized sugar ceiling.

The two layers of this dessert have a unique textural difference, and each spoonful tastes like luxury.

45. Churros

This popular Mexican treat is made with choux pastry and coated in cinnamon sugar.

You will love their spongy center, crisp edges, and sugary coating.

Remember to dip it in melted chocolate before you take a bite.

46. Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake is a dessert that is often made around Easter, but it is too incredible not to be enjoyed all year long.

This cake is moist and topped with a thick cream cheese frosting.

Unlike classic chocolate cake, it may not give you a sugar rush, but it is still an excellent treat to have after a meal.

It may not give you a sugar rush, unlike classic chocolate cake, but it is still an excellent treat to have after a meal.

47. Croissant

This French pastry is buttery, flaky, and light and is well-loved around the world.

Baking this pastry may seem intimidating, but it is really easy to make.

You can eat Croissants any time of the day, and you can even choose to make them savory or sweet.

48. Calzone

The simplest way to describe a Calzone is that it is a mini pizza pocket.

Its dough crust is filled to the brim with toppings like vegetables and meat, and melted cheese, and it is baked until golden brown.

This Italian turnover is versatile, and you can choose the type of cheese that you want inside the crust.

So if you are a fan of pizzas but want to try something different, you can go for Calzones.

49. Caramel Sauce

Caramel Sauce is rich and decadent and can be drizzled into almost everything.

From ice cream, brownies, cake, and even coffee, you won’t run out of options.

You can also enjoy a spoonful of it as is, or you can give it as a gift on special occasions or parties.

50. Candy Apples

Candy Apples are treats sold at country fairs and available in some stores in the produce section.

But with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can prepare them with just a few pantry ingredients and make it a part of your next celebration with friends and family.

They are tart, crunchy, brilliantly red, and they look beautiful on a dessert table.

The bottom line

That’s it!

Now you’ve discovered these items, you’re probably realizing now more than ever that there are truly many foods that begin with the letter C.

If you happen to come across a food in the list for the first time, then feel free to share it in the comments.

I’ll be pleased to hear your favorites!

More Foods That Start With

50 Best Foods That Start With C!

From desserts, drinks, fruits, and recipes, this is an essential guide that features foods that start with the letter C.

Ingredients

Couscous
Crepe
Chinese Noodles
Cod
Ceviche
Chapati
Cheeseburger
Cherries
Cheesecake
Cherry Pie
Chicken
Cheese
Cake
Coffee
Cinnamon Rolls
Cauliflower
Cocktail
Chocolate Muffin
Catfish
Carrot
Candy
Caesar Salad
Cabbage
Cajun Rice
Chowder
Crab
Coleslaw
Cucumber
Curry
Cupcake
Cornbread
Cookies
Chili Con Carne
Calamari
Ciabatta Bread
Cassava
Challah
Corned Beef
Cheese Omelet
Carbonara
Cioppino
Crab Cake
Chicken Soup
Crème Brûlée
Churros
Carrot Cake
Croissant
Calzone
Caramel Sauce
Candy Apples

Instructions

Check out our list of Foods That Start With C!
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Fantastic Foods That Start With C