40 Foods that Start with L

There are lots of foods that start with L. In fact, we have found 40 of them!

While you can probably already name quite a few letter L foods on your own, we know that some of these will be new to you. We were excited to learn a few new letter L foods ourselves!

Foods that Start with the Letter L

We have found 40 unique foods that start with L. From lemon juice to leaf lettuce, we tried to cover them all!

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice and lemons are two awesome foods that start with L. Lemons are a small, yellow citrus fruit that is quite acidic. Lemons are often used to add a tart taste to food. They can also be used in a dessert or mixed with some sugar and made into lemonade for a sweet flavor lemon. Lemons have a refreshing taste and are high in vitamin C.

2. Limes (Green Acidic Fruit)

Lime is a small, green acidic fruit. Limes are also citrus fruit, just like lemons! Lime trees are native to warmer, humid climates. A mature lime tree can produce up to 50 pounds of limes a year. The tart lime juice can liven up a plate of tacos or make a zesty dessert.

Wondering which country in the world eats the most lime? Limes are by far the most popular in Mexico, where they consume 14kg of fruit per year.

3. Leaf Lettuce

Lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that’s a part of the daisy family. The loosely curled leaves are most often used to make salads. Lettuce is also perfect for putting in sandwiches to add a little crunch.

Lettuce has a mild flavor and can be eaten raw. Lettuce does not cook well as it wilts and shrivels in the heat. Lettuce is a cool-weather crop that grows well in colder climates. Leaf lettuce is much more feathery than cabbage or romaine, which form a compact head of lettuce.

4. Lichee

Lichee fruit is the next item on our list of foods beginning with L. Lichee is a native Chinese fruit. This small, brown fruit has a thin, brittle shell with bright white flesh in the center. Lichee, also known as lychee fruit, has a sweet, aromatic flavor. It is similar to a pear and watermelon put together.

Lychee can be eaten raw or cooked into pastries and entrees. Many people swear by the medicinal properties of lychee. It is said to reduce pain, invigorate the body and even promote urination. The many nutrients in lychee are to thank!

5. Lima Beans

Lima beans are also known as butter beans. Lima beans taste slightly nutty and sweet. Beans, in general, are very nutrient-dense foods. They are high in plant-based proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

6. Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family. The leaves have a mild lemon aroma. Lemon balm can be used to make medicine, tea, or flavor foods as an herb.

7. Liver

Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It is packed with vitamins B, and A. Liver also has lots of folate, iron, and copper.

Beef liver is one of the most flavorful types of liver out there. Beef liver can be cooked whole or ground, which can be quite fantastic as well.

8. Lentils

Lentils are next on our list of foods that start with L. Lentils are edible legumes. Lentil seeds grow in pods on the lentil plant. They are picked and dried before being sold. Lentils are often cooked and mashed. They are high in plant-based protein and also contain fiber.

9. Limpa

Limpa is sweet rye bread. It is yeast-leavened and made with brown sugar and molasses. Limpa originated in Scandinavia and definitely a delicacy we must include on our list of foods that start with L!

10. Linguini

Linguini is a long flat noodle. Linguini is typically sold dry and then boiled to cook. Linguini is often served with fish sauces like in the popular dish, linguini, and clams. Linguini is also great in red meat sauce or with just some butter and parmesan cheese.

11. Lady Finger

Lady fingers are small, long sponge cookies. They are aptly named as they are shaped like a human finger! Lady fingers can be eaten plain or dusted with a little powdered sugar. They are also a key ingredient to make the popular dessert tiramisu.

12. Lasagna

Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish made with layers of thick noodles, tomato sauce, and cheese. However, almost any layered casserole dish can be called lasagna. Lasagna is great for serving large crowds and can easily be made in advance.

13. Liquor

Liquor is an alcoholic drink that is made by fermenting grains, vegetables, or fruits. There are many different types of liquors, so we had to include them on our list of foods that start with L.

The alcoholic spirits include rum, whiskey, vodka, brandy, and gin. Liquors are typically used to make cocktails but can also be consumed straight out of the bottle!

14. Lotus Root

Lotus root is an edible root vegetable that is great for making tea. Lotus root tea is known to help manage your bodied cholesterol and blood sugar. It can also give your immune system a boost. It is a wonderful food beginning with L!

15. Loganberry

The loganberry is a hybrid of a North American blackberry and a European raspberry. The small fruit is a dark red color and very juicy. Loganberries are very flavorful and slightly tart.

16. Lingcod

Lingcod is a large, greenish fish that is also known as Buffalo cod. The fish is found on the pacific coast of North America. Lingcod has a mild flavor and is similar in taste to halibut or cod.

17. Lanseh

Lanseh is a yellow, edible berry found in east India. Lanseh is also called gooseberries. They can be eaten fresh or used to make wine, pie, jam, and also syrups. The fruits’ skin is also used for medicinal purposes like curing stomach aches and helping digestion.

18. Latte

A latte is a very popular drink made from steamed milk and espresso. Lattes can be flavored, sweetened, or enjoyed as a strong steamed milk coffee drink. About 20% of all coffee beverages consumed in North America are lattes. We had to include it on our list of foods that start with L!

19. Leaf Beet

Leafy beets are long, succulent stalks with thick green leaves. Leaf beet is also known as perpetual spinach. They are very easy to grow and quite nutritious.

Leaf beets also grow small, reddish beets under the soil surface. However, if you opt to cut off the greens to eat, the beetroot will cease to grow. You need to choose between enjoying the leafy greens or the red, vitamin C-packed beetroots. Both options have lots of nutritional value and flavor!

20. Legumes

Legumes are pea or bean plants in the family Leguminosae. They have grown agriculturally for human consumption or specifically as animal feed. Some common legumes include peanuts, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans.

21. Lekvar

Lekvar is a soft, jamlike spread made from prunes and apricots. It can be used as a pastry filling or as a topping for bread and rolls. Lekvar originated in Hungry and is usually made with dried fruits.

22. Leek

Leeks are a tall, green stalk that is a member of the onion family. They are considered to be a vegetable. Leeks are often chopped and separated into whites and greens. The white part of the leek is cooked, while the softer green sections are used as a flavorful garnish.

23. Lamb

Lamb is a very popular meat and next on our list of foods that start with L. Lamb is made from young domestic sheep. The tender meat is slightly gamey and sweet. Lamb can be sauteed, used as stew meat, or roasted.

24. Linguica

Linguica is a type of Portuguese smoked sausage. It is usually made with pork, garlic, and paprika. Linguica is similar in flavor to chorizo. Chorizo is Italian and Spanish, while linguica is almost always from Portugal.

25. Lozenge

A lozenge is a hard candy-like medicine that is used to soothe a sore throat. While a lozenge isn’t exactly a food, it is a wonderful edible remedy for a sore throat. We had to include it on our list of foods that start with L!

26. Limburger

Limburger cheese is a soft, white cheese with a very strong taste. The cheese is cured in saltwater brine and has an almost bitter flavor. It is said to be one of the stinkiest cheeses in the world. Thanks to that strong odor, we had to include this incredible cheese on our list of foods that start with L!

27. Loin

Loin refers to any cut of meat from the spine region. This can range from the hip bones down to the lowest ribs of an animal. Loins can be sirloin, tenderloin, or even a regular loin roast. The loin is known to be tender and not quite as fatty as other cuts of meat.

28. Lollipop 

Lollipops may be the most popular candy on our list of foods that start with L. Lollipops are hard candy on a stick with thousands of flavors to choose from.

Lollipops were first invented in 1908 in Connecticut. The candy is actually named after a famous racehorse of the time called Lolly Pop. The candy inventor thought the name would also suit his candy on a stick creation. The name sure did stick!

29. Longan Berry

Longan berries grow in clusters on tall trees. The berry is often called a nut. However, the longan berry is really a fruit related to lychee. The longan berry is sweet and musky in flavor. The trees prefer sandy soil, and they are native to Asia.

30. Lard

Lard is a semi-soft fat that is obtained from a pig’s fatty tissue. Dry heating, boiling, or steaming pigskin and flesh will extract lard. Lard is used in cooking to add flavor and fat to a dish. Lard is often used instead of butter or oil. It is known to create flakey pastries thanks to the high fat and low water content.

31. Latke

Classic latkes are simply pan-fried potato pancakes. Latke is made using grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and breadcrumbs or matzo meal. Latke is a traditional Jewish dish that is meant to symbolize the miracle of Hanukkah.

32. Lobster

A lobster is a large, redish crustacean that must be included on our list of foods that start with L. Lobster is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. The rich, flavorful meat is juicy, sweet, and very tender.

Lobsters can be steamed, baked, fried, or boiled. The hard outer shell is cracked and removed. The soft, edible flesh is then enjoyed!

33. Lobscouse

Lobscouse is a stew of meat and vegetables. Sailors traditionally eat it. The word lobscouse means “to boil.” It is a simple stew that is perfect for making at sea, where cooking can be a challenge.

34. Loblolly

Loblolly is next up on our list of foods that start with L. It is a thick porridge or gruel. Loblolly often has meat or vegetables added into the oatmeal. You will most likely find loblolly in England.

35. Lemon Cucumbers

Lemon cucumbers are small, oval-shaped vegetables. Rather than grow long like a traditional cucumber, the vegetable is round and lemon-shaped. Lemon cucumbers are appreciated for their mild, sweet flavor. The vegetable does not actually taste like lemon or have any acidic taste. The pale green flesh and white, edible seeds can be eaten raw.

36. Lemon Basil

Lemon basil is popular in Asia and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is grown abundantly in southeastern China. It has the essence of basil but a powerful lemon flavor. Lemon basil is used raw, cooked, or dried. This herb is perfect for adding additional flavorings to food. It is a great addition to our list of foods beginning with L!

37. Lahana Sarmasi

Lahana sarmasi is a classic Turkish dish. Cabbage leaves are stuffed with meat, tomato paste, and red pepper. Beef is the meat that is traditionally used to make this tasty food beginning with the letter L.

Lahana Sarmasi sometimes has vegetables, barley, or lentils added into the stuffing. The stuffed cabbage leaves are steamed to cook, making them tender and rich.

38. Lovage

Lovage is an herb native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. It is often used as a supplement for its medicinal properties. Lovage tastes similar to celery with hints of anise. It is mild enough to pair with fish and poultry. It also has a slightly spicy kick.

39. Lahmacun

Lahmacun is a super-thin, crispy Turkish pizza. The thin crust is traditionally topped with ground beef, tomato paste, and red pepper.

Lahmacun, in fact, is so thin that it is almost like a cracker. The spicy, minced meat topping has a lot of flavors! This letter L food can be enjoyed as an entree, appetizer or a snack.

40. Littleneck Clams

Littleneck clams are young quahogs. The tender clam is inside a grey hard shell. The flesh of the clams can be eaten raw or cooked. Littlenecks are known for their tender, salty taste that is also quite rich and buttery.

Littlenecks can be found in many parts of the world but are most abundant near northern Oregon. They live in low to mid-level depth waters. Littlenecks bury themselves in the sand. A sand rake and shovel are both needed to find these small clams!

Amazing Foods that Start with L

How many foods on our list were new to you? There were many that we had never heard of and can’t wait to try!

From tender lamb to acidic fruits, there is a huge array of foods beginning with L. It’s time to head to the kitchen and start cooking an L food or two! Enjoy!