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30 Foods That Start with I

When you’re looking for foods that start with I, whether you’re playing a game or using this as a lesson, it’s fun to have some method to your search.

variety of foods that start with the letter I

Do you want a general food that starts with I or something more specific, like desserts or vegetables? I’ve broken all of these down based on types of foods.

Foods That Start with I

Here is a long list of foods that will help you find foods that start with I. 

Vegetables That Start with I

head of iceberg lettuce

1. Iceberg Lettuce

This mild, slightly sweet salad staple provides the foundation for many meals. 

Iceberg lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that provides a nice crunch along with a little bit of fiber.

Serve iceberg lettuce wedges with your favorite salad dressing or a blend of olive oil and vinegar.

Iceberg lettuce is often the main ingredient for many different types of salads, including this BLT salad.

2. Indian Squash

Indian butternut squash is a delicious Middle Eastern food cooked with curry, chili pepper, and other spices.

You can enjoy it in soup, as a side dish, or even as a main dish for a vegan meal.

Idaho potato

3. Idaho Potatoes

Known for growing quality potatoes, Idaho has coined the term “Idaho potatoes” to set their varieties apart from others. 

These are root vegetables that are a popular food throughout the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Idaho potatoes can be boiled, baked, mashed, or fried and used as a side dish for any lunch or dinner.

4. Indian Pea

Indian peas are cooked with onions, peppers, and a variety of curry spices for a delicious savory side dish.

They also make a great snack that you can serve alone or as an appetizer before a meal.

Fruits That Start with the Letter I

5. Icaco

The icao is an exotic fruit found throughout different countries, including South Africa, the Caribbean, and South Florida.

The fruit inside the shell can be eaten either raw or cooked. It has a slightly sweet taste that some people think is similar to almonds.

6. Inca Berries

Native to South America, Inca berries are considered the next super food. Although it has a sour taste, it is a popular food due to its high nutritional value. 

Known as the healthy sour skittle, the Inca berry is packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, protein, potassium, and fiber.

7. Indian Almond Fruit

The outer layer of the Indian almond fruit that has a blend of sweet and acidic taste, while the seed has a flavor that resembles an almond.

Oil from the Indian almond fruit can be used for cooking.

Main Dishes That Start with I

8. Irish Stew

A traditional Irish stew is made with mutton or lamb with a mixture of a variety of root vegetables, such as onions, potatoes, and carrots.

Irish stew has become popular, although many people prefer using beef instead of lamb.

The distinct, rich flavor comes from Guinness beer mixed with red wine in the gravy.

9. Italian Sausage

Made with a blend of some sort of ground meat and Italian seasonings, Italian sausage is a popular main dish that goes with a variety of sides.

Italian sausage is also delicious in a hoagie or submarine style bun with onions, tomatoes, and other sandwich fillings.

One of our favorite dishes is either Italian or smoked sausage and peppers served on a bed of rice.

Side Dishes That Start with the Letter I

10. Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread is quick and easy to make, and it doesn’t require any yeast. Instead, you use baking soda as a leavening agent.

It’s a mild flavored bread, similar to a biscuit, that’s delicious when slathered in butter or jam. 

fork of ramen noodles with chicken and vegetables

11. Instant Noodles

Packaged ramen noodles are often referred to as instant noodles because they cook so quickly. 

They typically come with a seasoning packet that adds flavor to this otherwise bland noodle.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy instant noodles is with some add-ons, like this chicken ramen with vegetables, making it more flavorful and nutritious.

Drinks That Start with I

glass of iced tea with a slice of lemon

12. Ice Tea

Ice tea (or iced tea) is a popular drink throughout the world. The refreshing flavors served cold quench your thirst on the hottest of days.

In the southern United States, many people prefer what is known as “sweet tea,” which is ice tea that’s loaded with sugar.

13. Iced Coffee

Iced coffee has become popular during the warmer months. 

Using a cold brew method to prevent watering down the liquid, you can enjoy the rich flavor of coffee you love with your favorite add-ins. 

My favorite way to enjoy iced coffee is with a little bit of caramel syrup and a lot of whipped cream.

jar and cup of instant coffee

14. Instant Coffee

Made from dehydrated brewed coffee, instant coffee contains the same elements and health benefits as regular coffee.

One big difference is that it typically has less than half of the caffeine, ounce for ounce, than regular coffee.

Instant coffee is a delicious alternative when it isn’t convenient to serve brewed coffee. And it’s also delicious to use for a coffee smoothie.

Adult Beverages That Start with I

15. Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is an alcoholic drink that is ideally consumed from a clear glass stemmed mug.

It consists of coffee, Irish whiskey (key ingredient), sugar, and whipped cream. Some people like to add chocolate shavings to the top.

One of the most popular times to enjoy this drink is on St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate its country of origin.

16. Irish Whisky

Known for its smoothness, Irish whiskey is a favorite adult beverage throughout the world.

It’s made from unsalted barley and is triple distilled.

17. Irish cream Liqueur

Irish cream liqueur is typically made from Irish whiskey, heavy cream, and several more flavorings.

This sweet and creamy adult beverage is often served as a dessert drink, either with Irish coffee or on its own.

Many people like it on the rocks (over ice).

Desserts That Start with the Letter I

slice of chocolate walnut pie

18. Instant Pudding

When you don’t have the time to make pudding from scratch, you might want to try one of the many different flavors of instant pudding.

I’ve made many different types of pie with instant pudding, including this yummy chocolate walnut pie.

19. Imarti

A favorite sweet treat in India is the imarti, a deep fried vigna mungo flour batter that is shaped and soaked in a sugary syrup.

Frozen Desserts That Start with I

20. Ice Pops

There’s nothing better during the summer months than a deliciously cool and refreshing ice pop. 

They’re typically made with water, sugar, and a fruity flavor that makes it much easier to beat the heat.

scoop of vanilla ice cream

21. Ice Cream

A popular dessert all over the world, ice cream is a frozen dessert or treat that comes in different flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and many more.

Some people are ice cream purists, while others enjoy topping a scoop of ice cream with more sweets, such as hot fudge, fresh fruit, candy sprinkles, and crushed candy bars.

You can also find ice cream made with almond milk or coconut milk if you are sensitive to dairy products.

Check out these interesting facts about ice cream to learn more.

22. Ice Cream Cake

One of my all-time favorite birthday treats is the ice cream cake. 

An ice cream cake is typically made with layers of ice cream separated by more layers of cake and frosting. 

23. Italian ice

This semi-frozen treat is delicious on a hot summer day.

Italian ice is similar to snow cones or Hawaiian shave ice, but it’s much better because it typically has fruit as well as other sweet flavorings.

It doesn’t have dairy or egg in it, so people with food sensitivities to either of these food groups can enjoy it.

24. Ice Cream Soda

Pour your favorite soft drink over ice cream (typically vanilla), and you have a delicious ice cream soda.

It’s also known as an ice cream float or spider. One of my favorite ice cream sodas when I was growing up was the root beer float. So delicious!

Miscellaneous Foods That Start with I

25. Instant Oatmeal

When you don’t have time to cook regular oats, you can get many of the same health benefits and deliciousness from instant oatmeal.

Serve it with honey and milk or add a dollop of yogurt or preserves. However you choose to eat oatmeal, it provides a hearty breakfast that can get you through a busy morning.

26. Indian Curry

Indian curry is a delicious seasoning consisting of a spice blend that includes cumin, turmeric, ground chili peppers, fenugreek, and coriander.

There are many different ways to enjoy Indian curry. My favorite is chicken curry served over white rice.

27. Indian Food

Although many people immediately think of curry when you mention Indian food. But it’s so much more than that.

Other popular Indian foods include masala dosa, butter chicken, dal tadka, samosa, tandoori chicken, and more.

28. Indian Mustard Plant

The green colored Indian mustard plant is used in a variety of foods, including salads, stews, and spices.

29. Israeli Falafel

The Israeli falafel is a popular dish in Israel.

This easy to make food is popular at fast food restaurants. Made with chickpeas, it is much more nutritious than most American fast foods.

block of uncooked ramen

30. Instant Ramen

When you think of quick and easy noodles, instant ramen probably comes to mind. 

Also see this listed above as “instant noodles.”

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