18 Popular Foods that Start with J (Fruits, Vegetables, and More)

Foods that start with “J”. What first comes to mind? There may be a few listed below, but for the most part these may surprise you, or at least get your taste buds tingling or your belly begging for some of this deliciousness!

Okay be honest, have you ever heard of Jaiba or how many people reading this know a John or Johnny but have never heard of Johnnycake? Count me on that list!

Foods that Start with Letter J

1. Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a species of tree in fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family. It has a unique taste and smell, and can be eaten two ways: ripe or unripe.

The unripe green jackfruit has become a popular plant-based meat alternative due to its “meat-like” texture when cooked. We’ll take you through a taco jackfruit recipe believe it or not. Enjoy!

2. Jaiba

“Jaiba” is Spanish word for “crab” and usually refers to a specific kind of crab that is often called Chesapeake blue crab. A delicious way to eat this crab is to make a Jaiba Ceviche.

3. Jamaican Jerk

Jerk is the style of original Jamacian cooking. The jerk seasoning is a blend of ingredients like cinnamon, garlic, chiles, thyme, and nutmeg. It’s so flavorful and you can use it to season chicken, pork, or beef.

The taste will have you wanting more!!

4. Jambalaya

If you find the right recipe or restaurant that serves Jambalaya you’ll appreciate what it brings to your dinner table.

Jambalaya is a Creole rice dish with West African, French and Spanish roots.

Served with meat, vegetable and rice or with seafood this has become a Louisiana/Cajun favorite.

5. Jambon

Otherwise known as Ham in French!

Did you know that ham was once considered a delicacy and reserved for special occasions?

There are so many ways to prepare and eat Jambon/Ham, experiment a bit and find what suits your palate the most!

6. Japanese Plum

Japanese Plums are typically coned-shaped fruits often coloured with orange-red or golden-yellow. Their flesh is usually yellow, golden or red, firm in texture and juicy.

If kids are picky when trying fruits then this may be the perfect alternative.

7. Java

Yes, we’re talking about coffee here. Java is another term used to refer to a cup of coffee. Java coffee is a wet-processed coffee grown on the island of Java in Indonesia, hence the name.

8. Jalapeño

It’s a medium-sized chili pepper that is rich in vitamin C and potassium, and features carotene – an antioxidant.

Originating in Mexico, they were adopted as the state pepper of Texas in 1995.

9. Jam

Dating back to the Greeks, who used honey to preserve. However, in the 16th century, cane sugar came to Europe, and it was used to preserve fruit, hence the term preservatives.

Jam, jelly, marmalades and conserves are all a mixture of fruit and sugar.

10. Jerusalem Artichoke

Also known as sunroot, sunchoke or earth apple, believe it or not the Jerusalem Artichoke has no relationship to Jerusalem and is NOT an artichoke!

However, they are very versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked and can be mashed roasted or sauteed!

11. Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)

Served hot, they are one of the major dishes served during Chinese New Year and year-round in the northern provinces of China.

They are also sometimes referred to as potstickers, and usually consist of ground meat and/or vegetables wrapped in dough, and are best served with vinegar or sesame oil dip.

12. Jell-O

An old school favorite! And that might be an understatement!! Jell-O was invented in 1897!!!

Prepared as a powder, you can use it in a dessert or as a Jell-O shot. Either of the alcohol or non-alcohol variety!

13. Jello Candy

Not one but 22 Jello Candy recipes for you to dive into! Oh my!!

What is Jello Candy: Gelatin-based chewable sweets. They’re also known as gummy’s or gummy bears! So what are you waiting for? The possibilities are endless!

14. Jelly

Jelly often refers to Gelatin desserts that are made with a sweetened and flavored collagen product. You can make them with Gelatine, sugar and water. You can also add fruits for more flavor!

15. Johnnycake

In layman’s terms it’s a cornmeal flatbread.

It’s sometimes referred to as “hoecake” in the southern United States, but it is a dessert that is served in different forms around the world.

16. Jook

Also known as Congee, Jook is East Asian rice porridge. You won’t need many ingredients to turn things into a Jook delight. Add your favorite toppings like green onions, chicken, or pickled veggies.

17. Jordan Almond

Sugar-coated almonds. That’s it. Often referred to as wedding favors, how about this for an analogy: The “bitter” almonds and the “sweet” sugar symbolize the bitterness of life and sweetness of love

18. Juice

What’s your favorite?  Have you ever tried making your own? It is simply a drink made from extracting the liquid from fruits or vegetables. Juice is a great source of Vitamin C, Folic Acid and Potassium. And fun factoid – New Zealanders consume the most juice – eight ounces each day!

Summary

Well we’ve taken through a wide range of foods and drinks that start with “J” and at the same time, we hope you can find your favorites and be educated a bit as well.

Foods By the Alphabet

Foods that start with A	Foods that start with B
Foods that start with C	Foods that start with D
Foods that start with E	Foods that start with F
Foods that start with G	Foods that start with H
Foods that start with I	Foods that start with J (here)
Foods that start with K	Foods that start with L
Foods that start with M	Foods that start with N
Foods that start with O	Foods that start with P
Foods that start with Q	Foods that start with R
Foods that start with S	Foods that start with T
Foods that start with U	Foods that start with V
Foods that start with W	Foods that start with X
Foods that start with Y	Foods that start with Z

Editor note: Originally published March 5, 2021 and updated April 8, 2021.