Ever find yourself playing word games with your friends, but getting stumped the moment you have to list things that start with a certain letter? This list is made specifically of delicious foods starting with the letter ‘K’, so you’ll be prepared should the moment ever arise.

 ‘K’ may be one of the lesser common letters – it’s definitely not the first choice in Hangman – but you’ll be surprised how many foods begin with it. From vegetables, to condiments, to beverages, this list has something in every category.

Quick test: before you scroll any further, how many ‘K’ foods can you name off the top of your head? Take a few seconds. Got them? Okay, now check and see if we thought of the same ones!

Foods that Start with Letter K

1. Kale

Kale rose to fame a few years back and it’s no wonder it has stayed in the spotlight. The leafy green is one of the most nutritious plant foods you can find. It’s incredibly nutrient-dense, boasting Vitamins A, B6, C and K, along with calcium, copper, potassium, magnesium and manganese.

2. Kahlua

Here’s a ‘K’ food just for the grownups. There are so many ways to use a coffee liqueur. It makes deliciously rich cocktails and martinis, but can still be enjoyed straight over ice. Of course, you can also pour it into hot coffee for an extra twist.

3. Kebobs (Kebabs)

Originating in the Middle East, Kebabs have earned global fame and are celebrated late-night snacks in countries around the world. Who doesn’t love the ease of meat on a stick? They’re quick to make at home or delicious when wrapped in a pita.

4. Kefir

If you’re not familiar with it, Kefir is a fermented dairy beverage, similar to yogurt. It’s actually an even stronger probiotic, and lower in lactose for those who find dairy hard to digest. With its growing popularity, you can find Kefir at more and more stores, but you also make it easily at home.

Add 2 tablespoons of kefir grains and 2 cups of milk to a container, leaving about an inch of room at the top. Close the lid tightly and store it in a warm, dark place for around 24 hours. Once the liquid starts to bubble, the fermentation process has begun. Simply strain your kefir and then enjoy with some fresh fruit!

5. Ketchup

I think we can all agree that Ketchup is the number one condiment, right? People may have their preferences when it comes to relish or mustard, but there’s never even an argument over Ketchup. This tomato and vinegar sauce goes best on burgers or with fries, but it’s also a great tool in convincing picky eaters to try new things.

6. Kettle Corn

The perfect snack to keep you coming back for more. Kettle corn brings sweetness and salt together. It’s quick and easy to make, plus suitable for so many diets as it’s vegan and gluten-free. With just sugar, salt, and oil, you can create popcorn with so much more flavor than the go-to butter.

7. Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie is a really refreshing dessert. A tart lime filling,  topped with a fluffy meringue and the perfect crispy crust. It’s a great option for people who want dessert, but nothing overly sweet.

8. Kidney Beans

Kidney Beans are a great bean because they’re packed with protein, but have a pretty mild flavor, so blend well in many dishes. Red and White Kidney Beans alike are a great source of fiber, but also each has their own unique minerals too. There is no dish quite as simple as a can of beans, and they’re so easy to store in the cupboards for days when the fridge is starting to feel empty.

9. Kimchi

Kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine and is made from fermented cabbage. Like many of the other fermented foods on this list, it’s great for digestion. It also has a sourness, similar to that of sauerkraut, but often much stronger. Kimchi can be quite spicy and is a great way to bring a strong heat to your meals.

10. King Crab

King Crab can be relatively expensive, but it’s worth it. This delicious crustacean is so flavorful simply boiled on its own, but also goes great with warm, melted butter. The mess that comes along with cracking your own crab makes for a really fun dinner experience whether at a restaurant or a special night at home.

11. Kingfish

Kingfish is a pretty oily fish, so it’s good for people who prefer a thicker, heartier protein. You may also know it as Yellowtail Amberjack, but that doesn’t start with a ‘K’! It’s often served as Sashimi, but it absorbs flavors very well when cooked too.

12. Kiwi

Kiwi is such a wonderful fruit and one that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Did you know it’s actually great at giving you healthy, glowing skin? And speaking of skin, you can even eat the Kiwi peel, so no need to fuss about how to cut it. You can take it like an apple on the go.

13. KitKat

Of course this delicious chocolate bar had to make the ‘K’ list – it has two! KitKats are comprised of delicate wafers sandwiching chocolate cream and covered in the perfect melted chocolate. They have a crispy snap to them and can be easily shared. Around the world, but in Japan especially, there are tons of variations besides the classic chocolate. You can get Roasted Tea KitKats and Cheesecake flavors. They even sell…Cough Syrup flavor? And Baked Potato.

14. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a pretty versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed cooked or raw. If you’ve never tried it, it comes in either purple or green variations and tastes somewhere between broccoli and cabbage when cooked. When raw, it has a slight spice to it similar to a radish, with that same excellent crunch.

15. Kombucha Tea

It may not be for everyone, but kombucha is loaded with probiotics and antioxidants. This fermented tea is great for gut health and can also be a nice alternative to coffee as it’s usually made from black or green tea, which has caffeine in them. Many people are put off by the vinegary taste, but kombucha has become so popular these days, that many brands have come out with flavored versions that make it taste much more like a standard carbonated beverage than a fermented one.

16. Kool-Aid

This classic kids beverage is still enjoyed by so many adults because of its nostalgic sweet taste. It’s so easy to keep the powder at home and stir it up when you’re in the mood for something sweet. Its tetra packs are a great addition to any kid’s lunch that they will be excited about, and they’re super refreshing when frozen on a hot day.

17. Kosher Salt

One of the most popular seasonings you’ll find. A pinch of Kosher Salt can be added to just about any dish to make it better. Unlike table salt, Kosher Salt does not contain iodine which makes it less bitter in cooking. Its coarser grind also makes it great for cleaning your cast iron skillets.

18. Kung Pao Chicken

This sweet and sour chicken is a classic Chinese dish from the Sichuan Province. It gets its heat from Sichuan peppercorns. Enjoyed on a bed of rice when hot, it also makes great leftovers and can be tossed into a salad for a flavorful addition of protein or added to a stirfry to use up vegetables in the fridge.

Summary

So there you have it! Eighteen foods all starting with the letter ‘K’. Think you can add to the list? Tell us in the comments what your favorite ‘K’ food is.

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
Foods that start with K (here)	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 10, 2021 and updated April 8, 2021.