35 Yellow Foods You Should Be Eating

If you want to add a bit of color to your meals, check out these yellow foods.

From ripe bananas to decadent mac and cheese, they’re all winners.

35 Yellow Foods to Add to Your Diet

I’m a firm believer in adding color to your plate. And from blue foods and red foods to these yummy yellow foods, it’s easier than you think.

It could mean naturally yellow fruits and veggies, which are full of antioxidants and beneficial enzymes.

Or it could mean things like cheese, butter, and French fries. Because they’re yellow, too! 

Whatever you’re looking for, keep scrolling and check out these 35 yellow foods.

1. Bananas

Bananas aren’t new, but man, they’re good! And to me, they’re the most iconic of yellow foods.

Which is why they’re number one on this list. 

Bananas are incredibly versatile. Put them in cereal, on toast, or turn them into banana bread, pudding, or pancakes. The sweet options are endless! 

Plus, they have a load of health benefits! For example, they help regulate blood sugar, aid in weight loss, and support digestion. 

2. Asian Pears

Asian pears are sort of like the perfect mix of an apple and a pear.

Taste-wise, they’re light, floral, and sweet like a pear. But they have a more crunchy texture, like an apple.

There are three varieties of Asian pear: one from China and two from Japan. However, all of them have yellowish skin, so they totally fit this list. 

They’re loaded with vitamins C and K, plus some copper. So, incorporating them into your diet is super beneficial.

And like regular pears, Asian pears are delicious raw or cooked! 

3. Cornflakes

Cornflakes are golden, crunchy morsels we all know and love.

Dating all the way back to the 1800s, cornflakes have been a hugely popular breakfast cereal for generations.

Made from toasted corn kernels, they’re flattened and usually eaten with milk. However, they’re not overly sweet, so I like them with sliced bananas on top!

Or better yet, use them in baking!

You’ll find most cornflakes are golden-yellow. But some brands can be lighter or darker.

4. Butter

Do not let the margarine conglomerates fool you – butter is NOT bad for your health.

And it is certainly better for your soul. Just ask the French.

This light yellow fat is extremely delicious and adds richness to every dish. And though some may try to fool you, butter is beneficial to your diet. 

It can aid digestion, boost immunity, promote healthy bones and teeth, and help control weight.

This is because butter contains vitamin D, calcium, and butyrate.

5. Cheese 

I know. Not all cheese is yellow.

However, some of the best cheeses around share a golden hue, like Gouda or cheddar.

Each variety has its own flavor, salt level, smell, and texture. Your cheese options are endless! So explore and find one you love.

6. Ginger

Ginger is often found ground in the spice aisle.

But it grows in soil with tall bamboo-like shoots growing out of the top. We harvest the underground plant stem, though we often call it a root.

In its raw form, ginger is incredibly pungent and spicy. A little goes a long way, and if you like ginger, there’s no substitute for fresh.

It also has a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and easing stomach issues like nausea or motion sickness.

7. Corn

Creamed, popped, steamed, on the cob, in salsa, turned into bread… corn is very popular.

And for good reason! It’s absolutely scrumptious. 

Technically, corn is a fruit, but we tend to use it more like a veggie or a grain. So clearly, it’s versatile.

Which is a good thing because corn can even help prevent cancer!

8. Pineapple

Pineapple might be the monarch of yellow foods. It does wear a crown, after all. Plus, it’s sweet, tart, and tastes like a tropical paradise. 

My favorite way to eat pineapple is on its own or in desserts, like pineapple upside-down cake, frog eye salad, or Dole Whip.

And though it’s hotly contested, it’s great in savory dishes, too!

Island nations have perfected pineapple and meat dishes. I even like it on pizza (don’t come for me, internet). 

9. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks do not get enough credit. They have really been demonized through the decades.

But here’s the thing… egg yolks contain at least SEVEN essential minerals. 

Egg whites do contain more protein and fewer calories than yolks. However, it contains more of the good stuff your body needs to function. 

And while they range in color from pale yellow to deep orange, I think they deserve a spot on this list.

10. Durian

You’re gonna need a gas mask for this one! Because durian is STINKY.

In fact, in some countries, like Thailand, it’s illegal to bring them on public transportation or into restaurants!

But this fruit is totally worth the stink. Despite its rotting garbage stench, durian is incredibly sweet. 

It’s been compared to fruity caramel or vanilla custard. Plus, it has a very soft and pleasing texture.

Durian ice cream is one of Southeast Asia’s best treats. So if you get the chance, give it a try!

11. Potatoes

Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew!

I know that not all potatoes are yellow, but quite a few of them are. You’ve got Yukon Gold, Delta Gold, Inca Gold, Michigold, and more. 

Yellow potatoes are my choice for mashed potatoes and potato salads. With a load of healthy goodness in every bite, you really can’t go wrong. 

So, if you love potatoes in all forms, fear not. You can definitely keep adding them to your weekly dinner menu. 

12. French Fries

And from potatoes, we get this fried fan favorite. We may fry out the majority of the potato’s health properties, but fries are delicious. 

Honestly, I don’t think there’s a bad type of French fry.

Though they’re not actually French, fries can be wedged, crinkle-cut, curly, waffled, shoestring-ed, and more!  

No matter which way you slice them, fries are awesome. 

13. Chrysanthemum Flower Tea

This pretty tea is delicious and nutritious!

Chrysanthemum tea is commonly used in Chinese medicine for its healing properties. So if you’re feeling under the weather, give it a try!

It may help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It’s also full of vitamins A and C, so you’ll be glowing with health! 

14. Honey

Honey is a food superhero, and it’s my favorite sweetener of all time. I could write an entire article on honey alone, but I’ll keep this brief.

Or I’ll try to anyway.

Firstly, raw honey doesn’t go bad. It’s antibacterial, antifungal, and full of antioxidants.

This means it will last forever (and retain its benefits) if stored properly. 

It crystallizes over time, so people tend to throw it out. But you can easily reconstitute it by gently simmering the container in water. 

Pure honey can heal wounds and burns and suppress coughing. If you buy local honey, it will also help with your seasonal allergies.

Basically, it’s a medicine that tastes great. 

Speaking of taste, did you know that the taste and color of honey can vary? It depends on the flowers the bees pollinate.

So some honey is sweeter, some more floral, and some taste almost like chocolate!

15. Eggfruit 

I’ll be honest, I hadn’t heard of eggfruit until recently. But I’m glad I know about it now!

It’s also known as ‘canistel’ and it comes from Mexico. 

Eggfruit looks kind of like a yellow avocado, and it tastes fantastic. Its flesh is light and buttery in texture, with a mild sweet flavor.

It’s used as a sweetener in many recipes. But is most commonly enjoyed by being blended with milk, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg.

That way, it tastes like tropical eggnog!

16. Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit that vegans should be very familiar with. It’s commonly used as a shredded pork substitute, like for carnitas. 

It comes from the warm climates of southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. And while the flavor is mildly sweet, the texture is very meat-like. 

Like most naturally yellow foods, jackfruit is really good for you, too! It contains lots of vitamins A, B, and C, plus fiber, potassium, and protein.

17. Lemons

I just love lemons. They’re extremely versatile and always tasty.

Plus, they make for excellent Internet entertainment when combined with babies. 

But in all seriousness, you can use lemons in so many ways, from dessert to dinner.

I love them in lemon curd, lemon tarts, lemon granita, candied lemons… it’s all heavenly. 

But they’re fantastic in savory dishes because the citrus lifts rich flavors.

18. Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Whether you buy Kraft or make it yourself, mac ‘n’ cheese is classic soul food.

Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and wholly comforting. It’s the ultimate side dish for pretty much any meal. 

Heck, it can even be the star of dinner! Just add some broccoli and barbecue chicken.

Or there’s my childhood fave – mac’ n’ cheese, with hotdogs cut up. Yum! 

19. Mangoes

Mangoes are one of my favorite fruits. They’re so sweet, floral, and tropical, they taste like vacation.

There are a few different varieties of mangoes. Some have red skin, and some have yellow skin, but they all have yellowish flesh.

And they’re always delicious. 

Not only that, but they also burst with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. As a result, they prevent anemia and can lower cancer risk. 

Mangoes are good for your heart, good for your digestion and can lower blood pressure. So pick a few the next time you’re shopping.

20. Mustard

I mustard-mit… I don’t love mustard.

Don’t get me wrong, I like mustard. I just like it in really small doses, not drowning my food. 

For me, the only exceptions are honey mustard or Dutch mustard dill sauce. I could eat that stuff with a spoon.

This yellow condiment comes in all shapes and sizes, including dijon, spicy brown, whole grain, and more!

Each kind varies in flavor, from sweet to spicy. However, every type of mustard adds a bit of tang and a lovely yellow hue. 

21. Mirabelle Plums

These cute little plums look a bit like kumquats or yellow cherry tomatoes. They’re round, beautiful, and bursting with sunshiney colors. 

If you haven’t heard of Mirabelle plums, you’re not alone. These babies are bougie.

They hail from only one region in France, and the French fiercely protect their cultivars. 

Like, actual legal protections that prevent you from selling them.

However, you can grow them and enjoy them for yourself. And enjoy them, you will! 

They’re sweet, with notes of other plums and even pineapples. They make great pies, jams, and jellies. 

22. Limoncello

This Italian liqueur is a fun and zippy way to end a meal.

Produced in Southern Italy, you’ll often be given a small shot with the check when you eat out in Italy – especially on the coast.

Limoncello is very potent and sharp. But you can find some creamy brands that’re more mellow.

It’s great in cocktails and can even be used in baking!

23. Loquats

Loquats range from yellow to orange, and the tangy flesh can be white, yellow, or orange.

They have a slightly sour taste and are native to Southern China.

Also known as Japanese plums, they’re high in vitamins A and B6, plus they have a decent amount of fiber, potassium, and magnesium.

They’re best in jams and jellies, where sugar is added to reduce the sourness.

24. Canary Melons

These beautiful and delicious melons are as bright as a yellow canary! And they have a unique taste you’ll love. 

Canary melons are sweet, floral, and tangy. They taste like melon but also a bit like apples and pears.

And each one is full of healthy goodness, like vitamin C.

25. Semolina

Have you ever wondered why pasta has a slight yellow color? Part of the reason is that it’s made with eggs.

But the main reason is that most pasta is made with semolina flour.

Semolina is made during the processing of durum wheat. And you’ll find it in dishes around the world. 

It’s used in pasta, puddings, porridge, pancakes, and on pizza crusts. You could have food with semolina for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert!

Hello, versatility. 

26. Golden Kiwis

King Midas must have been present at the cultivation of this little fruit because each slice looks like a gold coin. 

Golden kiwis look a lot like regular kiwis on the outside – they both have brown skin. However, the golden kiwi’s skin is smooth rather than fuzzy. 

And the taste separates them a bit as well.

Regular kiwis taste sweet but pretty acidic. Golden kiwis are a bit gentler, like a mix of mango and strawberry.

27. Starfruit

Starfruit is the fruit that has it all… taste and aesthetic.

At first, the starfruit is a bit funny-looking. But every slice reveals a perfect little star that’s as cute as it is tasty. 

It’s a bit sour, definitely sweet, and juicy with a bit of crunch. 

Every bite yields a plethora of antioxidants and vitamins. This is a great fruit to eat by itself or as a fruity salad ingredient. 

28. Chanterelles

Chanterelles are some of the most popular edible wild mushrooms. They can be orange, yellow, or white and have a funnel shape.

Since they grow in the wild, these mushrooms need to be foraged. Hence, they’re pretty expensive.

But if you can find any, I highly suggest trying them. Though they’re earthy, like all mushrooms, they’re also lightly fruity and deliciously chewy.

Note: be careful when foraging for yourself. Some mushrooms look similar, and they’re not safe to eat.

29. Yellow Cauliflower

Bet ya didn’t know that cauliflower can be yellow! (Psst. It can be purple, too.)

Yellow cauliflower has many of the same benefits as regular cauliflower. But it is definitely higher in beta carotene, hence its sunny hue.

And it tastes just a bit sweeter. 

It’s great roasted, mashed, or steamed. Sneak some pureed yellow cauliflower into your kids’ mac ‘n’ cheese for extra nutrients – they’ll never know. 

30. Golden Beets

Meet the gilded sibling of the red beet.

It’s also the less aggressively staining sibling of the red beet. And the color is just as pretty. 

They taste a bit more mellow and less earthy than red beets. So, if you think that beets taste like dirt, give these a try.

They’re pretty darn good for you, too. 

31. Yellow Lentils

Yellow lentils are part of the legume family and a staple in a plant-based diet.

However, I think they should be a staple in everyone’s diet because they’re delicious and nutritious! 

Yellow lentils are laden with fiber, protein, and potassium. They’re also low-calorie and low-cholesterol.

Plus, they’re very filling and taste earthy, sweet, and nutty.

32. Yellow Rice

Yellow rice is just jazzed-up rice.

It gets its lovely color from a combination of saffron and turmeric. So, it tastes like rice but slightly spiced. 

It’s a fun way to add color and flavor to your plate.

33. Yellow Zucchinis

If you love green zucchini, then you may like yellow zucchini even more!

Okay, it looks the same, except for its vibrant shade of yellow. And its taste is just a bit sweeter. 

It’s delicious sautéed, roasted, or turned into zucchini bread! 

34. Yuzus

Yuzus are an extremely fragrant variety of lemon.

Many famous chefs and bakers like them for their potent citrus flavor. They’re like lemons on steroids.

So if you need a real kick of citrus, go for yuzus! They’re extra flavorful, sour, and bright.

35. Yellow Peppers

There are approximately twelve kinds of yellow peppers, and they vary in spice from sweet to deathbed.

And like people, they come in all shapes and sizes. 

However, there is one thing they all have in common: the health benefits.

Sure, they vary from pepper to pepper. But they all contain many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

They can even fight cancer! Just watch out for those yellow Carolina Reapers.