30 Foods That Start With J

How many foods do you know that start with J? In this article, we’ve rounded up 30 different foods that start with the letter J.

From ones you (hopefully) already know, like jalapenos and jelly beans, to new and unique foods like jackfruit!

We’ll also answer the question: How did Jerky get its name? And the real difference between jam and jelly.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 20 foods that start with J. 

30 Foods That Begin With The Letter J

Some of our favorites include jam, jello, and jerky! How many of these foods have you tried?

1. Jaboticaba

Jaboticaba is a purple Brazilian fruit that is slightly grape-like.

They taste kind of like a combination of a sour grape candy and lychee fruit. Now you’ll have to look up lychee 🙂

2. Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a relative of a fig that grows in tropical places such as Southeast Asia, Brazil, and Africa.

It looks somewhat like a melon, in size and shape, but has a bumpy, rough skin.

Even though it’s a fruit, it tastes more like chicken or pork and can be cooked with whatever sauce or seasoning you like.

3. Jalapeno

Jalapenos are small red or green peppers that come from North America.

They are fairly spicy and go great in Mexican and Latin American-inspired foods.

Think spicy guacamole and tasty salsas. Jalapenos also go great with mild things like cheese or cornbread. Yum!

4. Jam

What’s the difference between jam and jelly you may ask? Well, I have the answer.

Jam is made with chunks of mashed fruits or fruit pulp, while jelly is made from the juices of fruits.

That’s why jelly is smoother and more transparent.

I personally prefer jam. I just love that chunky goodness.

5. Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a spicy Creole dish that originates from the French Quarter of New Orleans.

It’s made up of ham, rice, chicken or shellfish, and sausage with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and celery.

This is a classic comfort food sure to heal your body and soul.

6. Japanese Plum

A Japanese plum is a yellow plum found in semi-tropical locales that is used for wine or jellies. 

7. Java

I know you know what java is! Coffee, baby! The strange, bitter liquid that comes from beans.

Who can live without it? It’s called java because of the island of Java, one of the places where Dutch colonists planted and harvested coffee. 

8. Jello

Jello is a weird, bouncy dessert made from gelatin. Serve it up in cool molds, fill it with fruits, or mix it with whipped cream.

However you make it, jello is delicious though! Kids and adults can all appreciate this odd treat.

9. Jelly Beans

Jelly Beans, jelly beans the magical fruit… Hmm.. Is that how the song goes? Nevermind!

Jelly Beans are sweet hard on the outside, jelly on the inside candies that are shaped like beans.

They come in about a million flavors, even pepper, and booger thanks to Harry Potter.

My favorite controversial flavor is buttered popcorn. Weird or awesome? You decide.

10. Jelly Roll

A jelly roll is a thin, soft, and spongey cake that is smeared with jelly and then rolled tight into a log, creating a lovely little swirl on the sides.

They can look similar to cinnamon rolls, but are a more gourmet dessert sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party.

11. Jerk Chicken

If you haven’t tried Jamaican Jerk chicken, go get some now.

Jerk chicken refers to chicken coated in spices and slow-cooked over a fire or grill.

It’s smokey, spicy, and oh-so good. You certainly don’t have to be a jerk to enjoy Jerk chicken.

12. Jerky

Jerky is meat that has been cut into strips and dried.

It originates from a South American Indigneous word (ch’arki) which literally means dried, salted meat.

When you don’t have a refrigerator, drying meat is the best way to save it from spoiling!

13. Jerusalem Artichoke

A Jerusalem Artichoke, or sunchoke, is a species of sunflower native to North America. It’s tubers are used as root vegetables.

Fun Fact: It’s not actually an artichoke at all, but tastes like a water chestnut and can be eaten similarly to potatoes.

14. Jicama

Jicama is pronounced HEE-kah-ma and originates from Mexico.

It’s a root vegetable, but tastes more like an apple, and has a similar consistency.

In Central America, it’s sold by street vendors with lemon or lime juice and chili pepper on top. Sounds delicious!

15. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

Oh, how I love cornbread! And Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix is a great way to make cornbread in a jiffy!

You can make a box of it in muffin tins for easy serving, or combine two boxes in a baking dish for thick, moist cornbread.

And don’t forget to smother it in butter and honey! Yum.

16. Jonathan Apple

A Jonathon apple is widely regarded as one of the best-tasting apples, with a  great sweet and sharp flavor combination.

It’s great for eating or cooking. It’s red and yellow with a creamy white interior and grows in the U.S.

17. Jordan Almond

Jordan Almonds are candy-coated almonds often seen at weddings.

The “bitter” almonds and the “sweet” sugar symbolize the bitterness of life and sweetness of love.

Plus, they come in just about any color so they can match your theme!

18. Juice

Juice is typically the liquid from a plant, usually a fruit. Squeeze an orange, you get orange juice! Cut open a lemon, you get lemon juice.

These days you can get juice from just about any fruit, and even some vegetables.

Go get yourself some beet juice if you need help lowering your blood pressure!

19. Julep

A julep is a sweet, syrupy drink that can contain medicine or alcohol.

Though, a nice mint julep on a hot summer day is medicine enough for me.

Mint juleps are the most common julep and contain bourbon, sugar, water, crushed ice, and a sprig of fresh mint. Just divine!

20. Julienne

Julienne isn’t exactly a food, but a way to eat food. To julienne something is to cut it into long thin strips.

It’s used on firm vegetables such as potatoes, celery, carrot, peppers, turnips, parsnips, and more.

To make a fresh coleslaw, you’ll want to julienne your carrots and cabbage. 

21. Jelly Doughnut

When it comes to doughnuts, there are two types of people: those who prefer glazed and those who are jelly fans.

If you’re in the latter group, then you probably just can’t resist when the sweet filling oozes out of that first bite!

22. Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice makes such a terrific side dish, especially for Asian dishes and grilled fish.

It’s light and has a slightly floral scent, making it the perfect complement to your meal.

You can cook it on the stove top, or in the Instant Pot or slow cooker.

23. Jaffa Cake

Jaffa cakes are a beloved snack in the U.K. that’s been around since the 1920s.

They consist of three layers: a sponge cake, orange jam, and a chocolate coating.

Pick up a box the next time you’re across the pond, or you can try making them at home with a copycat Jaffa cake recipe.

24. Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a favorite on appetizer menus across the country!

Typically stuffed with either cream cheese or cheddar, they pack a punch and bring so much flavor.

They’re perfect at parties or when served as game-day snacks.

25. Jewish Rye Bread

Traditional Jewish rye bread is flavored with pickle juice and caraway seeds.

You’ll find it in pretty much every deli in New York City, and any Jewish deli in the U.S., for that matter.

It’s low in fat and calories, and it’s also a good source of fiber.

26. Jack Cheese

Jack cheese, often known as Monterey Jack, is a popular hard cheese that has a mild and creamy flavor.

It’s great as part of a charcuterie board when paired with crackers.

It also serves as the perfect accompaniment to wines such as chardonnay, riesling, or sauvignon blanc.

27. JoJo Potatoes

JoJo potatoes are basically just potato wedges, but with a much more fun name!

They’re baked in the oven, so they’re healthier than French fries.

Plus, you’ll love their crispy texture on the outside and fluffy potato on the inside.

A side of ketchup or your favorite aioli is always welcome.

28. Johnny Cakes

Johnny cakes are also called hoe cakes. They’re a cornmeal flatbread that resemble traditional pancakes.

They’re fluffy, sweet, and can often be found on tables in the Caribbean.

A word of warning, these cakes aren’t vegetarian, as they do contain bacon grease!

29. Jasmine Tea

Jasmine tea promises a whole host of health benefits, in addition to calming the nervous system.

It’s said to help detox the liver, plus, it can supposedly help to restore general health and make you feel your best.

30. Jawbreaker

Remember these popular candies from when you were a kid?

Your mom was probably terrified you’d choke on one, but Jawbreakers were all the rage.

They’re also known as Gobstoppers, and as they dissolve, they reveal a new layer of candy.