Foods That Start With C

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How many foods can you think of that start with C? You can probably guess the most popular foods such as cake, coffee, carrots, and cauliflower. But can you name more than 50??

In this post, I share with you a list of foods that start with C from chow mein to cottage pie, a cosmopolitan to cheese souffle. You will be sure to find something new to try and make at home that begins with the letter C!

Fruits and Vegetables That Start With The Letter C

Fruit and vegetables are unprocessed foods such as cauliflower, clementines, and cranberries. Fruits and veggies can both be eaten raw, but are often cooked and used in a variety of dishes. They can both be dried or juiced an added to smoothies as well.

1. Cabbage

What is Cabbage?

Cabbage is part of the same family as broccoli and cauliflower. You can find it in several colors from red cabbage to purple to white. It also comes in multiple varieties like napa cabbage (or celery cabbage), Chinese cabbage, and others!

What Does Cabbage Taste Like?

Raw cabbage is quite bitter and crunchy in texture. When cooked, cabbage becomes soft and doesn’t have a strong flavor. It is a great vegetable for bulking up a stew or bolognese, and it typically takes on the flavor of what it’s cooked with.

Is it Healthy?

Cabbage is a superfood and part of the cruciferous family! This vegetable is low in calories but high in nutrients. Cabbage is full of several vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and B6. It also contains iron, fiber, and antioxidants.

Recipes To Try!

• Indian Cabbage with Peas
• Vegan Shawarma

2. Collard Greens

What are Collard Greens?

Collard greens are a leafy green vegetable and are members of the cabbage family. They are cruciferous vegetables just like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. They look similar to kale or swiss chard. Collard greens are popular in the Southern United States, but are really used widely all over the world.

What Do Collard Greens Taste Like?

Raw collard greens are bitter, and very fibrous in texture. Cooking collard greens reduces their bitterness significantly, makes their flavor mild and savory, and softens the leaves which makes it much easier to chew and enjoy them.

Is it Healthy?

Collard greens are a superfood!! They are an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, K, B-6, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium. They are also rich in fiber and antioxidants.

Recipes to Try!

Collard greens taste great in slow cooked stews or soups. You can use collard greens as a substitute for Kale in this soup or in this Hoppin John Recipe!

3. Cauliflower

What is Cauliflower?

Cauliflower, similar to cabbage, is a cruciferous vegetable. It grows with a white head inside large green leaves. It looks very similar to broccoli but looks like mini white trees instead of green trees.

What Does Cauliflower Taste Like?

Cauliflower has a mild taste and is super versatile. It can be cooked as it is, roasted, sauteed, steamed, or can be crumbled to create cauliflower rice or to make pizza bases. It can also be used as the base for creamy soups without needing any cream by steaming and pureeing it!

Is it Healthy?

Cauliflower is high in Vitamin C, K and Folate. Due to being high in fiber, cauliflower is suggested to help maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent constipation. Cauliflower is also a superfood, as it’s high in anti-inflammatory antioxidants!

Recipes to Try!

• Lentil Cauliflower Curry
• Cauliflower Sabji
• Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Spinach and Chickpeas

4. Cantaloupe

What is Cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe is a popular fruit and is a type of round melon, about the size of a small football. It has green and white mottled skin, with a soft orange flesh surrounding seeds and pulp.

What Does Cantaloupe Taste Like?

This melon is very sweet and incredibly juicy. It has a soft pulp, but is not too mushy. If it is hard or not sweet, then it isn’t ripe yet.

Is Cantaloupe Healthy?

Cantaloupe is made up of 90% water and contains vitamin A, C, and antioxidants. Due to this, it is very good for hydration and your body digests it slowly so it doesn’t spike your blood sugar levels.

Recipes to Try!

Mexican Fruit Salad (with Chili Powder)

5. Cactus Pear

What is cactus pear?

Also known as nopal cactus or prickly pear, this fruit is native to Mexico and grows on cactus. It has a thick skin covered in small spines. The skin isn’t edible, but the inside is! Inside you’ll find a soft juicy meat with a lot of seeds.

What does cactus pear taste like?

Cactus pear is sweet and mild, kind of like a melon.

Is cactus pear healthy?

Absolutely! It’s a great source of Vitamin C, E, K, Beta Carotene, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Phosphorus.

6. Cherry Tomato

What are cherry tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes are small tomatoes that are about the size and shape of a cherry. They are great for salads, roasting and pastas. They come in red, yellow or orange colors.

What do cherry tomatoes taste like?

These little tomatoes are sweet, super juicy and acidic – and often have a brighter flavor than their larger counterparts.

Is it healthy?

Yes! Cherry tomatoes are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, and are hydrating due to their high water content.

Recipes to try!

• Feta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
• Ravioli with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

7. Carrot

What is a carrot?

Carrots are a root vegetable that grows underground. They are long and hard with green leaves growing above the ground. The most commonly grown are bright orange, but other varieties grow red, purple, yellow, and white.

What do carrots taste like?

Carrots are usually sweet. If eaten raw, they are hard and crunchy but the longer they are cooked for, the softer they become.

Are carrots healthy?

Carrots are a high source of fiber and are high in antioxidants. They are full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, K1, and B6. Carrots have even been linked to supporting weight loss as they are low in calories and help you to feel fuller for longer.

Recipes to Try!

• Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes
• Carrot Potato Soup

8. Celery

What is celery?

Celery has long green stalks that grow together in a bunch. At the top, the stalks become thinner and finish off with a leaf. Celery is from the same family as carrots and parsley.

What does celery taste like?

Celery has a high water content so doesn’t have a strong taste. But it does have a very distinct earthy flavor. Some people say it tastes similar to salad greens or even green onions. When raw, it is crunchy to chew but softens when cooked.

Is celery healthy?

Celery is suggested to support heart health. It is high in folate and vitamin K, both necessary for the production of red blood cells and blood clotting. Celery is also full of fiber to help digestion and contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Recipes to Try!

• Pinto Bean Soup
• Red Lentil Dahl

9. Cherry

What is a cherry?

A cherry is a small, often red fruit, that is round (about the size of a quarter), with a stone or pit in the middle. There are multiple varieties of cherries: Red Cherries are the most common but other varieties include the Mexican black cherry, or Rainier cherries which have a yellow/pink/red skin.

What do cherries taste like?

Depending upon the variety, cherries can be sweet or sour. Often, sweet cherries are preferred to be eaten raw and fresh, whereas tart cherries are made into tarts, fruit pies, and gateaux. 

Are cherries healthy?

Cherries are full of fiber, vitamin C and B, and potassium. Potassium is extremely important for nerve function and regulating your blood pressure. Cherries are also high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.

Recipes to Try!

Cherry Crumb Pie

9. Canned Fruits

What are canned fruits?

Canned fruits are an alternative to purchasing and eating fresh fruit. Canned fruits are simply fruits that have been harvested, chopped, and prepared to fill a sterilized can along with either syrup, fruit juice, or water.

What do canned fruits taste like?

Depending on the canned fruit you purchase will depend on the taste. These fruits can be canned:

• Pineapple
• Peaches
• Pears
• Nectarines
• Plums
• Apricots
• Oranges
• Cherries

Often the fruit has been peeled and sliced for ease and convenience. If syrup or fruit juice has been added, this will usually make the fruit sweeter than fresh fruit.

Are canned fruits healthy?

The fruit itself in canned fruit retains its nutritional value. However, what makes canned fruits potentially unhealthy, is when eating options with syrup or fruit juice. It is best to check each label to ensure you are not purchasing options with added salt and sugar.

10. Coconut

What is coconut?

Coconut is the fruit part of the coconut palm plant. Coconuts are round and brown in shape with a hairy exterior. Inside has a white ‘meat’ with coconut water in the center.

What does coconut taste like?

Both coconut flesh and coconut water are edible. Coconut flesh has a nutty flavor and sweet taste. Coconut water is clean, refreshing and mildly sweet. When toasted, the flesh has an even deeper nutty flavor.

Are coconuts healthy?

This fruit is highly nutritious containing manganese, copper, iron, and healthy fats. Manganese is important for bone health. Coconut also contains antioxidants that help protect your cells and reduce your risk of disease.

Recipes to Try!

• Vegan Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

11. Corn

What is corn?

Corn, also known as maize, is a type of grain. It is native to Central America and is most commonly yellow. Corn grows as a tall green plant, with a bulb shape at the end which has individual seeds. It can be used in all kinds of dishes and can be used whole: in soups, corn salad, roasted on its own, in stews, desserts, etc. or ground: in tortillas, cornbread, masa, etc.

What does corn taste like?

Corn is sweet, soft when cooked, and slightly crunchy when raw. When it is cooked, corn tastes even sweeter.

Is corn healthy?

Corn is full of fiber and hence can support digestion. Corn is low in fat and contains a range of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, zinc, and phosphorus.

Recipes to Try!

• Healthy Black Bean Tostadas with Fresh Corn
• Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes

12. Cranberries

What are cranberries?

Cranberries are a small, round fruit that grows on vines. They are red berries that can be eaten raw, dried, or made into cranberry juice.

What do cranberries taste like?

Cranberries are very rich in flavor but are very tart due to their low sugar content. When they are cooked, they become slightly sweeter but still retain that tart flavor.

Are cranberries healthy?

Cranberries are a superfood as they are high in nutrients and antioxidants. Cranberries have been used to treat bladder and kidney diseases. They are high in Vitamins C, A and Manganese as well.

Recipes to Try!

Cranberry Sauce From Dried Cranberries

13. Cucumber

What is cucumber?

Cucumber is a type of fruit that is long and green in color. It has dark green skin with light green, thin flesh on the inside.

What does cucumber taste like?

Cucumbers have a mild, refreshing, cooling and very slightly sweet flavor, due to their high water content. Sometimes, the skin can have more earthy or slightly bitter taste.

Is cucumber healthy?

Cucumbers are low in calories but high in nutrients. However this amount of nutrients is lowered if eaten peeled, so it is best to eat cucumbers with their peel. They are also high in antioxidants, helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Recipes to Try!

• Cucumber Gazpacho
• Feta Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Lentils

14. Clementines

What are clementines?

Clementines are a small variety of oranges that are round in shape and usually do not contain seeds. They have an orange peel with segments inside.

What do clementines taste like?

Clementines tend to be sweeter than oranges and have a honey flavor.

Are clementines healthy?

Clementines contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. Vitamin C assists your body in absorbing nutrients and boosts your immune system.

15. Cayenne Pepper

What are cayenne peppers?

Cayenne peppers are a type of chili pepper. They are related to jalapenos and bell peppers. Cayenne peppers originate from Central and South America.

What do cayenne peppers taste like?

Being a chili pepper, cayenne peppers are hot and spicy in flavor. They can be used whole or ground up into a spice. Their flavor intensifies when you cook with them.

Are cayenne peppers healthy?

Cayenne peppers are very healthy for you. They have been linked to boosting your metabolism, reducing hunger by making you feel fuller for longer, and may even reduce the risk of cancer.

Recipes to Try!

• Tofu Thai Yellow Curry
• Vegan Meatloaf

Snacks, Condiments, And Spices That Start With A C

Snacks, condiments, and spices include items such as cardamom, chickpeas, and cream cheese. They are often used to add flavor to dishes or many can be eaten as snacks on their own.

16. Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice with a fruity and menthol flavor. It’s sweet and spicy at the same time, similar to cinnamon or nutmeg. Cardamom is most often used in the Middle East and in Indian cuisine. It can be used whole or ground and is full of antioxidants. You can use cardamom in eggnog, curries, tea, in spices mixes such as garam masala, and to add flavor when roasting meat.

17. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the bark of a tree. It’s a common ingredient for all kinds of recipes: from baking to cereals, teas to stews. It’s super aromatic, slightly sweet and savory in flavor. It also has anti-inflammatory and other medicinal properties.

18. Cashew Nuts

Although cashews are placed with nuts and seeds in your local store, they are technically a fruit. They grow on a tropical fruit tree called Anacardium occidentale. The tree produces a fruit called a drupe which has edible seeds we know as cashew nuts.

They are full of healthy fats and protein and as a result, have been linked to benefitting weight loss due to helping reduce your appetite.

The cashew nut can be eaten as a healthy snack, but also can be used in numerous recipes including curries, Chinese, or made into cashew butter and cream.

19. Chickpea

Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are part of the legume family and grow in India, Africa, Central, and South America.

They are cooked all around the world due to their nutritional value. Chickpeas contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber which aid digestion, lower appetite, and are a high source of protein.

Chickpeas are often used in curries, soups, stews, and are the key ingredient for making hummus.

20. Cheese

Cheese is a popular food item around the world and originally comes from milk. The milk is set into curd, separated, then pressed to form cheese. Different methods and ingredients added help to create different flavors of cheese.

Cheese offers a source of calcium and contains vitamins A, K, and B-12. Harder cheese contains more salt, so if you are looking for cheeses with less sodium then choose soft cheeses such as brie, mozzarella, and feta.

Both soft and hard cheese can be used in numerous ways from crumbled in salads and added to a vegetarian cheese board, shredded and added to pizzas or tarts, sliced in sandwiches or burgers, or melted in quesadillas, on loaded veggie nachos or to make a cheesy pasta sauce.

21. Cottage Cheese

While it’s technically a fresh cheese, cottage cheese more closely resembles a mix between yogurt and cheese – as it has small curds and a creamy consistency. It has a mild savory flavor, and is offered with different fat content options (whole milk, low fat, skim) and curd size options (small, medium, large).

It’s super versatile and is healthier for you than regular cheese. It’s high in protein (1 cup has up to 30 grams of protein!), low in fat and calories, and packed with nutrients. You can use it in all kinds of ways: topped with granola and berries for breakfast, eaten on its own as a snack, on top of salads for extra protein, in scrambled eggs for more creaminess, in lasagna instead of (or alongside) ricotta – the possibilities are endless!

22. Chutney

Chutney is a condiment that originally came from India. It can be made with fruits or vegetables with herbs, vinegar, sugar, and spices added. It is often served on the side with rice, naan, or curry.

Elsewhere, chutneys are used alongside meat, or to eat with cream cheese such as brie or goat’s cheese. 

A couple of examples of chutneys are mango chutney, mint chutney, chili chutney, apple and cranberry chutney, and tomato chutney.

23. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce can be made with fresh or frozen cranberries. It is a sweet sauce that is often served with meat such as turkey, pork, chicken, and ham. It is traditionally eaten at Christmas and Thanksgiving.

A simple yet tasty cranberry sauce can be made with sugar, water, cranberries, and citrus zest. The ingredients are cooked over a pan until the cranberries burst and then left to cool.

24. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a very soft cheese that is often spreadable with a knife. In the store, you have probably come across brands such as Philadelphia which is a popular type of cream cheese.

Cream cheese can be spread onto toast or bagels for breakfast or for a snack, and is also used to make cheesecake, cheesy pasta sauces, in omelets, or even to make cream cheese frosting on cakes.

25. Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is tartaric acid, which is a byproduct of wine production. It is often added to baking as when it combines with egg whites, it strengthens the natural bubbles that form, which improves the amount baked goods rise and their lightness.

It is often used in cakes, cookies, meringue, and icing.

Side Dishes That Start With The Letter C

These popular side dishes offer complimentary flavors or provide extra substance to the main dish.

26. Caesar Salad

A traditional caesar salad contains romaine lettuce, garlic, boiled eggs, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Recipes now range to include chicken, bacon, and/or anchovies as well and can be served as a main or a side dish.

27. Cheese Souffle

Cheese souffles are light and airy with a soft cheese flavor. They are often served with roasted meat and vegetables in a ramekin dish. 

The main ingredients are mixed gently in a pan to create custard. Egg whites are then whisked to form peaks which are gently folded into the custard mixture. The cheese souffle mixture is then poured into individual ramekin dishes and baked in the oven.

28. Chapati

Chapatis are an Indian flatbread that is made with wheat flour. The chapatis are round, soft, and usually do not contain many calories. 

They are quick and easy to cook, taking perhaps a minute on a griddle. Chapatis are great served as a side with a dipping sauce or with a range of curries.

29. Cereal

Cereal is a grain such as wheat, oats, maize, or rye. The grains are roasted, formed into shapes, baked, and then most often eaten with milk for breakfast. 

Cereal can be eaten warm (oatmeal or porridge is a good example of hot cereal), or cold. Often cereal from the store has extra sugar and salt added making it less healthy for you. However, you can make your own healthy cereal at home by adding fruit, nuts, and seeds to whole grains.

30. Citrus Salad

This salad is great for a hot summer’s day as it is highly refreshing and full of rich, zesty flavors. Citrus salads are made from a range of citrus fruit including blood oranges, grapefruit, mandarins, and satsumas. Other complementary ingredients may include mint, fennel, pine nuts, and avocado.

31. Cornbread

Cornbread is an American bread that is slightly sweet and crumbly with a soft, grainy texture. Cornbread is made from cornmeal and flour, combined with butter, buttermilk, and brown sugar.

Cornbread is often eaten with chili, vegetables, a range of meats such as pork and chicken, and also eaten on its own with honey.

32. Crab Salad

Crab salad is a light dish using crab meat as the main ingredient. There are numerous variations of flavors that can use used to make a crab salad including:

• Blood orange and fennel
• Lemongrass and peanuts
• Parmesan, basil, and tomato
• Grapefruit and satsumas
• Cucumber and avocado

33. Croissants

This popular French pastry is often eaten at breakfast time served with butter and jam. They are shaped into a crescent and are layered to provide a flaky pastry. They have a crunchy on the outside – soft on the inside texture. They also have a slightly sweet and buttery taste from the layers of butter added to the dough.

34. Congee

Congee is a Chinese rice breakfast that is also popular in Japan, Indonesia, and Burma. It is very similar to rice pudding due to its appearance and similar consistency.

Congee often has additional flavors added such as stock, ginger, garlic, and topped with meat, and/or vegetables.

35. Couscous

Couscous is made from ground durum wheat that is moistened and tossed with wheat flour. This process creates small balls to form couscous. It’s often used as an alternative to serving rice with a main meal.

In cooking, couscous is quick and extremely versatile. It is popular in Meditteranean cuisine and is often cooked with a range of herbs and vegetables such as pepper, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, mint, and parsley. 

Couscous can be used in tabbouleh, one-pots, stews, salads, or as a side instead of pasta and rice.

Vegetarian Dishes That Start With C

Vegetarian dishes that begin with C include different vegetables such as corn, carrots, cabbage, and cauliflower.

36. Carrot Soup

Carrot soup is a tasty soup full of nutrients. This soup is often made with stock, onions, and garlic to add flavor, and still has a thick, creamy consistency without the need for cream or milk.

Other variations of carrot soup include adding butternut squash, red peppers, or potato.

37. Cabbage Soup

Cabbage soup is a broth based, vegetable soup, similar to the consistency of chicken noodle soup or minestrone soup. Cabbage soup is extremely healthy due to the range of vegetables and bulking ingredients often added to the soup including:

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Pepper
• Tomato
• Green beans
• And of course, cabbage!

Other variations for meat-eaters may include chicken, bacon, or chorizo.

38. Corn Chowder

Corn chowder is a creamy and rich soup using corn, potato, and milk as key ingredients. To give corn chowder a thicker, less runny consistency, flour or cornstarch is often added to the soup’s base.

This simple yet tasty soup is often given a meat twist by adding chicken and bacon.

39. Curry

Curries are popular all over the world but originated in India. The word “curry” can be used to refer to either curry powder – the mixed spice seasoning blend used to flavor South Asian and South East Asian food, or to curry main dishes, which are typically soups or stews flavored with a combination of spices including turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, chiles, and occasionally curry leaves. Curries range from creamy and mild, to extremely hot and spicy. 

A range of spices are used for different curries. If you are looking for a creamy, mild flavor, then I recommend trying a buttery korma or this Instant Pot dal makhani. Alternatively, for a hotter curry, try a vindaloo or a Thai curry.

40. Cauliflower Tacos

Tacos originated in Mexico and are typically corn tortillas filled with meat, fresh vegetables, salsa, and cheese. Cauliflower tacos are a vegetarian alternative to this popular Mexican dish. Cauliflower is cut into pieces and roasted with a range of spices.

Once roasted, they are then added in a spicy chipotle and tomato sauce and placed on top of tortillas. They go incredibly well topped with salsa and guacamole.

Meat Dishes That Start With C

These meat dishes beginning with C range from popular cuisines such as calzone and chow mein to tasty seafood e.g. crab and catfish.

41. Chicken

Chicken might be one of the most common main dishes when it comes to foods that start with C. It’s popular in North America, but is really used in all cuisines in most countries. There are so many different ways you can use chicken in cooking, but the some of the most widely used dishes in the US are probably Roast Chicken, Chicken Nuggets, Chicken Noodle Soup and Chicken Wings.

42. Calamari

Calamari is made from pieces of squid, most often deep-fried before serving. The squid is chopped and soaked in buttermilk. This mixture is then covered in flour and seasoning before being deep-fried.

Calamari is often served with a sauce such as marinara sauce, garlic and lemon, or a soy-ginger sauce.

43. Chorizo

Chorizo is a type of pork sausage, similar in shape to a hot dog. It’s commonly used in Spanish and Mexican foods. Chorizo can be made from raw, uncooked pork (which requires cooking before consumption), or from from fermented, cured and smoked pork (which does not need to be cooked before eating).

44. Crab

Crabmeat can be used in a range of dishes due to its sweet and slight ‘fishy’ taste. The meat can be added to pasta dishes and tastes great combined with chili and green onions.

It is popularly used to make crab cakes which are usually served with a tartar sauce. The crab meat is mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Then it is covered in a breadcrumb mix with seasoning and parsley. The best way to cook crab cakes is to fry them so they have that slight crunch on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.

45. Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is a classic English dish that uses beef mince topped with mashed potato. Cottage pie is different from shepherd’s pie as a shepherd’s pie is made with lamb mince instead of ground beef.

The beef is cooked in a rich sauce with key ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce and red wine. Often vegetables such as peas and carrots are added to give the beef mince extra texture.

After this, a creamy, mashed potato topping is added and sometimes cheese is grated on top. This is then finished off baked in the oven before being served with a side of vegetables.

46. Club Sandwich

A club sandwich is typically characterized by a sandwich with meat (typically chicken and bacon), tomatoes, lettuce and mayo. It often has an extra slice of bread layered in between the filling, and is served cut into quarters, held together with toothpicks. Originally an American meal but is now popular in many countries. 

This sandwich can either be eaten in freshly baked bread or slightly toasted. It’s often served with coleslaw or a pickle. Other variations may include adding mustard or turkey instead of the chicken.

47. Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is a thick stew popular in American cuisine made from clams, potatoes, onions, heavy cream (or whole milk), and salt pork. It is super rich and creamy, and mostly tastes like cream with a seafood flavor. It originated in New England, but now every region in America has a slightly different twist on clam chowder – and it can easily be found in seafood restaurants across the US.

48. Calzone

A calzone is best described as a folded pizza. The dough is rolled into a circular shape with sauce and fillings added on one half. The dough is then folded on top of the fillings and sealed to create a semi-circle shape. 

Often the crust is stuffed with tomato and/or cheese.

The great aspect of cooking a calzone at home is your choice of fillings. You can add a range of vegetables, cheese, and meats to fill your calzone.

49. Carbonara

Carbonara is a pasta dish named after the sauce used. It is creamy in texture and can have a slight garlic-cheesy flavor.

Carbonara sauce consists of egg yolks, cream, garlic, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and pancetta. It is then served mixed in cooked spaghetti or tagliatelle pasta.

51. Casserole

A casserole is slightly different from a stew in that it is cooked in the oven, whereas a stew is heated on top of the stove. Casseroles typically contain a choice of protein, vegetables, sauce, starch, and cheese.

A beef casserole is often the most popular which is cooked using braising steak. Vegetables such as mushrooms and carrots are added to bulk out the casserole and it is flavored using bay leaves, tomato puree, and red wine.

52. Corned Beef

Corned beef is made through salt-curing beef, usually from a brisket. Corned beef from the store is usually packed tightly in a tin and can be sliced into sandwiches. 

However, you can make your own, healthier version of corned beef at home. The beef needs marinating in a salty brine for 5-7days. The brine consists of mustard seeds, peppercorns, allspice, and coriander seeds. Finally, it is drained and then simmered in water until tender.

53. Catfish

Catfish is a popular choice of fish due to it being low in calories and high in protein. It contains numerous vitamins such as vitamin B12 and are high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

When cooking, catfish are often soaked in buttermilk first, to get rid of the fishy taste and muddy flavor from the water. It can then be fried or baked and served with vegetables or salad.

54. Chow Mein

Chow mein is a Chinese noodle dish that’s well known for its unique sauce – which combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Traditionally, chow mein noodles are used, however, ramen noodles can also be used.

When making a chow mein, usually bean sprouts, carrots, and cabbage is used to provide texture and crunch. Protein is also added which is usually chicken, however beef, pork or even tofu can be used instead.

Desserts that Start with a C

Chocolate anyone? Many tasty and satisfying desserts beginning with C are created with chocolate as the key ingredient. However, you might be surprised to read on to find desserts using fresh fruit such as cherries, and even coconuts!

55. Candy

Candy, also known as a sweet, is usually made from sugar and sweet syrups. Candy can have different flavors and colors added to them, and can be hard or soft. Popular varieties include Skittles, Starburst, Werther’s Originals, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Candy can be made into lollipops, gummies, hard candies, chewing gum, and caramels. Due to the fact candy is made from sugar, it is best to eat it in moderation.

56. Chocolate

Chocolate is made from the fruit of the Theobroma cacao, which is a tropical tree. Native to South America, the fruit is harvested and cacao seeds removed. The seeds are dried on banana leaves and fermented to create chocolate flavor. It is then taken to a factory where it is roasted and the hulls are removed to leave cacao nibs.

To turn it into the chocolate we know and love, the nibs are ground into a paste called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor is then mixed with butter or milk solids, sugar, and flavorings to make commercial chocolate. The liquor may also be processed into cocoa butter and cocoa solids if needed.

Factories now produce different flavors and toppings e.g. nuts and berries, plus may add biscuits or caramels to form the chocolate bars we are familiar with in stores e.g. Twix and Snickers.

As a ground powder, chocolate can be used for baking many different desserts such as:

• Chocolate cake or cupcakes
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Chocolate tart
• Chocolate pudding
• Chocolate pie
• Chocolate cheesecake

57. Carob

Carob is one of those delicious foods that starts with c that flies under the radar. It is similar to chocolate, and can be used in the same ways as chocolate, but is not as popular. Carob is harvested from the Mediterranean carob tree, and then is processed into a variety of forms including: carob powder, carob chips (like chocolate chips), or even as a syrup. It’s naturally sweet and can replace cacao or cocoa when in powdered form.

58. Christmas Cake

Christmas cake is a heavy, moist cake containing dried nuts and is covered in icing. It is eaten at Christmas and can be made with or without liquor.

Traditionally, it needs to be made a couple of months before Christmas to help the cake mature, with brandy added regularly (if using alcohol) to keep it moist.

The dried fruit mixture usually includes currants, raisins, sultanas, candied peel, and cherries. The cake itself needs baking at a low temperature for a long time to allow for the whole cake to cook without burning the outside.

59. Cherry Pie

A cherry pie uses fresh cherries inside a flaky pastry. The top of the pie is covered in a lattice made from pieces of pastry and is baked until crisp and crunchy.

Depending upon the types of cherries you chose to use, will lead to a sweet or sour-tasting pie.

Cherry pie is often served with rich and creamy vanilla ice cream to offset some of the ‘tang’ from the cherries. (Try this recipe: Cherry Pie With Frozen Cherries)

60. Caramel

Caramel is made when sugar is heated to 340 degrees Fahrenheit. As the sugar heats, it breaks down and turns dark brown with a deeper flavor.

It can then be mixed with cream and other ingredients to form other caramel candies and treats. A popular treat using caramel is called praline when crushed nuts are added to the caramel and it’s allowed to cool; or as the coating for a caramel apple – which is an apple on a stick dipped in hot caramel, sometimes rolled in nuts or other toppings, and then cooled so the caramel hardens slightly.

61. Coconut Cake

Coconut cake often uses coconut extract, coconut milk, and shredded coconut, for a tasty, yet light flavor. Coconut cake is not too strong or rich and is served nicely with a cup of tea or coffee. The cake itself is moist and the buttercream provides a nice, sweet finish, topped with shredded coconut for texture.

62. Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is made using coffee powder or granules to flavor the cake and buttercream. Brewed coffee doesn’t work as well as it would add too much liquid to the cake batter.

Coffee cake is often combined with flavors such as zucchini, berries, walnut, and chocolate.

63. Crepe

A crepe is a very thin, round pancake that is often topped with icing sugar, fresh fruit, yogurt, chocolate sauce, or ice cream. Unlike pancakes, crepes are made without a raising agent and often use buckwheat flour.

64. Creme Brûlée

Creme brûlée is a creamy pudding with baked custard and a hard top of melted sugar. It is made using cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Creme Brûlée’s are a popular French dessert, but are also eaten in Spain and are called Crema Catalana.

65. Cotton Candy

Cotton candy is a popular carnival dessert in the United States, and has two ingredients: sugar and food coloring (and sometimes a small amount of flavoring). It is made by heating and liquifying sugar, then putting it through a machine which spins it through tiny holes – which turns the liquid sugar into small “fairy strands” of thread like sugar. It’s served on a stick or in a bag.

66. Cinnamon Rolls

A cinnamon roll or cinnamon bun is a sweet pastry, commonly found in Europe and North America. It is primarily made of flour, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and butter, mixed together to create a sticky dough that’s rolled into buns and baked. Sometimes they are also topped with a cream cheese frosting.

67. Cannoli

A cannoli is an Italian pastry made up of a tube-shaped fried dough shell, filled with a sweet pastry cream that usually contains ricotta. It is sweet and crispy, and is often served chilled.

Beverages that Start with a C

These beverages starting with C are incredibly popular worldwide including chocolate milk, coffee, and coca-cola. But, many contain high amounts of additives and sugar, so should be consumed in moderation.

68. Cappuccino

Cappuccinos are incredibly popular hot drinks. They are made of espresso, steamed milk, and milk froth. Cappuccinos are layered with expresso at the bottom followed by hot milk. Last, the milk foam is added on top. For an extra kick, you can add a range of syrups for an additional flavor such as chocolate, caramel, and vanilla.

69. Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a type of white wine that comes from the green grapes originally grown in the village of Chardonnay. This white wine is incredibly popular due to its fresh, fruity flavors such as apple, sweet melon, and pear.

Chardonnay is considered to go well with seafood, pork, or poultry dishes.

70. Coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world and is made from roasting and grinding the seed(s) of the coffee tree. Coffee can be purchased ground or as roasted and ground at home. It has a strong taste and odor. Depending upon the coffee bean used, coffee can have a sweet, bitter, nutty, or floral aroma.

71. Cosmopolitan

A cosmopolitan is a cocktail made using vodka. This cocktail is not too sweet or sour, with a citrus flavor and smooth texture. Cosmopolitans use vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lemon juice. This is mixed with ice and finished with orange peel.

72. Chocolate Milk

Chocolate milk essentially is made with your choice of milk and a pre-made chocolate powder (that contains cocoa powder and sugar). This tasty drink can be made with cow’s milk, or plant-based alternatives such as oat, soy, or almond milk. For a strong dark chocolate taste, use unsweetened cocoa powder. 

73. Coca-Cola (Coke)

Coca-cola is a popular fizzy drink that is very sweet due to the amount of sugar added. One 12 ounce can of coke has 33 grams of sugar – the equivalent of almost 8 teaspoons of sugar. It also contains artificial colors and flavors and caffeine.

It is recommended to limit drinking coca-cola to one drink per day (or less) if you must drink it. Studies have shown that coke has similar effects as heroin on the body. Coke typically causes a sugar crash within an hour of drinking and results in a high amount of caffeine absorbed by the body.

74. Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is a refreshing fruit juice with a deep, slightly sweet flavor. It can be produced with or without added sugar — the latter being incredibly tart and sour. This refreshing fruit juice is high in antioxidants and can help prevent UTIs.

Final Thoughts

This post introduced you to over 70 foods that start with the letter C! Hopefully it helped to provide you inspiration for trying some new healthy dishes at home.

More recipes

For more food lists and recipe inspiration, take a look at the food lists from the A-Z series.

• Foods That Start With A
• Foods That Start With B
• Foods That Start With D
• Foods That Start With J
• Fruits That Start With O
• Foods That Start with I
• Foods That Start with U
• Foods That Start With T
• Foods That Start With F
• Foods That Start With N
• Vegetables That Start With M
• Foods That Start With W
• Foods That Start With Y
• Fruits That Start With Z

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