Eating the same thing all the time can get very boring. So when you are looking to spice up your diet, you may want to do so in a unique way by trying to consume words that begin with a certain letter, such as foods that start with U.
Now, the letter u isn’t a very common letter. But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of foods that begin with it. In fact, you may even be a bit surprised by just how many foods you can add to your diet by eating foods that begin with the letter U.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled all the information and recipes you will need to enjoy foods that start with the letter U.
Why Should You Eat Foods That Start With U?
Many people fall into the patterns of eating the same foods day in and day out. Think about it. How many times have you cooked your favorite dish? Probably too many to count.
By picking a unique letter of the alphabet, like u, and deciding to eat foods that start with that letter, you can add some much-needed variance and uniqueness to your diet.
How Many Foods Are There That Start With The Letter U?
Surprisingly, there are quite a few foods out there that start with u, especially if you are interested in trying some unique and ethnic foods. Although the letter is less common in the English language, there are many other cultures that have many foods, and recipes, which begin with the letter U.
It would be impossible to include all of the foods that start with the letter u on this list. In fact, there are hundreds that would fit into that category, especially if you include food brands.
Food Brands That Start With U
The list of food that begins with u gets even longer if you include the food brands which begin with u as well. You may even be familiar with these brands; they may have just slipped your mind.
Here are some of the most famous food brand names that start with u.
- U-No Food
- Uddo’s Kitchen
- Udi’s
- Ultimate Grains
- Udo’s Choice
- Ula Tortilla
- Ultimate Nutrition
- Ulker
- Uli’s Sausages
- Ultimate Paleo Protein
- Ujido Tea
- Uglies Potato Chips
- UFC sauces
Hopefully, you found the brand starting with u that you were looking for on this list. But, of course, food is always better when you cook it yourself, so here are some recipes to help you incorporate foods that begin with u in your diet.
30 Foods You Will Love that Begin With the Letter U
Healthy Foods that Start with U
One of the main reasons you are embarking on your journey to enjoy foods that begin with u is to broaden your food horizons and have a healthier diet. Doing so would be impossible if you don’t begin with some healthy foods that start with U.
1. Umbrella Fruit
Umbrella fruit should be one of the first items on your list of U foods to eat. It’s got the flavors of mango and pineapple wrapped into one delicious green-yellow package. However, this fruit can sometimes be sour. So other cultures frequently cook it into a soup or broth like this umbrella mushroom soup by Garden Lux.
2. Ugli Fruit
Ugli fruit is another fruit that starts with u which is a combination of two other fruits. A mix between an orange and a tangerine, this fruit is typically peeled and eaten fresh. Feeling adventurous? Then cut up your ugli fruit and include it in this salad recipe from Trim Down Club.
3. Umeboshi
Umeboshi are a plum-like fruit commonly found in Japanese cuisine, known for their sour taste. Because these small fruits are so sour, they are commonly preserved or used as a filling for another food rather than being consumed raw.
Here’s a recipe from Chopstick Chronicles to help you get started with preparing umeboshi.
4. Ugni Fruit
Ugni fruit is similar to a guava, which is what gave it one of its other names the ‘Chilean guava.’ Because this tasty fruit is so close to guava, it is typically used in desserts and to make liquor.
However, if the berries are found in New Zealand they are called ‘Tazziberries’. In this case, you can use any Tazziberry recipe, like this one from Cook Almost Anything, to make a delicious Ugni dish.
5. Umbu Fruit
Hailing from Brazil, the umbu fruit is another sour fruit that has many amazing health benefits due to its high concentration of vitamin c.
It is typically used to make juice and ice creams in the country of Brazil, and you can use it to make this fun Umbuzada sertaneja from IFad, which is a tasty beverage that can also be frozen to become an ice cream.
6. Ulluco
Ulluco is a root crop similar to a potato which is typically only found in the country of Peru. Unlike the potato, however, this root vegetable is less starchy while still containing all the same vitamins and minerals.
For those lucky enough to get their hands on some ulluco outside of the Andes mountains, follow this recipe by Eat Peru to make a delicious and healthy main dish.
Indian Foods that Start with U
Since u is such an uncommon letter to start a word with in the English language, it only makes sense that many u dishes would come from a different culture. Check out these delicious Indian foods that start with u that we have selected for you to try.
7. Undhiyu
Undhiya is a vegetable dish similar to a curry that traditionally takes a long time to cook. In the modern day, however, a pressure cooker has allowed you to speed up the process, meaning you can make this version of the classic dish from Veg Recipes of India in just one hour and fifteen minutes.
8. Uppittu
The food which starts with u on the list is actually a breakfast dish traditionally served in India. The dish is called uppittu, but can also sometimes be referred to as rava uppittu.
You can find the full recipe on Chitra’s Food Book, but all you need to do is dry roast some rava, temper all the ingredients, then fluff everything together.
9. Upma
Very similar to uppittu, upma, sometimes called rava upma, is another Indian breakfast dish that will leave your mouth watering and your kids asking for this dish every day of the week. Find the full recipe on Dassan’s Veg Recipes and before you know it you will have mastered this breakfast that begins with the letter u.
10. Urad Dal
Do you love curry? Then you will absolutely adore this next dish that begins with the letter u by Holy Cow Vegan. Urad dal is a flavorful and frequently spicy dish made from urad dals (black lentils), tomatoes, garlic, and a whole host of spices.
If you are worried about the spice level of this particular recipe, feel free to swap out the cayenne pepper for paprika as outlined in the directions.
11. Uttapam
Uttapam is a breakfast recipe that begins with the letter u which is typically consumed in south Indian homes. They are pancakes made with lentils, rice, onions, and spices rather than flour and sugar.
The result looks like something similar to an omelet but can be made fully vegan. Check out this recipe on Indian Healthy Recipes to get started.
12. Usa
Usal is a curry that comes from Maharashtrian cuisine typically found in the western central region of the country of India. You’ll need quite a few ingredients, and about an hour, to prepare this recipe from Dassana’s Veg Recipes, but the directions are easy to follow and the results will be well worth the wait.
13. Unniyappam
Unniyappam, sometimes written as Unni appam, is a traditional Indian snack that is round in shape. It is made by combining rice, jaggery, banana, roasted coconut, and sesame seeds. Then they are fried to a crispy perfection.
Follow the instructions outline on Revis Foodography if this is your first time making this dish and you’ll be a pro at making these tasty morsels in no time at all.
Snack Foods that Start with U
Foods that start with the letter u aren’t just for dinner or dessert. They can also be made and enjoyed as a snack just as easily. Here are some of the best snack foods that begin with u.
14. Ube
An ube is a purple yam, but because of its nutty vanilla taste, it is much more common to find it cooked into baked goods rather than served as you would expect a potato to be served.
People all over the world enjoy ube as a jam, cream, roll, or bread. For those cooking with ube for the first time, it’s best to start with this recipe for Ube Bars by Lutong Bahay.
15. Ugali
Ugali is a simple bread cooked mainly in the eastern parts of Africa, most notably Kenya. Although this dense bread is typically served with dinner or a curry, you will often find children in villages also consuming it as a snack.
It only has two ingredients, water, and cornmeal, making it one of the easiest dishes to make. You can find the full recipe on Mayuri’s Jikoni.
16. Uni
Whether you love it or hate it, Uni is a dish that is almost always a controversial topic. Uni itself is just the Japanese word for sea urchin, and this slimy, salty food that starts with the letter u is almost always made into another dish, but it can be eaten plain if you wish.
We recommend making this uni toast from Tasty Ever After which will give you a nice introduction to Uni without overloading you with the salty flavor.
17. Umbuzada
Umbuzada is actually a Brazilian drink made by combining the umbu fruit with some water, sugar, and condensed milk. As you can imagine, the result is a refreshing, but heavy drink which is commonly consumed between meals as a snack.
It may sound weird, but don’t knock it before you try it, just follow this recipe on Tudo Gostoso to get started.
18. Urda Cheese
Cheese is one of the best snacks under the sun. Next time you are creating a charcuterie board or considering reaching for some cubes of cheese, try Urda cheese which originated in Romania and has a milky and sweet taste.
Find out more about it on Cheese.com to ensure you pair it with the right jam or balsamic vinegar.
19. Ubriaco Cheese
Ubriaco cheese is an Italian hard cheese which begins with the letter u and pairs perfectly with a flavorful wine or slice of salami as it is aged in red wine. You can find out more about it on Fortuna Sausage, but don’t be surprised after you try it when you start wanting to snack on this delicious cheese every day of the week.
Spanish Foods that Start with U
Spain is another area of the world which has some foods that begin with the letter U. But the best thing about Spain (and Europe as a whole) is the cheese selection you will find there. So, without further ado, here is our favorite Spanish cheese that begins with the letter u.
20. Urgelia Cheese
Urgelia cheese is a prize-winning cheese that has won awards all over the world for the cow milk cheese category. It has a mushroom umami flavor which makes it more savory than almost any other cheese.
You can learn more about its history on Cheese Professor, but ensure this food that begins with the letter u is at the top of your list to try as there is no comparison.
Main Dishes that Start with U
Obviously, you can’t live on snacks that start with U or cheese alone (although that might be your dream come true) so while on your journey to consume foods that start with the letter u, be sure to check out these dinner ideas below.
21. Udon
For noodles of Japanese origin that are thick, chewy, and generally considered a comfort food, try Udon. Udon noodles can be made into a soup, or stir-fried with veggies making them one of the more versatile foods that start with u on the list.
Check out this recipe from Drive Me Hungry to learn one of the best ways to cook udon noodles.
22. Ukrainian Rolls
You may not know this, but some of the best dinner rolls are made by the Ukrainians. These rolls, which you can find the recipe for on Key Ingredient, are made with a homemade dough you will mix yourself and topped with delicious melted butter, garlic and herbs.
You can make them as separate rolls, or cook them together for a nice pull apart look.
23. Unagi
As sushi has become more popular in the United States, so too has the practice of cooking Unagi, the Japanese word for eel. The idea of eating eel might seem a bit weird to you, but when cooked properly and dressed in sauce, this is a dish you will soon crave.
Check out this recipe on Just One Cookbook to make Unagi paired with a rice bowl which can be eaten as a tasty weekday lunch or dinner.
24. Umble Pye
Umble pye is actually a medieval dish that has been consumed in the UK since the middle ages. In recent years, there have been some spelling changes and therefore you might see it called Humble pie instead. Here on Food52 is the recipe for a steak and ale version which will help get you acquainted with this dish.
25. Umbricelli Pasta
Umbricelli is an Italian pasta that originated in the Umbria region. At first glance, pasta may not seem like the most exciting food that starts with the letter u, but as it turns out, this is one of the easiest homemade kinds of pasta to make.
Because you don’t need a pasta machine (this pasta is simply cut) this is a dish which won’t take all weekend to make. Find the recipe on Italian Food Forever and you’ll be enjoying umbricelli in no time at all.
26. Umami Burger
Tired of regular old burgers? Then you will love this food that starts with u, which transforms your burger using the savory taste of umami. Try this recipe on Foxes Love Lemons to get started, but you will basically need all your regular burger ingredients plus some savory sauces to get this recipe started.
27. Uszka
Uszka is the Polish word for “little ear” which is exactly what these dumplings look like. The recipe can be found on The Spruce Eats, but all you have to do is stuff homemade dough with mushrooms to make this vegetarian dish. Although these are typically served as a main dish, there is no reason you couldn’t make these as an appetizer for before dinner, or to serve at a party.
Desserts that Start with U
By this point, you’ve likely made a delicious breakfast that starts with the letter u, as well as a lunch, snack, and dinner. But did you know there are also desserts that start with the letter u? We’ve collected them for you and listed them here.
28. Upside Down Cake
Pineapple upside-down cake is sweet, delicious, and the ideal treat to serve at a summer BBQ or afternoon tea. Use this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction to combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, butter, sugar, egg whites, sour cream, vanilla, and milk.
With these ingredients, you can make a soft spongey cake that you can cook on top of cherries and pineapples. Once it’s done cooking, flip it over to show off your beautiful cake and no one will know just how easy it was to make.
29. Utah Scones
You can probably guess the origination of this next food that begins with the letter u. If you said Utah, you are correct.
These scones are very similar to a fried donut but with a much lighter texture which won’t leave you will feelings of regret after you eat a few. Check out the recipe on Taste of Home to see just how you can make this delicious dessert.
30. Uunijuusto
Uunijuusto may sound like a very fancy dish, but it is actually a simple finish dessert made by combining milk, salt, cornstarch, sugar, and rennet. The result is a sweet and spongey custard that is the perfect way to finish out the challenge of eating foods that start with the letter u.
You can find the full recipe on Foodgeeks to help walk you through the process of making this simple dish.
Thanksgiving Foods That Start With U
Need to make delicious food for a Thanksgiving dinner that starts with the letter u? Well, hopefully, you are assigned to bring dessert because Upside-down cake is a thanksgiving food that begins with u. Here is how you make it.
Upside-Down Cake Ingredients:
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- brown sugar (packed) 1 cup
- 1 can pineapple rings
- 1 jar maraschino cherries
Directions for Upside-Down Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grab a 13×9 inch nonstick pan and brush it with melted butter. Sprinkle the butter with the brown sugar, then arrange your pineapple rings so they are touching, and fill the whole pan, but for not overlap.
Place a cherry in each pineapple ring (stems removed) and place the others between the rings.
Step 3: Mix Pineapple Juice
Don’t toss the leftover pineapple juice from the can. Instead, add it to water to make 1 cup total of liquid. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter
Follow the directions to mix the cake batter as outlined on the box. However, where it says water, you will use your pineapple juice mixture instead.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter over the pineapples in the pan then bake for 42 to 48 minutes. You can also check to see if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center of the cake and ensuring it comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Leave the cake in the pan to cool for at least 5 minutes, then flip it over, and remove the pan. Let it cool an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Junk Food That Starts with the Letter U
Sometimes you just want a late-night snack that can satisfy your hunger without worrying about the health implications. When that is the case, you might want to reach for one of these junk food items that begin with the letter u.
- Utz Potato Chips
- U-No Bar (like a 3 Musketeers bar)
- Utap Cookies
- Utah Scones
- Ukrainian Rolls
- U Frites French Fry Chips
- Unique Pretzels
- U-Luv Cookies
- Ube Ice Cream
Whether you are craving salty or sweet, one of these U snacks is sure to do the trick, just don’t eat too many and spoil your next meal.
FAQs
What are the Most Common Foods that Starts with U?
Surprisingly, there are tons of foods in the world that begin with the letter u. Some of the most common foods eaten that start with u are udon noodles, uni, and ube flavored treats.
Are There Foods that Start With U in English?
Because u isn’t a very common way to start a word in English, there aren’t many American foods that begin this way. However, throughout history, Umble pye was an English dish that starts with u whose spelling got changed as the years went by. Utah scones are another food that starts with U in English.
Are There French Foods that Start with U?
There aren’t really any French foods that begin with the letter U unless it is a food which came from another culture such as India or Spain. So, if you think you heard a food mentioned in France that started with u, it is likely you misheard and that the food either began with an E.
The E can make a U sound when combined with the letter a.
Is there Fast Food that Starts with U?
There is no fast food in the United States that starts with the letter U. For those looking to skip the cooking, there is a pizza chain called Uno’s Pizza. The chain is the closest thing you will get to a fast food that begins with U.
Additionally, a fast food chain called Jollibee does serve an Ube dessert and drink which does start with the letter U.
Ready to Try Some Foods that Start with U?
By now you have likely realized that there are plenty of foods that start with the letter U to keep you full all week long. Whether you decide to bake some Utah scones, or maybe try your hand at making some Uszka, you can’t go wrong with all of the recipes on this list.
No matter what recipe you pick, just be sure to make some extra because you will want leftovers.