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75 Foods That Start With W (From Waffles To Wheaties!)

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Can’t think of what food starts with W? Are you determined to win that word game? Worry not, I’ve got you covered! 

This extensive list of foods that starts with W contains everything from traditional foods, snacks, and sweets to fruits and veggies. I’ve also added plenty of FUN FACTS! 

25 Foods That Start With W (My Top Picks)

I can’t really say which food is the best, but one can say that there are some foods that are just better than others. Here are my favorite foods that start with W:

1. Waffles

waffle with berries on a white plate

A waffle breakfast is one of the things that inspire me to wake up in the morning. I’m a huge fan of waffles mostly because of their crispy texture on the outside, and soft, fluffy texture on the inside. 

I’ve also found a way to make them even more crispy by deep-frying them. (Okay, I do this only when I’m not on a diet.) Sometimes, I also pair them with sweet and spicy flavors of cookie butter to make them even more delicious.

2. Wakame

Wakame is a type of edible seaweed that can be consumed either raw or cooked. I regularly add wakame strips to my soups and stews because it contains high amounts of protein.

Another reason why I consume wakame is because of its classic seaweed taste: salty and umami. Yum! And yes, you can find Wakame at most Asian grocery stores where it’s usually sold dried or fresh. 

DID YOU KNOW? In comparison to other seaweeds, Wakame has a high amount of protein content of 3.03 grams per 100 grams. 

3. Wontons

Good old wontons! If you aren’t familiar with this dish, wontons are a type of Chinese dumpling. They are made from a thin dough wrapper that is filled with meat or vegetables. 

They are boiled and served in soup or deep-fried and served with sauce. The wonton soup is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, and in my kitchen as well. 

4. White wine

There are numerous types of wine, as well as numerous wine flavors.

White wine is my best friend for these simple reasons: it’s fruity, dry, and lighter than red wine. I don’t know why, but red wine has never been cooperative with my stomach (if you catch my drift). From white wine varieties, I prefer Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot, Riesling, and Semillon. 

5. White vinegar

bottle of white vinegar

We all use white vinegar, but how many of you know what this vinegar is made of? Well, now you’ll know for sure. 

White vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made of water, ethanol, and acetic acid. White vinegar has a lot of uses in my house, such as making salad dressings or using it as a cleaning agent.

Oh, I almost forgot! I feel obliged to help you debunk the myth of white vinegar vs white wine vinegar. They’re not the same thing. The main difference is that white wine vinegar is made of white wine instead of ethanol. 

6. Westphalian ham

Westphalian ham is a ham produced from acorn-fed pigs that were raised in Westphalia forests (hence the name) in Germany. 

I’m pretty sure that the above info doesn’t mean anything to you if you have never seen or tasted this type of ham, so I’ll explain it in simpler terms: Westphalian ham is dry-cured and smoked ham. It is similar to cured prosciutto, but not raw.

There is no such thing as raw prosciutto.

7. Welsh rarebit

THREE WORDS: Hot. Cheese. Sauce. Yes, I’m talking about Welsh rarebit. It is a dish traditionally made with hot cheese sauce that is served over sliced, toasted bread.

Welsh rarebit is made of milk, butter, beer, dry mustard, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, flour, and salt. It was originally served as an after-dinner snack or supper dish, but it has since become popular as pub food. 

DID YOU KNOW? Welsh rarebit dish originated in Wales in the late 18th century.

8. White coconut chutney

This is a traditional Indian dish that is made of freshly ground coconut meat, green chili or red chili, and salt. The dish is usually served as an accompaniment to dishes such as biryani or pulao. It can also be used as a spread on bread or toast.

Guess twice about my preferred method of eating white coconut chutney. Of course, it’s spreading it on toast because of its beautiful, thick texture.

9. Wiener schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is a veal dish that is popular in Europe. It originated in Austria, where it was traditionally made with a thin slice of veal that was dipped into egg and breadcrumbs and then fried. Wiener schnitzel is usually served with lemon slices, fries, or potato salad. 

DID YOU KNOW? The word “wiener” (German for “Viennese”) comes from the Austrian capital Vienna.

10. White bread

slices of white bread on wooden board

I like all types of bread but somehow I always come back to good old white bread. It’s one of the most eaten foods in the world, so there’s no need to explain it further. I enjoy white bread in many different forms from bagels to sandwiches, so I had to add it to my top picks. 

11. Whitebait

Whitebait is a small fish that typically grows to 150-200 mm in length. Whitebait fish is only found in New Zealand. They are caught with nets or scooped up by the bucketful. They can be cooked in a variety of ways and are often served as a starter dish.

12. Whiskey

When I’m not drinking white wine, you’ll find me enjoying whiskey. So, I’ll use this opportunity to say a few things about this amazing beverage. 

Whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Different grains are used for different varieties, including barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, corn (maize), wheat, and malt.

DID YOU KNOW? Whiskey is typically aged in wooden casks, and the exception is Corn whiskey which is generally not aged at all and often sold as white whiskey.

13. Wiener sausage

I’m sure many of you are familiar with this type of sausage, so I’ll just say that Wiener sausage is served on a hot dog bun. 

How is Wiener sausage made? It’s cured, smoked, and then cooked. 

What is Wiener sausage made of? It’s traditionally made of beef and pork. 

14. Wisconsin cheese

As the name implies, Wisconsin Cheese is a type of cheese made in Wisconsin. This cheese has been around for centuries. 

Wisconsin Cheese was originally created by German immigrants in the 1800s when they settled in Wisconsin and started making cheese from cow’s milk.

15. Whelks

photo of whelks on a plate with a piece of bread

Briny and sweet! That’s what whelks taste like, and that’s why I’m a huge fan of them. Here are a few words about whelks:

Whelks belong to the carnivores sea snail species, and they mainly feed off other invertebrates, such as clams and oysters but also on small fish and sometimes even other whelks.

Whelks are found in all of the world’s oceans, from the tropics to polar regions. They live mostly on shallow seabeds, with some species at depths down to 700 meters.

16. Witloof

Also known as chicory, Belgium endive, or endive, witloof vegetable has multiple names which can be confusing at times. 

Witloof has been mostly popularized as a salad ingredient. It can be eaten raw or cooked. I prefer eating it cooked because of its slightly bitter taste.

DID YOU KNOW? Witloof is a Dutch name that means ‘white leaf’. 

17. Whiting

Whiting is a type of fish that is found in shallow European waters. It is also known as whiting, hake, and pollock. Whiting can be cooked in many different ways. It can be fried, grilled, or baked.

This fish has a mild flavor (similar to the taste of cod) and is often used for making fish cakes and other dishes that are made with ground-up fish.

18. Wat

Wat is an Ethiopian and Eritrean stew that can be made with any type of meat, but the most popular version is chicken and beef. 

Various vegetables, berbere (spicy seasoning mix), and niter kibbeh (seasoned clarified butter) are also added to this dish.

19. White soup

Also known as Ofe Nsala, white soup’s main ingredients are chicken and smoked fish. It is a popular Nigerian dish. 

The ingredients are usually cooked in a pot of water until they become tender. Some people prefer to eat it with croutons or pieces of bread that have been fried in butter or olive oil.

DID YOU KNOW? White soup doesn’t contain palm oil like other traditional soups, and that’s why it’s called ‘white soup’. 

20. Wraps

photo of chicken vegetable wrap

Vegetarian wraps, Halloumi wraps, Hummus wraps, Mexican chicken wraps… I eat them ALL! Oh, I forgot to mention quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos, and tacos.

Apart from being incredibly tasty, another reason why I’m so in love with wraps is that they are one of the fastest meals to make and are also highly nutritious. 

21. Wheat

Wheat is a cereal grain that is used for making bread, pasta, breakfast cereals, and more. You already know that, right?

Here’s something that you might not know about:

The main types of wheat are hard wheat and soft wheat. Hard wheat is higher in protein than soft wheat. The protein content in hard wheat can be up to 15% higher than in soft wheat.

22. White rice

White rice is a staple food in many different cultures. Now, what’s the difference between white and brown rice?

It has been discovered that white rice has the same amount of calories and nutritional value as brown rice, but it is lower in fiber and higher in the glycemic index.

I have almost forgot to mention that sticky rice has been my biggest nightmare for a long time because I didn’t rinse it before cooking. Learn from my mistakes! Here are more causes for sticky rice that might interest you. 

23. Wild rice

Wild rice is an ancient grain with a husk that was once the staple food for many North Americans. 

The wild rice plant thrives in shallow lakes and streams in the Great Lakes region and upper Midwest of the United States, where it was first harvested by Native Americans.

It grows in small, submerged patches just below the surface of the water, where it can be easily harvested with traditional methods.

24. Wasabi

Wasabi is a Japanese food that is served as a condiment alongside other dishes. It is made from the grated roots of the Wasabia Japonica plant and has a hot, spicy flavor. 

It can be eaten with sushi or sashimi, or it can be used as a dipping sauce for some other foods as well.

25. Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce in a bowl

Worcestershire sauce is a fermented vinegar condiment made from molasses, vinegar, tamarind extract, salt, onions, garlic, and some other ingredients.

DID YOU KNOW? Worcestershire sauce was invented in Worcester by John Wheeley Lea and Willian Perrins during the 1802s.

15 Fruits And Veggies That Start With W

Watermelon, wild rice, and wild onion are just a few of the many fruits and vegetables that start with W. So, let’s see:

1. Watermelon

Sweet, juicy, and healthy! What else can you look for in a fruit, right? Watermelon is a nutritious, low-calorie food that is an excellent choice for weight loss.

DID YOU KNOW? Even though everyone thinks that watermelon is a type of melon, watermelon is actually a type of berry that is known as a “pepo”. 

2. White onion

photo of white onion

White onion is an inevitable ingredient in my kitchen. I prefer adding white onion to sweet potatoes, cream cheese, and other savory dishes to create that umami flavor. 

Apart from being so versatile, white onion is one of the most beneficial vegetables for our immune system and overall health. It helps lower blood sugar levels, it is an antioxidant, it helps lower levels of cholesterol, you name it.

3. White coconut

No, the white coconut is not a different type of coconut. It’s just a young, immature coconut that hasn’t matured. 

They are harvested before they have matured and have the chance to develop their brown color and rich flavor. You can make cocoa butter and ice cream out of a white coconut. I do it from time to time. 

4. Waldorf salad

Waldorf salad is a fruit salad typically made with apples, celery, walnuts grapes, and mayonnaise. This dish is not just popular for its taste but also for its simplicity. It is a quick and easy-to-prepare dish that can be served as a side or as a light meal on its own.

DID YOU KNOW? Waldorf salad is named after the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in NYC because it was first created there for a charity ball in 1896.

5. Winter squash

Winter squash is a vegetable that is usually eaten in the wintertime. It’s a type of squash that can be cooked and eaten as an accompaniment to meat. 

This tuber is similar to the butternut pumpkin, spaghetti squash, and chicory and is very popular in Asia due to its peppery flavor.

6. Wolfberry

Wolfberry in a wooden bowl

Wolfberries are also known as “Goji Berries” and are mainly produced in northwest regions of China. You can eat them alone or you can add them to savory and sweet dishes. They have also been used for centuries in Chinese medicine.

DID YOU KNOW? Wolfberries contain high amounts of beta-carotene, vitamins, and antioxidants. 

7. Water chestnuts

Water chestnuts have many culinary uses. They can be eaten raw, cooked in a soup, or as a stir-fry. Water chestnuts are high in carbohydrates and low in fat. They are also rich in vitamin C and potassium.

8. Williams pear

Also known as the Bartlett pear, the Williams pear has a green appearance, and its flesh is very sweet, but it is not as soft as other types of pears. This type of pear was first discovered in England. 

9. White turnip

The white turnip is a type that has a quite mild flavor, and it can be eaten raw or cooked. If I had to compare it with some other vegetable, I would say that white turnip is similar to radish. 

The white turnip is very versatile, and it can be used in many different dishes and eaten either raw or cooked.

10. Watercress

photo of Watercress

Watercress is a leafy green that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It has white flowers and dark green leaves. It is also known as “watercress,” “garden cress,” or “creasy greens.” Watercress is used in soups, salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. 

11. Wineberry

Wineberry is a type of raspberry that is native to East Asia. The fruit has an oval shape and it has the size of a raspberry or a blueberry. Wineberry is also known as wine raspberry, Japanese wineberry, or dewberry.

12. Winter melon

Winter melons are typically harvested during the late fall months. The flesh of the winter melon is white, and the skin is green. 

Winter melons are very popular in Asia, where they are often served as a soup or dessert. Wintermelon milk tea has also become extremely popular lately.

13. White fig

White figs aren’t actually white but they are light green or yellow in color with a red flesh inside. They grow in tropical areas such as India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. 

DID YOU KNOW? White figs can grow up to 6 meters in length. 

14. White beech mushroom

White beech mushroom

White beech mushrooms grow on dead trees and logs. There are actually two types of these mushrooms: brown and white. White beech mushrooms are native to East Asia, but they are also grown in Europe, Australia, and the US.

15. White currant

When you read white currant, you’ve probably started wondering about the difference between red currant and white currant. 

The main difference between the two is that white currant is sweeter and it has a different (white) color. White currants grow in some regions of Asia and Europe, and they have naturally mutated. 

14 Snacks And Sweets That Start With W

If you are looking for a good snack to start your day (or to win that word game), pick one of these snacks starting with W:

1. White chocolate

White chocolate has been my fav for a long time but as I got older, I switched to dark chocolate. However, I come back to white chocolate from time to time. 

In case you wonder how it is made, here’s your answer: white chocolate is made from sugar, milk, and cocoa butter. It’s rich in fat and sugar, which is why you should consume it in moderation. 

2. Waffle fries

Waffle fries are a popular food item that is served in many restaurants and fast food chains. The name “waffle fry” is derived from the shape of the potato, which resembles a waffle.

The texture of waffle fries is thicker than french fries, and dipping them in ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise is absolute perfection. 

3. Waffle crisp cereal

Waffle Crisp is a breakfast cereal that was introduced in the United States in 1996. This cereal is made of corn. It has a maple syrup flavor and a waffle shape. Now you know why it is called waffle crisp cereal. 

4. Walnut cake

piece of walnut cake on a plate

This cake is a dense, rich cake made with ground walnuts, eggs, sugar, butter, and other ingredients. I also like to add some dried fruits when making this easy and delicious cake that deserves to be on the list of foods that start with W. 

5. White chocolate cookies

White chocolate cookies are a type of cookie that is made with white chocolate instead of regular chocolate. Obviously. They are often served as a dessert or snack.

6. Walnuts

Walnuts are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve mental health. Eating walnuts also helps you feel fuller for longer, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

DID YOU KNOW? Walnuts are actually a fruit.

7. Whole wheat chocolate crisp cookies

Chocolate and whole wheat flour are “responsible” for this healthy, delicious cookie. These cookies are made of whole wheat flour, dark chocolate chips, and oats.

I love this recipe because it doesn’t require lots of preparation and you can make it by using only one bowl. 

8. White chocolate nut cookie

white chocolate nut cookies

White chocolate nut cookies are a delicious dessert perfect for the holidays. They are made with white chocolate, walnuts, and pecans. The ingredients in this recipe are simple and easy to find, and that’s why we dig it!

9. Wagon wheels

Wagon wheels are extremely popular in the US. They are made from a dough that is rolled into a log, then cut into slices and baked. The dough is usually flavored with cinnamon and sugar. Yummy!

10. White chocolate brownies

White chocolate brownies are made of white chocolate, flour, butter, sugar, and some other ingredients. They are usually baked in a square pan and cut into squares. At least, that’s how I make them.

11. Wheaties

Wheaties are famous breakfast cereals consumed by many Americans. They are made of a combination of wheat and bran. 

DID YOU KNOW? Wheaties were created accidentally when a Minnesota clinician spilled a wheat bran mixture on a hot stovetop. 

12. White coconut cake

piece of coconut cake

This is a traditional cake that is made with coconut milk, sugar, flour, eggs, and butter. It is usually served with whipped cream or ice cream.

The white coconut cake has a light and fluffy texture that makes it perfect for any occasion. It can be served as an afternoon snack or as a dessert after dinner.

13. Wheat cake

Wheat cakes are similar to pancakes. In the past, wheat cakes (read: pancakes) were made with molasses which resulted in a bitter taste. Today, wheat cakes are made of flour, milk, butter, sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, and water.

14. Watermelon cake

Watermelon cake is one of my favorite refreshing desserts during summer. This cake is made of fresh watermelon, whipped cream, and sugar. It’s pure perfection!

BONUS: 21 More Foods That Start With W

Here are a few more W foods extras that you might need:

1. White mulberry

2. Waffle pizza

3. Winter vegetable soup

4. Waikiki cocktail

5. Wild orange

6. Wild jack

7. Watery rose apple

8. Wild strawberry

9. Waldorf cocktail

10. Winter apple pie

11. Wax apple

12. Walking tacos

13. Wood apple

14. Walla walla sweet onion

15. White Aspen berry

16. Wild peach

17. Warbine cooler

18. Water mimosa

19. Wampee

20. Warabi mochi

21. Whitebark raspberry

Good luck with your word game! 😊

75 Foods That Start With W (From Waffles To Wheaties!)