Have you ever wondered what foods start with Y? We have rounded up 25 types of food that begin with the letter Y. From fruits, vegetables, desserts and more, you will find some familiar and maybe not so familiar foods on this list.

Foods that start with Y

We have assembled a detailed list of foods that come from all over the world and begin with the letter Y. Yeast to Yuzu, you will find a brief description of all of these different foods.

1. Yeast

Yeast are single celled microorganisims that are classified as fungus. There are currently 1500 recognized species of yeast. The yeast that baker’s use is known as Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. This sugar eating yeast is used to make all kinds of breads and pastries.

2. Yellow Watermelon Fruit

Yellow watermelons do not contain lycopene which gives traditional watermelon their reddish pink color. There is a slight taste difference in these watermelons. The yellow variety is usually a little sweeter in flavor than it’s pink counterpart.

3. Yellow Squash

Yellow squash, or summer squash, is one of our favorite summertime foods. We like to fry yellow squash, sauté it and more. These squash are typically harvested when they are immature, making them tender and delicious.

4. Yukon Gold Potatoes

These potatoes are large and have a thin, smooth skin with a yellowish “gold” flesh. They are so delicious in many recipes like potato salad, roasted potatoes and more.

5. Yams

Yams are edible tubers that are grown in several different varieties. There are 870 known species of yams and most of them are grown in Africa. Are yams the same as sweet potatoes? No, they are actually different in taste, texture and color. The skin of a yam resembles tree bark and sweet potatoes have a more reddish tint. Yams are also not typically sweet in taste like a sweet potato.

6. Yuzu

Yuzu is a citrus fruit that is a hybrid of mandarin oranges and ichang papeda. It looks like a small grapefruit and can be yellow or green in color. This fruit is used a lot in Japanese cuisine. It’s tart in flavor and used in a similar way lemons would be used.

7. Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna can also be referred to as ahi. It’s one of the bigger species of tuna and can weigh up to 400 pounds. Yellowfin is used in many raw fish dishes like sashimi.

8. Yolk

The yolk is the yellow, internal part of an egg. The yolk contains most of an egg’s iron, vitamins and folate but also contain more cholesterol and fat than the egg whites. Egg yolks can be used for a wide variety of recipes like deviled eggs, egg salad, pies and more.

9. Youngberry

Youngberries are a hybrid of blackberries, raspberries and dewberries. They can be eaten right off the vine or used to make jelly, jam and juice. This berry is mostly grown in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

10. Yardlong Beans

Yardlong beans, or asparagus beans, have edible green pods with seeds similar to green beans. The pods are only about half a yard long, unlike it’s yard name.

11. Yogurt

Yogurt is made by fermenting milk. It has a creamy, smooth texture with a flavor that is slightly tart. Some yogurts have been blended with fruit to give it a sweeter flavor. Yogurt can be eaten on it’s own or used in a variety of recipes like this fruit parfait, sauces, marinades and smoothies.

12. Yuca Root

Yuca root is also known as cassava. It’s a starchy root native to South America. Yuca root has a bark like skin and the taste is often compared to potatoes while having a stringy texture.

13. Yarrow

Yarrow is a perennial herb that has been used in food and beverages for centuries. It’s bitter flavor is often compared to tarragon. Yarrow leaves can be dried and then ground into a spice . Yarrow is also believed to have a medicinal qualities.

14. Yali Pear

These are Chinese white pears with a thin, yellow skin. They can be eaten raw, even the skin, or cooked.

15. Yiros

Yiros are also referred to as Gyros. A Greek dish made with meat that is stuffed in a pita and served with tomato and tzatziki sauce. The meat is typically cooked on a vertical rotisserie and then shaved off once cooked.

16. Yabby

Yabby are small, freshwater crayfish that are found in Australia. They are eaten the same way crayfish are in other countries, usually boiled and served with sauce or on pasta, salad and more.

17. Yellow Tomatoes

These beautiful tomatoes come in different sizes and shapes. They have a wonderful, sweet taste and are perfect to use in many dishes like this cucumber tomato salad.

18. Yangmei Fruit

This delicious fruit has the nickname “Yumberry”. Loved in China, this fruit has a bumpy texture and is about the size of a cherry. The flavor is similar to a strawberry and raspberry.

19. Yam Beans

Yam beans are a type of root vegetable that are similar to sweet potatoes. They are also known as jicama or Chinese turnip. Yam beans are low in calories and full of vitamin C. Usually eaten raw, these make a great snack and are delicious cut up in salads.

20. Yautia

Commonly known as Taro, Yautia is often used as a thickening agent for different recipes like stews and chowders. It has a woodsy, nutty taste.

21. Yakitori

Yakitori is a type of skewered chicken in Japan. The name Yakitori translates directly to grilled chicken. Meat is skewered and then grilled over a charcoal fire.

22. Yorkshire Pudding

This is a common side dish found in England. Yorkshire pudding is a baked pudding that is made from flour, eggs and milk. It’s very similar to a popover.

23. Yellowtail Fish

Yellowtail is also known as amberjack fish that can be found in the Pacific ocean. This is a popular fish served in sushi restaurants.

24. Yokan

Yokan is a sweet dessert from Japan that is similar to Turkish delight. It’s made from agar, sugar and adzuki bean jam. There are two main types, mizu yokan and neri yokan. You can usually find them sold in blocks and then eaten in slices.

25. Yodels

A cream-filled snack cake made by Drake’s company. Very similar to Swiss Cake Rolls or Ho Hos.

Don’t see a Y food that should be on the list? Be sure to let me know in the comments.

Interested in more food words, check out this list of foods that begin with W and foods that start with H.