40+ Foods That Start with L (With Fun Facts & Easy Descriptions)

Looking for foods that start with the letter L? Whether you're working on a food challenge, planning a themed party, creating an educational activity, or expanding your culinary vocabulary, this list is for you. We've compiled over 40 delicious and diverse food items that start with the letter L—complete with quick descriptions, cultural context, nutrition insights, and fun facts. From exotic fruits and hearty dishes to desserts and spices, this guide offers something for everyone—from students to food bloggers.

Fruits & Vegetables That Start with L

Here are some fruits and vegetables that begin with the letter L. Perfect for a healthy diet or trivia game!

Lemon

A sour citrus fruit packed with vitamin C, lemon is often used in salad dressings, teas, marinades, and baked goods. Its juice adds a zesty brightness, while its rind is a fragrant addition to desserts.

Fun Fact: Lemons float in water, while limes sink!

Lime

Tart and tangy, lime is a green citrus fruit used widely in drinks, salsas, and Thai dishes. Its juice pairs well with fish, tacos, and cocktails like margaritas.

Fun Fact: Limes were used by sailors to prevent scurvy.

Leek

Leeks have a subtle onion flavor and are used in soups, stews, and quiches. The white part is tender and becomes sweet when cooked.

Fun Fact: Leeks are the national emblem of Wales.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a leafy green often found in salads, sandwiches, and wraps. It comes in many varieties like iceberg, romaine, and butterhead.

Fun Fact: Romaine lettuce was once considered a sacred plant in ancient Egypt.

Lychee

This tropical fruit has a bumpy red shell and juicy white interior. It’s sweet and floral, often eaten fresh or used in Asian desserts and drinks.

Fun Fact: Lychees are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

Loganberry

A cross between a blackberry and a raspberry, loganberries are tart, juicy, and perfect for jams, jellies, and pies.

Fun Fact: Discovered by accident in California during the 19th century.

Lablab Bean

This bean is used in Indian and African cuisines, often cooked in stews or curries. It must be boiled properly to remove toxins.

Fun Fact: Also used as animal fodder in some regions.

Longan

Longan is a tropical fruit with translucent flesh and a flavor similar to lychee, but slightly muskier. It’s popular in Chinese herbal soups and desserts.

Fun Fact: Called "dragon eye" in Chinese due to its appearance.

Lima Bean

Lima beans are buttery-textured legumes rich in fiber and iron. They’re commonly added to soups, salads, and casseroles.

Fun Fact: Named after Lima, the capital of Peru, where it originated.

Laver

A seaweed that’s nutrient-rich and used in sushi, soups, and traditional Welsh dishes. It’s often dried and made into flakes or sheets.

Fun Fact: Laverbread is made from laver and is high in iodine and vitamin B12.

Lotus Root

The root of the lotus plant, this crunchy vegetable is commonly used in Asian stir-fries and soups. It's mild in flavor and high in fiber.

Fun Fact: Its cross-section looks like a snowflake or wheel, adding aesthetic appeal to dishes.

Main Dishes & Meals That Start with L

These main dishes beginning with L bring international flair and hearty flavors to the table.

Lasagna

Lasagna is a layered Italian dish made with sheets of pasta, ricotta cheese, meat, tomato sauce, and sometimes spinach. It's baked until bubbling and golden.

Fun Fact: Lasagna recipes appear as early as the 14th century in Italy.

Lamb Curry

A rich stew featuring tender lamb in a sauce of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and warming spices like cumin and coriander. It's usually served with rice or naan.

Fun Fact: Found in Indian, Pakistani, and Caribbean culinary traditions.

Linguine

Linguine is a type of pasta that’s flatter than spaghetti but rounder than fettuccine. It’s perfect for seafood-based sauces or pesto.

Fun Fact: The name means "little tongues" in Italian.

Loco Moco

A popular Hawaiian dish made of steamed rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and rich brown gravy. Comfort food at its finest.

Fun Fact: Often eaten as a hearty breakfast.

Liver and Onions

This traditional dish includes pan-fried liver (usually beef or chicken) cooked with sweet caramelized onions. It's high in iron and vitamins.

Fun Fact: Organ meats like liver are among the most nutrient-dense foods.

Lahmacun

A thin, round flatbread topped with a mixture of minced lamb, onions, and spices. It's baked and often rolled up with salad and lemon.

Fun Fact: Commonly served rolled up with lemon juice and fresh herbs.

Laksa

A spicy and flavorful noodle soup from Southeast Asia. It combines rice noodles, coconut milk, chicken or shrimp, and chili paste.

Fun Fact: Curry laksa uses coconut milk; asam laksa uses tamarind for a sour taste.

Lentil Soup

Made with lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, this hearty soup is both nutritious and budget-friendly. Often found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern diets.

Fun Fact: Lentil soup has been consumed since ancient times in the Middle East.

Snacks & Sweets That Start with L

Here are some tasty treats and munchies that start with L—perfect for dessert lovers and snack seekers.

Lollipop

A classic hard candy on a stick, lollipops come in endless flavors, shapes, and colors. Popular among kids and often handed out in banks, salons, and parades.

Fun Fact: The world’s largest lollipop weighed over 7,000 pounds!

Licorice

Chewy candy made from licorice root extract or anise oil. Available in black (traditional) and red (flavored) varieties.

Fun Fact: Real licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which can affect blood pressure if consumed in excess.

Ladyfinger

A light, sweet sponge biscuit shaped like a finger, often used in layered desserts like tiramisu and trifles.

Fun Fact: Known as “savoiardi” in Italian, they were once baked for European royalty.

Lemon Tart

A dessert featuring a crisp pastry shell filled with tangy lemon curd. It balances sweet and sour flavors perfectly.

Fun Fact: Lemon desserts were historically used to cleanse the palate after rich meals.

Lemon Cake

A moist cake made with lemon juice or zest for a fresh citrus flavor. Popular as a tea-time dessert or celebratory treat.

Fun Fact: Glazing with a lemon-sugar syrup enhances moisture and zing.

Lava Cake

A decadent chocolate cake with a gooey, molten center. Served warm, often with a scoop of ice cream.

Fun Fact: The lava cake was created by accident when a chef undercooked a chocolate sponge cake.

Lemon Drop

A small, hard candy with an intensely sour-sweet lemon flavor. Sometimes used to soothe throats.

Fun Fact: These candies date back to the 1800s and were once used in medicine.

Lattice Pie

A pie with a crisscross pattern of dough strips over the filling, commonly used in apple or berry pies.

Fun Fact: Lattice pies not only look beautiful but help moisture evaporate during baking.

Grains, Spices & Condiments That Start with L

Explore pantry essentials and seasonings that start with L—many offer flavor, fiber, or both.

Lentils

Small, lens-shaped legumes rich in protein, fiber, and iron. Common in soups, stews, and vegetarian dishes.

Fun Fact: Lentils were one of the first domesticated crops and have been eaten for over 9,000 years.

Lemongrass

A fragrant, citrusy herb used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Adds a bright aroma to soups, curries, and teas.

Fun Fact: Lemongrass also has natural mosquito-repellent properties.

Lavender

Though better known as a flower, culinary lavender is used in teas, baked goods, and spice blends.

Fun Fact: Lavender adds a floral touch to desserts like shortbread and ice cream.

Linseed

Also known as flaxseed, it’s a tiny superfood rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Often added to smoothies, cereals, and breads.

Fun Fact: Ground linseed improves nutrient absorption compared to whole seeds.

Light Soy Sauce

A salty, thin version of soy sauce used mainly in Chinese stir-fries and marinades. Enhances umami flavor without dark coloring.

Fun Fact: “Light” refers to color and taste—not sodium or calorie content.

Labneh

A thick, creamy yogurt cheese from the Middle East. Served as a spread or dip with olive oil and herbs.

Fun Fact: Labneh has probiotics and is more digestible than regular cheese.

Drinks That Start with L

Refreshing beverages and cozy drinks that begin with L—some are global staples, others hidden gems.

Lemonade

A classic summer drink made from lemon juice, sugar, and water. Can be flat or sparkling.

Fun Fact: Arnold Palmer, a famous golfer, made lemonade and iced tea blends iconic.

Latte

An espresso-based drink mixed with steamed milk and topped with foam. Commonly flavored with vanilla, caramel, or seasonal spices.

Fun Fact: “Latte” means “milk” in Italian and refers to coffee + milk drinks.

Lassi

A traditional Indian yogurt-based drink, served sweet (with fruit or rose water) or salty (with spices).

Fun Fact: Lassi helps cool the digestive system during hot weather.

Limeade

Similar to lemonade, but made with lime juice. Tangier in flavor and often used as a mixer in cocktails.

Fun Fact: Limeade is popular in Caribbean and Latin American countries.

Licorice Tea

An herbal infusion made from licorice root. Naturally sweet and often used to soothe sore throats.

Fun Fact: Overconsumption of licorice tea can cause a drop in potassium levels.

Conclusion

From lemons to lasagna and lollipops to lavender, the foods that start with L span cultures, cuisines, and categories. Whether you're researching for a class, planning a food game, or just expanding your knowledge, this comprehensive list has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are healthy foods that start with L?
A: Lentils, leeks, lettuce, lemons, and laver are all nutritious options high in fiber, vitamins, or antioxidants.

Q: Are there any desserts that start with L?
A: Yes! Lava cake, lemon tart, lemon cake, and lollipops are all sweet treats starting with L.

Q: What is a fruit that starts with L?
A: Lychee, lemon, lime, longan, and loganberry are all fruits that start with L.

Q: Can I use this list for educational purposes or school projects?
A: Absolutely. This list is designed for learners, educators, and curious minds of all ages.

Q: Are any of these foods vegan or vegetarian?
A: Many, including lentils, laver, lemon tart (with substitutes), and lychee, are perfect for plant-based diets.