38+ Knockout Foods That Start With The Letter ‘K’

Have you ever wondered how many foods in the world start with the letter ‘K’? As it turns out, there are a lot out there, not just including KitKats and key lime pies. 

Throughout the world, there are several fruits, vegetables, candies, and meats that begin with the 11th letter of the alphabet. In this article, we have listed 40 of them! 

So, let’s get started. Here are 38 knockout foods that start with the letter ‘K’ (see also ‘24+ Foods That Begin With The Letter “L”‘) .

1. Kabobs / Kebabs

Depending on where you live in the world, you may give this type of food a different name. However, one thing remains the same: both terms begin with the letter ‘K’. 

Kabobs/kebabs are, typically, chunks of marinaded meat and vegetables that are roasted or grilled together on a skewer. The meat used is often chicken, lamb, or beef.

2. Kabosu

The kabosu, a tart citrus fruit with a distinctive scent, and is particularly popular in its native country, Japan.

This fruit’s juice is used to marinade various foods to enhance their flavor, particularly seared fish and sashimi.

3. Kaffir Lime

The tropical fruit, known as kaffir lime (see also ‘6 Substitutes For When You Run Out Of Kaffir Lime Leaves‘), is indigenous to many regions of Asia. Both the fruit and its leaves are frequently used in cuisine.

In addition to its culinary use, kaffir lime is highly regarded in herbal medicine due to its distinctively acidic and agreeable flavor.

4. Kahlua

While this is technically a drink, it is consumable, therefore it has earned a place on this list. Kahlua is a coffee-based liqueur that is used in many types of cocktails.

This liqueur is used in popular cocktails such as Espresso Martinis, White Russians, and Frozen Mudslides.

5. Kale

Green and resilient, kale is a variety of cabbage with upright stems, broad leaves, and no compact head.

Although this vegetable is widely consumed, it is also used medicinally to treat heart disease and cancer. A lot of folks choose to add kale to their morning juices and smoothies.

6. Kangaroo Meat

Kangaroo meat is a lean, chewy meat that is well-liked in Australia, and holds a distinct flavour.

It has a lot of zinc, iron, and protein and even has omega-3 fatty acids. It has become a well-liked choice for serious athletes wanting to reduce their calorie intake and increase muscle mass, due to its low fat and high protein concentration.

7. Kaki

The kaki fruit, also known as a persimmon (see also ‘13 Great Ways To Use Persimmons In Recipes‘) in other regions of the world, resembles a tomato, but has a more flavorful and sweeter flavor.

It is indigenous to China, where it has been grown for many years and has more than 2000 different cultivars.

8. Kasha

In Eastern Europe (see also ‘20 Best Ukrainian Foods‘), kasha, a sort of cereal or oatmeal prepared from buckwheat groats, is a popular food.

Although this term is typically used to describe oatmeal produced from buckwheat groats, it is also occasionally used in some regions of the world to describe any oatmeal prepared from a whole grain. 

9. Kava

The Piper methysticum plant is used to make the beverage or extract known as kava. It’s a well-liked beverage that is used to unwind at rituals in the South Pacific.

The brain and other central nervous system organs can become impacted by kava, when consumed. The effects of kava are thought to be caused by substances called kavalactones that are present in the plant.

10. Kecap Manis

Kecap manis, an Indonesian sauce flavoured with star anise and/or garlic, is comparable to a sweetened soy sauce.

This is a condiment that is sweetened with palm sugar. The sauce has a very rich caramel flavour and is pretty thick, not always salty, and creamy.

11. Kedgeree

In Britain, kedgeree, a breakfast dish of curried rice, smoked salmon, boiled eggs, parsley, and lemon juice, is very common.

Although kedgeree is often referred to as a traditional British breakfast food, its origins are in Indian cuisine (see also ‘27 Of The Best Indian Recipes For Dinner‘), where it was once known as the modest rice and lentil dish, khichari. The British included the fish to boost the dish’s protein content.

12. Kei Apple

Kei apples are little fruits with a soft, velvety surface and an oval-shaped, curved form. The golden flesh is sensitive, watery, soft, and luscious on the inside of the fruit

Although they originate from Southern Africa, kei apples are now available and widely enjoyed all around the world.

13. Ketchup

In 97% of kitchens all around the country, ketchup can be found in cupboards, as it is one of the most popular condiments. Although it is now known as ‘tomato ketchup’ or ‘tomato sauce’, it wasn’t always flavored with tomatoes.

Surprisingly, the Chinese word ‘ke-tsiap’, which refers to a pickled fish sauce, is the source of the English word ‘ketchup’.

14. Ketembilla

The ketembilla is a fuzzy, acidic, tropical fruit related to the kei apple, that is primarily used for jams and jellies.

The fruit’s purple interior is filled with sweet, delicious flesh that tastes similar to English gooseberries.

15. Kettle Corn

Processed sugar, salt, and oil are all commonly combined and used to season kettle corn, a sweet form of popcorn.

Although different kinds of pots and pans are now used, the term comes from the fact that this snack was traditionally made in cast iron kettles.

16. Key Lime

The key lime is a hybrid citrus fruit. When plucked, it is green, but when it has ripened, it turns yellow.

These fruits are substantially smaller and lighter in color than a conventional lime. They taste sweeter as well.

17. Key Lime Pie

The popular American dessert called ‘key lime pie’ is created of key limes, egg yolks, and condensed milk. The pie is occasionally tinted green, and topped with whipped cream.

When Spanish sailors discovered key limes growing in the Florida Keys in the 19th century, it led to the initial invention of key lime pie.

18. Kidney Beans

A kidney bean is a small, red-colored bean that visually resembles the human liver, hence the name. They are full of fiber and protein.

Kidney beans are a ‘common bean’, along with black beans, navy beans, and pintos. Each of these beans share a common ancestor.

19. Kielbasa

Any Polish meat sausage goes by the name ‘kielbasa’, and it is a mainstay of Polish cooking.

In the US, the keilbasa is often the name given to a gritty, U-shaped smoked sausage of any type of meat, although it typically refers to a pork-based sausage.

20. Kimchi

Kimchi is a common side dish in Korea made from fermented and salted vegetables such napa cabbage, garlic, and Korean radish. Shrimp is also another popular ingredient.

Additionally, kimchi is often added to a number of Korean soups and stews.

21. Kinder Bueno

Italian confectioner Ferrero produces the popular chocolate bar and wafer treat known as the Kinder Bueno.

The Kinder Bueno is a hazelnut-cream-filled wafer, drizzled with melted milk chocolate and dark chocolate, that is a product of the Kinder Chocolate brand.

22. King Crab

The King Crab is a big saltwater invertebrate with a robust, protective shell covering its body.

Its flavor is similar to lobster’s, and it has a high-end feel to it. The meat has a creamy, smooth texture that is well-liked by those who enjoy seafood.

23. Kingfish

Kingfish, often known as king mackerel, thrives in the Atlantic Ocean, along the American coastline.

Despite having a low overall fat content, kingfish is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. Selenium, vitamin B12, and protein are also abundant in it.

24. Kipper

A kipper is a whole herring that has been gutted, salted, or pickled after being split in half along the dorsal ridge in the shape of a butterfly. Herrings are tiny, oily fish.

Kippers are most frequently consumed for breakfast in the UK, Republic of Ireland, as well as some parts of North America.

25. Kirsch/Kirschwasser

Morello cherries, a dark-colored variant of the sour cherry, are historically used to make Kirsch or Kirschwasser, a clear, colorless brandy. The entire cherry, including the stones, is fermented to create this alcoholic beverage.  

Kirschwasser is not sweet tasting, however, like cherry liqueurs and cherry brandies.

26. Kit Kat

The chocolate-covered wafer bar treat known as Kit Kat was first developed by Rowntree’s of York in the United Kingdom. Nestlé today manufactures Kit Kat products all over the world.

This chocolate bar has four fingers, each of which is constructed of a wafer enrobed in milk chocolate.

27. Kiwano

The exotic fruit known as the Kiwano is grown in New Zealand. Kiwano can be enjoyed as a straightforward, healthy snack or an unusual supper meal.

A brilliant green pulp with a flavor best characterized as a light blend of banana, lime, and passion fruit can be found inside the golden skin of this fruit.

28. Kiwi

Kiwi fruit is a brown, fuzzy fruit filled with juicy, green flesh, and small black seeds. It has a sweet yet tangy flavor.

These fruits were initially discovered growing untamed in China, and later gained popularity in New Zealand.

29. Kiwiberries

Bite-sized kiwi berries like a cross between kiwifruit, grapes, and kumquats.

The main distinction between kiwi berries and kiwifruit is the berries’ smooth, leathery green skin, compared to the fuzzy brown skin of a kiwi.

30. Knackwerst/Knockwurst

In the Holstein region of Germany, knackwurst, often known as knockwurst, is a thick sausage. Ground veal, occasionally beef, and garlic are ingredients in knockwurst.

Knockwursts are often bulbous and short, and they are prepared by heating them in hot water.

31. Knish

A fluffy, pillow-like ball of dough stuffed to the gills with seasoned mashed potatoes is known as a ‘knish’.

Although they can be cut into pieces and deep-fried for a crisp surface, each piece is generally made into a round orb and baked.

32. Kohlrabi

A member of the brassica family, which also includes kale, cauliflower, and cabbage, kohlrabi is also referred to as German turnip (see also our favorite German recipes).

This is a strange-looking vegetable that resembles a mix between an apple and a broccoli stalk.

33. Kosher Pickles

Kosher salt (see also ‘5 Kosher Salt Substitutes‘) is related to the phrase ‘kosher pickle’. A kosher pickle is spicy and crisp, in contrast to sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles.

The dill pickle, which adds dill in the brine solution, is a traditional variation of the kosher pickle.

34. Koshihikari Rice

With a toughness, texture, fragrance, and a natural sweetness, koshihikari rice is regarded as a super-premium short grain rice.

This low glycemic rice is robust yet smooth, and has other qualities that make it ideal for sushi or everyday use.

35. Kudzu

Native to China, Japan, and Korea is the kudzu root, sometimes known as Japanese arrowroot. It has been commonly utilised by these nations for many years. Kudzu now flourishes in different countries throughout the globe.

Kudzu root resembles other root tubers, such potatoes or yams, when it is uncooked. It is oblong-shaped, with tan skin and white flesh.

36. Kumera

The multipurpose kumera, also referred to as the sweet potato, hails from the West Indies. It is a popular tuber that is consumed all over the world.

It has a lovely, sweet flavor and is incredibly smooth and excellent when mashed or puréed. It is often used as a side dish.

37. Kumquat

A kumquat, sometimes known as a ‘golden orange’, is about the size of a grape, but is filled with sweet, tangy qualities.

They were first produced in China. These days, they are also grown in a number of other nations, including the drier regions of the United States.

38. Kvass

Kvass is a soured cereal-based low-alcohol beverage with a light-brown colour, a slightly foggy consistency, and a sweet yet tangy flavour.

It can be flavoured with honey, berries, fruits, or herbs. Kvass is a product of northeastern Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Foods That Start With The Letter ‘K’?

There are so many foods that start with the letter ‘K’ (see also ‘16 + Foods That Start With The Letter U‘). Some of the more popular food items starting with this letter include kiwi fruit, kidney beans (see also ‘33 Easy Kidney Bean Recipes‘), Kung Pao chicken, and key lime pie.

In this article, we have listed 40 different types of food that start with the letter ‘K’ (see also ‘25 Amazingly Awesome Foods That Begin With The Letter R‘), and there are even other types of foods that we may have left out.

What Fruit Starts With The Letter ‘K’?

The most popular type of fruit that starts with the letter ‘K’ is the kiwi fruit, a juicy, green fruit filled with tiny black seeds, covered in a brown, fuzzy coating. Other types of fruit that start with the letter ‘K’ are key limes, kaffir limes, and kei apples.

Are Kiwi Berries Edible?

The kiwi berry, which is the size of a grape, has a thin, smooth, edible peel that ranges in color from green to brown. The kiwi berry’s pulp is a vibrant green color, and has a sweet, fragrant flavor.

Similar to how you would eat a blueberry, you can eat them whole.

Final Thoughts

Please note that there are, almost definitely, many more types of food out there that start with the letter ‘K’ (see also ‘15+ Foods That Start With The Letter E’). If you can think of anymore, let us know!

We hope you found this article interesting and informative.