These include mouthwatering savory dishes, delectable desserts, some sweet and juicy fruits, flavor-packed herbs, and even some refreshing (and boozy!) drinks. Think you can list them all out? I dare you to test yourself. Let’s get started!
36 Foods That Start With The Letter M
1. M&M’s
M&M’s are one of the most famous candies in the world. They’re small bits of chocolate coated in candy shells. First introduced in the 1940s by Forrest Mars and William Murrie, these colorful treats “melt in your mouth, not in your hand!”
2. Macadamia Nuts
These creamy nuts native to Australia are most commonly used with desserts and other sweets. They’re calorie-rich and high in fats… the good kind! The mild and creamy flavors go well with other ingredients like chocolate, coconut, and even lime.
3. Macaroni
A dry, short pasta in the shape of a slightly curved tube, macaroni is a versatile pasta that goes well with salads and soups. Although it originated in Italy, it’s now most popularly used for the classic American dish, macaroni and cheese!
4. Macarons
Few sweets are as luxurious and decadent as macarons. These meringue-based treats known for their fluffy “feet” are egg white, icing sugar, white sugar, and almond. They also come in a variety of different flavors like vanilla, chocolate, apricot, rose, and lavender.
5. Macaroons
Not to be confused with the French macarons, macaroons are a coconut-flavored dessert usually served as a small cake or cookie. They’re golden brown on the outside and moist and chewy on the inside.
6. Mai Tai
One of the most famous cocktails in the world is the Mai Tai. It’s a rum-based drink and consists of white rum, lime juice, orange curacao, and sugar syrup. This Polynesian beverage is usually garnished with a lime peel or a slice of pineapple.
7. Malt
Malt is a cereal grain made from barley that is found in a variety of different foods from desserts to liquors. It has a mild sweetness to it that is often compared to caramel, toast, or even coffee.
8. Mandarins
A rich source of vitamin C, mandarins are citrus fruits that are thought to have originated in China. They’re sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor and can be used as an ingredient in many recipes or as a simple and healthy snack.
9. Mango
Mangoes are another fruit rich in vitamin C and bursting with flavor. Nicknamed “the king of the fruits,” the mango is said to have originated in the foothills of the Himalayas. They have a refreshing flavor that goes well in cakes, desserts, and even milkshakes!
10. Maple Syrup
A staple at any breakfast table, maple syrup is often used on top of pancakes or waffles. This syrup is extracted from maple trees and was first used by Native Americans. Did you know that a single maple tree can produce 5 to 15 gallons of sap between late winter and early spring?
11. Maraschino Cherries
A glamorous garnish, maraschino cherries are juicy and packed with flavor. You might recall their distinct deep red color, but they actually start off light and will gradually darken as they are preserved in brine.
12. Margarita
Another cocktail that is famous all around the world… possibly the most famous! This happy hour favorite is made from tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. They even come in different fruity flavors like strawberry and mango.
13. Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a variety of different herbs. It’s usually eaten as a pasta sauce or as a dip for several Italian-American dishes.
14. Marjoram
An herb with a mild and slightly sweet flavor, marjoram not only goes well with meat like beef or lamb, but it is also used as a natural medicine for coughs and colds.
15. Marshmallows
One food that all kids enjoy is marshmallows! These soft pillowy treats are great to add to desserts like cookies and cakes. If you have a campfire going, marshmallows are a must for when you make those delicious s’mores.
16. Mayonnaise
A condiment you either love or hate, mayo has so many uses. It’s made of egg yolks and oil and is used as a base for many dressings like tartar sauce, aioli, and ranch. Have it in a sandwich or a salad, this condiment is everywhere!
17. Mead
You might have heard of mead as a favorite drink in medieval times. This alcoholic beverage is made with honey, barley, and other fruits. It has its own distinct flavor and can be similar to beer or cider.
18. Meatballs
Made with ground meat rolled into balls with a variety of other ingredients and spices, meatballs go well with pasta, soup, or even sandwiches. They are usually fried, but baking them is a healthier option, as you won’t need as much oil.
19. Melon
Green on the outside and golden and juicy on this inside, melons actually belong to the berry family. There are several kinds of melons that vary in color and shape including watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. All are rich in vitamin C!
20. Meringue
A staple in Italian, French, and Swiss cuisine, meringue is made with only whipped egg whites and sugar. Although it only consists of two ingredients, it has a distinct sweetness and airy but crunchy texture that can be added to many desserts.
21. Merlot
Merlot is known as a kind of red wine that is dry but mild in flavor. The word merlot actually refers to the variety of grape it is made with.
22. Minestrone Soup
A classic Italian comfort food, minestrone soup is a tomato-based soup made with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery. It can also be added to pasta or rice.
23. Mint
Mint is another herb that is a staple in any kitchen. It has a sweet, sharp, and refreshing taste and a distinct aroma that can be added to meat dishes, desserts, and cocktails. It’s easy to grow, and many chefs and home cooks will even have a mint plant in their kitchen.
24. Mirin
An essential condiment in any Japanese kitchen, mirin is rice wine and a close, but less alcoholic, cousin of sake. It has a light yellow color and its mild sweetness can be added to other ingredients like soy sauce.
25. Miso Soup
Another Japanese essential is miso soup. In Japan, this soup is considered a breakfast staple and is made from miso paste or fermented soybeans. Its flavor is salty and tangy. Dark miso soups will usually be more savory, and lighter colored miso soups will have more sweetness.
26. Molasses
If you’ve ever made oatmeal cookies before, then you might be familiar with molasses. It’s a thick and dark-colored sweetener that gives a moist and chewy texture to many desserts and sweets, including cookies.
27. Monterey Jack Cheese
Mild in flavor and slightly sweet, Monterey Jack cheese originated in the United States. It’s a true American cheese made from cow’s milk, and it is now even used in Mexican and Spanish cuisines.
28. Moon Cake
A traditional Chinese delicacy, moon cakes are a pastry given as gifts during the mid-autumn festival or Chinese New Year. It consists of a thick sweet-and-salty filling made of red bean paste and a dense crust.
29. Moussaka
Moussaka is a baked dish made of vegetables and meat layered in a casserole. Most common in Greek and Turkish cuisine, its main ingredients are eggplant, cheese, and potatoes.
30. Mousse
A light and airy dessert that comes in a variety of different flavors, mousse originated in France. The word mousse literally means ‘foam’ in French. The most common variations of this creamy dessert are chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and strawberry.
31. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is the most common cheese you will find in many pizzas because it has a mild but gooey texture, which gives that iconic cheese stretch! It’s traditionally made with buffalo’s milk. Aside from pizza, this mozzarella also goes well with salads and pasta.
32. Muesli
If you’re someone who enjoys a healthy breakfast, then you’re probably familiar with muesli. It is similar to oatmeal but is usually served cold. Just like breakfast oats, it can contain milk, nuts, and fruits.
33. Mulberries
Mulberries are often overshadowed by the more famous blackberries, but they are actually larger and more fibrous and have their own unique flavor. One unique thing about a mulberry tree is that it’s fire-resistant!
34. Mushrooms
There are many kinds of edible mushrooms including button, portobello, shitake, and oyster… all rich in fiber and protein. They have a creamy but earthy flavor and are used in many different kinds of cuisine, from Italian to Japanese.
35. Mussels
Mussels are a unique type of seafood and are a close cousin of clams. They are mildly salty and have a chewy texture. Similar to clams, they can be served with pasta or soup. They also pair well with ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, or even curry.
36. Mustard
This golden condiment with a strong and distinct flavor gets its name from the mustard plant, specifically the seed. These seeds are ground and mixed with other ingredients such as water, lemon juice, and vinegar to make mustard dressing for your burger, hot dog, or salad! Click on a star to rate it!
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