Looking for foods that start with E? This alphabet foods guide covers everyday ingredients, world foods, snacks, cheeses, desserts and drinks beginning with the letter E. Some are cheap fridge staples you may already buy weekly, while others are a bit more unusual and useful for quizzes, school projects, menu planning or simply trying something new.

As this is Reduced Grub, you will also find practical tips for making these E foods stretch further, reducing waste and choosing budget-friendly swaps where possible.

Foods That Start With E: Quick List

Here is a quick alphabetical-style list of foods beginning with E before we look at them in more detail.

• Eggs
• Egg noodles
• Egg fried rice
• Egg custard
• Eggplant, also known as aubergine in the UK
• Edam
• Edamame
• Emmental
• English mustard
• English muffins
• English breakfast tea
• English breakfast
• Elderberries
• Elderflower
• Endive
• Escarole
• Enchiladas
• Empanadas
• Éclairs
• Eton mess
• Eccles cakes
• Espresso
• Evaporated milk
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Eel
• Elbow macaroni
• Everything bagel
• Energy bars
• Einkorn
• Earthnuts
• Edible flowers

Everyday Foods Beginning With E

Eggs

Eggs are one of the most useful foods that start with E. They are quick to cook, rich in protein and work for breakfast, lunch, dinner and baking. Use them for omelettes, frittatas, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, quiche, pancakes and cakes.

Money-saving tip: A frittata is brilliant for using up odds and ends from the fridge. Cook leftover potatoes, vegetables, ham, cheese or herbs in a pan, pour over beaten eggs and finish gently until set.

Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are made with wheat flour and egg, giving them a slightly richer flavour than plain noodles. They are popular in stir-fries, soups and quick noodle bowls.

Budget idea: Pair egg noodles with reduced-price vegetables and a simple sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger and a little honey or sugar.

Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a classic leftover rice dish. It is usually made with cooked rice, egg, spring onions, peas and soy sauce. Cold cooked rice works best because it is drier and less likely to clump.

Food safety note: Cool cooked rice quickly, store it in the fridge and reheat until piping hot. Do not leave rice sitting at room temperature for long periods.

Egg Custard

Egg custard is made from eggs, milk, sugar and often nutmeg. It can be baked as a tart, served as a pudding or used as a base for other desserts.

Elbow Macaroni

Elbow macaroni is the small curved pasta most commonly used for macaroni cheese. It is cheap, filling and handy to keep in the cupboard.

Stretch it further: Add frozen peas, sweetcorn, broccoli stalks or leftover cooked chicken to macaroni cheese to make it more of a meal.

Fruit and Vegetables That Start With E

Eggplant

Eggplant is the name used in many countries for aubergine. In the UK, you are more likely to see it labelled as aubergine in supermarkets. It has a glossy purple skin and soft flesh that soaks up flavour beautifully.

Use eggplant in ratatouille, moussaka, curries, pasta sauces, baba ganoush and traybakes. It is especially good roasted with oil, garlic and herbs.

Edamame

Edamame are young soya beans, often sold frozen either in pods or shelled. They are common in Japanese-inspired meals and make a quick side dish or snack.

How to use them: Add shelled edamame to rice bowls, salads, noodle soups and stir-fries. Frozen edamame are convenient because you can use a handful at a time.

Elderberries

Elderberries grow on elder trees and are usually cooked before eating. They are used in syrups, jams, jellies, crumbles and cordials. Raw elderberries and some parts of the plant can cause stomach upset, so they should be prepared properly and cooked.

Elderflower

Elderflower has a delicate floral flavour and is best known for elderflower cordial. It can also be used in cakes, jellies, cocktails, mocktails and sorbets.

Budget idea: If you forage elderflowers, make sure you can identify them correctly, avoid polluted areas and leave plenty for wildlife. Homemade cordial can be much cheaper than shop-bought versions.

Endive

Endive is a leafy vegetable with a slightly bitter taste. There are different types, including Belgian endive and curly endive. It can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in gratins and braises.

Escarole

Escarole is a leafy green related to endive. It is less bitter than some salad leaves and is often used in soups, stews and Italian-style dishes.

Earthnuts

Earthnut can refer to a few edible plants depending on the region, but the term is sometimes used for groundnuts or small edible tubers. If you see earthnuts in a recipe, check what the writer means before shopping, as it may vary.

Edible Flowers

Edible flowers include varieties such as nasturtiums, violets, pansies, calendula and elderflowers. They are used to decorate cakes, salads, desserts and drinks.

Safety note: Only eat flowers you know are edible and grown without harmful sprays. Do not assume every pretty flower is safe to eat.

Cheese and Dairy Foods That Start With E

Edam

Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese with a mild, slightly nutty flavour. It is often sold in blocks or slices and works well in sandwiches, toasties and packed lunches.

Reduced Grub tip: Edam can be a good choice for children who prefer mild cheese. Buy a block and slice it yourself, as pre-sliced cheese is often pricier per kilo.

Emmental

Emmental is a Swiss cheese known for its holes and sweet, nutty flavour. It melts well, making it useful for cheese toasties, gratins, omelettes and fondue-style dishes.

Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is tinned milk with some of the water removed. It has a creamy texture and can be used in desserts, sauces, soups, coffee and old-school puddings.

Store cupboard win: A tin of evaporated milk lasts for ages unopened, making it handy when you want something creamy but have no fresh cream in the fridge.

Main Meals That Start With E

Enchiladas

Enchiladas are tortillas rolled around a filling, covered with sauce and baked. Fillings might include chicken, beef, beans, vegetables, cheese or a mixture of leftovers.

Cheap filling ideas:

• Black beans, sweetcorn and peppers
• Leftover roast chicken with tinned tomatoes
• Lentils, onions and fajita seasoning
• Roasted vegetables with grated cheese

Empanadas

Empanadas are pastry turnovers filled with meat, cheese, vegetables or beans. They are popular across Spain, Latin America and the Philippines, with many regional variations.

They are also excellent for leftovers. A small amount of cooked mince, chicken, potato or vegetables can be turned into a batch of filling hand pies.

English Breakfast

An English breakfast is a cooked breakfast that often includes eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast and sometimes black pudding or hash browns.

Money-saving tip: You do not need every item. A budget English breakfast can be as simple as egg, beans, toast and tomatoes.

Eel

Eel is a fish eaten in various cuisines. In Britain, jellied eels are associated with traditional London food, though they are less common now. Smoked eel is richer and often served in small portions.

Egg Curry

Egg curry is a flavour-packed meal made with boiled eggs simmered in a spiced tomato or coconut sauce. It is a great low-cost dinner because eggs are usually cheaper than many meats and cook quickly.

Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is a simple Chinese-style soup made by streaming beaten egg into hot broth. The egg forms silky ribbons. Add sweetcorn, spring onions, tofu or leftover chicken for a fuller meal.

Bakery, Snacks and Sweet Foods Beginning With E

Éclairs

Éclairs are long choux pastry buns filled with cream or custard and topped with chocolate icing. They are a bakery favourite and can also be made at home if you are confident with choux pastry.

Eton Mess

Eton mess is a simple British dessert made with crushed meringue, whipped cream and strawberries. It is ideal when meringues break or strawberries are slightly past their best but still safe to eat.

Budget version: Use frozen berries, own-brand meringue nests and a mix of yoghurt and cream to reduce the cost.

Eccles Cakes

Eccles cakes are flaky pastry rounds filled with currants, sugar and spice. They originated in Eccles, Greater Manchester, and are lovely with a cup of tea.

English Muffins

English muffins are round, flat breads usually split and toasted. They are used for breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict or simple buttered toast.

Freezer tip: Split them before freezing, then toast straight from frozen.

Everything Bagel

An everything bagel is topped with a savoury mix such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic and salt. The seasoning is also sold separately and can be sprinkled on eggs, potatoes, salads and avocado toast.

Energy Bars

Energy bars are snack bars usually made with oats, nuts, dried fruit, seeds or chocolate. Some are designed for sport, while others are simply convenient snacks.

Save money: Make your own with oats, peanut butter and dried fruit. Cut into squares and freeze individually for lunchboxes.

Drinks and Condiments That Start With E

English Breakfast Tea

English breakfast tea is a strong black tea blend, usually served with milk. It is one of the most familiar drinks beginning with E and a staple in many UK homes.

Espresso

Espresso is a small, concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee. It is the base for cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and Americanos.

English Mustard

English mustard is hot, sharp and punchy. It is served with roast beef, ham, sausages and cheese, and can be stirred into sauces, mashed potato or salad dressings.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first pressing of olives and is prized for its flavour. It is best used for dressings, dips and finishing dishes, though it can also be used in everyday cooking depending on the dish.

Money-saving tip: Keep a cheaper cooking oil for frying and save extra virgin olive oil for places where you will really taste it.

Grains, Pulses and Store Cupboard Foods That Start With E

Einkorn

Einkorn is an ancient type of wheat. It can be used as flour or whole grain and has a nutty flavour. It is less common than regular wheat flour, so it may cost more, but it is interesting for keen bakers.

Enriched Flour

Enriched flour is flour with certain nutrients added back after processing. You may see the term on American recipes or imported products, although UK flour labelling differs.

Evaporated Cane Juice

Evaporated cane juice is a sweetener made from sugar cane. It is essentially a form of sugar, so use it as you would other sweeteners and do not assume it is automatically healthier because it sounds less processed.

Handy Table of E Foods

Cheap Meal Ideas Using Foods That Start With E

If you want to turn this list into actual meals, these ideas are simple and affordable.

• Egg and vegetable fried rice: Use leftover rice, frozen peas, an egg and soy sauce.
• Eggplant pasta: Roast diced aubergine with garlic, then stir through tomato sauce and pasta.
• Bean enchiladas: Fill tortillas with beans, onions and sweetcorn, top with tinned tomatoes and cheese.
• English muffin pizzas: Top split muffins with tomato puree, cheese and leftover veg, then grill.
• Egg curry with rice: Simmer boiled eggs in a spiced tomato sauce and serve with rice.
• Eton mess pots: Layer yoghurt, crushed meringue and berries for a cheaper dessert.
• Edam toasties: Use sliced Edam with chutney, ham or tomato.

More Foods That Begin With E

Need an even longer list for an alphabet challenge or food quiz? Here are more E foods and ingredients to add to your notes.

• Egg salad
• Egg mayo
• Egg rolls
• Egg tart
• Egg wash
• Egg white
• Egg yolk
• Eggnog
• Elote, Mexican-style corn on the cob
• Escargots, cooked snails often associated with French cuisine
• Espagnole sauce, one of the classic French mother sauces
• Erbazzone, an Italian savoury pie
• Erwtensoep, a Dutch split pea soup
• Etouffee, a Cajun and Creole stew-like dish
• Elephant garlic
• Enoki mushrooms
• Eryngii mushrooms, also called king oyster mushrooms
• Extra mature cheddar
• European pear
• Empire biscuits
• Earl Grey tea
• Eisbein, a German pork dish
• Entrecôte steak
• Endamame hummus

FAQs About Foods That Start With E

What are common foods that start with E?

Common foods that start with E include eggs, egg noodles, Edam, English muffins, English mustard, egg fried rice, egg custard, evaporated milk and extra virgin olive oil.

What fruit starts with E?

Elderberry is one of the best-known fruits beginning with E. Elderflower is not a fruit, but it is another edible part of the elder tree and is widely used for cordial and desserts.

What vegetable starts with E?

Eggplant starts with E, although in the UK it is usually called aubergine. Endive, escarole, edamame and enoki mushrooms are also vegetables or plant foods beginning with E.

What breakfast foods start with E?

Breakfast foods beginning with E include eggs, English muffins, English breakfast tea, an English breakfast, eggy bread and espresso.

What desserts start with E?

Desserts that start with E include éclairs, Eton mess, Eccles cakes, egg custard, egg tarts and eggnog-flavoured puddings or bakes.

What cheap foods start with E?

Eggs, egg noodles, elbow macaroni, English muffins, evaporated milk and tinned or frozen edamame can all be budget-friendly choices. Prices vary, but these ingredients are often useful for low-cost meals.

Is eggplant the same as aubergine?

Yes. Eggplant and aubergine are two names for the same vegetable. Eggplant is the common name in the US and several other countries, while aubergine is the usual name in the UK.

What can I cook with eggs when money is tight?

Good low-cost egg meals include omelettes, egg fried rice, egg curry, frittata, egg mayo sandwiches, boiled eggs with toast, shakshuka-style eggs in tomato sauce and simple pancakes.