Let's learn about food and meals!

Food is a universal language that connects us all. From the sizzle of a hot pan to the sweet aroma of a freshly baked cake, food is not just about nourishment—it’s about culture, tradition, and the joy of sharing with others.

For children, learning about different foods and meal times is an exciting way to expand their vocabulary while also developing healthy eating habits. Knowing the names of foods and the structure of meals helps children express their preferences, understand recipes, and even participate in meal planning.

Let’s fly into this delicious journey and discover the rich vocabulary that makes our dining experiences so special!

Food and meals vocabulary

The following words are used in Studycat’s Learn English app for kids, where we combine fun, repetition, and an amazingly awesome language learning journey. Transform mealtime into a feast of learning with these appetizing activities designed to enhance your vocabulary!

bread

A staple food made from flour and water, baked into various forms.
”We start our meals with slices of fresh, warm bread.”

cheese

A dairy product made from curdled milk, available in many flavors and textures.
”Cheese goes well with fruit for a quick snack.”

pizza

A dish of Italian origin consisting of a flat, round base of dough topped with tomatoes, cheese, and other ingredients.
”Friday nights are for homemade pizza and movies.”

rice

A grain that is a staple food in many countries around the world.
”Rice is versatile and can be used in savory and sweet dishes.”

cake

A sweet baked dessert, often layered or frosted, served on special occasions.
”Her birthday cake was chocolate with strawberry frosting.”

soup

A liquid dish, typically made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables in stock or water.
”A bowl of hot soup is comforting on a cold day.”

doughnut

A sweet, fried dough snack, often glazed or sugared.
”He picked a glazed doughnut with sprinkles at the bakery.”

hotdog

A cooked sausage served in a sliced bun, often with condiments.
”Hotdogs are a must-have at any baseball game.”

egg

An oval or round object laid by female birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates, often eaten as food.
”She starts her day with a boiled egg for breakfast.”

chicken

A type of poultry, widely consumed as food for its meat.
”Roast chicken is her specialty, seasoned with herbs and lemon.”

candy

Sweet food made with sugar or syrup, often flavored or colored.
”Halloween is a perfect time for sampling all sorts of candy.”

noodles

A staple made from dough, rolled and cut into various shapes, then cooked in boiling water.
”Noodles can be the base for dishes from all around the world.”

breakfast

The first meal of the day, typically eaten in the morning.
”Breakfast might include eggs, toast, and coffee.”

lunch

A meal eaten in the middle of the day, usually lighter than dinner.
”For lunch, we’re having sandwiches and salad.”

dinner

The main meal of the day, eaten in the evening or at midday.
”Dinner tonight will be grilled fish with vegetables.”

Fruits and vegetables names in English

Fruits and vegetables are nature’s colorful treats, packed with flavors and nutrients. Learning their names helps children appreciate the variety and importance of including them in their daily diet.

• apple A round fruit with a red, green, or yellow skin, often sweet and crisp. “She enjoys a juicy apple as a snack in the afternoon.”
• banana A long, curved fruit with a thick yellow skin and soft, sweet flesh inside. “He slices a banana over his cereal every morning.”
• carrot A long, orange vegetable that grows underground, often crunchy and sweet. “Carrots are great for munching raw or adding to salads.”
• broccoli A green vegetable with a thick stalk and a large flowering head, often eaten cooked. “Broccoli is delicious steamed with a little butter.”
• grapes Small, round fruits that grow in clusters, often sweet and used to make juice or wine. “She packed a bunch of grapes in her lunchbox.”
• tomato A red or yellow fruit often used as a vegetable in cooking, rich in flavor and juice. “Tomatoes are a key ingredient in salads and sauces.”
• cucumber A long, green vegetable with a crisp texture, often used in salads. “Cucumbers add a refreshing crunch to sandwiches.”
• strawberry A small, red fruit with tiny seeds on the outside, sweet and juicy. “Strawberries are perfect for topping desserts.”
• lettuce A leafy green vegetable often used as a base for salads. “Lettuce adds a fresh crunch to any meal.”
• potato A starchy tuber that is a staple food, often boiled, baked, or fried. “Mashed potatoes are a favorite comfort food.”
• orange A round, orange citrus fruit known for its sweet, tangy flavor. “He peels an orange to enjoy its juicy segments.”

Names of snacks and desserts in English

Snacks and desserts are the sweet and savory treats we enjoy between meals or as a special indulgence. These foods add a bit of fun to our day and are perfect for satisfying cravings.

• cookies Small, sweet baked treats, often with chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit mixed in. “She baked a batch of cookies for the school bake sale.”
• ice cream A frozen dessert made from cream or milk, available in many flavors. “Ice cream is a cool treat on a hot summer day.”
• chips Thin slices of potato that are fried or baked until crispy, often eaten as a snack. “He loves snacking on chips while watching movies.”
• popcorn Popped kernels of corn, often seasoned with butter or salt, commonly eaten during movies. “Popcorn is a must-have at every movie night.”
• cake A sweet baked dessert, often layered or frosted, served on special occasions. “Her birthday cake was chocolate with strawberry frosting.”
• candy Sweet food made with sugar or syrup, often flavored or colored. “Halloween is a perfect time for sampling all sorts of candy.”
• muffin A small, round baked good, often sweet and filled with fruit, chocolate, or nuts. “Blueberry muffins are her favorite breakfast treat.”
• pie A baked dish with a pastry crust, filled with fruit, meat, or other ingredients. “They baked an apple pie for dessert after dinner.”
• crackers Thin, crisp wafers often eaten with cheese or spreads. “She enjoys crackers with cheese as an afternoon snack.”
• pudding A creamy dessert, often flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or fruit. “He had a bowl of chocolate pudding for dessert.”

Drinks and beverages names in English

Drinks and beverages are essential for keeping us hydrated and refreshed. They come in many forms, from water and juice to milk and tea, each offering different tastes and benefits.

• water A clear, essential liquid that is vital for life, used for drinking and cooking. “Drinking plenty of water is important for staying healthy.”
• milk A white liquid produced by mammals, commonly consumed as a drink or used in cooking. “She drinks a glass of milk with her breakfast every morning.”
• juice A drink made from the extraction or pressing of fruits and vegetables. “He enjoys a glass of orange juice with his breakfast.”
• tea A hot or cold drink made by steeping cured or fresh leaves, often enjoyed with meals. “Afternoon tea is a relaxing break in the day.”
• coffee A brewed drink made from roasted coffee beans, often enjoyed in the morning. “He sips his coffee to wake up in the morning.”
• lemonade A sweet, tangy drink made from lemon juice, water, and sugar. “Lemonade is refreshing on a hot summer day.”
• smoothie A thick, blended drink made from fruits, vegetables, and sometimes yogurt or milk. “She made a berry smoothie for a healthy snack.”
• soda A carbonated, flavored drink, often sweet and fizzy. “They drank soda with their burgers at the barbecue.”
• hot chocolate A warm drink made from cocoa powder, milk, and sugar, often topped with whipped cream. “Hot chocolate is perfect for warming up on a cold day.”

Meals and mealtime vocabulary

Mealtime is a special time for gathering with family and friends to enjoy food together. Understanding the vocabulary related to meals helps children describe what they eat and how they share meals throughout the day.

• breakfast The first meal of the day, typically eaten in the morning. “Breakfast might include eggs, toast, and coffee.”
• lunch A meal eaten in the middle of the day, usually lighter than dinner. “For lunch, we’re having sandwiches and salad.”
• dinner The main meal of the day, eaten in the evening or at midday. “Dinner tonight will be grilled fish with vegetables.”
• snack A small amount of food eaten between meals. “He had an apple as a snack after school.”
• brunch A meal that combines breakfast and lunch, often enjoyed in late morning. “They went out for brunch and had pancakes and coffee.”
• appetizer A small dish served before the main meal, often to stimulate the appetite. “The appetizers included cheese sticks and mini quiches.”
• dessert A sweet dish served at the end of a meal. “For dessert, we had ice cream and cookies.”
• leftovers Food that remains after a meal, often saved and eaten later. “They had leftovers from dinner for lunch the next day.”
• picnic A meal eaten outdoors, usually consisting of simple, portable foods. “They packed a picnic to enjoy at the park.”
• buffet A meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes. “The hotel offered a breakfast buffet with many options.”

Discovering the wide array of foods and understanding meal times not only broadens our culinary horizons but also brings us closer through the shared experience of eating. Studycat’s engaging characters make learning about food and meals an adventure in taste and language!

How to learn and remember food and meals words

Diving into the delicious world of food vocabulary with Studycat turns every meal into a learning opportunity. Here are some fun and tasty ways to practice:

• Cooking Together: Prepare meals using recipes that include the vocabulary words, talking about each ingredient as you go.
• Food Diary: Keep a diary of what you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, using the new words to describe each meal.
• Picture Menu: Create a menu with pictures and names of different foods, then take turns ordering from it.
• Food Tasting Party: Organize a tasting party with small samples of various foods from the vocabulary list, discussing each one.
• Label the Kitchen: Label items in your kitchen or dining area with their English names to reinforce learning.

As we conclude our culinary exploration, remember that every food item and mealtime brings a chance to savor not just flavors but also new words and expressions. With Studycat’s playful approach, expanding your English vocabulary becomes as enjoyable as sharing a meal with friends.

Until our next flavorful adventure, keep tasting and talking about the wonderful world of food and meals!