Top 50 Slang For Ingredient – Meaning & Usage

Are you tired of feeling lost in the kitchen when it comes to the latest foodie lingo? From avocados to zucchinis, every ingredient has its own special slang that can leave you scratching your head. But fear not, our team is here to break it all down for you. Get ready to spice up your culinary vocabulary with our list of the top slang for ingredients that will have you cooking like a pro in no time!

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1. Veg

This is a shortened form of the word “vegetables” and is commonly used to refer to various types of edible plants.

For example, a person might say, “I need to eat more veg to stay healthy.”
In a recipe, you might see an instruction like, “Add chopped veg to the stir-fry.”
A vegetarian might say, “I love cooking with fresh, seasonal veg.”

2. Spuds

This slang term is used to refer to potatoes, which are a starchy root vegetable.

For instance, someone might say, “I’m craving some crispy spuds with my steak.”
In a discussion about comfort food, a person might mention, “Mashed spuds are the ultimate comfort food.”
A chef might post a recipe for “oven-baked spuds with rosemary and garlic.”

3. Zest

In cooking, “zest” refers to the outermost layer of citrus peel, which contains flavorful oils. It is often used to add a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes.

For example, a recipe might call for “the zest of one lemon.”
A person might say, “I love the tangy zest of orange in my salad dressing.”
In a cooking tutorial, a chef might explain, “To zest a lime, use a microplane grater to remove the outer layer of peel.”

4. Choc

This is a shortened form of the word “chocolate” and is commonly used to refer to the sweet, brown treat made from cocoa beans.

For instance, someone might say, “I’m craving some choc chip cookies.”
In a discussion about desserts, a person might mention, “I love a rich, decadent choc cake.”
A chocolate lover might post a recipe for “homemade choc truffles.”

5. Joe

This slang term is often used to refer to coffee, which is a popular caffeinated beverage.

For example, a person might say, “I need my morning joe to wake up.”
In a conversation about favorite drinks, someone might mention, “I’m a big fan of a strong black joe.”
A coffee enthusiast might post a photo of their “perfectly brewed joe.”

6. Moo juice

This term is a playful and informal way of referring to milk. It is often used in a lighthearted or nostalgic context.

For example, a parent might say to their child, “Do you want some moo juice with your cereal?”
In a conversation about favorite childhood foods, someone might say, “I used to love drinking moo juice straight from the carton.”
A person might ask their friend, “Can you pick up some moo juice from the grocery store?”

7. EVOO

This abbreviation stands for “Extra Virgin Olive Oil,” which is a high-quality type of olive oil. It is commonly used in cooking and has become a popular ingredient in many dishes.

For instance, a recipe might call for “2 tablespoons of EVOO.”
A chef might recommend using EVOO instead of butter for a healthier option.
In a cooking tutorial, the host might say, “Drizzle some EVOO over the salad for added flavor.”

8. Pig candy

This term is a fun and descriptive way of referring to bacon. It emphasizes the sweetness and irresistible nature of this popular ingredient.

For example, a person might say, “I can’t resist the smell of sizzling pig candy in the morning.”
In a conversation about favorite breakfast foods, someone might say, “I love adding pig candy to my pancakes.”
A chef might create a dish called “Pig Candy BLT” featuring crispy bacon,“Pig Candy BLT” featuring crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

9. Agave

Agave is a sweetener derived from the agave plant. It is often used as a natural alternative to sugar in various recipes and beverages.

For instance, a person might say, “I prefer using agave in my coffee instead of sugar.”
In a discussion about healthy eating, someone might mention, “Agave has a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar.”
A bartender might suggest using agave nectar as a sweetener in a margarita instead of simple syrup.

11. ‘Taters

This is a slang term for potatoes. It is often used in a casual or colloquial context.

For example, “Let’s have some ‘taters with our steak tonight.”
A chef might say, “I’m going to make some crispy ‘taters for breakfast.”
In a conversation about comfort food, someone might mention, “Mashed ‘taters are the ultimate comfort food.”

12. Sweets

This term refers to sweet foods or desserts. It is commonly used to describe sugary treats.

For instance, “I have a craving for some sweets. Let’s get ice cream.”
A person might say, “I love baking and making sweets from scratch.”
In a discussion about favorite desserts, someone might mention, “Chocolate cake is one of my all-time favorite sweets.”

13. Salsa

Salsa is a type of sauce typically made from tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It is commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

For example, “I’m making homemade salsa for the tacos.”
A person might say, “I love the spicy kick that salsa adds to my dishes.”
In a discussion about favorite condiments, someone might mention, “Salsa is my go-to sauce for chips and dip.”

14. Brew

This term refers to a brewed beverage, such as coffee or beer. It is often used in a casual or informal context.

For instance, “I need a cup of brew to wake me up in the morning.”
A person might say, “I enjoy trying different types of craft brews.”
In a conversation about favorite drinks, someone might mention, “I love a cold brew on a hot summer day.”

15. Vino

Vino is a slang term for wine. It is commonly used in a casual or social context.

For example, “Let’s have a glass of vino with dinner.”
A person might say, “I enjoy exploring different types of vino from around the world.”
In a discussion about favorite alcoholic beverages, someone might mention, “Vino is my go-to drink for celebrations.”

16. Bubbly

This term is used to refer to champagne, a sparkling wine that is known for its effervescence and celebratory nature.

For example, “Let’s pop open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate!”
During a wedding toast, someone might say, “Here’s to a lifetime of love and bubbly.”
A person might describe their favorite drink as, “I love sipping on a glass of bubbly after a long day.”

17. Hooch

This term is used to refer to any type of alcoholic beverage, typically with a strong or homemade quality.

For instance, “Let’s grab some hooch and have a good time.”
In a conversation about party planning, someone might ask, “Do we have enough hooch for all the guests?”
A person might say, “I’m not a fan of hooch, I prefer a nice glass of wine.”

18. Nuts

In slang terms, “nuts” is used to describe something as crazy or wild.

For example, “That party last night was nuts!”
When talking about a chaotic situation, someone might say, “It was absolute nuts in there.”
A person might describe an unbelievable experience as, “I had the most nuts adventure while traveling.”

19. Queso

This term is used to refer to cheese, particularly in Mexican cuisine.

For instance, “I love dipping my chips in queso.”
When discussing a recipe, someone might say, “This dish calls for a generous amount of queso.”
A person might describe a cheesy snack as, “I can’t resist a plate of queso and tortilla chips.”

20. Sushi rice

This term is used to refer to the specially prepared rice used in sushi.

For example, “The key to delicious sushi is perfectly cooked sushi rice.”
When discussing sushi-making techniques, someone might say, “It’s important to properly season the sushi rice.”
A person might describe the texture of sushi rice as, “It should be sticky enough to hold its shape, but not too mushy.”

21. Veggies

A shortened form of the word “vegetables.” It refers to any edible plant or part of a plant, such as roots, stems, leaves, or flowers. “Veggies” is commonly used in informal contexts or when referring to a vegetarian or plant-based diet.

For example, a recipe might say, “Chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces.”
A person might say, “I’m trying to eat more veggies to improve my health.”
In a conversation about dietary preferences, someone might mention, “I’ve been a veggie for five years now.”

22. Sizzle

This term is often used to refer to bacon, a type of salt-cured pork. It is called “sizzle” because when bacon is cooked, it makes a sizzling sound due to its high fat content. “Sizzle” can also be used to describe the sound or action of cooking any ingredient that produces a similar sound.

For instance, in a cooking show, the host might say, “Listen to that sizzle as we cook the bacon.”
A person might say, “I love the sizzle of onions in a hot pan.”
In a discussion about cooking techniques, someone might mention, “To get a good sear on the steak, you need to hear the sizzle.”

23. Java

This term is commonly used to refer to coffee, especially in the context of programming or computer science. It originated from the Java programming language, which was named after the Indonesian island of Java known for its coffee production. “Java” can also be used as a general slang term for any type of coffee.

For example, a person might say, “I need a cup of java to wake me up in the morning.”
A coffee shop might advertise, “Come try our freshly brewed java.”
In a conversation about coding, someone might mention, “I spent all night debugging in Java and now I need some java to keep me going.”

24. Chook

This term is primarily used in Australian and New Zealand slang to refer to chicken, a common type of poultry. It is a colloquial term often used in informal contexts or when talking about food in a casual manner.

For instance, someone might say, “Let’s throw some chook on the barbecue for dinner.”
A person might ask, “Do you prefer chook or beef for your sandwich?”
In a discussion about cooking methods, someone might mention, “Roasting a whole chook is a great way to feed a crowd.”

25. Pig

This term is often used to refer to pork, the meat of a domestic pig. “Pig” is a colloquial term commonly used in informal contexts or when talking about meat in a casual manner.

For example, a person might say, “I’m craving some pulled pig for dinner.”
A barbecue enthusiast might say, “Slow-cooked pig is the best.”
In a conversation about meat preferences, someone might say, “I don’t eat pig, but I enjoy other types of meat.”

26. Moo

This term is slang for beef, specifically referring to cow meat. It is often used in casual conversations or restaurant menus.

For example, a person might say, “I’m craving a juicy moo burger for dinner.”
In a restaurant, you might see a dish listed as “Moo Shu Pork” which is a Chinese dish made with shredded pork.
A person discussing their favorite foods might say, “I love a good moo steak cooked medium-rare.”

27. Fishies

This slang term is used to refer to various types of fish. It is commonly used in casual conversations or when discussing seafood dishes.

For instance, a person might say, “I had some delicious fishies for dinner last night.”
In a seafood restaurant, you might see a menu item listed as “Grilled Fishies” or “Fishies and Chips.”
A person sharing their favorite recipe might say, “I make a mean fishies curry with coconut milk.”

28. Shrooms

This slang term is used to refer to mushrooms, particularly those that are used for culinary purposes. It is often used in casual conversations or when discussing recipes.

For example, a person might say, “I added some shrooms to the pasta sauce for extra flavor.”
In a vegetarian restaurant, you might see a menu item listed as “Shroom Burger” or “Creamy Shroom Soup.”
A person sharing their favorite pizza toppings might say, “I always load up my pizza with shrooms and cheese.”

29. Herbs

In the context of slang for ingredients, “herbs” refers to fresh or dried plants that are used for flavoring or medicinal purposes. It is commonly used in cooking or when discussing herbal remedies.

For instance, a person might say, “I love using fresh herbs like basil and thyme in my pasta dishes.”
In a health food store, you might see a section labeled “Dried Herbs” or “Medicinal Herbs.”
A person discussing natural remedies might say, “I always keep a variety of herbs in my pantry for different ailments.”

30. Juice

In the context of slang for ingredients, “juice” refers to various types of liquid, particularly those that are used for cooking, beverages, or sauces. It is commonly used in casual conversations or when discussing recipes.

For example, a person might say, “I added some lemon juice to the salad dressing for a tangy flavor.”
In a smoothie bar, you might see a menu item listed as “Green Juice” or “Detox Juice.”
A person sharing their favorite cocktail recipe might say, “I love a refreshing mojito with fresh lime juice.”

31. Greens

In this context, “greens” refers to leafy vegetables, particularly those that are cooked as a side dish or used in salads. It is a colloquial term used to refer to various types of vegetables that are green in color.

For example, “I’m going to make a stir-fry with some fresh greens.”
In a recipe, you might see instructions like, “Add the chopped greens to the pot and sauté until wilted.”
A nutritionist might recommend, “Make sure to include a variety of greens in your diet for optimal health.”

32. Taters

“Taters” is a slang term for potatoes. It is a casual and playful way to refer to this starchy tuberous crop that is commonly used in cooking and enjoyed in various forms.

For instance, “I’m going to make some mashed taters for dinner.”
In a recipe, you might see instructions like, “Peel and dice the taters before boiling them.”
A chef might say, “Taters are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes.”

33. Cow

In this context, “cow” is a slang term used to refer to beef, which is the meat obtained from cattle. It is a colloquial way to talk about this specific ingredient in cooking and food-related discussions.

For example, “I’m grilling up some cow for dinner.”
In a recipe, you might see instructions like, “Season the cow with salt and pepper before searing it on high heat.”
A food enthusiast might say, “There’s nothing quite like a juicy burger made from quality cow.”

34. Swine

In this context, “swine” is a slang term used to refer to pork, which is the meat obtained from pigs. It is a colloquial way to talk about this specific ingredient in cooking and food-related discussions.

For instance, “I’m slow-cooking some swine for pulled pork sandwiches.”
In a recipe, you might see instructions like, “Marinate the swine in a tangy barbecue sauce overnight.”
A chef might say, “Swine is a versatile meat that can be used in a variety of cuisines.”

35. Cluck

In this context, “cluck” is a slang term used to refer to chicken, which is the meat obtained from domesticated birds. It is a casual and playful way to talk about this specific ingredient in cooking and food-related discussions.

For example, “I’m frying up some cluck for dinner.”
In a recipe, you might see instructions like, “Coat the cluck in a seasoned flour mixture before baking it in the oven.”
A food enthusiast might say, “Cluck is a lean and versatile protein that can be used in a wide range of dishes.”

36. Grains

Refers to a category of food that includes cereal grains like wheat, rice, oats, and barley. Grains are a common source of carbohydrates in our diet.

For example, someone might say, “I need to cut back on my intake of grains to reduce my carb consumption.”
In a discussion about healthy eating, a nutritionist might advise, “Make sure to include whole grains in your diet for added fiber.”
A person following a gluten-free diet might mention, “I have to avoid grains like wheat and barley because they contain gluten.”

37. Sodas

This term is used to refer to carbonated beverages or soft drinks. Sodas are typically sweetened and flavored.

For instance, someone might say, “I’m craving a cold soda on this hot day.”
In a discussion about favorite drinks, a person might mention, “I love trying different flavors of soda.”
A parent might say, “I limit my kids’ intake of sodas because of the high sugar content.”

38. Sauce

Refers to a flavorful liquid or semi-solid mixture that is used to enhance the taste of food. Sauces can be savory or sweet.

For example, someone might say, “I love adding barbecue sauce to my grilled meats.”
In a discussion about cooking, a chef might recommend, “Always taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.”
A person might ask, “Do you have any recommendations for a good sauce to go with pasta?”

39. Dairy

This term is slang for milk and other milk-based products. Dairy refers to food products that are made from the milk of mammals, such as cows, goats, and sheep.

For instance, someone might say, “I can’t have dairy because I’m lactose intolerant.”
In a discussion about nutrition, a person might mention, “Dairy products are a good source of calcium.”
A parent might say, “I make sure my kids drink enough moo juice to support their growing bones.”

40. Grub

This term is a slang word for food in general. It can be used to refer to any type of meal or snack.

For example, someone might say, “Let’s grab some grub before the movie.”
In a discussion about favorite foods, a person might mention, “I love eating comfort grub like mac and cheese.”
A person might ask, “Where’s the best place to find cheap and delicious grub in this city?”

41. Eats

This term is slang for food or a meal. It can refer to any type of food, whether it’s a snack or a full course.

For example, “Let’s grab some eats before the movie.”
A person might say, “I’m in the mood for some greasy eats.”
In a discussion about favorite cuisines, someone might mention, “Italian eats are my go-to.”

42. Veggie

Short for “vegetable,” this term is used to refer to any plant-based ingredient, particularly those used in cooking or salads.

For instance, “I’m making a stir-fry with lots of fresh veggies.”
A person might say, “I’m trying to eat more veggies to improve my health.”
In a conversation about dietary choices, someone might ask, “Are you a veggie lover or a meat eater?”

43. Spud

This slang term is used to refer to a potato, a starchy root vegetable. It’s often used in casual conversations or when talking about comfort food.

For example, “I’m craving some crispy spuds.”
A person might say, “I love a good plate of fish and chips with extra spuds.”
In a discussion about different potato dishes, someone might mention, “Mashed spuds are the ultimate comfort food.”

44. Nosh

This term is slang for food or a snack. It’s often used in a casual or lighthearted manner.

For instance, “I need a quick nosh before the meeting.”
A person might say, “I always keep some healthy nosh in my bag.”
In a conversation about favorite snacks, someone might ask, “What’s your go-to nosh?”

45. Grinds

This term is slang for ingredients, particularly those used in cooking or baking. It can refer to a variety of food items.

For example, “I need to pick up some fresh grinds for tonight’s dinner.”
A person might say, “I enjoy experimenting with different grinds in my recipes.”
In a discussion about meal planning, someone might mention, “I always make sure to have a variety of grinds on hand.”

46. Tonic

Tonic is a term used to refer to soda water or carbonated water. It is often used as a mixer in cocktails or as a refreshing beverage on its own.

For instance, someone might order a gin and tonic at a bar.
In a recipe for a mocktail, it might call for tonic water as one of the ingredients.
A person might say, “I love the crisp taste of tonic water with a squeeze of lime.”

47. Sips

Sips is a slang term used to refer to drinks or beverages. It is often used to describe taking small sips or enjoying a refreshing beverage.

For example, someone might say, “I’m just sipping on this iced tea.”
In a discussion about favorite drinks, one might say, “I love sipping on a hot cup of coffee in the morning.”
A person might ask, “What are you sipping on?” to inquire about someone’s drink.

48. Fixins

Fixins is a colloquial term used to refer to the ingredients or accompaniments that go along with a main dish. It is often used in the context of a meal or a barbecue.

For instance, someone might say, “We’re grilling burgers tonight, so make sure to get all the fixins.”
In a recipe, it might list the fixins separately from the main ingredients.
A person might ask, “What are the fixins for the tacos?” to inquire about the toppings and condiments.

49. Nectar

Nectar is a term used to describe a sweet liquid, often referring to the sugary substance found in flowers that attracts pollinators. It can also be used more broadly to describe any sweet and flavorful liquid.

For example, someone might say, “This mango juice is like nectar.”
In a discussion about favorite desserts, one might say, “Chocolate cake with a drizzle of caramel is pure nectar.”
A person might describe a delicious cocktail as “nectar of the gods.”

50. Spice

Spice is a term used to refer to a seasoning or flavoring that is added to food to enhance its taste. It can refer to individual spices, such as cinnamon or paprika, or a mixture of spices, such as curry powder.

For instance, a recipe might call for a pinch of spice to add flavor.
In a discussion about cooking, one might say, “I love experimenting with different spices in my dishes.”
A person might ask, “Can you pass me the spice rack?” to request the selection of spices available.