If you’re a foodie like me, you know that the color of a dish can be just as important as the taste.
From blackberries to squid ink pasta to black mushrooms to black seed oil, these naturally black foods are not only delicious but also Instagram-worthy.
In this article, you’ll find black food names from every food group including:
- Protein sources like beans and seafood
- Grains like black rice and black quinoa
- Fruits like black grapes
- Veggies like black carrots
- Nuts/Seeds like black walnut and black sesame seeds
- Seasonings like Hawaiian sea salt, peppercorn, and black garlic
- Snacks like black licorice and black chocolate
- And even drinks like black alkaline water and coffee
Black Food Names
1. Blackberries
A fruity classic: blackberries are a great source of fiber and are jam-packed with immune system boosting vitamin C. They’re considered a superfood!
Kickstart your health with blackberries. Blackberries are bursting with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.
Naturally black fruits get their color from powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins help promote cardiovascular health and also have cancer fighting properties.
Anthocyanins are a dark pigment found in blackberries that fight disease and also promote healthy skin.
Related: 25 Black Colored Snacks That Are Tasty & Healthy
2. Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil keeps you healthy by boosting your immune system, relieving pain, reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels and more.
Black seed oil has a strong bitter and peppery taste profile. It’s flavor has been compared to oregano, black pepper, and onion. Which is why some people mix it with honey.
It also helps you beat superbugs (bacteria and viruses that have become antibiotic resistant). This natural remedy has been used for thousands of years. Black seed oil is also high in omega 3 fatty acids, which are known to support healthy weight loss by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis.
The primary bioactive quinone in black seed oil is an antioxidant known as thymoquinone. Thymoquinone can help reduce inflammation.
3. Haas Avocados
The green skin on haas avocados turns black when the fruit is ripe. Haas avocados are healthy, but did you know they’re delicious too? Hass avocados are rich in fiber and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
The hardest part is waiting for the avocado to ripen. But when your avocados are ready they have a creamy and delicious, smooth texture that’s perfect for salad and guacamole dip.
4. Edible Black Fungus Mushrooms
Black fungus (Auricularia polytricha) is an edible wild mushroom sometimes known as tree ear or cloud ear fungus, given its dark, ear-like shape.
If you’re looking for a meatless dish that tastes delicious, look no further than Black fungus mushroom. A versatile addition to any dish, this unique wild mushroom is perfect for soups and stir fries. Known for its chewiness, it’s also popular across a range of Asian dishes.
Black fungus mushrooms are rich in dietary fiber, essential vitamins, anti-oxidants, pre-biotics, polysaccharides and anticoagulants. Some of these substances help improve blood circulation and anemia.
Black fungus mushroom has also been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The mushroom was traditionally reserved for royalty.
5. Black Beans
This delicious legume is used widely throughout the Americas and can be found in many different cuisines from Latin America.
Black beans are a perfect addition to any diet. Not only do they provide you with a great source of protein, but they are also high in fiber and low in fat. .
Black beans are a vegan friendly powerhouse of protein, iron, fiber, and antioxidants.
6. Black Velvet Tamarind
Black velvet tamarind is tasty fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor.
This fruit is exotic and rare. Black velvet tamarind’s unique color comes from the rich, dark shell it wears on the outside.
Inside this delicate wrapping, you’ll find succulent orange flesh that’s not only soft to the touch but also bursting with sweetness.
This exotic fruit also contains essential vitamins like A, C, and folic acid!
7. Black Garlic
Black garlic is aged garlic that has been cooked in humid, low-heat conditions until it has a texture and taste that’s sweet and umami rich, without the typical heat of raw garlic.
In comparison to white garlic, black garlic contains two times as many antioxidants. It is also rich in valuable amino acids, the building blocks of protein in the body. Black garlic is also said to have anti-aging properties.
If you’re a fan of garlic, you’ll love black garlic. It has a sweeter, milder flavor than regular garlic and is packed with nutrients that promote immune function.
8. Black Olives
Juicy black olives add a little zest to your salads and sandwiches. Green olives are unripe when picked, while black olives are ripened before being harvested.
Just one tablespoon of olive oil can provide 45% of the recommended daily intake for cholesterol-free healthy fats.
They are also rich in antioxidants, like vitamin E, that help protect against disease and inflammatory conditions like premature aging.
Olives are considered a healthy source of healthy fats like oleic acid, and can reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure.
9. blk Alkaline Water
blk Alkaline Water is naturally pH balanced, calorie free, delicious and provides a refreshing taste – all while removing heavy metals like lead.
It has a deliciously crisp taste and zero aftertaste. It is best served chilled.
blk Alkaline Water is purified, pH-balanced and alkaline filtered water that also provides an electrolyte boost. Stay hydrated without sacrificing health.
10. Black Seaweed
Black seaweed is packed with naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants that nourish your body and helps promote healthy weight loss without hunger.
Black seaweed also provides adequate iodine intake which is important for thyroid function.
Due to its high levels of potassium and minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, it is also great for preventing high blood pressure, improving joint health, and reducing inflammation.
11. Activated Charcoal
With a comprehensive list of antioxidant, detox, and digestive health benefits, this superfood is just what you need to start feeling better!
Activated charcoal has been shown to bind toxins and other impurities before they can enter the bloodstream, helping your body detoxify faster than other methods like coffee enemas or saunas.
Activated charcoal also helps prevent or treat nausea, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. This can also help prevent intestinal obstruction and improve symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In addition, charcoal binds to organic chemicals like pesticides, drugs, or harmful preservatives before they enter the body, removing them before they can cause harm.
12. Bowfin Black Caviar
Indulge in a unique taste. Rich in Omega 3s and 6s, low on calories, Bowfin Black Caviar is an easy way to improve your health.
Research suggests that caviar may block 20% of fat absorption from fatty foods eaten at a meal while increasing your metabolism.
The Omega 3 fatty acids in caviar is a natural energizer with high concentrations of antioxidants that also promote heart health and offer effective anti-aging benefits.
Caviar is considered a delicacy and is eaten as a garnish or a spread. Bowfin caviar tastes like a cross between olive oil and butter with a briny ocean flavor. It is used as a gourmet ingredient in many dishes.
Caviar is one of the most luxurious – and expensive – black foods out there. It’s made from fish eggs and has a distinct, briny flavor.
13. Black Corn
Black corn has jet black kernels with a slightly purplish hue.
The black color in corn is due to the antioxidant content of flavonoids in it.
14. Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds are a type of small, round seed that is native to Asia. They have a slightly nutty flavor and a crunchy texture, and are often used as a topping or a garnish in Asian cuisine.
Black sesame seeds have a slightly nuttier, more bitter flavor compared to their sweeter white equivalent.
Black sesame seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition! These little seeds contain calcium, iron, and magnesium, as well as being a good source of protein.
15. Black Wheat
Black wheat, also known as black emmer, is a type of wheat that is native to the Middle East. It has a deep, blackish-purple color and a slightly nutty flavor.
Black wheat is a variety of pigmented wheat developed by crossing purple and blue wheat. The anthocyanin present in the outer layer is responsible for the black color of wheat grain.
Related: 33 Purple Fruits & Vegetables
16. Black Tomatoes
Black tomatoes are a naturally black fruit. They have an earthy, almost smoky sweetness to them, with a bit less acid than red tomatoes.
The flavor profile is often referred to as smoky, complex and wine-like.
17. Black Carrots
This vegetable is loaded with nutrients that offer numerous health benefits. Rich in nutrients, black carrots get their color from anthocyanins.
Black carrots, also known as purple carrots, are a type of root vegetable that is native to Asia and the Middle East. They have a deep, blackish-purple color and a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
They are high in antioxidants and other nutrients, and are often used in salads, soups, and other dishes for their unique color and flavor.
18. Black Pansy Flower
Pansies are one of the most popular edible flowers, both because you can eat their sepals and because they come in such a wide array of colors. They are popular eaten both fresh in salads and candied in desserts.
Black pansy flowers are a type of flowering plant that is native to Europe and Asia. They have deep purple-black petals and a sweet, slightly spicy aroma.
They are often used as a garnish or a decoration in salads and other dishes.
19. Kookaburra Australian Black Licorice
Kookaburra Australian Black Licorice is best known for its unique taste and soft and chewy texture. Some health benefits of licorice include its ability to soothe an upset stomach, relieve respiratory issues and boost the immune system.
Black licorice is popular in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and the UK, and is often enjoyed as a sweet treat.
It has a distinctive, sweet and slightly bitter flavor, and is often enjoyed by those who prefer a more sophisticated taste.
20. Black Grapes
Some varieties of black grapes are much higher in antioxidants than green or red grapes.
They can be eaten fresh or used to make wine, juices, and jams.
21. Japanese Densuke Watermelon
Densuke watermelon is possibly the world’s most expensive type of watermelon, reaching prices up to $6,000 at auctions for top quality produce.
It’s black on the outside and red on the inside.
22. Alaskan Black Cod Fish
Black Cod is also known as “Butterfish”.
It is given this name to describe its amazing buttery flavor. Black Cod is sustainably fished and full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
23. Black Charcoal Ice Cream
Charcoal ice cream does not have a unique taste.
Ice cream shops typically add various flavors to the recipe.
Black ice cream can taste like coconut, vanilla, or, really, any of your favorite flavors.
24. Forbidden Rice Ramen
These traditional Japanese-style noodles made from heirloom black rice make for one tasty bowl of noodle soup.
Black rice, also known as forbidden rice or emperor’s rice, is a type of rice that is native to Asia. It has a deep, blackish-purple color and a slightly nutty and sweet flavor.
It is high in antioxidants and other nutrients, and is often used in salads, grain bowls, and other dishes.
25. Black Bread
Black bread is a ubiquitous cultural force in Russian history.
Historically, black (rye) bread has been more prevalent than white (wheat) bread in Russia because rye grows better in the colder Russian climes.
26. Black Currant
Fresh black currants have a tart-like taste to them with an earthy flavor.
They are somewhat similar to the taste of a dark berry but are not that sweet.
Spread black current jam on black bread this Halloween for a spooky morning treat.
Black currants are a type of small, tart fruit that is native to Europe and Asia. They are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, and have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties.
They are often used to make jams, jellies, and syrups, and are also delicious when eaten fresh or frozen.
27. Black Sapote
The black sapote is a fruit that looks like a dark green or brown tomato. It’s sometimes called the “chocolate pudding fruit”.
Black sapote is a tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central America. It has a soft, creamy texture and a sweet, chocolate-like flavor, making it a popular choice for making smoothies and desserts.
It is also high in antioxidants and has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. One cup of black sapote contains about 22g of vitamin C.
28. Black Diamond Apple
Black Diamond apples are a type of apple that is native to China.
They have a dark purple-black skin and a crisp, sweet-tart flavor.
They are high in antioxidants and other nutrients, and are often used in salads, pies, and other dishes for their unique color and flavor.
29. Eggplant
Eggplant is one of my favorite black foods. Most commonly black to deep purple, the spongy, absorbent fruit is used in several cuisines.
30. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a liquid condiment of Chinese origin, traditionally made from a fermented paste of soybeans, roasted grain, brine, and Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus sojae molds. It is considered to contain a strong umami flavor.
It has a deep, rich flavor and a thick, syrupy consistency, and is often used as a condiment or a marinade. It is made from fermented soybeans, wheat, and salt, and is high in protein and other nutrients.
31. Black Rice
Black rice is ancient grain previously reserved only for the Chinese elite, it was historically cultivated only in small quantities for Chinese emperors.
Did you know that black rice is actually a lot healthier for you than white rice? It’s packed with antioxidants, has a high fiber content, and a lower glycemic index than white rice.
Black rice also has more protein than brown rice.
32. Figs
33. Black Crab
Black crab is usually eaten for its tasty white meat in the legs and claws.
Eating seafood has been linked to lower levels of systolic blood pressure.
34. Black Tea
Black tea is rich in polyphenols – compounds that have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
Black tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis.
It is the most common type of tea consumed around the world, and is known for its strong, full-bodied flavor and its slightly astringent taste.
It is high in antioxidants and other nutrients, and has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties.
35. Black Squid Ink Pasta
Dyed with squid ink, this black pasta has a rich, briny flavor, close to the flavor of fresh sea fish with some umami hints.
Squid ink is often used as a natural food coloring. It has a slightly salty taste and can even be used in cocktails!
36. Black Coffee
Want a healthier cup of coffee? Try black coffee!
Increase your energy, wake up and seize the day with a boost from this morning staple.
Coffee is one of nature’s best sources of caffeine, which has been shown to significantly improve brain function – making us more productive, happier, sharper – and slimmer.
37. Jamun Fruit
Jamun fruit, also known as black plum or Indian blackberry, is a tropical fruit that is native to South and Southeast Asia.
It has a dark purple-black color and a sweet, slightly acidic flavor.
It is often eaten fresh or made into jams and jellies, and is also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
38. Black Lentils
Black lentils, also known as black gram or urad dal, are a type of legume that is native to South Asia.
They have a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy, soft texture, making them a popular choice for use in soups, stews, and other dishes.
Black lentils are a great source of protein and iron. They’re also very versatile – you can use them in soups, salads, or even bake with them!
39. Black Cheese
Black cheese is infused with edible charcoal to form the creamiest cheddar cheese. A great alternative filling for a Halloween sandwich or burger.
Black cheese is a type of cheese that is made from the milk of sheep, goats, or cows. It is aged for a long period of time, which gives it a distinctive, tangy flavor and a dark, almost black color.
It is often used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes for its unique flavor and appearance.
40. Kuro-tamago
Kuro-tamago, literally “black eggs,” are regular chicken eggs boiled in Owakudani’s natural hot springs.
The sulfur in the water turns the eggshells as black. The eggs themselves taste like regular boiled eggs.
41. Black Peppercorns
Black peppercorns are a type of small, round seed that is native to South India. They have a sharp, pungent flavor and are often used as a spice in cooking.
Black pepper is a type of spice that is made from the dried, unripe berries of the pepper plant, Piper nigrum.
It has a sharp, pungent flavor and is one of the most widely used spices in the world.
42. Black Quinoa
Another trendy black food, quinoa is actually a seed that’s a complete protein.
It’s also high in fiber and minerals like iron and magnesium.
Black quinoa has a slightly earthier flavor than white quinoa.
Black quinoa is a type of grain that is native to South America. It is similar in appearance to regular quinoa, but has a slightly nuttier flavor and a slightly softer texture.
It is high in protein and other nutrients, and is a popular choice for use in salads, grain bowls, and other dishes.
43. Black Lobster
The striking black lobster is a variation of a regular American lobster.
Black lobster is a type of lobster that is native to the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
It has a distinctive black color, and is known for its sweet, tender meat. It is often considered a delicacy and is often served as a luxury ingredient in high-end cuisine.
Seafood has been studied extensively for heart-health benefits.
44. Century Eggs
Another type of black eggs, known as century eggs, thousand-year eggs, or millennium eggs are a Chinese egg-based culinary dish made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls.
45. Black Walnuts
Black walnuts are a type of nut that is native to North America.
They have a hard, dark-colored shell and a rich, slightly bitter flavor.
They are often used in baking and cooking, and are a good source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients.
46. Montezuma’s Absolute Black Chocolate
Montezuma’s Absolute Black Chocolate is a type of high-end chocolate that is made from cocoa beans grown in the Amazon rainforest.
It has a deep, intense flavor and a smooth, velvety texture, and is often considered one of the best chocolates in the world.
It is made using traditional methods, and is known for its unique flavor and its sustainability practices.
47. Black Hawaiian Sea Salt
Black Hawaiian sea salt is a type of artisanal salt that is made from the ocean water of the Hawaiian Islands.
It has a deep, blackish-purple color and a slightly sweet, slightly smoky flavor.
It is often used as a finishing salt in high-end cuisine, and is known for its unique flavor and its ability to add depth and complexity to dishes.
48. Black Hungarian Peppers
Black Hungarian peppers are a type of heirloom pepper that is native to Hungary.
They have a deep, blackish-purple color and a slightly sweet and spicy flavor.
They are often used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes for their unique color and flavor.
49. Black Goji Berries
Black goji berries are a type of small, dried fruit that is native to China.
They have a deep, blackish-purple color and a slightly sweet and slightly sour flavor.
They are often used in teas, smoothies, and other beverages, and are also eaten as a snack.
50. Black Radish
Black radishes are a type of root vegetable that is native to Europe.
They have a dark, blackish-purple skin and a white, crunchy interior.
Black radishes have a slightly bitter and spicy flavor, and are often used in salads and other dishes for their crunch and flavor.
51. Black Dates
Black dates, also known as “black gold” or “black diamonds,” are a type of date that are native to North Africa and the Middle East.
They are known for their rich, sweet flavor and their distinctive black color.
They are often used in sweet and savory dishes, and are a popular choice for making date syrup.
52. Black Sesame Paste
Black sesame paste is a type of condiment that is made from ground black sesame seeds and oil.
It has a rich, nutty flavor and is often used as a topping or a filling in Asian desserts and pastries.
53. Black Mission Figs
Black Mission figs are a type of fig that is native to the Mediterranean region.
They are known for their sweet, fruity flavor and their dark purple-black skin.
Black mission figs are a popular choice for making jams and preserves, and are also delicious when eaten fresh or dried.
They are high in fiber and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals.
54. Black Pudding
Black pudding, also known as blood pudding or blood sausage, is a type of sausage that is made from pig’s blood, fat, and oats.
It is popular in many countries around the world, including the UK, France, and Spain, and is often served as a breakfast food or as part of a traditional meal.
It has a rich, savory flavor and is high in protein and iron.
55. Black Truffles
Black truffles are a type of edible fungi that are prized for their unique, earthy flavor and their rarity.
They are native to Europe and are often used in high-end cuisine to add depth and complexity to dishes.
They are usually found in the roots of oak, hazel, and beech trees and are difficult to cultivate, making them expensive and highly sought after.
56. Black Raspberries
Black raspberries, also known as blackcaps, are a type of small, dark-colored berry that is native to North America.
They have a sweet, tangy flavor and are high in antioxidants and other nutrients.
They are often used to make jams, pies, and other baked goods, and are also delicious when eaten fresh.
57. Black Soybeans
Black soybeans, also known as black turtle beans, are a type of legume that is native to Asia.
They have a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy, soft texture, making them a popular choice for use in soups and stews.
They are high in protein and fiber, and are a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients.
58. Black Mustard Seeds
Black mustard seeds are a type of small, round seed that is native to the Mediterranean region.
They have a strong, pungent flavor and are often used as a spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
59. Black Forest Cake
Black Forest cake is a type of German chocolate cake that is made with layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries
It is traditionally decorated with chocolate shavings and cherries on top, and is often served as a dessert at special occasions.
It has a rich, chocolatey flavor and a light, fluffy texture, making it a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.
60. Black Pudding
Black pudding, also known as blood pudding or blood sausage, is a type of sausage that is made from pig’s blood, fat, and oats.
It is popular in many countries around the world, including the UK, France, and Spain, and is often served as a breakfast food or as part of a traditional meal.
It has a rich, savory flavor and is high in protein and iron.
61. Black Cardamom
Black cardamom is a type of spice that is native to the Himalayan region of Asia.
It has a strong, smoky flavor and a slightly bitter taste, and is often used in savory dishes and spice blends.
It is high in antioxidants and other nutrients, and has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties.
62. Black Salsify
Black salsify, also known as black oyster plant or viper’s grass, is a type of root vegetable that is native to Europe.
It has a long, slender, blackish-purple root and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
It is often used in soups, stews, and other dishes for its unique flavor and texture.
63. Black Himalayan Rock Salt
Black salt, also known as kala namak, is a type of Himalayan rock salt that is prized for its unique, pungent flavor.
It is often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine as a condiment or a seasoning, and is known for its ability to add depth and complexity to dishes.
64. Black Soybeans
Black soybeans, also known as black turtle beans, are a type of legume that is native to Asia.
They have a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy, soft texture, making them a popular choice for use in soups and stews.
They are high in protein and fiber, and are a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients.
65. Black Wheat Berries
Black wheat berries are whole grains that are made from black wheat, also known as black emmer.
They have a deep, blackish-purple color and a slightly nutty flavor, and are high in protein and other nutrients.
They can be cooked and eaten as a side dish, or used in baking and other recipes.
66. Black Sesame Paste
Black sesame paste is a type of condiment that is made from ground black sesame seeds and oil.
Black sesame paste has a rich, nutty flavor and is often used as a topping or a filling in Asian desserts and pastries.
Black Foods FAQs
What are black foods?
Black foods are dishes or ingredients that are naturally black in color. This can be due to the presence of certain ingredients, such as squid ink or activated charcoal, or the cooking method used, such as charring or roasting.
Are black foods healthy?
The healthiness of black foods depends on the specific ingredients and how they are prepared. Some black foods, like black bean soup or black rice, can be a good source of nutrients and fiber. Others, like black food coloring or black licorice, may not offer as many health benefits. It’s important to consider the overall nutritional value of a black food, rather than just its color.
Are black foods only found in certain cuisines?
Black foods can be found in a variety of cuisines around the world. Some examples include Italian squid ink pasta, Japanese black sesame ice cream, and Mexican black bean soup. Black foods are not limited to any one type of cuisine, and can be found in many different cultural dishes.
Are blackberries actually black?
Blackberries are actually deep purple, which is the color of anthocyanin, a pigment that is especially rich in blackberries. For example, our ancestors would have known to eat berries that had a rich color, because that meant they were sweet and ripe.
Are black foods rare?
Naturally black foods are rare because anthocyanidin content is a rare chemical feature in the plant world.