IELTS vocabulary: Food

These 12 B2–C1 words and collocations are useful for discussing food in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3, especially when talking about health, the environment and cultural issues.

food security noun: The state in which all people have reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food.; “After the factory closure, many families in Riverbend worried about food security because their incomes dropped suddenly.”
processed food noun: Food that has been altered from its natural state, often for convenience or a longer shelf life.; “Although processed food is convenient for busy workers, it often contains high levels of salt and sugar.”
sustainable agriculture noun: Farming methods that protect the environment, conserve resources and support long-term food production.; “The town council funded training in sustainable agriculture to help local farmers reduce chemical use and improve soil health.”
food miles noun: The distance food travels from where it is produced to where it is consumed, used to measure environmental impact.; “Residents in Port Arbor started buying more local vegetables to cut food miles and support nearby growers.”
seasonal produce noun: Fruits and vegetables that are harvested at a particular time of year when they are freshest and most abundant.; “Eating seasonal produce like summer tomatoes and autumn squash can be cheaper and tastier than imported alternatives.”
culinary diversity noun: The variety of cooking styles, ingredients and food traditions found within a region or community.; “Mira praised her city’s culinary diversity, saying she could try dishes from five different countries on the same street.”
nutritional value noun: The amount of essential nutrients—such as vitamins, minerals and proteins—that a food provides.; “Parents should check the nutritional value of snacks to make healthier choices for their children’s lunchboxes.”
food waste noun: Edible food that is discarded or left uneaten at any point between production and consumption.; “The university dining hall reduced food waste by introducing smaller portion options and a composting program.”
obesity epidemic noun: A rapid and widespread increase in the number of people who are overweight or obese, often considered a public health crisis.; “Policymakers debated whether advertising restrictions and better school lunches could help curb the obesity epidemic.”
farm-to-table adjective: Describing food that goes directly from a farm to consumers or restaurants with minimal processing and distribution stages.; “The new café on Main Street advertises a farm-to-table menu, featuring vegetables sourced from nearby cooperatives.”
food subsidies noun: Financial support from governments to lower the cost of producing or buying certain foods, often to help consumers or farmers.; “Critics argued that current food subsidies favour large producers and make unhealthy, calorie-dense products cheaper than fresh produce.”
food literacy noun: Knowledge and skills related to choosing, preparing and understanding food and its impact on health and the environment.; “Schools in Glenford added cooking classes to improve students’ food literacy and encourage healthier eating habits.”