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110 Adjectives to Describe Food

Jacqueline Bogart

Learn how to write captivating food blog posts with these 110 Adjectives to Describe Food. This free list of sensory words will inspire you to expand your vocabulary and describe the recipes on your food blog in new ways, all while keeping your readers engaged with your content.

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Sensory words to describe food

Food bloggers are often prioritizing photography, recipe development, and SEO for very good reasons. These elements are crucial to their businesses and growth and keep the money flowing. However, if food bloggers want to engage their readers and encourage them to stay on their websites longer, the writing in each food blog post has to be next level.

Cooking and eating triggers our human senses: taste, smell, sight, touch, and sound. The senses that are provoked are where the story of the recipe begins and where many food bloggers get their inspiration. But when it comes to putting that story into words, many bloggers feel challenged.

Thankfully, this list of 110 Adjectives to Describe Food will make the writing process much easier. Each descriptive word below will encourage food bloggers to think harder about HOW they write and describe their recipes.

They can help widen one’s vocabulary and leave food bloggers of all levels feeling inspired to write their posts in a new and improved voice. In the end, readers will be left feeling engaged and wanting to try the recipes for themselves ASAP!

Keep this list of adjectives handy the next time you’re writing a food blog post:

Taste, smell, and feeling

  1. Savory

  2. Sweet

  3. Sugary

  4. Candied

  5. Sour

  6. Sharp

  7. Piquant

  8. Zesty

  9. Strong

  10. Herbaceous

  11. Fruity

  12. Deep

  13. Full-bodied

  14. Pungent

  15. Aromatic

  16. Fragrant

  17. Acidic

  18. Bland

  19. Blah

  20. Peppery

  21. Hearty

  22. Rich

  23. Comforting

  24. Earthy

  25. Spicy

  26. Hot

  27. Refreshing

  28. Cooling

  29. Mellow

  30. Salty

  31. Briny

  32. Fresh

  33. Bright

  34. Satisfying

  35. Filling

  36. Tart

  37. Tangy

  38. Citrusy

  39. Perfumed

  40. Pickled

  41. Spiced

  42. Bitter

  43. Umami

Texture

  1. Crunchy

  2. Crispy

  3. Luscious

  4. Velvety

  5. Smooth

  6. Light

  7. Airy

  8. Stiff

  9. Brittle

  10. Chewy

  11. Delicate

  12. Fragile

  13. Gamey

  14. Tender

  15. Moist

  16. Succulent

  17. Creamy

  18. Thick

  19. Buttery

  20. Whipped

  21. Thin

  22. Lumpy

  23. Robust

Appearance

  1. Juicy

  2. Ripe

  3. Colorful

  4. Vibrant

  5. Sparkling

  6. Effervescent

  7. Zippy

  8. Flaky

  9. Blistered

  10. Marbled

  11. Scaly

  12. Translucent

  13. Glassy

  14. Transparent

  15. Opaque

  16. Cloudy

  17. Melted

  18. Stuffed

  19. Caramelized

  20. Shiny

  21. Glossy

  22. Crusty

  23. Glazed

  24. Oily

  25. Molten

  26. Liquified

  27. Flowing

  28. Substantial

  29. Frothy

  30. Foamy

  31. Still

Sound

  1. Fizzy

  2. Bubbly

  3. Crackle

  4. Sizzling

  5. Popping

  6. Snapping

Other

  1. Flavorful

  2. Flavorsome

  3. Delectable

  4. Mouthwatering

  5. Inviting

  6. Finger-licking

  7. Delightful

Generic adjectives to avoid

The adjectives in this small list aren’t specific enough and don’t give your readers nearly enough information about the dish. If you want your recipes to tell a story through senses alone, don’t use these words:

  • Yummy

  • Delicious

  • Tasty

  • Appetizing

  • Healthy

  • Wholesome

In conclusion

This list of descriptive adjectives will help you become a better food writer, all while engaging your audience. Also, knowing which words to avoid can also benefit the way you think when it comes to describing your recipes. Win win!


Do you need help writing blog posts? That’s what I’m here for! Learn more about my food blog ghostwriting packages on my Services page.