Food Facts for Kids

Food around the World

Our Fun Food Facts will show you lots of interesting and fun facts on popular food from around the world, the most common staple foods and popular food as well as amazing food records. We share lots of fun food facts about food that is enjoyed around the world. So enjoy our ever expanding section of fascinating food facts for kids, well, not only for kids, really!

Amazing Food Facts

What you will find on our Food Facts for Kids page:

26 Fascinating Food Facts

Staple Food Facts

Fun Food Quiz - Test your knowledge

Fun Food Records

Food Around the World - Country Links

Staple Food Facts

Staple foods are the foods that people eat most often to give them energy. Around the world, the three most important staple foods are rice, wheat and maize (corn). Together, they usually provide over half of the calories eaten daily.

About half of the world’s population eats rice every day, especially in Asia.

Wheat is the main staple in many parts of Europe, North America, and the Middle East, while maize is widely eaten in Africa and the Americas.

Other important staple foods include potatoes, cassava, millet, quinoa and yams, depending on the climate and region.

Fun Staple Food Facts

Rice feeds more people than any other crop in the world.
Wheat is grown on more land than any other food crop.
Potatoes were first grown in South America and can grow in cold places.
Some staple foods, like cassava, can grow in very dry or poor soil.

Fascinating Food Facts for Kids

Rice

Rice field in Bhutan - image by Mathias Berlin/ shutterstock.com

Rice is a cereal grain that grows in warm, wet fields called paddies. Rice is the most common staple food worldwide and eaten by about 3.5 billion people daily.

It has been a staple food for over 5,000 years in countries such as China, India, and Japan. Farmers plant rice seeds in flooded fields, and the plants grow tall before the grains are harvested. Today, rice is grown in over 100 countries, with China and India producing the most.

Did you know?

Rice is grown already for more than 5,000 years in Asia.
The plant grows in flooded fields called "paddies".
Rice can be boiled, steamed, fried or used in risotto dishes but cannot be eaten raw.

Wheat

Wheat field in Lesotho

Wheat is a cereal grain that grows on tall grass plants.

This is one of the oldest crops in the world and was first grown by early farmers over 10,000 years ago. Wheat is grown in many parts of the world, especially in Europe, North America, Southern Africa and Asia, where the climate is suitable as the grains grow best in cool, dry climates and is farmed on every continent except Antarctica.

Wheat is a staple food for billions of people and is used to make bread, pasta, flour and breakfast cereals,

There are many types of wheat, such as durum wheat which is used for pasta and bread or soft wheat that is used for making cakes and biscuits.

Did you know?

A single wheat plant can produce up to 100 grains.
Wheat flour becomes sticky when mixed with water because of the gluten content.
Gluten is a protein complex found in some grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye. Some people today are sensitive to gluten and need to avoid foods that contain it.

Quinoa

Quinoa field in Ecuador

Quinoa is a so-called pseudograin that grows high in the Andes mountains of South America.

The Incas called it the "mother of all grains" as it is cooked as grains such as rice or barley and used it as a staple food. Botanically, quinoa is a seed from a leafy plant! Today, quinoa is eaten all over the world and is known for being very healthy because it is high in protein and gluten-free.

Potatoes

Potato field in Poland

Potatoes were first grown in the Andes Mountains of South America over 7,000 years ago. Potatoes are grown around the world as they can grow in cold climates where other crops struggle. Today, China and India produce the most potatoes while in Europe, Germany is the largest producer of potatoes.

There are over 4,000 different types of potatoes around the world, Peru boasts the most varieties. The most commonly used potatoes in the world are the Russets and Yukon Gold varieties. Some potato varieties are more waxy and are used in salads, while others are more floury and can then be used in potato mash or dumplings.

The largest potato ever recorded weighed almost 5 kg/ about 10 pounds!

Food Facts for Kids
Pasta

Pasta

Pasta is a type of food made from wheat flour and water.

People in Italy have been making pasta for hundreds of years, although similar foods were eaten in China long before.

Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes, like spaghetti, penne, and fusilli. Today, Italy is famous for its pasta dishes, and pasta is enjoyed all over the world. Macaroni and cheese is a very popular dish in the USA, UK and South Africa.

The largest macaroni and cheese dish ever cooked weighed more than 2,151 kg/ 4,742 lb which is as big as a mid-sized car or a fully grown rhino! This record was listed as Guinness World Record in the USA in 2022.

The ingredients used on the macaroni and cheese were macaroni, whole milk, flour, parmesan flakes and buttered bread crumbs.

Hot Dogs
Food Facts for Kids

Hot dogs

Hot dogs are sausages served in a long bread roll. The sausages are made from beef, pork, or a mixture of meats and are often cooked by boiling, grilling, or frying. The bread rolls are sometimes also replaced by pretzel buns, potato buns or brioches, which are soft and richer rolls.

Hot dogs were introduced to the United States by German immigrants around 1890. In Germany and Austria, long thin sausages were popular for a long time already. In the USA, hot dogs are popular at baseball games and barbecues. Baseball fans alone gobble up 26 million hot dogs every baseball season!

Hot dogs are usually eaten topped with sauces. Most people choose mustard as topping on their hot dog while children usually prefer to eat them with tomato ketchup.

Tomatoes

Tomatina - image by Iakov Filimanov/Shutterstock.com

Tomatina in Spain

Tomatoes are fruits that grow on vines in warm weather.

They were first grown in South America over 2,500 years ago and most probably originate in Peru. Early Europeans were unsure if they were safe to eat because of their bright red colour. Today, tomatoes are used in salads, sauces, and even juices. Italy is famous for tomato-based foods like pizza and pasta sauces.

Did you know?

Tomatoes are fruits and grow on vines.
They were first grown and harvested in South Amarica.
Cherry tomatoes are small fruits and have a sweeter taste.

The largest tomato weighed 3.51 kg/ 7lb 12oz according to the Guiness Book of World Records. That is as heavy as eight cans of coke and weighs actually almost as much as two 2-litre bottles of soda!

In Spain, the annual tomato festival 'Tomatina' is celebrated every year in August. There people throw tomatoes at each other for fun. Read more about Spain here.

Apples

Apples are fruits that grow on trees in temperate climates.

They have been eaten for thousands of years and appear in many myths and stories, like the famous tale of Isaac Newton discovering gravity. Today, China is the largest producer of apples, and there are thousands of varieties worldwide.

Popular apple varieties include the red-skinned Red Delicious, the pinkish-red Pink Lady, the green-skinned Granny Smith and the bi-coloured Golden Delicious.

Apples can be eaten raw, baked in pies, or turned into juice and cider. Some are sweet, while others are tart, giving lots of different flavors to enjoy.

Bananas

Bananas are sweet fruits that grow in tropical regions on large plants. Banana plants can grow up to 5 metres/ 16 feet in height. There are more than 1,000 species of bananas. Banana plants can yield fruit all year round.

They have been eaten for thousands of years in Southeast Asia and Africa. Bananas are consist to over 75% of water and are rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium. Potassium is good for strong muscles and a healthy heart. Bananas are very low in fat and low in fibre.

Bananas are the most eaten fruits worldwide. About 100 billion bananas are eaten every year!

Did you know?

Bananas float when you put them in a bowl of water because of their high water content. Other fruit that float are apples, watermelons, strawberries and lemons.
There are about 1,000 different varieties of bananas including blue green skinned "Blue Java" bananas and short and sweet "Lady Finger” bananas.
Plantains are starchy bananas used for cooking and baking

The biggest banana producers are China, India and South America. The world's biggest importing country is the USA with 25%.

Oranges

Blood oranges

Oranges are citrus fruits with a sweet, tangy taste.

They were first grown in Asia over 4,000 years ago and were brought to Europe by traders. Oranges are packed with vitamin C, which helps keep people healthy. Today, Brazil and the United States grow the most oranges.

Oranges can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in desserts. Some types, like blood oranges, have red-coloured flesh inside!

Carrots

Carrots are root vegetables that grow underground.

They were first grown over 1,000 years ago in Persia (modern Iran and Afghanistan). Originally, carrots were purple, white, or yellow.

The now most familiar orange carrot variety was only developed around the 17th century in the Netherlands!

Carrots are healthy because they contain beta-carotene, which is good for eyesight. Carrots is one of the vegetables that is eaten raw, cooked, or juiced.

Avocados
Food Facts for Kids

Avocados

Avocados are fruits that grow on avocado trees in warm, tropical climates. Mexico, Colombia and Peru are the largest producers of avocados in the world.

This fruit has been eaten for thousands of years by people in Central and South America. People in different countries eat them in many ways. In Mexico, they are often eaten with lime and salt or in a dish with mashed avocados called guacamole, in Japan they might be served in sushi rolls and in many other countries avocados are eaten sliced on sandwiches or in salads.

Avocados are healthy because they contain good fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Did you know?

Avocados are sometimes called "alligator pears" because they are shaped like a pear and have a bumpy skin like an alligator’s back.
This nickname was used in Florida and California until the 1910s.
There are two main varieties of avocados: the black skinned Hass avocados and green skinned Fuerte avocados.

Chilli peppers

Drying Chilli in Bangladesh

Chillies were first grown in Central and South America over 6,000 years ago. China is the world’s largest producer of chillies, producing over 20 million tonnes per year. Other major producers include India, Mexico, and Turkey.

Chillies are produced and eaten worldwide, but the spiciest, freshest chillies are usually used locally in countries like India and Thailand.

The heat of a chilli is measured using the Scoville Scale. The "Carolina Reaper" chilli pepper is known as the hottest in the world and is so hot it must be handled carefully. Did you know that birds can eat very hot chillies without feeling the heat?

Coriander

Coriander is an herb used in cooking for its leaves, seeds, and stems. The herb comes with many other names such as cilantro, as it is called in the USA, or dhania, as it is called in India and South Africa.

Coriander has been used for thousands of years, in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Today, Coriander is grown in many countries, including India, Mexico and Morocco.

The seeds have a warm, nutty flavour, while the leaves taste fresh and citrusy, and the herb is used in used in curries, soups, sauces and salads around the world.

Saffron

Saffron crocus

Saffron comes from the flower of the crocus plant. Each flower makes only three tiny saffron threads.

To make just one gram of saffron one needs about 150 crocus flowers! Saffron is often called "red gold" because it is so valuable.

Saffron has been used for cooking, medicine, and dye for thousands of years.

Cheddar

British Cheddar

One of the most popular cheese varieties worldwide, this famous hard cheese was first made in the village of Cheddar in England around the 12th century.

This cheese is made from cow’s milk and is aged to develop its flavour which can be mild, medium, or extra sharp, depending on how long it is aged.

Cheddar cheese is now produced all over the world, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia and used in many sandwiches, burgers, soups and sauces.

Mozzarella

Buffalo mozzarella

Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese that comes from Italy.

It is traditionally made from the milk of water buffalo, though today cow’s milk is often used too. Mozzarella has been eaten in Italy for hundreds of years and is famous for its stretchy texture when melted. It is a key ingredient on pizza, in salads like Caprese, and in many Italian dishes.

Did you know?

Mozzarella was originally made from water buffalo milk.
Small balls of mozzarella are called "bocconcini", which means little mouthfuls or little bites in Italian.

Feta Cheese

Feta

Feta is a salty white cheese from Greece.

It is traditionally made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and has been eaten in Greece for thousands of years. Feta is crumbly and tangy, making it perfect for salads, pies, and sandwiches.

Coffee

Coffee beans

Coffee is a drink made from roasted coffee beans that grow on coffee trees in tropical countries.

People in Ethiopia have been drinking coffee for hundreds of years. The beans are picked, dried, roasted, and then ground to make coffee. Today, coffee is grown in over 70 countries, with Brazil being the largest producer.

Did you know?

Coffee is made from roasted beans that grow on tropical trees
There are over 120 coffee plant varieties, however "Robusta" and "Arabica" beans are the most commonly used coffee beans.

Chocolate

Cocoa and Chocolate

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans that grow as fruits of the cocoa tree.

The indigenous people in South America have used cocoa beans as food for more than 3,000 years. The Aztecs ground the dried beans to a powder and made a delicious drink by mixing the cocoa powder with water and herbs. Later the drink was sweetened with honey or sugar, and today sweetened cocoa powder is mainly mixed with milk. Cocoa is grown in over 50 countries, mainly around the equator. Most cocoa beans are produced by Côte d'Ivoire.

Milk chocolate was invented by Henri Nestle of Switzerland in 1875. Different countries have different tastes, as the British enjoy milk chocolate the most, while American prefer chocolate candy bars!

The largest chocolate bar ever made measured about 416 square meters which is about as big as a NBA basketball court!

Honey

Honey and honeycomb

Honey is a sweet food made by bees from the nectar of flowers. The colour and taste of the honey depend on the flowers visited by bees. The most common honey varieties are Clover honey and Acacia honey.

Bees make and store honey in honeycomb. A single bee hive can contain over 20,000 honeycomb cells produced by all the bees in a season. Honeycomb can also be eaten as it is, and it contains honey and a little bit of pollen, making it sweet and nutritious.

Did you know?

Bees make bee wax from special glands in their bodies. Honeycomb is made by bees to store honey and pollen.
Each honeycomb is made up of tiny hexagonal, which means "six-sided", cells.
Honey stored in honeycomb can last for thousands of years without going bad.

Humans have been eating honey for thousands of years, and it was used already in ancient Egypt for medicine and food. Today, honey is made all over the world. China and Turkey produce most of the honey sold worldwide. New Zealand is known for its Manuka honey, which has special antibacterial properties.

Popcorn

Cobs of corn and popcorn

Popcorn is a type of corn that pops when heated.

It has been eaten for thousands of years by Native Americans, who discovered that the kernels explode when heated. In 2012, archaeologists found the evidence that popcorn was eaten already by native Americans in Peru more than 5,000 years ago.

Popcorn is made with maize/corn kernels that 'explode' when the kernels are heated over fire or on a stove. A temperature of about 180°C/ 355°F must be reached to make the kernels pop. Then each kernel puffs to more than 20 times its original size!

Today, popcorn is a popular snack in cinemas and at home. You can eat it plain, with salt, or sweetened with sugar or caramel.

Did you know?

Corn was already grown and harvested in Mexico about 9,000 years ago.
Mexicans enjoy to munch their popcorn with hot jalapeño sauce while Americans usually prefer to snack on popcorn with salt and butter and Germans eat them sprinkled with sugar.

Liquorice

Liquorice is a popular sweet treat made from the root of the liquorice plant.

It has been eaten for over 2,000 years in many countries such as Egypt, Greece and China. The root gives the candy a natural, slightly bitter flavor, which is often mixed with sugar to make it sweet. In some countries, black liquorice is very popular (sold as coils or strings as shown in the image). In Asia, the sweets are mainly sold as red strings. Liquorice comes also in fruity flavours tasting of strawberry, cherry or raspberry. In the Nordic countries such as Norway and Denmark, people prefer to eat salty liquorice.

Fun food record: The longest string of liquorice ever made, measured 244 metres/ 800 feet!

Most liquorice sweets or candy contain loads of sugar, thus they are not considered to have benefits for your health. However, some people swear liquorice can help to ease the pain of a sore throat.

Gingerbread
Food Facts for Kids

Gingerbread cookies

Gingerbread is a sweet food made with ginger, sugar, and spices.

It has been eaten in Europe for over 1,000 years. People first made it as simple cakes or cookies, but later started shaping it into fun forms like houses and little figures or gingerbread men.

The largest gingerbread man ever was made by IKEA in Norway. The gingerbread figure weighed about 651 kg/ 1,435 lb and was much larger than any human ever would be.

Gingerbread is especially popular at Christmas, but sugarless ginger cookies are eaten all year round by many people, as ginger is known to be a healthy anti-inflammatory spice.

Candy Canes
Food Facts for Kids

Candy Canes

Candy canes are long, sweet peppermint sticks shaped like a hook.

They were first made in Germany over 300 years ago. The hook shape was meant to represent a shepherd’s crook, and red and white stripes were added later to make them more colorful. Today, candy canes are a popular treat during Christmas.

Insects

Fried insects in Thailand

In many countries people eat insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, larvae, caterpillars or beetles. Insects are known as an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, iron and vitamins. "Creepy crawlies" are a traditional staple food in many countries in Africa and Asia.

In Thailand and Indonesia, fried crickets and larvae are sold at many street markets. Mopane worms are amongst the most commonly eaten insects in Africa. They are popular in Southern African communities for their high content of protein, fat and minerals and are "harvested" from Mopane trees mainly during the rainy season.

More Food Facts for Kids
Fun Food Records

Food Facts for Kids: Baked Beans

Baked beans on toast

In 2011, Gary Eccles from the UK ate 258 baked beans in five minutes. That would not be that difficult as such, however... he picked the baked beans with a cocktail stick! Well, we could try this... but then this would be really testing our patience. And we definitely wouldn't manage in five minutes!

In 2015, Cherry Yoshitake managed to eat 71 baked beans in a minute - picked out of a bowl with a chopstick. - Try to beat this ;-)

Food Facts for Kids: Jelly Beans

Jelly beans

In 2013, Alfrie Binnie from the UK sorted 30 jelly beans by colour in 40 seconds - with chopsticks! Sounds like a fun game!

Now remember, there are many more food records already listed in the text above, such as:

the most eaten fruit worldwide, which is... read more.
the most eaten staple food worldwide is... see here.
the longest string of liquorice ever measured is... read here.
the largest potato ever weighed about... read here.
the hottest chilli pepper is... read more
the largest chocolate bar measured...see here
the largest macaroni cheese dish weighed as much as... read more

Food Facts for Kids
Fun Food Quiz

1. Which country is famous for the yummy guacamole dip or sauce?

2. Which country's specialty dish is fried mopane worms?

3. Where does pasta come from?

4. Where do people eat pastel de choclo?

5. Name three fruits that float when put in water

Answers:

Mexico
South Africa
Italy - Pasta was eaten even before Marco Polo returned from his travels and introduced Asian noodles to the Italians
Chile
Bananas, apples, watermelons, strawberries, lemons