The struggle between salty and sweet tastes never goes away. Thus, it’s wonderful that savory and sweet foods may coexist in a meal. Do you want to know examples of savory foods? In this article, I’ll be listing some examples of savory foods.
Savory – according to Webster’s dictionary, savory means food that’s spicy or salty but not sweet.
Aspartic or glutamic acid are the reasons behind this flavor caused by amino acids. In most meals, these acids naturally give them a savory flavor.
The human tongue distinguishes five basic flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Savory is one of the 5 basic tastes.
Umami, one of the five taste receptors found on the human tongue, aids in detecting the flavor of savory foods.
The American diet is largely comprised of savory foods. Some of the pillars of American fast food, like pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries, are defined by their saltiness.
Savory meals are frequently served as appetizers at bars and Italian restaurants.
Now that we know the basics about savory foods, let us look at the examples of savory foods.
1. Popcorn
The first of our examples of savory foods is Popcorn. One of the most well-liked options for savory snackers is Popcorn.
Except for movie theater popcorn butter, laden with saturated fats, Popcorn is also a healthier option than other snacks.
Air-popped Popcorn, which has fewer calories and fat than premade Popcorn, is the better alternative if you want to go for a healthier popcorn option.
You can also design your flavor profile for homemade Popcorn. Add sea salt and olive oil to give it that extra delicious flavor without adding anything unhealthy.
You may make your Popcorn on the stove, in the microwave, or with an air popper.
2. Roasted Chickpeas
Want something tasty and nutritious at the same time? Then, here is a quick fix for your unexpected hunger. Pick up some chickpeas and dry roast them over a medium flame.
Add salt and chili powder to your liking, and presto, roasted chickpeas! Now that you have this delicious yet nutritious snack, you can enjoy your movie nights!
3. Soy-based Foods
Next, examples of savory foods are Soy-based foods. Soybeans are used to prepare all soy-based dishes.
Although you can eat them whole, they are typically processed into goods like soy sauce, miso, and natto.
Soybeans already have a savory flavor, but this flavor is intensified because of increased glutamate concentration during processing and fermentation.
4. Hamburgers
American food is identified with cheeseburgers and hamburgers.
Anybody’s mouth will moisten when they see a meat patty sandwiched between a soft hamburger bun with cheese, onions, pickles, and tomatoes.
Hamburgers have a high glutamate level, which satisfies the requirements for a savory dish and satisfies the human tongue’s umami and salty flavor cravings.
Instead, consider a vegetarian or chicken burger on a whole-grain bun to make a healthier hamburger.
5. Mixed Sprouts
Are you getting tired of eating those sprouts in the same boring way? You could always change things up a little.
So, the next time you eat sprouts, combine them with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and coriander leaves—finally, season with salt, chili flakes, and lemon juice.
After thoroughly mixing everything, you may enjoy a healthy, spicy bowl of sprouts to offer your taste buds a wonderful flavor.
By doing this, the sprouts become one of the examples of savory foods.
6. Aged Cheese
Cheese typically comes in a variety of flavors, from strong to delicate.
Some types of cheese, including Parmesan, Cheddar, Cabrales, Comte, Roquefort, Cotija, and Feta, develop savory flavors as they age.
This is due to their levels of glutamic acid increasing due to protein degradation.
7. Veggie Chips
One of the examples of savory foods is Veggie Chips. Veggie chips have gained enormous popularity as nutritious replacements for potato chips.
They are excellent for satisfying culinary cravings while providing your body with nutritious meals.
You can manufacture vegetarian chips at home by roasting and drying your vegetables.
Popular versions of vegetable chips include kale and asparagus chips, which you can purchase at the grocery store and come in various flavor combinations, including sriracha, mustard, and salt.
Since you may use healthier oils and salt to give your chips the exact flavor you want while using fewer preservatives and additives when making your veggie chips, they will be even healthier.
8. French Fries
French fries are a healthy food. All you need to do is air-frying them rather than deep-frying them in an oiled saucepan—the obvious but difficult tip.
Therefore, don’t hesitate to indulge in French fries the next time you have a savory longing for them. You can serve it with mayonnaise or any homemade dips.
9. Caprese Salad Skewers
Caprese salad skewers are one of the fantastic examples of savory foods. Tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls between the wooden skewers will offer an unbelievably delicious taste.
You may also add a bit of oregano and salt to enhance the flavor. Ensure you drizzle some olive oil over it to make it more savory. This appetizer is a perfect dish for parties.
10. Pretzels
Because salt is one of their main constituents, pretzels are most frequently associated with savory flavor characteristics. If you’re not careful, they can become pretty addicting.
To maintain a healthy weight, consider choosing micro pretzels, which slow your nibbling and help you feel full without overindulging.
In addition to being delicious, pretzels are fantastic carriers for your favorite dips like guacamole and hummus.
11. Guacamole
Guacamole is one of the perfect examples of savory food. This Mexican spread or dip can be a nice option if you want something sour and hot.
Add some serrano chilies to your regular guacamole when making it. It will spice up the situation and sate your savory appetites.
As a result, if you value your health yet frequently experience savory hunger sensations, try exploring some of these flavorful yet nutritious food recipes.
12. Pizza
Pizza was invented in Italy using only the best ingredients, including fresh cheese, basil, and tomato.
However, since pizza has become big in the United States, it is significantly tastier than its Italian origins.
Currently, pizza frequently has a lot of added salt and pepper. Pizza frequently has garlic salt and chile oil added to it for flavor.
Many people top their savory pizza with delicious ingredients like anchovies or pepperoni.
13. Tacos
The Mexican dish tacos are examples of savory foods everyone loves and enjoys.
Tacos are often cooked with corn or wheat tortillas, chicken, pig, beef, seafood filling, vegetables, and cheese, and then both sides of the tortilla are rolled together.
Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa dips are typically served with tacos. Therefore, tacos are always a good option for craving something savory. You can buy or make them at home; the choice is yours.
14. Chilli
Chili is one of the fantastic examples of savory foods that you can make in several ways. There are so many locations nationwide that tout having the best chili.
Beans, tomatoes, ground beef, cheese, and additional flavor-enhancing veggies like celery are frequently used in chili recipes.
Chili has a distinctive savory flavor profile thanks to the utilization of umami and salty ingredients.
It is the ideal dinner for keeping you warm and satiating your appetite for savory cuisine.
15. Hummus
Hummus is a good choice if you want to eat something flavorful from the Middle East.
There are probably a few knowledgeable people, but here is how you may prepare this flavorful and nutritious cuisine at home for those who are not.
Your hummus will be ready in only a few minutes after you combine cooked chickpeas, olive oil, a few garlic cloves, a few drops of lemon juice, and tahini (sesame paste).
You can consume it, however, and preserve it as a spread or dip. Feel free to give it a go!
16. Peanut Butter
Depending on the variety of peanut butter you purchase, it can frequently cross the line between sweet and savory foods.
So we can add peanut butter to our examples of savory foods. Although peanuts already have a savory flavor, salt is frequently added to enhance this flavor.
It is a distinctive blend of sweet and salty since it contains a lot of added sugar.
Numerous flavors of flavored peanut butter are available now, including cinnamon and white chocolate varieties that are more akin to sweets than snacks.
However, stick to your preferred natural peanut butter that contains less salt if you want savory peanut butter.
Other varieties of nut butter, such as almond and hazelnut, are also available; these may be healthier because they contain less fat while retaining the same delicious flavor.
17. Buffalo Wings
Are you getting tired of the same old chicken recipes? Do you want to try a tangy and hot chicken recipe? You can then try these well-known buffalo wings.
This is the dish that will satisfy your craving for savoriness the best.
These delights are prepared by deep-frying the chicken and then coating it with vinegar that contains cayenne pepper spicy sauce.
Melted butter is then added just before serving to increase the heat.
The meal is renowned for its intense spice content. So, if you have the stamina to handle the pressure, go for it.
18. Potato Chips
Of course, potato chips must be included in the examples of savory foods list. Not all potato chips are unhealthy just because some of your favorites might not be very nutritious.
Some potato chips are baked or sweet potatoes substantially lower in saturated fat.
Try roasting and drying potatoes at home to make your potato chips with all the flavors you want without the extra bad stuff.
19. Bacon
Because of its high glutamate level, bacon is an excellent illustration of a flavorful dish.
In both the United States and Europe, bacon is a breakfast staple, albeit variations in preparation may exist.
When some chefs apply a maple glaze, bacon can also add sweetness.
20. Jerky
Number twenty on our list of examples of savory foods is Jerky. These days, the selection of dried beef treats seems limitless.
Turkey jerky, pig jerky, chicken jerky, and vegan Jerky is now available, whereas only beef jerky was available before.
Jerky, which is strong in protein but, regrettably, also rather heavy in sodium and fat, is a fantastic grab-and-go snack.
However, some healthier choices are available, particularly if you choose a vegan diet.
A different choice is to look for chicken or turkey jerkies, which frequently have fewer nitrates than pig or beef jerkies.
21. Tomato
The other fruit that fits into the savory group is the tomato. They complement a variety of savory dishes like hamburgers, lasagna, wraps, sandwiches, and more since, unlike most other fruits, they are moderately sweet.
They taste great alone or with a little salt and olive oil. One of the healthiest savory snacks you can consume is a tomato.
22. Asian Noodles
Many Asian cuisines add glutamate (MSG) to their foods to increase the savory flavor. Noodles are common in many Asian cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
The Chinese meal Dan Dan noodles, which come from the Sichuan region, illustrates a savory noodle dish.
They come with a hot sauce called “mala” made of pork, Sichuan pepper, chile oil, pickled vegetables, and green onions.
Dan Dan noodles are a very savory dish because they utilize the umami flavor of pork and are fairly salty.
There are many additional delicious Asian noodle recipes, including Pad Thai, Mi Xao, and Lo Mein.
23. Corn Tortilla Wraps
Lastly, on our list of examples of savory foods is Corn Tortilla Wraps. For any dip, corn tortilla chips are adaptable.
Corn tortilla chips are typically considered healthier, while normal potato chips may be junk food.
They frequently arrive salted or even with a tinge of lime, making them a fantastic savory snack for any dip you serve them with. They make filling snacks on their own as well!
Numerous corn tortilla chips are available, but you may choose healthier options with fewer additives and ingredients.
It is easy to find yourself devouring the entire bag, so check the portion size as well! They go well with nutritious sides like hummus or guacamole.
Conclusion
These are some of the examples of savory foods. The amino acid glutamate is naturally found in some of these meals, giving them savory flavor.
Add soy sauce, fish sauce, or miso to your broth or stock to add extra flavor to your food.
These are characteristic Asian cooking flavors. Stay calm if fish sauce sounds scary. It doesn’t taste fishy at all.
Most Vietnamese meals, including spring rolls, virtually invariably contain it. You’ll likely enjoy fish sauce if you enjoy Vietnamese food and sweet and sour sauce.
Your favorite savory recipes would benefit greatly from adding soy sauce, fish sauce, and miso.
