Books with Food in the Title
Kirsten and I decided to include this prompt in the Beyond the Bookends 2025 Reading Challenge. I loved the idea of putting together such a fun list of books that both Kirsten and I loved.
At Beyond the Bookends, Kirsten and I read a lot of books. It is often easy to put together a list of books that have one thing in common like time period of subgenres. But what do you do with a list of books who seem to have nothing in common other than an arbitrary trait? I put them on the Beyond the Bookends 2025 Reading Challenge, of course!
I know that I could have divided the list below by genre like historical fiction and fiction. But I thought it would be a lot more fun to divide the books by type of food in the title. Be sure to have a look around the post. You may look for your favorite genres but you may also find a fun title that catches your eye. Read the description and see what appeals to you!
The Best Books With Food in the Title
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of books with food in the title. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Book with Fruit in the Title
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson – Click to read the description and see more books in this subgenre
Best Book with a Vegetable in the Title
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society – Click to read the description and see more books in this subgenre
Best Book with a Main Course in the Title
Sandwich by Catherine Newman – Click to read the description and see more books in this subgenre
Best Books with a Dessert in the Title
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson – Click to read the description and see more books in this subgenre
Best Book with Miscellaneous Food in the Title
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P Manansala – Click to read the description and see more books in this subgenre
*Books With Food in the Title Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Books With Food in the Title: Fruit
Pineapple Street
Author: Jenny Jackson
Year: 2023
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: March 2023 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I loved this family drama book about the blue-blooded Stockton family, told from the perspective of sisters, Darley and Georgiana, and their sister-in-law, Sasha.
Each woman struggles to navigate life in the Stockton family. Sasha, a middle-class artist feels like an unwelcomed outsider. Darley struggles to live up to the Stockton family name after she gives up her identity to embrace motherhood. Georgiana, the youngest, needs to grow up and become a capable adult!
Each family member struggles both on their own and within the family dynamic in this wonderful contemporary fiction. Each sibling faces dramatic struggles from sick parents to committing adultery to a lost job.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved seeing how they each grew throughout this book for book clubs and ultimately how they strengthened their familial bond. While the book had enough meat for me to get invested, it also had glimpses of the whimsy of the monied elite. The matriarch of this family in particular is a hoot!
Find this book in: Books for Book Clubs / Best Books of 2023/ Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Best Family Drama Books / Books with Food in the Title
Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Woman’s Prison
Author: Piper Kerman
Year: 2010
Genre: non-fiction
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller, Netflix Original Series
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I originally read this for a book club and it was one of my favorite non-fiction books. I don’t love the now-famous Netflix series of the same name, but I did love the book.
A suburban mother goes to prison for a crime she committed a decade before. Her inside look at the American prison system is fascinating. This is one of the OG Netflix book adaptations.
Trigger Warnings
Confinement, Drug use
Why Kirsten loves it
The view of the American penal system was eye-opening. The book is so well-written, it reads like fiction and I am not surprised that Netflix adapted it to the screen.
Find this book in: Best Netflix Books Adaptations / Book With Color in the Title / Books with Food in the Title
Apples Never Fall
Author: Liane Moriarty
Year: 2021
Genre: Fiction
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller, Peacock Original TV Series
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The best thing about Liane Moriarty is that her books never fail to entertain. This book was easy to read and swept away into the Delaney family.
Joy and Stan Delaney have been married for 50 years with four grown children who have all moved out. When a stranger named Savannah knocks on their door bleeding after a fight with her boyfriend, the Delaney’s let her in to help her.
Months later, Joy is missing, Savannah is missing as well and the four children are not sure whether Stan is to blame.
Trigger Warnings
Eating disorder, Abuse
Why Kirsten likes it
Liane Moriarty never fails to write page-turning plots with unforgettable characters.
Why Jackie likes it
This book was entertaining from the first page to the last. I never knew what the characters would do next.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title
The House on Mango Street
Author: Sandra Cisneros
Year: 1984
Genre: YA Fiction
Age: 13+
More info: March 2024 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Plot
This classic kid’s book is about a Latino neighborhood in Chicago. Widely studied (and banned) across the country, Esperanza Cordero’s coming-of-age story defines a generation.
Within its pages, Esperanza is struggling against stereotypes and the expectations of growing up on Mango Street. While she fights to leave her neighborhood behind, she realizes that she can’t outrun the impact the neighborhood had on shaping her.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Kirsten loves it
While Jenna recently picked the 25th-anniversary edition for her book club, I have loved this story since I read it in middle school. The way Cisneros writes paints the most vivid picture in my mind.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Read with Jenna / Books with Food in the Title
Plot
One week before her wedding, Georgia discovers that her fiancé has been keeping a secret from her. Not sure if she can get over it and go through with the wedding, she heads home to her family vineyard.
When she arrives, she does not find the solace she is looking for. Rather, her parents’ marriage is in shambles, her brothers are a mess, and they are at risk of losing everything.
Why Jackie loves it
This book about wine is such a fun book for book clubs to read and discuss. How do the characters develop? Did the book end the way you thought?
Find this book in: Books About Wine / Books with Food in the Title
Books With Food in the Title: Veggies
Before anyone emails me to tell me that pumpkins and tomatoes are not vegetables, I want you to know that I know. I wanted to put them in the vegetable category because of how I eat them. Does this make sense? Of course not, but a girl has to live on the edge sometimes, right?
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffner and Annie Barrows
Year: 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This story about the island of Guernsey’s occupation during WWII features a book club that started to deceive the German soldiers. The members of the book club quickly become friends. Can you think of a better book for book clubs than one about a book club?
When a young novelist finds out about their society, she begins a correspondence and eventually visits them to learn more. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society must remain secret for their safety rather than by choice.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
The story is told entirely in letters and was recently turned into a Netflix movie! I love this heartwarming novel. If you have not read this cozy book, I highly recommend it to anyone who loved The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner.
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Books About WWII / Friendship Books / Books About Books / British Books / Epistolary Novels / Books with Food in the Title
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
Author: Fannie Flag
Year: 2005
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Adapted to a film of the same name in 1991 starring Kathy Bates
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Fried Green Tomatoes is a book that I read years ago and have loved ever since. It is a novel about two women: middle-aged Evelyn, who is in a life slump, and Mrs. Threadgoode, who’s telling her life story.
Her story includes two more women, tomboy Idgie and her friend Ruth in the 1930s. The women ran The Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama. As the story unfolds, it brings us back to the present and reveals the power of love, laughter, and most importantly, friendship.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Domestic abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This book resonated with me because of the power of friendship but also the feeling of no knowing who you are or where your place is. As everyone goes through any changes in life, whether its a new job, growing older, or having a baby, we all at some point see the different paths in front of us. This is one of those books that everyone can relate to and the movie adaptation is fantastic!
Find this book in: Coffee Shop Romance Books / Books About Food / Books With Colors in the Title / Books with Food in the Title
Books With Food in the Title: Main Course
Plot
Rocky and her family have gone to a rental in Cape Cod for 20 years. This year, the vacation feels different. Rocky’s kids are almost fully grown, but not quite, her parents are getting older faster than she would like and she is experiencing all the joys of menopause.
As they spend the week together, Rocky sees things differently than she has in the past. She has secrets that she no longer wants to keep.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion
Why Jackie loves it
This 236-page book is an absolute must-read. I related to Rocky’s mood swings and inner monologue so much I was screaming with laughter. The way she simultaneously loved her husband and felt the urge to slap him was all too familiar (sorry honey). I also loved the relationship that she had with her kids. This book is perfect for any woman who is in the sandwich generation and trying to find her place as a mother and daughter.
Why Kirsten loves it
I savored this book and it ended too soon for me. Newman’s portrayal of being a mother, a wife, and a daughter were spot on. I laughed out loud and even cried a little too with this 5-star book.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title / Best Family Drama Books / New June 2024 Book Releases / Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / Giftable Books
The Count of Monte Cristo
Author: Alexander Dumas
Year: 1844
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Translated from French
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The first time I read this book was actually before I saw the movie Shawshank Redemption. I read it a bunch of times and loved it. I did not realize, however, that it was an abridged version.
When I was at University, I embarked on a journey to read the unabridged version of this book. I was so amazed at the brilliance and detail that it has been a favorite ever since.
Edmund Dantès is thrown into the Chateau D’If for a crime he did not commit. There, he meets a fellow prisoner who teaches him to read and write, math, languages, and how to fight, all within the confines of their cells before telling him of a treasure. When the other prisoner dies, Dantès escapes and seeks his revenge on those who had him sent to prison. All of this is set in the time of Napolean Bonaparte who is a part of the political landscape of the book.
Why Jackie loves it
There is a reason this classic is still read today. This is the original story of revenge. The writing, plot, and details in this book are unsurpassed.
Find this book in: Best Classic Novels / Literary Classics Worth Reading / Jackie’s Top 10 All-Time Favorite Books / Books Set in France to Love / Books with Food in the Title
The Chicken Sisters
Author: K.J. Dell’ Antonia
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: December 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is another winner picked by Reese Witherspoon! This was an enjoyable family drama based around two sisters competing in a fictional reality TV food competition.
As the competition turns to tricks and sabotage, the sisters’ war with each other turns ugly. Family secrets just keep getting exposed and the hijinx gets better and better. This was the perfect light read to end 2020 and a perfect pick for a list of books about sisters.
Why Kirsten likes it
I liked the family drama and the silly antics in this book. The relationship between the sisters was a fun read as well.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title / Books About Sister and Sisterhood / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Books About Food
Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition
Author: Dehlia Owens
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book begins when a body is found in a North Carolina marsh and is identified as Chase Andrews. The story moves between the past and the present to tell the story of Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, who is a suspect in the murder.
Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, is abandoned first by her mother, then by her siblings, and eventually by her father at a very young age. She is forced to fend for herself in the marshes, away from society.
With the help of two beloved friends, she learns to care for herself but not without experiencing cruelty and violence. Then, she finds herself faced with murder charges and is forced to confront her secrets and past that have shaped her into the woman that she has become.
Trigger Warnings
Abandonment, Domestic and child abuse, assault
Why Jackie loves it
I admit that when I saw the description of this coming-of-age book, I was not sold. A trusted individual, who has never steered me wrong in the past, gave me an advanced copy so, I took the leap. And wow, am I glad I did. I read this book and then recommended it to everyone I knew. It is a story about love, nature, and perseverance.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a novel that is so much more than the sum of its parts. It is part mystery and part historical fiction that shows the importance of human connections.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty and Its Impact / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Book Club for Where the Crawdads Sing/ Books with Food in the Title / Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
Author: Kathleen Rooney
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: National Indie Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This book could be an amazing movie. It is not the type of book that you “can’t put down” because it takes place on New Year’s Eve 1984 with flashbacks from the Jazz Age all the way to the AIDS epidemic. But, it is an incredibly interesting and very well-written New Year’s Eve book.
Lillian Boxfish takes the reader with her through a look at New York City through the ages. She starts off writing copy for R.H. Macy’s and becomes one of the highest-paid advertising women in the country.
Now, at 85 years old, she is still as savvy as she ever was and is determined to make the most of her time. Breaking the boundaries of what was expected of a woman was Lillian’s thing and makes this book perfect for anyone looking for books like Lessons in Chemistry.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a unique book that is so character-driven. It is a delightful read. Lillian is a wonderful character who has so much depth.
Find this book in: Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Books with Food in the Title / New Year’s Eve Books / Books Set in New York
Books With Food in the Title: Dessert
Black Cake
Author: Charmaine Wilkerson
Year: 2022
Genre: Fiction
More info: A Read With Jenna Pick for February 2022
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I absolutely loved this contemporary fiction which is a story about love, family, and acceptance. It captured me from the first page with the story and the writing.
When Eleanor Bennett dies, she leaves a voice recording for her two children Benny and Byron. She wants to tell them things about her life that she could not say when she was alive.
While listening to their mother’s story, Byron and Benny learn about their mother, family, and themselves. They try to piece their relationship back together. The novel looks at everyone’s lives in the present and the past, but in its essence, it is a book about motherhood.
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Kirsten loves it
The story, the writing, and the characters all drew me in from the first page. This is such a well written pick from the Read with Jenna Book Club.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a deep look at each siblings relationship with their mother and each other. I could not put it down.
Find this book in: Books About Women in Sports / Books About Mothers / BIPOC Female Authors / Books with Color in the Title / Books with Food in the Title
Meet Me at The Cupcake Cafe
Author: Jenny Colgan
Year: Fiction
Genre: Romance
More info: Cupcake Cafe #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Warning:
I am never surprised or disappointed in her books. Even though this is ranked lower in our list of Jenny Colgan books in order, it is still a delightful read.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Jenny Colgan’s books and this was no exception. It is a quick and lovely romance book
Why Jackie loves it
Like Kirsten, I find comfort in reading Jenny Colgan’s sweet romance novels. They always leave me with a smile because of the sweet stories and in this case, I got to day dream about food as well!
Find this book in: Books With Food in the Title / Jenny Colgan Books Ranked and In Order /10 Delicious Bakery Romance Novels
Plot
After Lolly’s mother dies, she abandons her hopes and dreams as well as the love of her life to stay and run the family’s struggling Seattle diner. Now, as her 33rd birthday approaches, she is sad and lost. Everyone seems to be living the life they chose except her.
For a birthday gift, her aunt gives her magic lemon drops which will allow her to relive one day in a life that might have been. What if she never broke up with her fiance? What if her mom didn’t die?
This book is such a thoughtful and original book that really makes you think- is there something you would want a “do-over”? I loved this adorable book from our Ultimate Beach Reads 2023.
Trigger Warnings
Parental Death
Why Jackie loves it
The writing is so good and the story felt fresh and original. I also loved the character development and at the end, I could only smile.
Find this book in: Books With Food in the Title / Books About Food /
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Author: Alan Bradley
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Historical Mystery
More info: Flavia De Luce #1
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the first book in the Flavia De Luce series. This 11-year-old aspiring chemist is a wonderful heroine who is smart and precocious. In this first book, it is 1950 and Flavia has a love of poisons. When she finds a man taking his last breath in a cucumber patch, she is not scared at all, rather, she delights in solving the mystery.
Why Kirsten loves it
Flavia is an absolute delight to read as she’s easily one of the most unique characters in a mystery series. My dad recommended this series to me. I read it, loved it, and promptly passed it on to my 12-year-old. I love that this story works for readers of all generations.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best first mystery books for younger readers as it does not have violence.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Books for 13-year-olds / British Mysteries / Mystery Books for Kids / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens / Books with Food in the Title
Chocolat
Author: Joanne Harris
Year: 1999
Genre: Magical Realism
More info: Adapted to Film
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:16+
Plot
In a small town where everything stays the same, Vianne comes and sets up her chocolate shop. She has the ability to know exactly what everyone needs to mend their souls. Is this a witch book? That is for you to decide.
Warning: do not read this book if you are hungry because the descriptions of the chocolate confections are almost as good as the book itself. Add in a touch of romance, and this book is a delicious treat.
Why Jackie loves it
This book has a magical quality in the literal and figurative sense of the word. The descriptions are delicious and the story is just as enticing.
Find this book in: Books With Food in the Title
Plot
This new Christmas book for 2023 is a retelling of the Nutcracker. It’s told from Clara’s sister Natasha’s perspective. Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution, this story pulls back layers of the story far beyond the known ballet.
Two sisters, Natasha and Clara, are cursed from birth by their godfather, the sorcerer Drosselmeyer. While Clara thrives, Natasha lives in her sister’s shadow until one Christmas Eve when she’s given the chance for revenge. With the arrival of the enchanted Nutcracker and entry into the Kingdom of Sweets, Natasha faces a choice between earthly and magical forces, unveiling her true destiny in this tale of light and dark.
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantasy story is unlike any other Christmas tale, but beware that it’s no romance. It’s a dark story that does not give off sweet Christmas vibes.
Find this book in: Fantasy Christmas Books / New Christmas Books of 2023 / Books with Food in the Title
More Books With Food in the Title
Arsenic and Adobo
Author: Mia P. Manansala
Year: 2021
Genre: Cozy Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5: Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries
Age Range: Anthony Award Winner 2022, RUSA Award-winning novel
Plot
From the very first page of this book, I was completely hooked. I loved this book and could not put it down. This book is the perfect mix of cozy mystery and scrumptious food. I felt like Lousie Penny met Jenny Colgan to write this book.
When Lila moves home to help her family with their restaurant, she never dreamed that she would be put in the middle of a murder investigation. A food critic who is known for nasty reviews dies after a confrontation with Lila. The fact that he is also her ex makes her the prime suspect. Now, she has to prove her innocence with the help of her best friend and nosy aunties.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a light-hearted and fun cozy mystery novel. I was invested from the first page. I also laughed out loud at the antics. #gifted
Find this book in: Books About Food / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books with Food in the Title
Mad Honey
Author: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Year: 2022
Genre: Fiction
More info: October 2022 GMA Book Club List Pick
New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Picoult’s books are always so readable and this one is no exception. Olivia McAfee has had to start over and raise her son alone after leaving her abusive cardiothoracic surgeon husband.
She is raising her son Asher alone and always hoping that she left in time- before her son would remember the abuse. Now, Asher’s girlfriend, Lily, is dead and Asher is the prime suspect.
There were so many things about this book that made it so readable, I can see why it was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for 2022 and is an Audie Awards 2023 finalist. There is a lot to discuss which makes this a perfect pick for books for book clubs.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Transphobia, Suicide attempt
Why Jackie loves it
Jodi Picoult writes books that are page-turning from the beginning. This is no exception and I love that she had a co-writer fr this particular book. There have been a few books in the past where I wish this was the case and I am so glad that she was able to tell this story in an authentic way.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title / GMA Book Club List / The Best Audiobooks of 2022: Audie Awards 2023
A Pocket Full of Rye
Author: Agatha Christie
Year: 1953
Genre: Mystery
More info: Miss Marple Mystery
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This book is Agatha Christie at her finest, a layered murder mystery that opens with murder by tea!! If you are a mystery lover, you must read a pocket full of rye. It’s the perfect one-sitting read and one of my favorite Miss Marple books. Just no poison in your tea, ok?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love MIss Marple and this book was a delightful quick read for mystery lovers.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title / 70 Agatha Christie Books in Order (+PDF)
Good Eggs
Author: Rebecca Hardiman
Year: 2021
Genre: Fiction
More info: Named a Best Feel-Good Book by The Washington Post
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This debut novel revolves around three generations of an Irish family living in a small town where everyone knows each other. Kevin is a stay-at-home dad trying to keep track of his rebellious 16-year-old daughter and his mother who keeps getting arrested for shoplifting.
When Kevin sends his daughter to boarding school and hires an Aide to help his mother, he thinks his problems are over.
Why Kirsten likes it
The humor in the book missed the mark with me and I found myself frustrated as I followed this family on an emotional rollercoaster. I am glad I read to the end to see how this family’s journey turned out. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I was in a different frame of mind.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Read a Book with Food in the Title?
Kirsten and I love to do unconventional book lists. There is something so fun about putting books on a list that may have nothing in common other than something arbitrary- like a title. This is one of those posts. Kirsten and I have read every book on this list so you can be assured it passes our standards, but even more fun is such a wide variety of books.
If you have been following Beyond the Bookends for a while, you will also know that we love our reading challenges. You may find this one on the 2025 reading challenge!
Expert Tip
Because these books are not divided by genre, it can be a little more difficult to choose a book you will love. Kirsten and I only included books that we enjoyed in this post to help narrow down your choices. However, if you are looking for advice on choosing a book based on the title, I have some advice.
- Have a look at the genre of the book in the description, This can help narrow your choices.
- Read the description of the book. If you are a Kirsten, pick books she has read and vice versa for Jackie.
- Have a look at our reasons for liking a book to see if this appeals to you.
- Don’t fret about your choice. If you start a book and don’t like it, STOP. Life is too short and there are too many good books to read one that you don’t like.
Summary
Which book did you pick from my list of books with food in the title? Is there something I forgot? I would love it if you had some recommendations for me.
