There are many foods and snacks that are white in color. White foods tend to be higher in carbohydrates and have a milder flavor than foods with more pigment. Some popular examples of white foods include:
Dairy Products
Many dairy products are white including:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cream
- Sour cream
- Cottage cheese
- Cream cheese
- Mascarpone
- Ricotta
- Feta
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Butter
- Ice cream
Dairy products get their white color from the protein casein in milk fat. The lactic acid fermentation process to make yogurt, sour cream, and cheese also results in a white color.
Breads and Grains
Many breads and grains are white or off-white in color including:
- White bread
- Dinner rolls
- Bagels
- English muffins
- Pita bread
- Naan
- Flour tortillas
- Pasta
- White rice
- Couscous
- Crackers
The bran and germ are removed from white flour leaving mostly the white endosperm. The lack of bran results in a lighter texture and color. Rice that has had the bran layer removed is also white.
Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables are naturally white or paler in color such as:
- Bananas
- Pears
- Jicama
- Mushrooms
- Cauliflower
- Onions
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Turnips
- Potatoes
Other fruits and vegetables can be bred or grown to be white varieties such as:
- White peaches
- White nectarines
- White corn
- White eggplant
- White tomatoes
- White carrots
The lack of pigments like chlorophyll and anthocyanins results in the white color.
Meat
When cooked, some meats can appear white or light in color such as:
- Chicken breast
- Turkey breast
- Pork
- Cod
- Tilapia
- Halibut
- Sole
The natural lack of myoglobin in these lean meats results in a lighter color when cooked. Other meats can be processed or cured to appear more white:
- Deli meats like turkey, ham, or roast beef
- Hot dogs
- Bacon
- Prosciutto
Sweets and Desserts
Many sweet treats are white due to added sugar, fats like shortening, and starch thickeners:
- Marshmallows
- Meringues
- White chocolate
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Angel food cake
- Pound cake
- White cupcakes and frosting
- Marzipan
- Almond paste
- Cotton candy
The lack of cocoa solids results in white chocolate’s pale appearance. Desserts made with all-purpose white flour also contribute to a white color.
Snack Foods
Popular savory white snack foods include:
- Pretzels
- Saltine crackers
- Potato chips
- Tortilla chips
- Popcorn
Many of these snacks rely on processed white flours or starches to achieve their color and texture.
In general, snacks made from white flour, white sugar, corn or potato starches, and fats tend to have a lighter appearance.
Other White Foods
Some other examples of white foods include:
- Tofu
- Mayonnaise
- Alfredo sauce
- Coconut
- Parmesan cheese
- Cauliflower crust
- Polenta
- Grits
- Cream of wheat
- Oatmeal
Ingredients like starch, dairy, coconut, and limited phytonutrients all contribute to a white or off-white look.
Conclusion
There are many commonly consumed foods across almost every food group that are white or off-white in appearance. While fresh, minimally processed foods contain naturally occurring pigments, refinement processes remove bran and germ resulting in a white color. The addition of dairy, fats, sugar, and starches also lend a white appearance to many beloved snacks and desserts.