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Food and Drink Vocabulary Worksheet

Free printable ESL worksheet — match, fill-in and categorise 20 common food and drink words. Word bank included. Answer key provided.

Level: A1–A2 3 Exercises Word Bank Answer Key Included

📔 Word Bank — Use these words in Exercise 2

breadricemeatchicken fishvegetablesfruitsoup saladpastacakecoffee teawaterjuicemilk eggcheesebuttersugar

Exercise 1 — Match the Word (Write the correct food or drink word next to each definition.)

1.
A liquid food made by boiling ingredients in water or stock.
2.
A cold dish of raw or cooked vegetables, often served with dressing.
3.
Italian food made from flour dough in various shapes.
4.
A solid or semi-solid food made from pressed milk.
5.
A yellow spread made from churned cream.

Exercise 2 — Fill in the Blank (Use a word from the Word Bank to complete each sentence.)

  1. She buys fresh from the bakery every morning.
  2. is the main food for billions of people worldwide.
  3. Grilled is a popular, healthy meal option.
  4. We had and chips at the seaside restaurant.
  5. Eat more to stay healthy.
  6. She eats a piece of with every meal.
  7. He scrambled three for breakfast.
  8. Do you take in your tea?

Exercise 3 — Categorise the Words (Sort these 12 words into the correct column: bread, rice, meat, chicken, soup, salad, pasta, cake, coffee, tea, water, juice)

🍞 Staple Foods
🍜 Dishes & Desserts
☕ Drinks

Note: Some words could fit more than one category (e.g. cake could be seen as a snack rather than a dessert). If you disagree with the key, write your reason below — discussion is welcome!

📋 Show Answer Key

Exercise 1

  1. soup
  2. salad
  3. pasta
  4. cheese
  5. butter

Exercise 2

  1. bread
  2. rice
  3. chicken
  4. fish
  5. vegetables
  6. fruit
  7. eggs (egg)
  8. sugar

Exercise 3 (suggested answers)

Staple Foods: bread, rice, meat, chicken

Dishes & Desserts: soup, salad, pasta, cake

Drinks: coffee, tea, water, juice

Accept reasonable alternatives with justification (e.g. cake as a snack rather than a dessert).

🔗

Practice Online: Match Up

Match each food and drink word to its correct definition! A fun way to reinforce meaning and recall after this worksheet.

Try Match Up →

Food and Drink Vocabulary Worksheet — FAQ

What words are covered in this worksheet?
The worksheet covers 20 essential food and drink words: bread, rice, meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, fruit, soup, salad, pasta, cake, coffee, tea, water, juice, milk, egg, cheese, butter, and sugar.
What level is this food and drink vocabulary worksheet?
This worksheet is designed for A1–A2 (Beginner to Elementary) learners, making it ideal for young learners and complete beginners building their core English vocabulary.
What exercises are included?
The worksheet includes three exercises: (1) match food and drink words to their definitions, (2) fill in sentences from a word bank, and (3) categorise words into staple foods, dishes & desserts, and drinks.
Is this worksheet suitable for young learners?
Yes. The vocabulary, sentence structures, and exercise types are simple enough for young learners aged 7 and above, as well as adult beginners.
What is the difference between staple foods, dishes and desserts, and drinks?
Staple foods are basic ingredients eaten regularly, often as part of a larger meal (e.g. bread, rice, meat, chicken). Dishes and desserts are prepared foods made by combining ingredients (e.g. soup, salad, pasta, cake). Drinks are liquids we consume for hydration or enjoyment (e.g. coffee, tea, water, juice).
Can I use a word bank for all exercises?
The word bank is provided at the top of the worksheet and is intended for use in Exercise 2 (fill-in). For Exercise 1 (matching), students match by reading definitions without extra support. Exercise 3 uses words from the word bank for categorisation.
Is an answer key provided?
Yes. A collapsible answer key is included at the bottom of the page. Open it before printing if you want to include the answers on the printed sheet.
What online exercise can students use after this worksheet?
The LexFizz Match Up exercise is a fun follow-up for food and drink vocabulary. Students match each word to its correct definition, reinforcing meaning and recall.
Are food words like bread and rice countable or uncountable in English?
Most general food words in this worksheet are uncountable, including bread, rice, meat, cheese, butter, and sugar. You cannot say ‘a bread’ — instead use ‘some bread’ or ‘a loaf of bread’. Specific items such as egg and cake are countable (an egg, a cake).
How long does this vocabulary worksheet take?
Most A1–A2 learners complete all three exercises in 15–20 minutes. The categorisation exercise in Exercise 3 can generate useful discussion, so allow extra time for a class setting.