foodstuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "foodstuff" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to anything that can be used as a food, such as ingredients, canned items, produce, etc. Example: The supermarket was filled with an array of foodstuffs, from dairy and eggs to spices and canned vegetables.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ditto how a leader eats a hot dog, bacon sandwich or other working class foodstuff?

The Guardian - Opinion

He made his name at Monsanto in the 1980s as the brains behind NutraSweet, turning what was a bulk foodstuff into a famous brand.

The Economist

It takes time, money and expertise to determine whether a drug or foodstuff is safe.

The Economist

NEWT GINGRICH does not eat sandwiches; he fundamentally transforms them, radically changing them from solid foodstuff to masticated bolus to energy.

The Economist

Many algae make oil, which they store as a foodstuff against an uncertain future.

The Economist

Rice is such a vital foodstuff in Asia some 90% is grown and eaten there that policies aim at self-sufficiency.

The Economist

A famous proverb written about rice serves as a metaphor for humility, a virtue the Japanese hold dear: "The heavier the head of rice, the deeper it bows".For all the lyricism, many Japanese are also disturbingly nationalistic over the foodstuff.

The Economist

It failed to distinguish between a doughnut and a whole-grain roll, or a hamburger and a skinless chicken breast, and it did not make clear exactly how much of each foodstuff to eat.

The Economist

The argument is aggravated by lobbies such as Consumers International, who want labelling to cover any foodstuff that has its origins in genetic engineering, even if it lacks all trace of engineered DNA or protein.American trade officials, and some companies in the GMO business such as Monsanto, believe these demands are impractical, unfair and unnecessary.

The Economist

THE sandwich is a simple, humble foodstuff, eaten daily by billions of people across the globe.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The next day, Rabbi Moskowitz and I set off for Linyi Zhonghai Foodstuff Company, a canned-fruit manufacturer in Yixing village, a destination that took us almost six hours to reach.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foodstuff" when you need a general, encompassing term for any material that can be used as food, especially in formal or technical contexts. For instance, when discussing food regulations or nutritional content.

Common error

Avoid using "foodstuff" in everyday conversation or casual writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler terms like "food", "item", or "product" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "foodstuff" is as a noun, representing a general term for any substance that can be used as food. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it often appears in contexts related to analysis, regulation, or description of food materials.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foodstuff" is a grammatically correct noun used to broadly refer to any substance that can be used as food. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While frequently appearing in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, its formality makes it less suitable for casual conversation. For alternatives, consider "food item" or "food product" depending on the context. To avoid sounding overly formal, especially in informal settings, opting for simpler terms like "food" is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

food item

More specific, referring to a single, distinct piece of food.

food product

Implies a manufactured or processed food item.

grocery item

Refers to food and other household goods purchased at a store.

edible substance

Broader and more scientific, encompassing anything safe to eat.

provisions

Suggests a supply of food, often for a journey or specific purpose.

sustenance

Focuses on the nourishing aspect of food, implying what is needed to live.

fare

Refers to the food served at a meal or event.

comestibles

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for edible goods.

victuals

An older, more traditional word for food, especially as a supply.

eatables

Simply refers to things that can be eaten.

FAQs

How can I use "foodstuff" in a sentence?

You can use "foodstuff" to refer to any substance that can be used as food. For example, "The study analyzed the nutritional content of various foodstuffs."

What's a good substitute for "foodstuff"?

Depending on the context, you could use "food item", "food product", or simply "food" as a substitute for "foodstuff".

When is it appropriate to use "foodstuff" over "food"?

"Foodstuff" is more appropriate in formal or technical writing when you need a broad term that includes any material that can be used as food, whereas "food" is suitable for general use.

Is "foodstuff" singular or plural?

"Foodstuff" is singular, but "foodstuffs" is the plural form, used to refer to multiple items that can be used as food.