health food

American  

noun

1. any natural food popularly believed to promote or sustain good health, as by containing vital nutrients, being grown without the use of pesticides, or having a low sodium or fat content.

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health food British  

noun

1. 1. vegetarian food organically grown and with no additives, eaten for its dietary value and benefit to health

   2. ( as modifier )

      a health-food shop

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Etymology

Origin of health food

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Erewhon, Los Angeles’ trendy health food cafe and retailer, will bring its signature smoothies, matcha and coffee to Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s new David Geffen Galleries.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Cleaning houses, working in a candle shop, babysitting, unloading trucks in a food terminal and finally the kitchen of local health food grocery the Turnip Truck, music was always in the background.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Their activism faced a commercial test as the brand moved from health food aisles into the mainstream.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Beth Krietsch is a writer specializing in health, food, and wellness.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

So now Molly does—she swallowed her pride, asked Ralph for money, and bought almond butter, organic honey, and nutty bread in the health food store in Bar Harbor.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline