whole food

American  

[hohl food] / ˈhoʊl ˌfud /

noun

1. food with little or no refining or processing and containing no artificial additives or preservatives; natural or organic food

---

Etymology

Origin of whole food

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

She said lithium mining impacts microorganisms that birds feed on in these waters, so the whole food chain is affected.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2025

Sugar-coated nuts and fruit such as honey-roasted almonds and candy apples rank among the top, offering whole food benefits just beneath the sugary coating.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2024

The FDA agreed that there is “some credible evidence” of benefit of eating yogurt as a whole food, but not because of any particular nutrient in it.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2024

However, Professor Conner says limited research has assessed how quickly mood improvements occur after introducing vitamin C supplements or whole food sources.

From Science Daily • Jan. 24, 2024

Beetles constitute 28 per cent. of the whole food, grasshoppers 22, caterpillars 11, and various insects, including quite a number of spiders, comprise the remainder of the insect diet.

From Ohio Arbor Day 1913: Arbor and Bird Day Manual Issued for the Benefit of the Schools of our State by Clifton, Grace R.