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

A lot of the produce is either the same price or only a little bit more expensive than at other health food stores, and it’s in consistently better shape.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • May 19, 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

But having fuelled a bad habit in China, it now wants to promote a health food there, hoping in the process to acquire the status of Africa's blueberry capital.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

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