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

We also believe there is room for more public and private investment in restaurants, grocery stores and companies that bring healthy food to the public.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

Since then, the movement has ballooned, spreading to 160 countries in its mission to promote good taste, defend biodiversity and promote a healthy food model that respects the environment and local cultures.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

While expanding access to healthy food is a worthy goal, I fear that these new rules could have the opposite effect for people who are enrolled in SNAP.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

However, those findings typically focus on variety within healthy food groups such as fruits and vegetables.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Then the Hope Springs middle school principal talked about the problem with bake sales: promoting healthy food choices versus the importance of student-led fundraising.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry