What term describes food that people consume?

The term "food" encompasses all substances that people consume for nourishment, pleasure, or sustenance. It includes a broad range of items, from fruits and vegetables to meat, grains, and prepared items. This term is foundational in discussions about nutrition, cooking, and dietary habits, as it is not limited to the context of preparation or presentation.

In contrast, a "meal" refers specifically to a structured consumption of food, typically comprising multiple foods served together at a specific time. An "ingredient" denotes the individual components that make up a dish or recipe, while a "dish" refers to a specific preparation or serving of food that is usually intended to be consumed as a unit. Thus, while all the other terms relate to food, they have more specific meanings and contexts, making "food" the most inclusive and accurate term.