alternative food

noun

: a food that is regarded as a healthier alternative to food that is prepared or produced by conventional methods
… organic and vegetarian products, sometimes called alternative foods, can be hard to find …Beth Ramirez de Arellano, Pensacola News Journal, 1 Nov. 2008
While conceding that big agriculture is here to stay, he thinks that if we buy alternative foods in natural and/or organic food stores and farmers' markets we can slow the processed foods train and build some real balance into what we eat.Jules Wagman, Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), 14 Mar. 2004
the alternative food movement

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alternative food was in 1977

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near alternative food

Cite this Entry

“Alternative food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20food. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!