foodstuff
UK: ˈfuːdstʌf | US: ˈfuːdˌstʌf
n. A substance used as food or to prepare food, especially in its raw or unprocessed form.
n. (often plural) Materials or ingredients used in cooking or food production.
The word "foodstuff" is a compound of "food" (from Old English fōda, meaning "nourishment") and "stuff" (from Old French estoffe, meaning "material" or "supplies"). The combination emerged in the 19th century to describe raw or processed edible materials, reflecting industrialization's impact on food production. The term logically merges the concept of nourishment ("food") with generic material ("stuff"), emphasizing practicality over specificity.
The supermarket stocks a wide variety of foodstuffs, from grains to canned goods.
During the war, certain foodstuffs became scarce and expensive.
Organic foodstuffs are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers.
The shipment contained essential foodstuffs for the disaster-stricken region.
Always check the expiration date on packaged foodstuffs before purchasing.