With a serious list of food items in Stardew Valley, going through everything can be overwhelming. But in this guide, we’ve tested and compiled all the best you can bring anywhere based on their benefits!
The inability to do something continuously in Stardew Valley is a total loss. Imagine mining in the Skull Cavern, and you’ve no choice but to leave the Serpent-infested floor. Otherwise, you’d die with your hard work in compromise all because there are no sources for replenishment.
On the flip side, think about fishing and farming as some of the most lucrative skills. It’s important to juice out extra money per plant or fish, no matter what. Whether the spirits favor your Luck or not, it’s noteworthy to have everything optimized.
The apparent solution beginners might overlook are Food Items. With 80 dishes, it can be overwhelming to choose which one will suit the day. Of course, when there are benefits, downsides exist too.
Since Cooking is handy, utility-wise, we’ve compiled 30 of the best foods to bring wherever you’re in Stardew Valley.
Cooking Mechanic – Explained
Before Cooking foods in Stardew Valley, upgrading your Farmhouse first is a must-have. The first set from Robin will do, and you’ll need the following:
- Wood (450)
- 10,000g
Buying the house upgrade will unlock the Kitchen – the place for creating meals in-game. Alongside is a Fridge that functions as storage and lets you keep ingredients for convenience. The rest of the package is primarily extra spaces for other activities.
If you’re short on money, opting for the Cookout Kit is another viable option. However, you’ll need to reach Level 9 in Foraging first, which is doable if you collect the proper loot.
The lifespan lasts for a day or when hit by any tool aside from the Scythe. Thankfully, you can always create another one for Coal (3), Fiber (10), and Wood (15).
Now that you have a Kitchen or Cookout Kit, click to interact, and an interface showing every dish will appear. It’s important to watch The Queen of Sauce on Television or buy recipes from Gus and other merchants before cooking. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a ??? text once you attempt clicking a specific food.
Regardless, you can cook almost anything in Stardew Valley if the ingredients are on your inventory or Fridge. For an added spice, you can sprinkle some Qi Seasoning (used automatically) to enhance a dish’s effects (always Gold quality)!
30 Best Foods in Stardew Valley
The following list is considered the best food in Stardew Valley as of 1.5. Not all dishes are created equal in-game, but we organize everything based on the profession involved.
Farming
Farmer’s Lunch
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredients | Other Sources |
| +90 (+162) | +200 (+360) | +3 Farming – 5m 35s | +4 Farming – 8m 24s | Reaching Level 3 in Farming | • Omelet (1) • Parsnip (1) | Traveling Cart – 450g – 1,000g |
This cooked meal is straightforwardly the best to benefit from your Farming skill. The Farmer’s Lunch is a solid option for seasoned Stardew Valley players and wants none other than extra profit. Although a slight downside is the absence of a Speed buff, quality is what matters, especially in Years 1 to 2.
Complete Breakfast
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredients | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +90 (+162) | +200 (+360) | +2 Farming, +50 Max Energy – 7m | +3 Farming – 10m 30s | Watch the Queen of Sauce on Spring 21 of Year 2 | • Fried Egg (1) •Hashbrowns (1) • Milk (1) • Pancakes (1) | • Stardrop Saloon – 700g • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 1,050g – 1,750g |
If Alex loves Complete Breakfast, you should too, as it’s a great choice when tending to your crops. The Max Energy bonus is an excellent complement to preventing exhaustion while working in the field.
Tom Kha Soup
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredients | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +78 (+141) | +175 (+315) | +2 Farming, +30 Max Energy – 7m | +3 Farming – 10m 30s | Mail from Sandy after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Coconut (1) • Common Mushroom (1) • Shrimp (1) | • Stardrop Saloon – 500g • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 750g – 1,250g |
As one of many mid-level choices, Tom Kha Soup solves what everyone needs for a hyper productive day: Energy. If you’re yet to find and consume all Stardrops, you’ll need an extra boost to keep going. Moreover, there’s a sweet bonus if you find yourself binging on crops.
Pepper Poppers
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredient | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +58 (+105) | +130 (+234) | +2 Farming, +1 Speed – 7m | +3 Farming – 10m 30s | Mail from Shane after reaching three hearts of Friendship | • Cheese (1) • Hot Pepper (1) | • Stardrop Saloon – 400g • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 600g – 1,000g |
There’s something peculiar about the Pepper Poppers as to why your movement improves upon consumption. It might be the spiciness, but it’s a good thing for efficiency, thanks to the farming buff! This food is the last suggestion among the best consumables in the field.
Fishing
Seafoam Pudding
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredient | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +78 (+141) | +175 (+315) | +4 Fishing – 3m 30s | +5 Fishing – 5m 15s | Reaching Level 9 in Fishing | • Flounder (1) • Midnight Carp (1) • Squid Ink (1) | • Dance of the Moonlight Jellies shop – 5,000g • Traveling Cart – 900g – 1,500g |
The 1.4 update of Stardew Valley is one of the most valuable versions because of its massive content. Among the set is Seafoam Pudding – the best food for fishing as it easily surpasses other items on this list. But because of its promising stat increase, it’s costly to purchase from Pierre.
Lobster Bisque
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredient | Other Source (Stable) |
| +101 (+182) | +225 (+405) | +3 Fishing, +50 Max Energy – 16m 47s | +4 Fishing – 25m 12s | Watch the Queen of Sauce at Winter 14, Year 2 Mail from Willy after reaching nine hearts of Friendship | • Lobster (1) • Milk (1) | Traveling Cart – 615g – 1,025g |
Fish Stew and Dish O’ The Sea have the same boost, except the Lobster Bisque adds the bonus energy. Although difficult to obtain (available exclusively before Year 2 ends), it’s one of the best foods to look forward to consumption.
Fish Stew
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredients | Other Source (Stable) |
| +101 (+182) | +225 (+405) | +3 Fishing – 16m 47s | +4 Fishing – 25m 12s | Mail from Willy after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Crayfish (1) • Mussel (1) • Periwinkle (1) • Tomato (1) | Traveling Cart – 525g – 1,000g |
Fish Stew is slightly on edge with its competitor, Dish O’ The Sea, as it has better regeneration effects and buff duration. This decent meal is great for mid-level players in Stardew Valley who are planning to catch fish until 2am!
Dish O’ The Sea
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredients | Other Source (Stable) |
| +56 (101) | +125 (+225) | +3 Fishing – 5m 35s | +4 Fishing – 8m 24 | Reaching Level 3 in Fishing | • Hashbrowns (1) • Sardine (2) | Traveling Cart – 660g – 1,100g |
A dish lasting almost before bedtime, the Dish O’ The Sea has become one of the most opted for more serious business. With its pretty forgiving requirements, preparing this meal is always possible!
Escargot
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredients | Other Source (Stable) |
| +101 (+182) | +225 (+405) | +2 Fishing – 16m 47s | +3 Fishing – 25m 12s | Mail from Willy after reaching five hearts of Friendship | • Garlic (1) • Snail (1) | Traveling Cart – 375g – 1,000g |
Escargot is similar to Lobster Bisque’s effects duration at the expense of some buffs. But it’s a nice boost for Fishing if you know how to get its exotic ingredients.
Fish Taco
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredients | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +74 (+133) | +165 (+297) | +2 Fishing – 7m | +3 Fishing – 10m 30s | Mail from Linus after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Mayonnaise (1) • Red Cabbage (1) • Tortilla (1) • Tuna (1) | • Stardrop Saloon – 1,000g • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 1,500g – 2,500g |
The massive demand for ingredients when making a Fish Taco is a clear disadvantage versus Escargot. Not only does it have less duration, but its regenerative effects upon consumption are less. Nonetheless, it’s still a decent choice if you find one.
Mining
Miner’s Treat
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Recipe Source | Ingredients | Other Source (Stable) |
| +56 (101) | +125 (+225) | +3 Mining, +32 Magnetism – 5m 35s | +4 Mining – 8m 24s | Reaching Level 3 in Mining | • Cave Carrot (2) • Milk (1) • Sugar (1) | Traveling Cart – 600g – 1,000g |
Miner’s Treat is undoubtedly what every Prospector or Excavator must bring when venturing below the ground. With a massive Mining and Magnetism buff, you’re at a great advantage as the activity becomes more profitable. Combine it with Luck boost (non-food), and you’ll be unstoppable!
Squid Ink Ravioli
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source |
| +56 (+101) | +125 (+225) | +1 Mining, Squid Ink Ravioli buff (debuff immunity) – 4m 39s and 2m 59s, respectively | +2 Mining, Squid Ink Ravioli buff (debuff immunity) – 7m and 2m 2m 59s, respectively | • Squid Ink (1) • Tomato (1) • Wheat Flour (1) | Reaching Level 9 in Combat |
The Putrid Ghost – the most annoying monster you’ll encounter in the Mines – has become increasingly challenging. With each debuff hit preventing you from consuming anything to restore your Health and Energy, you’re left with little chance. Unless, of course, you have a Squid Ink Ravioli as its unique buff acts like a Ginger or Ginger Ale.
Sure, getting the two alternatives are better, but it’s a situational item if you’re doing one of Qi’s Special Orders, “Danger in the Deep”.
Banana Pudding
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source |
| +56 (+101) | +125 (+225) | +1 Mining, +1 Luck, +1 Defense – 5m 1s | +2 Mining, +2 Luck, +2 Defense – 7m 27s | • Banana (1) • Milk (1) • Sugar (1) | Exchanging Bone Fragment (30) to the Island Trader in Ginger Island |
Mining on moderately infested floors in the Skull Cavern needs a Banana Pudding. Consider this food if you’re not doing speedruns and fighting Mummies or Serpents. It’s one of the finest Stardew Valley can offer – but you’ll need to get to Ginger Island first!
Cranberry Sauce
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +56 (+101) | +125 (+225) | +2 Mining – 3m 30s | +3 Mining – 5m 15s | • Cranberries (1) • Sugar (1) | Mail from Gus after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Stardrop Saloon – 240g • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 360g – 1,000g |
Fall is the best season to plant Cranberries and harvest multiple yields while turning some into a Cranberry Sauce. It’s one of the best foods for mining in-game, plus you can make a considerable amount.
Eggplant Parmesan
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +78 (+141) | +175 (+315) | +1 Mining, +3 Defense – 4m 39s | +2 Mining, +4 Defense – 7m | • Eggplant (1) • Tomato (1) | Mail from Lewis after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Stardrop Saloon – 400g • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 600g – 1,000g |
The Eggplant Parmesan is perfect for fighters. Be it in the Quarry Mine or the Volcano Dungeon from 1.5, it’s important to up your defenses. While mining is less prioritized and monster loots are your goal, it’s essential to bring at least three of this meal!
Foraging
Tropical Curry
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source |
| +67 (+121) | +150 (+270) | +4 Foraging – 5m 1s | +5 Foraging – 7m 27s | • Coconut (1) • Hot Pepper (1) • Pineapple (1) | Purchasing the recipe from Gus at the Ginger Island Resort for 2,000g |
You can get the best food for Foraging in Stardew Valley for a small value. It’s the Tropical Curry – a mix of sweet and spice that’ll boost your gathering skills in the wild!
Survival Burger
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Source (Stable) |
| +56 (+101) | +125 (+225) | +3 Foraging – 5m 35s | +4 Foraging – 8m 24s | • Bread (1) • Cave Carrot (1) • Eggplant (1) | Reaching Level 2 in Foraging | Traveling Cart – 540g – 1,000g |
It may not be the most delicious, but the Survival Burger is great for traveling and picking bushes or minerals. If you’re wondering if Gus’ versions are steak from the Stardew Valley Fair, it is.
Autumn’s Bounty
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +99 (+178) | +220 (+396) | +2 Foraging, +2 Defense – 7m 41s | +3 Foraging, +2 Defense – 11m 33s | • Pumpkin (1) • Yam (1) | Mail from Demetrius after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Stardrop Saloon – 700g • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 1,050g – 1,750g |
Since Autumn’s Bounty has a Defense buff, it’s best to use this item when Mining. Most preferably where higher stakes are in, including Skull Cavern and Volcano Dungeon.
Combat
Roots Platter
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Source (Stable) |
| +56 (+101) | +125 (+225) | +3 Attack – 5m 35s | +4 Attack – 8m 24s | • Cave Carrot (1) • Winter Root (1) | Reaching Level 3 in Combat | Traveling Cart – 300g – 1,000g |
There’s no reason to keep monsters getting in your way to success. By all means, it’s best to prioritize the damage from your Infinity Blade or Galaxy Sword with the Roots Platter. Otherwise, you’re wasting time rather than profiting.
Mango Sticky Rice
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source |
| +50 (+91) | +113 (+203) | +3 Defense – 5m 1s | +4 Defense – 7m 28s | • Coconut (1) • Mango (1) • Rice (1) | Mail from Leo after reaching seven hearts of Friendship |
If you don’t mind Serpents flying over you while mining in Skull Cavern, it’s vital to stay tanky. Bombs and some stacks of Mango Sticky Rice would be amazing!
Pumpkin Soup
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +90 (+162) | +200 (+360) | +2 Defense, +2 Luck – 7m 41s | +3 Defense, +2 Luck – 11m 32s | • Milk (1) • Pumpkin (1) | Mail from Robin after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 900g – 1,500g |
Are you doing another speedrun? It’s possible to bomb your way below and absorb damage with high defenses. But be sure Pumpkin Soup is in your inventory!
Fried Mushroom
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +60 (+109) | +135 (+243) | +2 Attack – 7m | +3 Attack – 10m 30s | • Common Mushroom (1) • Morel (1) • Oil (1) | Mail from Demetrius after reaching three hearts of Friendship | • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 600g – 1,000g |
Fried Mushroom is a decent alternative if Roots Platter isn’t available. If you have a Sunflower farm with Oil Maker and a reliable Mushroom Cave, you can make this best food anytime!
Stuffing
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +76 (+137) | +170 (+306) | +2 Defense – 5m 35s | +3 Defense – 8m 24s | • Bread (1) • Cranberries (1) • Hazelnut (1) | Mail from Pam after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 495g – 1,000g |
It’s not necessarily a downgrade to have the Stuffing, but it’s a cheaper choice than Mango Sticky Rice. In reality, you’ll gain more duration than usual, which is a sweet bonus!
Crab Cakes
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +101 (+182) | +225 (+405) | +1 Defense, +1 Speed – 16m 47s | +2 Defense, +2 Speed – 25m 12s | • Crab (1) • Egg (1) • Oil (1) • Wheat Flour (1) | Watching the Queen of Sauce at Fall 21, Year 2 | • Stardrop Saloon (four days viewing Willy’s six-heart cutscene) – 550g • Traveling Cart – 825g – 1,375g |
For beginners in Stardew Valley, Crab Cakes will work because of how cheap they’re to make. The duration benefit is also something nice, although the Defense is lackluster. Nonetheless, it’s excellent for quickly clearing the Mines or doing some stroll inside Skull Cavern.
Miscellaneous
Lucky Lunch
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +41 (+81) | +100 (+180) | +3 Luck – 11m 11s | +4 Luck – 16m 47s | • Blue Jazz (1) • Sea Cucumber (1) • Tortilla (1) | Watching the Queen of Sauce at Spring 28, Year 2 | • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 750g – 1,250g |
Lucky Lunch is the best optimizer for productivity. It’s a straightforward meal that helps you get better odds, regardless of the activity. But a maximum potential in Stardew Valley is when a permabuff from the JojaMart Truck Driver is on your wallet. Don’t forget Welwick’s TV channel as well!
Spicy Eel
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +51 (+93) | +115 (+207) | +1 Luck, +1 Speed – 7m | +1 Luck, +1 Speed – 10m 30s | • Eel (1) • Hot Pepper (1) | Mail from George after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 525g – 1,000g |
Another beginner option for the best food choices is Spicy Eel. It’s a combination of Luck and Speed that lasts for a decent time.
Triple Shot Espresso
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredient | Recipe Source | Other Source (Stable) |
| +3 (+6) | +8 (+14) | +1 Speed – 4m 12s | +1 Speed – 6m 18s | Coffee (3) | Buying the recipe from Stardrop Saloon for 5,000g | Traveling Cart – 1,350g – 2,250g |
After ConcernedApe introduced the Triple Shot Espresso in the game, it might’ve been the most used drink. This beverage is a worthwhile upgrade from Coffee (both nice).
Super Meal
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredients | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +72 (+129) | +160 (+288) | +1 Speed, +40 Max Energy – 3m 30s | +2 Speed, +41 Max Energy – 5m 15s | • Artichoke (1) • Bok Choy (1) • Cranberries (1) | Mail from Kent after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 660g – 1,100g |
This food bridges the gap between doing more and having less energy. However, it’s necessary to plan your activities well. Otherwise, opting for better options (if available) is always better.
Bean Hotpot
| Health (with QS) | Energy (with QS) | Perk and Duration | Enhanced Perk and Duration | Ingredient | Recipe Source | Other Sources (Stable) |
| +56 (+101) | +125 (+225) | +30 Max Energy, +32 Magnetism – 7m | +31 Max Energy. +32 Magnetism – 10m 30s | Green Bean (2) | Mail from Clint after reaching seven hearts of Friendship | • Garbage Can (if dish of the day) • Traveling Cart – 300g – 1,000g |
Cheap, easy to make, and perky. The Bean Hotpot is one of many undervalued dishes in Stardew Valley that offers an extra boost. There are obviously better options, but this one is for beginners.
Most Honorable Mention: Magic Rock Candy
| Health | Energy | Perk and Duration | Main Source | Other Sources |
| +225 | +500 | +2 Mining, +5 Luck, +1 Speed, +5 Defense, +5 Attack – 8m 24s | Trading Prismatic Shards (3) at the Desert Trader (Calico) every Thursday | One piece as a reward for donating 90 items to the Local MuseumKilling Haunted Skulls (0.13% chance) |
Although unobtainable through cooking, the Magic Rock Candy in the current version is the strongest in-game. It boasts +5 Luck – the primary utility and most beneficial – and other stats increase for Mining and Combat. Despite its rarity, consuming this food gives you power for half a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Food in Stardew Gives the Most Health?
Fruit Salad is the best option so far, restoring 118 points of Health. Compared to Pink Cake, the extra six points are helpful whenever you fight monsters in the Mines or Skull Cavern.
What Food Sells the Most Stardew?
It’s an unexpected turn if you opt for profiting with the best foods in Stardew Valley. However, Fish Taco and Tropical Curry have the highest price tag of 500g.
What is the Best Food for Energy Stardew Valley?
Once again, Fruit Salad is best suited to keep your Energy bar intact. But if you want to save serious money, try bringing Salmonberries and Blackberries.
Should I Sell Cooked Food Stardew?
You can sell some food items to save refrigerator slots or turn raw fish into consumable Sashimi. Usually, Tom Kha Soup is more profitable in the long run as long as the ingredients are of normal quality.
