Food and drinks vs foods and drinks

Both "food and drinks" and "foods and drinks" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Food and drinks" is the more common and natural way to refer to a variety of food and beverages. On the other hand, "foods and drinks" might be used when emphasizing the different types or categories of food and beverages.

Last updated: March 22, 2024

Food and drinks

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to refer to a variety of food and beverages collectively.

Examples:

The party will have a great selection of food and drinks.
I enjoy trying different types of food and drinks when I travel.

Show examples from the web [+]

You make sure that you get all their favorite food and drinks ready.
There's food and drinks on the table.
The Commission is aware of the potential in the EU of waste materials recovery stemming from various industrial sources, including the food and drinks sector.
As a step towards establishing facts, the Rapporteur welcomes the survey on unfair practices recently conducted by CIAA (Confederation of the Food and Drinks Industries) and AIM (European Brands Association).
I want good quality food and drinks.
I already got food and drinks for 500 people.
We might as well load up on food and drinks while we can.
Subject: Impact of the EU-South Korea FTA on the food and drinks sector
For food and drinks to be avoided, see the section "Taking Diacomit with food and drink" above.
Diacomit should not be taken with milk or dairy products (yoghurt, soft cream cheese, etc.), carbonated drinks, fruit juice or food and drinks that contain caffeine or theophylline.
[optional] Expenditure of the individual tourist during the trip on food and drinks in cafés and restaurants
Do NOT take Diacomit with milk or dairy products (yoghurt, soft cream cheeses, etc), fruit juice, fizzy drinks or food and drinks that contain caffeine or theophylline (for example cola, chocolate, coffee, tea and energy drinks).
What percentage of spending by the food and drinks industry in the EU Member States has been allocated to research and development in recent years?
All food and drinks came from outside...
Subject: Additives in food and drinks for children
This is why your rapporteur believes that existing exemption of all food and drinks from the Regulation should be maintained.
There was free food and drinks and people were having fun at work.
Furthermore, stakeholders had an opportunity to comment on an open consultation on the labelling of food and drinks launched by the Commission[22].
The staff adopted it as their hangout 'cause they get cheap food and drinks until 9:00.
It's my understanding this is a karaoke bar with affordable food and drinks that stays open late and staffers come here after work to socialize.

Alternatives:

refreshments
cuisine and beverages
edibles and beverages
eats and drinks
fare and beverages

foods and drinks

This phrase is correct but less common than "food and drinks."

This phrase might be used when emphasizing different types or categories of food and beverages.