October Food Holidays - Complete list of National & International Food Days (US, UK) 2024

Complete list of all October National & International Food Days in USA and UK, including fun facts, history and easy recipes.

October is a month of celebration for many food holidays, including Pumpkin Day, Canning Day, Porridge Day, Chocolate Day or World Egg Day with plenty of days to celebrate different types of fruit, pies and drinks.

The days are getting shorter in October and the last summer crop of fruit and vegetables will be collected and brought in to make delicious pies, jams and pickles. Pumpkin is of course the most celebrated fruit in October with pumpkin pies, spices, breads and choosing the best pumpkin at your local farm and carving the pumpkins for Halloween to decorate your house.

PIN TO KEEP FOR LATER

I like to follow what fruits and vegetables are in seasons, so it’s always nice to see that the October list follows on from the September Food Holiday and the August Food Holiday and that the list is full of autumn fruits, comfort foods and delicious hot drinks.

There is a food to celebrate in October practically every day and sometimes there are even few foods on one day, so there is never a shortage of mouth-watering recipes that you can make to celebrate.

How to use the October Food Holiday list

The October food holidays list can be a great source of inspiration for making different dishes each day, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends.

It’s also a fun way to celebrate with your school or club, or to surprise your loved ones with a special dish on a food holiday. You can plan a get-together around a particular food holiday, or even use it as a theme for a party.

The whole October food holidays and celebrations

There are specific foods that are being celebrated throughout the whole October and don’t have a specifically allocated day. You are welcome to celebrate them any time!

The whole October is a month of: National Apple Month, National Applejack Month, National Caramel Month, National Cookbook Month, National Cookie Month, National Dessert Month, National Pasta Month, National Pickled Peppers Month, National Pizza Month, National Popcorn Poppin’ Month, National Pork Month, National Pretzel Month, National Seafood Month

October National & International Food Holidays at Glance (US & UK)

October 1:

National Pumpkin Spice Day – Homemade Pumpkin Spice Recipe >>
World Vegetarian Day
International Coffee Day – Iced Coffee Butter Cookies Recipe >>
National Potato Day (Ireland) – Irish Potato Cakes Recipe >>
National Homemade Cookies Day (US) – Banana & Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe >>
World Sake Day

October 2:

National Fried Scallops Day
National Smarties Day (US)

2- 8 October – National Curry Week (UK)

October 3:

National Caramel Custard Day

October 4:

National & International Taco Day (UK, US)
National Vodka Day (US)
National Kale Day (US)
Cinnamon Roll Day (Finland & Sweden) – Cinnamon Star Bread Recipe >>

October 5:

National Apple Betty Day
National Pumpkin Seed Day – Cinnamon & Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe >>

October 6:

National Noodle Day (US)

October 7:

National Frappe Day
International Scottish Gin Day
Fungus Day (UK)

October 8:

National Fluffernutter Day (US)
National Pierogi Day (US)
National Salmon Day

October 9:

National Moldy Cheese Day
National Submarine- Hoagie- Hero- Grinder Day
International Beer and Pizza Day – Buckwheat Flour Pizza Recipe >>
International Pinotage Day
Thanksgiving (Canada)

9-13 October – National School Meal’s Week (UK)

October 10:

National Tic Tac Day (US)
National Angel Food Cake Day (US)
World – International Porridge Day – Healthy Breakfast Porridge Recipe >>

October 11:

National Sausage Pizza Day
World Dulce de Leche Day
Southern Food Heritage Day

October 12:

National Gumbo Day (US)
National Pulled Pork Day (US)

October 13:

National Yorkshire Pudding Day
National M&M Day
World Egg Day – Homemade Scotch Egg Recipe >>

October 14:

National Dessert Day – Strawberry Shortcake Mug Recipe >>
National Chocolate Covered Insects Day

October 15:

National Mushroom Day (US) – Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Recipe >>
National Chicken Cacciatore Day
National Roast Pheasant Day
National Cheese Curd Day (US)
Shawarma Day

October 16:

National Liqueur Day
World Food Day
World Bread Day – Buckwheat Bread with Seeds Recipe >>
16-22 October – Coffee Week (UK)

October 17:

National Pasta Day

October 18:

National Chocolate Cupcake Day – Chocolate & Beer Cupcakes Recipe >>
Global Champagne Day
Meatloaf Appreciation Day – Smoked Paprika & Sage Meatloaf Recipe >>

October 19:

National Seafood Bisque Day
International Gin and Tonic Day

October 20:

National Brandied Fruit Day
International Chefs Day

October 21:

National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day – Biscoff & Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe >>
National Mezcal Day
Apple Day (UK) – Apple & Cinnamon Muffins Recipe >>

October 22:

National Nut Day (US)

October 23

National Boston Cream Pie Day
National Canning Day – Homemade Canned Pumpkin Recipe >>

October 24:

National Bologna Day
National Good and Plenty Day
Word Tripe Day

October 25:

National Greasy Foods Day
World Pasta Day

October 26:

National Mincemeat Day
National Pumpkin Day (US) – Pumpkin Pie Recipe (without evaporated milk) >>
National Chicken Fried Steak Day (US)

October 27:

National Potato Day
National Cheese Toastie Day
National Breadstick Day (US)
American Beer Day
World (International) Champagne Day

October 28:

National Chocolate Day
Wild Foods Day

October 29

National Oatmeal Day – Carot Cake Breakfast Oatmeal Recipe >>

October 30

National Candy Corn Day
National “Buy a Doughnut” Day

October 31

National Caramel Apple Day (US)
National Candy Apple Day (US)

October national & international food holiday in detail, fun facts and recipes

Some food holidays are quite obvious and don’t need any explanation, but I found fascinating to read about the origins of some of the more unusual dishes. I have also included fun facts and plenty of recipes to help you to celebrate the different food days

4 October – Kale Day

Kale is a member of the cabbage family and is related to other vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
Kale is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium
Kale comes in a variety of colors, including green, purple, and white, and can have curly or smooth leaves
Kale was originally cultivated in the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor over 2,000 years ago
Kale was brought to Europe by the Greeks and Romans, and was a popular vegetable in Europe during the Middle Ages
Kale was introduced to the United States in the 17th century, and became a popular vegetable in the southern United States during the 19th century
In 2013, the United States declared kale to be the “vegetable of the year” in recognition of its rising popularity and health benefits
Kale has been used as a garnish in decorative arrangements, such as on buffets and in flower arrangements, due to its attractive leaves

11 October – Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche is a sweet, caramel-like sauce or spread that is made by slowly heating sweetened milk until it thickens and turns a caramel color. The name “dulce de leche” means “sweet milk” in Spanish, and the confection is popular in many Latin American countries, as well as in Spain and Portugal. Dulce de leche can be used as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or toast, or as a filling for cakes, pastries, and other desserts. It has a rich, creamy flavor that is similar to caramel, but with a slightly different texture and sweetness level. Dulce de leche can be made at home using a variety of methods, including cooking sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, or whole milk with sugar and vanilla on the stovetop or in the oven.

12 October – Gumbo Day

Gumbo is a type of stew or soup that is popular in the southern United States, particularly in Louisiana. It typically consists of a strongly flavored broth or roux-based sauce that is made with meat or seafood, along with vegetables such as onions, celery, and bell peppers. Gumbo often includes additional ingredients such as okra, tomatoes, and spices like cayenne pepper and thyme. The dish has roots in African, Native American, and European culinary traditions, and is often associated with Cajun and Creole cuisine. Gumbo can be served over rice or with crusty bread, and is a hearty and flavorful dish that is enjoyed by many people.

13 October – Egg Day (World – International Day)

Eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense foods, containing high amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
The color of an egg’s shell does not affect its nutritional value or taste; it is determined by the breed of the hen.
The world record for the largest chicken egg ever laid weighed over 7 ounces and was nearly 12 inches in circumference.
The yolk of an egg contains most of the egg’s nutrients, including vitamins A, D, and E, as well as cholesterol and healthy fats.
In many cultures, eggs are associated with new life and fertility, and are often used in traditional celebrations and rituals.
Eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month, but should be consumed within a week after they are boiled or cooked.
The egg industry is one of the largest and most profitable agricultural industries in the world, with millions of eggs produced and consumed every day.

16 October – Bread Day (International & World Day)

Interesting types of bread for you to try from around the world.

Baguette: A long, thin French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior.
Sourdough: A type of bread made with a sourdough starter, which is a mixture of flour and water that has been fermented with wild yeast and bacteria.
Pita: A Middle Eastern bread that is round and flat, with a pocket in the middle that can be filled with various ingredients.
Naan: A type of Indian bread that is typically cooked in a tandoor oven and served with curries or other dishes.
Rye bread: A bread made with rye flour, which has a denser texture and stronger flavor than wheat bread.
Focaccia: An Italian bread that is similar to pizza dough, with a flat, dimpled surface that is often topped with herbs, cheese, or other ingredients.
Challah: A Jewish bread that is typically braided and served on the Sabbath and other holidays.
Brioche: A French bread that is made with butter and eggs, giving it a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a soft, fluffy texture.
Cornbread: A type of bread made with cornmeal, which has a crumbly texture and is often served with savory dishes.
Ciabatta: An Italian bread that is similar to a baguette, but has a more open texture and a chewy crust.

18 October – Meatloaf Day

Meatloaf is a dish made from ground meat that has been mixed with other ingredients, such as breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices, and then baked or smoked.
Meatloaf is a popular comfort food in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
While beef is the most common type of meat used in meatloaf, other meats such as pork, lamb, and poultry can also be used.
Meatloaf became popular in the United States during the Great Depression, when it was a way to stretch meat and feed a family on a budget.
Meatloaf is often served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn.
Some people like to add unique ingredients to their meatloaf, such as cheese, bacon, or even fruit.
Meatloaf can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, from traditional loaf shapes to muffin tins or even meatloaf cupcakes.
Meatloaf is often used as a leftover ingredient, and can be used in sandwiches, casseroles, or even as a pizza topping.
There are many different variations of meatloaf, and each region or household may have their own unique recipe.

26 October – Pumpkin Day

Pumpkins are a type of winter squash that are native to North America.
The word “pumpkin” comes from the Greek word “pepon,” which means “large melon.”
Pumpkins are technically a fruit, not a vegetable, because they contain seeds.
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium.
The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed over 2,600 pounds.

30 October – Candy Corn Day

Candy corn is a sweet, tri-colored candy that is typically divided into three sections of different colors, with a flavor based on honey, sugar, butter, and vanilla. It has a unique texture that is both chewy and slightly grainy, and is often associated with the fall season and Halloween in North America. While candy corn tastes rich, it is actually fat-free.

This blog post was originally written on 2 August 2023 and last updated on 2 August 2023