Eating or Drinking Grass
Written on Jun 8, 2026
When I use the term "grass", I'm referring to the true grass family of Poaceae. While this family contains edible plants, the other grass families do not.
Some of the plants included in the true grass family may surprise you.
Edible Grasses Are Mostly Grains
Rice, a grain, is consumed by more than half of the world's population. Maize, called corn in the United States, is also a grain. More maize is produced than rice, but it isn't limited to regular food products (popcorn is considered food).
Maize is used for ethanol, corn oil, corn meal, corn starch, and corn syrup. Both sugar and high fructose corn syrup are used in products we don't even expect to see them in. Many processed foods that used to contain sugar now contain high fructose corn syrup and vice versa.
Barley, oats, rye, and wheat are other grains used in various food and drink products. The Philippines is a large importer of barley, mostly for use in alcoholic beverages, like beer and whisky. That's probably why moderate whisky drinking is actually good for me.
I use whole wheat bread in my sandwiches. I can't stand the taste of rye. When I was young, my mother tried to get me to eat pumpernickel bread, made with rye, and I gagged on it. Grits are made from corn and I have a hard time eating more than a few spoonfuls.
Although millet and sorghum are other grains, I don't believe I've ever consumed them in any form. I'm sure some animal fodder contains them, along with all the other grains and byproducts, like straw.
There are drinks made with various grass products. In some cases, especially certain drinks originating in Asian countries, the type of grass isn't even specified on the label. If it's indicated at all, it will only appear in the ingredient list.
Grasses That Aren't Grains
Some grasses that aren't grains are still food items, like sugar cane and bamboo shoots. I suppose you could eat anything that grows if you've gone without food long enough. I doubt anyone would enjoy eating lawn grasses or invasive species like reeds and crabgrass.
Bamboo is used in the construction of all kinds of products, including chairs, tables, and flooring. Despite its appearance and similar uses, rattan isn't related to bamboo, and it's not a member of the grass family.
Image by minka2507 from Pixabay