Similar to all art and creations on the planet Earth, what humans conjure up from their minds is often inspired by the world around us, with its many fascinating and breathtaking qualities. Pokemon very much adheres to this concept, with Pokemon based on real-life animals, folklore, inanimate objects, and even creatures long extinct.

Related: Confirmed Pokemon That Humans Eat

One interesting category would be Pokemon, based on food that humans eat, such as fruit or pastries. The possibilities for creativity are endless in Pokemon, and this list will endeavor to highlight the strongest Pokemon based on the fuel of life: delicious food.

Updated December 11, 2022 by Doruk Kaptan: With the Generation 9 games Scarlet & Violet already out, the Pokemon hype is as high as ever. With new Pokemon designs that range from quirky to outright badass, it's fun to look at how unique some Pokemon designs can be. Especially the edible ones. Some of the Generation 9 Pokemon that have captured the hearts of many are coincidentally based on foods too. With that being the case, it's a great time to look at the best Pokemon based on food items or at least edible things. Here are the best Pokemon that you could even eat in a pinch.

20 Garganacl, The Salt Giant

Garganacl striding forward in its Pokedex image.

Garganacl, as well as its pre-evolutions, are very interesting Pokemon. These Rock-types are based on rock salt, and their abilities and signature move represent that perfectly. While Rock-types usually have trouble dealing with Water and Steel-types, the signature move Salt Cure allows Garganacl to stand a fighting chance.

The design is also pretty inspired, reminiscent of Iron Golems from Minecraft more so than a regular Rock-type Pokemon you could encounter. Still, despite the wild design, Garganacl has become a fan-favorite since the game's release and is sure to be a great addition to any chef's team.

19 Arboliva, The Olive Pokemon

Arboliva's Pokedex image in Scarlet & Violet shows it in waving its fruit-covered arms about.

Smoliv, the cute, timid little olive Pokemon, was already considered an amazing design by fans before the games were even released. The simplicity was what drew many fans to it, and luckily, the core design of an olive plant stays consistent throughout the evolution line, ending with Arboliva.

Related: Pokemon Scarlet And Violet: Every New Type Combination, Ranked

The textures in Scarlet and Violet do a lot for this design as well, making the olives shine as they would in real life. Arboliva, while not the strongest Grass-type in the game by any means, is actually quite useful too. It becomes especially powerful with the ability Seed Sower, allowing it to set up Grassy Terrain for little effort.

18 Scovillain, Two Feisty Peppers

Scovillain from Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Pokedex Image

Many fans have demanded the Fire/Grass-type combo over the years. People have come up with forms for existing Pokemon like Sunflora, fan-made Pokemon, and much more to realize the potential of this unique type combination. Finally, Scovillain was introduced in Generation 9.

The design is amazing, to begin with, depicting a two-headed, dragon-like creature with what is actually hot peppers as heads. The design fits the type well, and the type is not bad by any means. Grass and Fire types complement each other perfectly, making for a Pokemon with good defensive capabilities. While Scovillain specifically leaves a little to be desired on the battlefield, the design makes up for it by far.

17 Tatsugiri, An Actual Nigiri

Tatsugiri from Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Pokedex Image

While the Dragon type has come a long way from the old days when each Pokemon of the type was depicted as fierce and badass, few Dragon types are as cute and unthreatening as Tatsugiri. This tiny dragon is literally a Nigiri, standing on a tiny piece of rice with its fish-like body.

Despite this unassuming look, though, Tatsugiri is fierce. Being one of the smartest Dragon-types out there, it uses others to do its bidding and uses its cunning to lure prey. Tatsugiri is so smart that it uses the big brute Dondozo to do its dirty work and reaps the benefits. Despite all that, though, Tatsugiri is an extremely adorable little Nigiri Dragon.

16 Dachsbun, So Cute You Could Eat It

Dachsbun pokedex image-1

Fidough was already up there with iconic Pokemon in terms of popularity when it was first revealed before the games were even out. Its evolved form, Dachsbun, keeps that going, being an adorable little pastry dog. While Fidough is maybe cuter, Dachsbun is much more edible, being baked and all.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have embraced a more quirky, whimsical tone with its Pokedex, for sure, giving us weird and funny Pokemon such as Dudunsparce, Grafaiai, and Lechonk. With that being the case, Game Freak did not shy away from basing Pokemon directly on everyday edible items, such as a bun. Dachsbun has the amazing Fairt-type as well, making it useful in battle.

15 Tropius, The Banana Dragon

Tropius from the anime flying in air and looking down

Tropius is a unique Pokemon introduced in Generation 3 and is known as the "Fruit Pokemon." It has no evolutions or alternate forms, and with a base stat total of 460, it is admittedly a lesser-used Pokemon within the games. But the lore behind it is interesting enough on its own. According to its Diamond and Pearl Pokedex entry, Tropius began to grow fruit on its neck "because it continually ate only its favorite fruit." The fruit on its neck is said to be "a highly favored tropical snack" and is clearly meant to represent bananas in the Pokemon world.

It's not the greatest battler, with a bad defensive typing and middle-of-the-road stat distribution. Despite this, Tropius has its uses on the battlefield, able to learn Dragon Dance, Synthesis, and Nature Power. One thing is for certain: Tropius sure has some sweet "Neck-tar!"

14 Cherrim, Happiest Cherry You'll Find

Cherrim trio from the anime, all looking happy and standing on a branch

Evolving from Cherubi starting at level 25, Cherrim is a Pokemon introduced in Generation 4, and is one of Sinnoh's more interesting Pokemon when it comes to multiple forms. Cherrim exists in their Overcast form by default, only changing into their Sunshine form (as seen above) when the battlefield is sunny and bright. Using Sunny Day or having a Pokemon with the Drought Ability will allow Cherrim to transform and reveal its cheerful smile.

Related: Pokemon: The Strongest Flower Pokemon

With a base stat total of 450, Cherrim doesn't offer a lot in terms of competitive play, but it can learn useful moves such as Aromatherapy, Heal Pulse, Flower Shield, and Healing Wish through breeding techniques. It may not be the superstar of competitive battles, but it can act as decent support, or even a surprise sweeper in lower tiers.

13 Alcremie, When Cake Cream Gains Sentience

Alcremie from the video games, two different colored, during camp

Alcremie proves that Game Freak continues to grant wishes to players who want Pokemon in all colors of the rainbow, shiny or not. Milcery can become green, blue, or even three different kinds of pink, depending on what items the player holds and what dance they perform.

Behind its absolutely adorable exterior, Alcremie can whip up trouble on the battlefield: With a base stat total of 495 and moves such as Recover, Mystical Fire, and Calm Mind, Alcremie can stand strong on a team with proper balance and bulk. Furthermore, Gigantamaxing Alcremie will turn it into the tallest, most regal-tiered cake to help celebrate the player's future victory.

12 Appletun, A Dragon Disguised As An Apple Pie

Appletun from the anime looking confused, inside

Appletun deserves a ton of love, and not just for its wholesome-as-pie design: with a 485 base stat total, Appletun works best as a physical wall, clearly designed with more bulk than its counterpart, Flapple. Its signature move, Apple Acid, does 80 base damage with a 100 percent chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by one stage, and it only gets stronger as time passes.

Able to learn Recover and Leech Seed, Appletun can outlast tough opponents, especially with the fitting Held Item, Leftovers. Finally, make sure it has a hard-hitting Dragon-type move to deal with any Dragon-type opponents vying to take a slice of Appletun's pie.

11 Alolan Exeggutor, Coconut Tree With A Long Neck

Alolan Exeggutor from the anime looking surprised, in front of the sky

One of the stronger Grass-type Pokemon from Generation 1, Exeggutor, has received more love as of late with its Alolan form, which reaches heights of over 35 feet. It is known as the "Coconut Pokemon," though eating an Exeggutor coconut would certainly be ethically ambiguous, considering they are all individual heads with individual thoughts.

Exeggutor, in its Alolan form, is a strong wallbreaker, with a base stat total of 530 and access to STAB moves such as the powerful Draco Meteor and Wood Hammer. As a plus, its ability Frisk will identify the Held Items of its opponents upon switching in.

10 Tsareena, Tropical Fruit Lady

Tsareena from the anime looking ready to fight, with Mallow in the backgroun, inside a stadium

Tsareena is referred to as the Fruit Pokemon and is possibly based on the fruit from the tropical, evergreen mangosteen tree found on Southeast Asian islands. It evolves from Stenee by leveling up knowing the move Stomp, though this is only one of the many useful moves it can learn.

With base stats clocking in at 510, Tsareena can use strong STAB moves, such as Power Whip, while constantly healing with Synthesis. The Queenly Majesty ability prevents priority moves from affecting the Pokemon's allies, while Tsareena gets busy using Rapid Spin and Knock Off to deconstruct the opponent's strategies.

9 Ludicolo, Pineapple Legend

Pokemon: Ludicolo from the anime looking excited and smiling

Ludicolo is one of many Pokemon featured in the Detective Pikachu movie, and its appearance is both hilarious and unsettling — a difficult balance to achieve. It is known as the Carefree Pokemon and is most likely based on both the legendary Japanese creature Kappa, and the pineapple fruit.

Related: Pokemon: Every Water-Type Starter, Ranked

Ludicolo has a base stat total of 480 and is the final evolutionary form in its line, evolving from Lombre with the use of a Water Stone. The ability Swift Swim allows it unparalleled speed in its class, so having Rain Dance in its move set is essential.

8 Flapple, Dragon In An Apple

Flapple evolution screen video game screenshot

The alternative evolution for Applin, Flapple can be obtained by exposing Applin to a Tart Apple rather than a Sweet Apple. Both Appletun and Flapple share the same Gigantamax form, which is an uber-strong and imposing gooey apple. Flapple also has the same base stats as Appletun at 485 but a completely different distribution that makes it a wall breaker rather than a wall.

Flapple's signature move Grav Apple has a 100 percent chance to lower the opponent's Defense by one stage, rather than Apple Acid's Special Defense drop. Additionally, Grav Apple does one-and-a-half times more damage when Gravity is in effect. Dragon Dance will grant Flapple the necessary speed and attack to strike first and take advantage of its great offensive capability.

7 Slurpuff, Whipped Cream Fairy

Slurpuff from the anime running in a forest

Evolving from Swirlix when traded holding a Whipped Dream, Slurpuff was one of several Pokemon introduced in Generation 6 to showcase the new Fairy type. Game Freak's first pastry Pokemon line has incredible skills, and to quote Pokemon Y's Pokedex entry: "Its sense of smell is 100 million times better than a human's, so even the faintest scent tells it about everything in the area. It's like it can see with its nose!"

Related: Pokemon: The Strongest Steel-Type Moves, Ranked

Slurpuff has a base stat total of 480, and with access to amazing moves like Belly Drum and Drain Punch, this sugary bloodhound can become a real viable sweeper in its tier. The ability Unburden also benefits it greatly, where losing its held item will double its Speed. The Belly Drum move, combined with a Sitrus Berry and Unburden, can quickly turn a game around.

6 Gourgeist, Best Companion For Halloween

Gourgeist from the anime cheerful in a stadium

This Grass-and-Ghost type introduced in Generation 6 is based on a carved Halloween pumpkin. Its moves, typing, and lore all reflect that perfectly, with a highly thematic move like Trick-or-Treat acting as its signature. Gourgeist is also unique in that it comes in three sizes with different strengths, just like a pumpkin!

Gourgeist's offensive capabilities leave a lot to be desired, unfortunately, but this food Pokemon makes up for it in the defense department. Having a decent amount of resistance and immunity, this pumpkin can be a real annoyance to your opponent, especially with status moves like Toxic and Will-O-Wisp.

5 Azumarill, The Original Pika Clone

Azumarill from the anime looking angry, ready to attack

Azumarill is an interesting Pokemon. Having been introduced in Generation 2 as the Pikachu clone and a pure Water-type with not much power, it was one of the worst Pokemon to use at the time. But with each generation passing, Azumarill gained a small boost to eventually become one of the best Pokemon in Generation 6.

Now a Water-and-Fairy type with access to amazing moves such as Aqua Jet and Belly Drum and the perfect ability Huge Power, this small Easter egg is an absolute beast. Sure, it's been power crept a little since Generation 6, but still, it can be a dangerous wall breaker if not properly played around. To add to that, Azumarill is extremely adorable; having a vague inspiration somewhere between a rabbit, a beach ball, and an Easter egg, it's sure to melt your heart.

4 Vanilluxe, A Literal Ice Cream Cone

Vanilluxe from the anime going down stairs floating

A Pokemon constantly mocked and used in arguments about Game Freak's lack of creativity, the Vanillite line has garnered an unfair reputation ever since its introduction in Generation 5. Born when two Vanillish stick together and are frozen in the cold of night, Vanilluxe actually has the greatest base stat total of all Pokemon on this list, with 535. Unfortunately, that in itself is not enough to put it on top of the pile.

Related: The Best Multi-Headed Video Game Creatures

Moves such as Freeze Dry will trounce Water-type opponents such as Milotic, and combining Blizzard with the ability Snow Warning will ensure the move hits every time in the hail. Vanilluxe is an excellent lesson in not judging a book by its cover, or rather a cone by its cream.

3 Amoongus, Pokeball Mushrooms

Amoongus trio from the anime looking confused in a forest

Amoongus and its pre-evolution Foongus is the Generation 5 version of the "mimic" Pokemon. That's to say, they look like collectible Poke Balls on the overworld but drag you into a fight when you try to interact with them. However, Amoongus has since outgrown that gimmick by a mile and made a real competitive splash.

With extremely annoying moves like Spore, Toxic, Clear Smog, and even Rage Powder in the case of Double Battles, Amoongus is an incredible support Pokemon. This mushroom-based food Pokemon can make for an amazing wall on either the physical or special side. With the amazing ability of Regenerator, its longevity is also not an issue. While not as strong in the last few years, Amoongus is a truly strong defensive Pokemon.

2 Polteageist, Perfect Design For Galar

Polteageist in battle screen from Sword and Shield

Generation 8 went whole-hog on displaying the Galar region's love of sweet foods and beverages, a nod to its real-life inspiration. No nod to the United Kingdom would be complete without the reference to their most-consumed drink, tea. Sinistea and Polteageist are both wonderful examples of Ghost-type possession Pokemon done right, with Polteageist possessing unattended pots of tea. A genuine Antique Sinistea will evolve into Polteageist when exposed to a Chipped Pot, as opposed to a Phony Sinistea.

Interestingly enough, Polteageist is another Pokemon that can be eaten harmlessly (like Tropius), with Pokemon Sword's Pokedex entry stating that "Trainers Polteageist trusts will be allowed to experience its distinctive flavor and aroma firsthand by sampling just a tiny bit of its tea." With a stat total of 508 and access to moves like Shell Smash and Stored Power, Polteageist is a valuable Pokemon to have on the team, and delicious too!

1 Sirfetch'd, A Noble Duck Knight

Sirfetchd'd from anime, yellow background

The Generation 1 Pokemon Farfetch'd was long overdue for a new form, evolution, or a significant buff. After years of being forgotten and ignored, this leek-wielding bird finally got what it needed. Galarian Farfetch'd, and its evolution Sirfetch'd are pure Fighting types, leaving their days of flying behind. Instead, they become strong physical attackers.

These food-based Pokemon, and especially Sirfetch'd, have sky-high offensive capabilities and the moves to utilize them. Sitting at a powerful 135 base Attack, Sirfetch'd is a great wall breaker. With moves like First Impression, Close Combat, and Brave Bird in its arsenal, Sirfetch'd is sure to hurt whatever it hits. Its food Pokemon nature may be debatable, with it only wielding a leek and not being one, but ducks are eaten around the world, too — so it counts!

Next: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Most Terrifying Pokedex Entries