“Food and drink” is broad and usually the clearest phrase, but alternatives can be useful for menus, events, hospitality, formal writing, or descriptions of what is provided.
Choose the Term for the Setting
- Refreshments
- Food and beverages
- Meals and drinks
- Cuisine and beverages
- Fare
- Provisions
- Nourishment
- Catering
- Hospitality
- Eats and drinks
- Dining and beverages
Refreshments
Common for light food and drinks provided at meetings or events.
Example: Refreshments will be served during the break.
Food and beverages
A slightly more formal equivalent, common in hospitality and events.
Example: The package includes food and beverages throughout the day.
Meals and drinks
Best when substantial meals rather than snacks are involved.
Example: Meals and drinks are included in the ticket price.
Cuisine and beverages
Useful when emphasizing the style or quality of the food.
Example: The festival celebrates regional cuisine and beverages.
Fare
A concise literary or hospitality term for the food available.
Example: The pub serves traditional local fare.
Provisions
Best for food and other supplies intended for a journey or period of time.
Example: We packed enough provisions for three days.
Nourishment
A formal or literary term emphasizing sustenance rather than enjoyment.
Example: The shelter provides warmth and nourishment.
Catering
Use when referring to the provision or service of food and drink rather than the items themselves.
Example: Catering is included in the conference fee.
Hospitality
A broader term that can include food, drink, hosting, and service.
Example: The hosts were praised for their generous hospitality.
Eats and drinks
Very informal wording suited to casual promotions or social events.
Example: There’ll be music, eats and drinks from 6 p.m.
Dining and beverages
A formal event-style phrase, though less natural than “food and drink” in everyday writing.
Example: The venue offers private dining and beverages for corporate groups.