Ring in the New Year with a delicious plate full of good luck! Around the world, certain foods are thought to bring prosperity, health, and good fortune – whether it’s black-eyed peas and greens for money or long noodles for a long life. From classic Southern stews to Asian longevity noodles, filling your plate with these symbolic dishes is a delicious way to start 2026 on a lucky note.
Lentils
Lentils are eaten in many Italian communities on New Year’s Day to attract good fortune because their shape resembles coins. The tradition goes back to ancient Rome, when people gifted pouches of lentils in hopes they’d bring prosperity like gold.
Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas are the star of Hoppin’ John, a savory pork-filled stew traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day. The creamy legumes are believed to bring luck and prosperity because of their resemblance to coins. It’s a custom dating back to the 1800s in South Carolina and possibly rooted in West African culture. The more you eat, the more fortune you’re said to gain – so eat up!
Greens
Greens like collards, chard, and kale are eaten on New Year’s for prosperity, since their leaves resemble folded money. Often paired with black-eyed peas, they’re a tasty tradition with roots in African-American history. Plus, a plate of greens is a fresh, healthy way to start the year.
Cabbage
In Eastern Europe, Ireland, and parts of the U.S., cabbage is considered a symbol of luck and wealth thanks to its money-like green color. It’s commonly enjoyed in dishes like cabbage rolls or paired with favorites such as pierogi and kielbasa.
Fish
In Scandinavian, Eastern European, Chinese, and Jewish traditions, fish is seen as a symbol of a hopeful New Year. They represent progress because they swim forward, abundance because they travel in schools, and fertility thanks to the many eggs they produce.
Pork
In the Midwest U.S., Germany, and Eastern Europe, pork is considered a symbol of progress since pigs root forward as they eat. It’s commonly served with cabbage or sauerkraut, featured in Hoppin’ John, or paired with lucky foods like long noodles and greens.
Long Noodles
In many Asian cultures, long noodles are served for the New Year as a symbol of long life and prosperity. In Japan, soba is the traditional choice on New Year’s Day. While Chinese and Taiwanese celebrations often feature special “longevity noodles” during Lunar New Year.
Pomegranates
In Greece, families welcome the New Year by smashing a pomegranate at the door. The more seeds that fly, the more luck ahead. In Brazil, seven pomegranate seeds are eaten for wealth and prosperity.
Where To Buy These Lucky Foods Today
Looking for an open grocery store to stock up on all these good luck foods? Check out our full guide to which local stores are open on New Year’s Day. You can ring in the New Year with both a full belly and a little extra good luck. Happy 2026, Angelenos!