15 Lucky Foods to Eat on New Year's Eve for Good Fortune and Prosperity

This article is about time-honored plant-based foods from cultures around the world that are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and good vibes when eaten on New Year’s Eve.

As one year ends and another begins, many of us look for little ways to welcome in something better—more joy, more stability, more success. While resolutions and goal setting are one way to do that, there’s another approach that’s been around for generations: eating foods believed to bring good luck.

All over the world, people sit down to traditional meals filled with symbolism, history, and hope. And here’s the thing: many of these lucky foods are completely plant-based.

Whether you’re already plant-based or just looking to start the new year in a more intentional, healthy way, this guide walks you through 15 of the most common plant-based lucky foods to eat on New Year's Eve. You’ll learn what they mean, where they come from, and how to include them in your celebrations—without needing anything too complicated.

Why Certain Foods Are Considered Lucky

You might be wondering: Why do certain foods get labeled as lucky?

Well, most of it comes down to symbolism. Cultures around the world have developed food traditions based on visual cues, meanings in language, or historical experiences. Over time, these foods became staples in New Year’s celebrations—seen as a way to invite more abundance, health, love, or prosperity in the year ahead.

Here’s what typically makes a food "lucky":

• Color: Green for money, gold for wealth, red for happiness

• Shape: Round foods look like coins; long ones represent longevity

• Quantity: Foods with lots of parts—like seeds or beans—suggest abundance

• Cultural associations: Passed down through generations, often with deep roots in folklore or family rituals

And while beliefs vary, the underlying message is usually the same: start the year how you want it to go.

15 Lucky Foods to Eat on New Year’s Eve

Let’s dig into the good stuff. Below are 15 plant-based foods that show up in New Year’s Eve traditions all over the world. Each one brings a little something different to the table.

1. Leafy Greens (Collard Greens, Kale, Spinach, Cabbage)

Symbolism: Money, wealth, prosperity

Cultural roots: U.S. South, Germany, Ireland

Leafy greens are believed to bring financial luck because they look like folded bills. The darker and leafier, the better. In the American South, collard greens are often part of the New Year’s Day “luck trio” alongside black-eyed peas and cornbread.

Why it works: High in fiber, iron, and antioxidants—great for starting the year feeling strong and nourished.

Try it in:

• Garlicky sautéed kale

• Vegan cabbage rolls stuffed with rice

• Collard green wraps with hummus and veggies

2. Lentils

Symbolism: Coins, financial growth

Cultural roots: Italy, Brazil

In Italy, people eat lentils after midnight, often with rice or polenta, because their shape and color resemble small coins. They’re also known to swell while cooking—a nice visual metaphor for growing wealth.

Try it in:

• Smoky lentil soup

• Herbed lentil salad

• Warm lentils with roasted root vegetables

3. Black-Eyed Peas

Symbolism: Good fortune, blessings

Cultural roots: American South, West Africa

If you're in the U.S., you’ve probably heard of “Hoppin’ John”—a traditional Southern dish of black-eyed peas and rice. The peas represent coins, and the dish is meant to bring steady income and luck throughout the year.

Try it in:

• Vegan Hoppin’ John

• Spiced black-eyed pea curry

• Black-eyed pea fritters with dipping sauce

4. Grapes (12 at Midnight)

Symbolism: 12 months of good luck

Cultural roots: Spain, Mexico, many Latin American countries

This is a fun one. At midnight, you eat 12 grapes—one for each month of the coming year. Each grape is a wish, and you’re supposed to eat all 12 before the last bell tolls at midnight.

Try it in:

• A small bowl of grapes at each place setting

• Frozen grapes as a chilled snack

• Skewered grapes with mint for a midnight toast

5. Pomegranates

Symbolism: Fertility, abundance, life

Cultural roots: Greece, Turkey, Middle East

Pomegranates have been symbols of abundance since ancient times. In some Greek households, a pomegranate is smashed on the doorstep at midnight—the more seeds that burst out, the better your luck.

Try it in:

• Pomegranate and citrus salad

• Sprinkled over roasted veggies or rice dishes

• Pomegranate molasses in dressings

6. Rice

Symbolism: Fertility, wealth, sustainability

Cultural roots: Asia, West Africa, Latin America

In many cultures, rice is a symbol of life and prosperity. It’s also affordable and can feed many—another reason it’s linked to abundance.

Try it in:

• Coconut sticky rice

• Saffron or turmeric rice

• Vegetable paella

7. Long Noodles

Symbolism: Longevity and good health

Cultural roots: China, Japan

Long noodles are eaten on New Year’s Day or Lunar New Year to symbolize a long, healthy life. Just don’t cut them—it’s considered bad luck.

Try it in:

• Stir-fried soba with veggies

• Udon noodle soup with miso

• Garlic sesame noodles

8. Cornbread

Symbolism: Gold and wealth

Cultural roots: American South

Cornbread’s golden color makes it a symbol of money. It’s usually served with collard greens and black-eyed peas in Southern-style New Year’s meals.

Try it in:

• Skillet vegan cornbread

• Jalapeño cornbread muffins

• Cornbread croutons on salad or soup

9. Cabbage

Symbolism: Cash, wealth, prosperity

Cultural roots: Germany, Denmark, Eastern Europe

Cabbage's layered leaves and green color resemble folded money. It’s a lucky vegetable across several cultures.

Try it in:

• Braised red cabbage with apples

• Sauerkraut or slaw

• Cabbage stir-fry

10. Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Tangerines)

Symbolism: Luck, wealth, harmony

Cultural roots: China, Southeast Asia

Citrus fruits are often exchanged as gifts in Chinese households during Lunar New Year because their round shape and golden color represent luck and prosperity.

Try it in:

• Citrus and mint fruit salad

• Orange-glazed tofu

• Tangerine slices with dark chocolate

11. Beans (Chickpeas, Kidney Beans, etc.)

Symbolism: Coins, abundance

Cultural roots: Global

Beans are another classic symbol of growth and prosperity. Their small, round shape and ability to stretch meals makes them perfect for this list.

Try it in:

• Chickpea stew

• Bean-based chili

• Falafel wraps

12. Pumpkin and Squash

Symbolism: Fertility, harvest, nourishment

Cultural roots: Central and North America

Pumpkin and winter squash represent the earth’s abundance. They’re hearty, comforting, and tied to the harvest season.

Try it in:

• Roasted squash with thyme and garlic

• Pumpkin soup with coconut cream

• Butternut squash risotto

13. Apples

Symbolism: Peace, love, harmony

Cultural roots: China, Europe

In Chinese culture, apples symbolize peace. They also show up in plenty of Western traditions as symbols of love, health, and sweetness.

Try it in:

• Apple and walnut salad

• Baked cinnamon apples

• Apple slices with almond butter and pomegranate

14. Dried Fruits (Dates, Figs, Apricots)

Symbolism: Sweetness, endurance, wealth

Cultural roots: Middle East, North Africa

Dried fruits are often included in holiday meals because they last a long time and represent preserved sweetness and abundance.

Try it in:

• Stuffed dates with nuts or tahini

• Fruit and nut platter

• Date energy balls with cocoa and coconut

15. Garlic and Onions

Symbolism: Health, protection, spiritual cleansing

Cultural roots: Mediterranean, Eastern Europe

These aromatic staples are thought to protect against illness and bad energy. In some cultures, they’re even hung at doorways to guard the home.

Try it in:

• Roasted garlic spread

• Onion confit

• Caramelized onion soup

Ideas for Serving These Lucky Foods

If you want to put together a full New Year's Eve menu that’s plant-based and full of symbolic meaning, here are a few ideas:

Meal 1: Southern-Inspired Prosperity Plate

A nod to American Southern traditions—this meal is warm, hearty, and loaded with symbolic ingredients like greens, legumes, and golden touches.

Salad: Apple, Kale & Pecan Salad – Thinly sliced kale massaged with lemon juice and olive oil, tossed with crisp apples, toasted pecans, and a honey-mustard vinaigrette.

Main Dish: Hoppin’ John with Collard Greens and Cornbread – A savory mix of black-eyed peas and rice sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and a hint of smoked paprika. Served with braised collard greens and golden buttermilk cornbread (baked with butter and eggs for richness).

Dessert: Maple Cornmeal Pound Cake – A dense, moist cake made with cornmeal, flour, butter, eggs, and maple syrup, topped with a citrus glaze and candied orange peel.

Meal 2: Mediterranean Abundance Feast

Inspired by Greece and the Middle East, this meal is filled with bright, fresh flavors and foods tied to fertility, harmony, and health.

Salad: Pomegranate & Citrus Arugula Salad – Peppery arugula paired with orange segments, pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, and pistachios, dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Main Dish: Stuffed Eggplant with Herbed Couscous – Roasted eggplants halved and filled with fluffy couscous, pine nuts, golden raisins, parsley, mint, and lemon zest. A drizzle of garlicky yogurt sauce brings it all together.

Dessert: Date and Walnut Baklava – Layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped dates, walnuts, and cinnamon, baked and drenched in a spiced honey-lemon syrup.

Meal 3: Italian Good Fortune Dinner

Classic Italian flavors meet New Year’s symbolism in this elegant, cozy dinner.

Salad: Shaved Fennel & Apple Salad with Parmesan – Crisp fennel and green apples tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, and toasted pine nuts.

Main Dish: Lentil Risotto with Roasted Mushrooms – Creamy arborio rice slow-cooked with vegetable broth, butter, and Parmesan cheese, finished with tender brown lentils and topped with garlicky roasted mushrooms and thyme.

Dessert: Citrus Ricotta Tart – A light, tangy tart made with a sweet pastry crust and a creamy ricotta filling infused with orange zest and vanilla.

Meal 4: Asian-Inspired Longevity Supper

A celebratory East Asian-style menu centered around long life, peace, and balance.

Salad: Mandarin & Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing – Thin cucumber ribbons, shredded cabbage, mandarin orange segments, and slivered almonds tossed in a light sesame-ginger dressing.

Main Dish: Longevity Noodles with Veggies and Egg Ribbons – Long wheat noodles stir-fried with snow peas, carrots, mushrooms, and scallions in a soy-sesame sauce, topped with a soft-scrambled egg ribbon for richness and symbolism.

Dessert: Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango and Pomegranate – A sweet rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with ripe mango slices and fresh pomegranate seeds for color and crunch.

Meal 5: Cozy Nordic Celebration Table

Simple, grounding, and earthy—with a focus on seasonal ingredients and good fortune.

Salad: Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad with Goat Cheese – Roasted red and golden beets, blood orange slices, creamy goat cheese, and arugula, with a walnut vinaigrette.

Main Dish: Savory Root Vegetable Gratin – Thinly sliced layers of potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and squash baked in cream and Gruyère cheese, topped with thyme and breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

Dessert :Pear and Almond Tart – A rustic tart with buttery pastry, almond cream (frangipane), and poached pears, finished with a drizzle of honey and slivered almonds.

You don’t need to make all 15 foods. Even adding a few can feel meaningful and delicious!

What to Avoid: Foods Considered Unlucky in Some Cultures

While this varies, here are a few foods (not all plant-based!) traditionally avoided:

• Lobster: They move backward, symbolizing setbacks

• Chicken: They scratch backward, which can also suggest regression

• White foods (in some Asian cultures): Linked to mourning or funerals

• Breaking noodles: In Chinese culture, this is considered shortening your life

Of course, these are beliefs, not rules—but if you’re into the symbolism, they’re worth knowing.

The Bottom Line

Starting the year with food that means something can be a grounding, joyful way to welcome in whatever’s ahead. These lucky plant-based foods aren’t just symbolic—they’re nourishing, affordable, and deeply rooted in cultural traditions from around the world.

Whether you go all out with a symbolic feast or just pick a few ingredients to honor the season, it’s a chance to be intentional, hopeful, and maybe even a little lucky.

So this New Year’s Eve, let your food say something about the year you want to build. And remember: a little superstition can be a lot of fun—especially when it tastes this good.

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Loved this list? Share this post with a friend or family member who's hosting a New Year’s Eve party. And if you end up using one of these lucky foods, tag us and tell us how you used it—we’d love to see your creations.