They eat what? New Year’s food traditions around the world

Amanda Kludt, Special to CNN
5 minute read
Updated 11:04 AM EST, Sun January 1, 2023
Hoppin' John is a tradition in the American South. Its core ingredients are black-eyed peas (or field peas) and rice.
Hoppin' John is a tradition in the American South. Its core ingredients are black-eyed peas (or field peas) and rice.
Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
In Spain, they eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight.
In Spain, they eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight.
JAIME REINA/AFP/Getty Images
Mexicans favor tamales during the holiday season. On New Year's, it's often served with menudo, a tripe and hominy soup famously good for hangovers.
Mexicans favor tamales during the holiday season. On New Year's, it's often served with menudo, a tripe and hominy soup famously good for hangovers.
Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
Oliebollen, or fried oil balls, are sold at street carts in The Netherlands during New Year's celebrations.
Oliebollen, or fried oil balls, are sold at street carts in The Netherlands during New Year's celebrations.
BAS CZERWINSKI/AFP/Getty Images
Cute little piglets made of fresh marzipan are a tradition in Germany and Austria.
Cute little piglets made of fresh marzipan are a tradition in Germany and Austria.
PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images
In Japan, soba noodles on New Year's symbolize longevity and prosperity. Plus, they're just delicious.
In Japan, soba noodles on New Year's symbolize longevity and prosperity. Plus, they're just delicious.
Nishihama/Shutterstock
King cakes are tradition in cultures around the world. The French do enjoy their galette des rois.
King cakes are tradition in cultures around the world. The French do enjoy their galette des rois.
margouillat photo/Shutterstock
In Italy, cotechino con lenticchie (a sausage and lentil dish) is said to bring good luck.
In Italy, cotechino con lenticchie (a sausage and lentil dish) is said to bring good luck.
barbajones/Shutterstock
Pickled herring is a New Year's favorite in Poland and Scandinavia. Some eat pickled herring in cream sauce while others have it with onions.
Pickled herring is a New Year's favorite in Poland and Scandinavia. Some eat pickled herring in cream sauce while others have it with onions.
gkrphoto/Shutterstock
Kransekage is a tasty tower composed of concentric rings of cake. They are made for New Year's Eve and other special occasions in Denmark and Norway.
Kransekage is a tasty tower composed of concentric rings of cake. They are made for New Year's Eve and other special occasions in Denmark and Norway.
V. Belov/Shutterstock/Shutterstock / V. Belov
Favorite eats for New Year's across the globe

Story highlights

Pickled herring, lentils and noodles all make appearances on global New Year's menus

In the American South, hoppin' john, made with rice and field peas, is said to bring good luck

King cakes are part of the festivities in many cultures

CNN  — 

New Year’s Day is meant for fresh starts. But maybe even more, it’s meant f