Savoury vs. Savory — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 23, 2024
"Savoury" is the British English spelling referring to food that is salty or spicy rather than sweet, while "savory" is the American English version of the same word.
Difference Between Savoury and Savory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Savoury" is used in British English to describe foods that are pleasant, not sweet, often carrying hints of herbs, salt, or spice. Examples include cheese, meats, and certain snacks. On the other hand, "savory" is the spelling preferred in American English but carries the exact same meaning. This distinction is similar to other British and American spelling differences such as "colour" vs. "color."
While "savoury" is commonly seen in British publications, cookbooks, and menus, "savory" is used in similar contexts across the United States. This difference in spelling does not affect the meaning or use of the word in culinary contexts, but it is important for maintaining consistency in written language based on regional standards.
The pronunciation of "savoury" and "savory" is largely the same, emphasizing the lack of distinction in spoken language between British and American English in this case. This shows how spelling variations often exist independently of pronunciation.
In terms of usage, both terms are often associated with specific types of dishes or flavor profiles. For instance, a "savoury pie" in the UK would be a "savory pie" in the US, both referring to pies filled with meat, vegetables, and non-sweet seasonings.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Savoury
Savory
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Pronunciation
Same as American English
Same as British English
Usage Context
Used in Britain, often in culinary contexts
Used in the USA, similar culinary contexts
Example Foods
Cheese, meats, herbs-based dishes
Cheese, meats, herbs-based dishes
Language Consistency
Adheres to British English spelling conventions
Adheres to American English spelling conventions
Compare with Definitions
Savoury
Descriptive of a non-sweet taste.
He prefers savoury breakfasts like eggs and bacon.
Savory
Pleasant to taste, typically salty or spicy, not sweet.
The savory aroma of the grilled chicken filled the kitchen.
Savoury
Pertaining to the category of food opposite of desserts.
Savoury foods often involve a complex mix of seasonings.
Savory
Opposite of sweet in culinary terms.
Her preference was for savory snacks rather than cookies or cakes.
Savoury
Pleasantly flavored, not sweet; often implies herbs or spices.
She prepared a savoury stew with lots of vegetables and spices.
Savory
Applies to non-dessert food items.
They offered an array of savory breads at the bakery.
Savoury
Referring to snacks that are not sugary.
At the party, there were several savoury options available.
Savory
Used to describe main dishes or courses that are salted or spiced.
For dinner, we had a savory pie filled with mushrooms and chicken.
Savoury
Suitable for the main course, not dessert.
Savoury pancakes can include ingredients like cheese and onion.
Savory
Characterizing flavors that are robust and rich.
He always enjoyed the savory flavors of Mediterranean cooking.
Savoury
Variant of savory1.
Savory
Appetizing to the taste or smell
A savory stew.
Savoury
Alternative form of savory
Savory
Piquant, pungent, or salty to the taste; not sweet.
Savoury
Alternative form of savory
Savory
Morally respectable; inoffensive
A past that was scarcely savory.
Savoury
Either of two aromatic herbs of the mint family
Savory
A dish of pungent taste, such as anchovies on toast or pickled fruit, sometimes served in Great Britain as an hors d'oeuvre or instead of a sweet dessert.
Savoury
An aromatic or spicy dish served at the end of dinner or as an hors d'oeuvre
Savory
An annual Mediterranean aromatic herb (Satureja hortensis) of the mint family, having pale lavender to white flowers. Also called summer savory.
Savoury
Morally respectable or inoffensive;
A past that was scarcely savory
Savory
A related Mediterranean aromatic perennial herb (Satureja montana), having white or pink flowers. Also called winter savory.
Savoury
Having an agreeably pungent taste
Savory
The leaves of either of these plants, used as seasoning.
Savoury
Pleasing to the sense of taste
Savory
Tasty, attractive to the palate.
The fine restaurant presented an array of savory dishes; each was delicious.
Savory
Salty and/or spicy, but not sweet.
The mushrooms, meat, bread, rice, peanuts and potatoes were all good savory foods.
Savory
Umami, modern
The savory rabbit soup contrasted well with the sweet cucumber sandwiches with jam.
Savory
(figuratively) Morally or ethically acceptable.
Readers are to be warned that quotations in this chapter contain some not so savory language.
Savory
(American spelling) A savory snack.
Savory
Any of several Mediterranean herbs, of the genus Satureja, grown as culinary flavourings.
Savory
The leaves of these plants used as a flavouring.
Savory
Pleasing to the organs of taste or smell.
The chewing flocksHad ta'en their supper on the savory herb.
Savory
An aromatic labiate plant (Satureia hortensis), much used in cooking; - also called summer savory.
Savory
Any of several aromatic herbs or subshrubs of the genus Satureja having spikes of flowers attractive to bees
Savory
Dwarf aromatic shrub of Mediterranean regions
Savory
Either of two aromatic herbs of the mint family
Savory
An aromatic or spicy dish served at the end of dinner or as an hors d'oeuvre
Savory
Morally respectable or inoffensive;
A past that was scarcely savory
Savory
Having an agreeably pungent taste
Savory
Pleasing to the sense of taste
Common Curiosities
Are there any dishes specifically classified as savoury/savory?
Dishes classified as savoury/savory include main courses, certain pastries, and snacks that are not sweet, such as meat pies, flavored breads, and spiced nuts.
Does the culinary definition of savoury/savory extend beyond salt and herbs?
Yes, it can also include umami, which is considered a savory flavor.
What are common savoury/savory seasonings?
Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic, onions, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
How do cookbooks differ between the UK and the US regarding this term?
UK cookbooks use "savoury," while US cookbooks use "savory" to describe dishes and flavors that are not sweet.
What defines a savoury/savory dish?
A savoury/savory dish is characterized by being salty, spicy, or herb-flavored, not sweet.
Is there a savoury/savory taste receptor?
Yes, taste receptors for umami perceive savoury/savory flavors, associated with foods rich in glutamates.
Is there a difference in pronunciation between "savoury" and "savory"?
No, there is no difference in pronunciation between "savoury" and "savory."
Can "savoury" and "savory" be used interchangeably?
Yes, "savoury" and "savory" can be used interchangeably, though spelling should match the regional language standard.
Which spelling should I use in my cooking blog?
The choice of spelling should depend on your audience; use "savoury" for a British audience and "savory" for an American audience.
Can desserts be savoury/savory?
While uncommon, some desserts can incorporate savoury/savory elements, like a salted caramel dessert.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
