Here's why:
* Proper nouns are specific names: They identify a unique individual, place, or thing. Think of "John," "London," or "Mount Everest."
* Food names are generally common nouns: They describe categories of food. "Pizza," "apple," and "steak" are common nouns that represent many different examples.
However, there are some cases where food might be considered a proper noun:
* Brand names: "Oreo," "Coca-Cola," "Heinz Ketchup" – these are brand names that function like proper nouns, specifically referring to a particular product.
* Unique dishes: "Caesar Salad" or "Spaghetti Carbonara" – these are specific recipes with their own names, and they might be considered proper nouns in a culinary context.
So, while there isn't a direct equivalent of a proper noun for food, you can think of brand names and specific recipes as being similar in concept.