Each of the chosen foods —generally a pomegranate, date, string bean, beet, pumpkin, leek, and fish head — symbolize a wish or blessing for prosperity and health in the coming year. On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, a piece of apple is dipped into honey in the hopes of a sweet year. On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Jews eat a new fruit not yet eaten in the season so a special blessing (Shehechiyanu) can be recited.

Special Rosh Hashanah food customs have developed over the centuries, including vegetarian concept meals.

In the Sephardic community, many families hold a Rosh Hashanah seder where a series of symbolic foods are eaten before the meal.