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.

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

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