NYT Mini · 1-Down · 5 letters
Plant food? NYT Mini crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 20, 2026
Decode the turn
Reveal the answer now—or spot the trick first.
What to notice
Think of the energy source required for photosynthesis.
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Answer
How the trick resolves
The question mark signals a playful definition: plants do not eat LIGHT, but they use its energy to make food through photosynthesis.
Continue this puzzleScientist's workplace →The turn in the clue
The question mark warns that “food” is being used conceptually rather than as a literal meal.
The answer in plain English
Light supplies the energy plants use during photosynthesis to produce sugars.
Where this clue appeared
1-Down in NYT Mini puzzle for August 20, 2026.
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