Ants are omnivores who eat almost anything but prefer sweet and fatty foods. They are also attracted to protein and moisture.
Foods that ants are most likely to eat (and not leave exposed) in your home include:
Sweet foods: Honey, syrup, jelly, fruit, candy, and even pet food
Fatty foods: Oil, butter, bacon grease, and other cooking oils
Protein-rich foods: Meat, cheese, eggs, and pet food
Moist foods: Spilled drinks, pet food, and even garbage