Which of the following best defines ambient foods?

Ambient foods are best defined as those that can be safely stored at room temperature without the need for refrigeration. This allows for greater convenience in storage and distribution, as they do not require cooling to maintain their safety and quality. Ambient foods typically include items like canned goods, shelf-stable snacks, and dried foods, which are designed to have a long shelf life under normal storage conditions.

In contrast, the other options depict different storage needs or contexts. Foods that require refrigeration need a cooler environment to prevent spoilage and are not considered ambient. Foods that are available only in restaurants are typically prepared fresh and may not be stored in ambient conditions. Finally, foods that must be consumed immediately imply a lack of shelf stability and the necessity for prompt consumption, which directly contradicts the concept of ambient foods. Therefore, option B accurately reflects the nature of ambient foods.