Nanomaterials have been widely used in the detection of heavy metal ions in food due to their large specific surface area, good stability, special structure, easy modification, and good biocompatibility. This review focuses on the research and application status of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon quantum dots, metal-organic frameworks and nanoenzymes in the detection of heavy metal ions in food. The challenges and application prospects of nanomaterials in the detection of heavy metal ions in food are also discussed.