New York one of 5 states rated as having best food…
The best food is discovered in California, according to new research.
A survey of 5,000 Americans break up evenly by state explored sentiments about do-it-yourself dishes nationwide, discovering that New York, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida rounded out the top 5 states ranked on best delicacies.
And above all, Louisianans know they’ve bought it, expressing the most confidence in their state having the best delicacies (94%).
On the other hand, a number of states left respondents unimpressed with their delicacies: Delaware, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Respondents have been requested to select a taste or dish that best represents their state; some stayed iconic like New York’s pizza, California’s genuine Mexican food, and Texas’s barbecue.
The best food is discovered in California, according to new research. Talker Research / SWNS
On the other hand, some of the states proved to be culinary geniuses in their own proper, with New Hampshire boasting its apple cider donuts. Respondents from Utah took satisfaction in their love for “fry sauce,” and Ohio residents ecstatically trademark their “buckeyes.”
Although Americans have spoken about where their favourite delicacies is discovered, maybe the best cooks come from hidden gems like Montana (77%) and Wyoming (76%), as these states have the best average of better-quality do-it-yourself meals than bought ones.
Conducted by Talker Research for HelloFresh, the survey discovered that food is forefront for many, which is why Americans are making it a high precedence to create and uphold traditions of cooking with their family members in 2026 (37%).
The survey discovered that food is forefront for many, which is why Americans are making it a high precedence to create and uphold traditions of cooking with their family members in 2026 Talker Research / SWNS
Thinking about the flavors of their state, 69% really feel a sense of satisfaction when making ready conventional recipes. These are so close to and pricey to respondents that 53% make an effort to report or doc conventional recipes.
In fact, six in 10 said 2026 would be the “year of the kitchen” for them (62%), particularly those from New York (76%), South Carolina (73%), and Alabama (72%).
For half of the respondents, that means prioritizing traditions of eating with their family members in 2026 (52%).
Currently, the average American cooks 12 meals at home a week: three breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners.
Six in 10 said 2026 would be the “year of the kitchen” for them, particularly those from New York, South Carolina, and Alabama. Talker Research / SWNS
Of these meals, the average individual cooks just two meals a week with others, and eats only 4 of them with others.
Looking at time spent in the kitchen, the average American spends about 67 minutes a day at the range — practically 410 hours a yr, or about 17 days.
Although they take time and effort, meals are not often loved for all that goes into them. Thirty p.c of Americans not often or never have breakfast undistracted, with a comparable proportion saying the same about lunch (28%) and dinner (21%).
Of all the states, Minnesotans are least seemingly to have distraction-free meals, while respondents in New York focus the most on their meals.
New Yorkers also spend the most time eating (52 minutes a day), and those from Arkansas eat the quickest (41 minutes a day).
“Food has always been about more than just sustenance — it’s how we connect, share stories and pass down traditions,” said Michelle Doll Olson, Senior Manager, Culinary Development at HelloFresh US. “From California shrimp tacos and Minnesota Juicy Lucy, to Louisiana gumbo and New York bagels, the dishes that outline each state carry generations of household reminiscences and cultural satisfaction.
Thirty p.c of Americans not often or never have breakfast undistracted, with a comparable proportion saying the same about lunch (28%) and dinner (21%). Talker Research / SWNS
“Our survey shows that Americans are returning to the kitchen not just to cook, but to create moments of togetherness, preserve recipes, and enjoy the comfort of home-cooked meals with loved ones. In 2026, the kitchen is truly becoming a place where connection and tradition come alive.”
What Dish/Flavor Best Represents your State?
Alabama: “banana pudding,” “pinto beans and cornbread”
Alaska: “seafood,” “muktuk”
Arizona: “Mexican cuisine,” “Sonoran hot dogs”
Arkansas: “catfish,” “country fried chicken”
California: “Mexican food,” “burgers,” “shrimp tacos”
Colorado: “green chili on anything,” “Rocky Mountain oysters”
Connecticut: “clam chowder,” “pizza”
Delaware: “scrapple,” “Bengali cuisine”
Florida: “seafood,” “key lime pie,” “fresh orange juice”
Georgia: “peach cobbler,” “seafood boils”
Hawaii: “laulau,” “poke,” “loco moco”
Idaho: “potatoes”
Illinois: “deep dish pizza,” “Chicago-style hot dogs”
Indiana: “corn,” “pork tenderloin sandwich”
Iowa: “corn,” “pork chops”
Kansas: “barbecue,” “steak,” “chili with cinnamon rolls”
Kentucky: “fried chicken”
Louisiana: “crawfish,” “Cajun cuisine,” “gumbo”
Maine: “lobster”
Maryland: “crab cakes”
Massachusetts: “clam chowder,” “seafood”
Michigan: “cherry pie,” “Coney Island dogs”
Minnesota: “juicy Lucy,” “tater tot hotdish,” “walleye”
Mississippi: “fried catfish,” “soul food”
Missouri: “barbecue”
Montana: “steak,” “wild game,” “huckleberry”
Nebraska: “Runza sandwiches”
Nevada: “buffets,” “Mexican”
New Hampshire: “seafood,” “apple cider donuts”
A survey of 5,000 Americans break up evenly by state explored sentiments about do-it-yourself dishes nationwide, discovering that New York, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida rounded out the top 5 states ranked on best delicacies. Talker Research / SWNS
New Jersey: “Italian food,” “pizza,” “Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwich”
New Mexico: “green chilis,” “enchiladas”
New York: “pizza,” “bagel and cream cheese”
North Carolina: “barbecue,” “knoephla soup”
Ohio: “buckeyes”
Oklahoma: “chicken fried steak,” “comfort food”
Oregon: “salmon,” “marionberry pie”
Pennsylvania: “pierogies,” “cheesesteaks”
Rhode Island: “seafood,” “clam cakes,” “chowder”
South Carolina: “soul food”
South Dakota: “fry bread”
Tennessee: “barbecue”
Texas: “Tex Mex,” “barbecue”
Utah: “Jello salad,” “fry sauce,” “funeral potatoes”
Vermont: “pancakes with maple syrup,” “mac and cheese”
Virginia: “ham”
Washington: “apples,” “salmon”
West Virginia: “pepperoni rolls”
Wisconsin: “cheese,” “fish fry”
Wyoming: “steak”
Research methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans evenly break up by state who have access to the web; the survey was commissioned by HelloFresh and administered and carried out online by Talker Research between Nov. 17 and Nov. 25, 2025. A hyperlink to the questionnaire could be discovered right here.
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