As pandemic-weary consumers begin to travel again and enjoy new recipes during a summer that’s starting to feel more “normal” in the United States, the National Pork Board (NPB) is encouraging Americans to let their taste buds explore the most popular pork dishes in every state. The board, and the 60,000 pig farmers it represents, has released the results of a new consumer survey showing the top pork dishes in each state. These favorites highlight the unique, diverse and tasty flavors preferred by people throughout the country.
The NPB polled 100 pork eaters in all 50 states about their favorite dishes, with the results revealing how cultural connections have influenced America’s preferences for this globally popular protein.
“We know ribs and chops will always be staples, but we really wanted to go beyond specific cuts of meat to better understand how pork shows up in the favorite traditional dishes across the US,” said Angie Krieger, vice president of domestic marketing at the Des Moines, Iowa-headquartered National Pork Board. “There’s such a strong connection between food, culture and regional identity, and pork clearly has a strong ability to connect us to our heritages, our traditions and each other.”
Each state’s top pork dish is featured on pork.org/porknation, where recipes and inspiration are easily found. Whether finding a local favorite from their state or exploring the flavors of other areas of the country, home cooks and travel planners alike can find both familiar and new favorite dishes. The list includes a blend of restaurant favorites and traditionally homemade fare.
“Whether you’re going to travel the US in person, or want to explore these flavors at home, the United States of Pork lets everyone ‘eat like a local’,” said Krieger. “We’re excited to celebrate that and inspire culinary exploration.”
Some interesting trends that emerged from the study include the following:
Strong Connection to Regional History
The pork pasties of South Dakota or West Virginia’s pepperoni rolls are directly tied to filling hand-held meals for miners. Pork helped shape the early economies of many US states.
Ethnic Influences Abound
Many dishes are influenced by the European traditions brought by early immigrants, as German sausages, pizza and a variety of Italian sandwiches demonstrate. But the growing influence of Latino and Asian cultures is remarkable, especially as the study dives deeper into the second and third most popular dishes in each state.
Barbecue and Pizza
The distinct regional preferences in barbecue styles show how while folks may disagree on how to prepare it, there’s no disagreement that pork is preferred protein to go low and slow with. And while Illinois agrees that Chicago-style deep dish pepperoni pizza is the lake-front favorite, there will be an eternal debate on which Windy City establishment crafts the best pie.
Sausage is King
It’s loved everywhere. From pepperoni, bratwurst, hot dogs, corn dogs, reindeer sausage (yes, it’s made with pork), to biscuits and sausage gravy, the savory, indulgent flavors that pork-based sausages provide are favorites from coast to coast.
“All across the country, people gather around pork,” said Krieger. “Whether it’s a farmer in North Carolina or a family in Oregon sharing a dish that’s been handed down for decades, pork unites us.”
The United States of Pork campaign builds on the National Pork Board’s commitment to consumer outreach efforts. Not only does the campaign celebrate the authentic flavors of pork, it creates opportunities to share the American pork industry’s farm-to-fork story with consumers. The most beloved pork dishes in each state are as follows:
Alabama – Biscuits and Gravy
Alaska – Reindeer Sausage
Arizona – Pork Chimichangas
Arkansas – Biscuits and Gravy
California – Carnitas Burrito
Colorado – Green Chile Ribs
Connecticut – The New Englander Hot Dog
Delaware – Scrapple
Florida – Cubano
Georgia – Low-Country Boil
Hawaii – Manapua
Idaho – Potato Ham Bake
Illinois – Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza
Indiana – Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Iowa – Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Kansas – BLT
Kentucky – Hot Brown Sandwich
Louisiana – Gumbo
Maine – Maine Italian Sub Sandwich
Maryland – Stuffed Ham
Massachusetts – Boston Baked Beans
Michigan – Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza
Minnesota – Swedish Meatballs
Mississippi – Mississippi Delta Hot Pork Tamales
Missouri – Barbecue Pork Steaks
Montana – Pork Chop Sandwich
Nebraska – Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Nevada – Charcuterie
New Hampshire – Eggs Benedict
New Jersey – Taylor Ham Pork Roll Sandwich
New Mexico – Carne Adovada
New York – White Hots
North Carolina – Whole Hog Barbecue (Eastern-Style)
North Dakota – Pulled Pork Sandwich
Ohio – Cleveland-Style Barbecue
Oklahoma – Smoked Bologna Sandwich
Oregon – Corn Dogs
Pennsylvania – Italian Hoagie
Rhode Island – Grinders
South Carolina – Pork Hocks & Collards
South Dakota – Pork Pasties
Tennessee – Memphis Wet Ribs
Texas – Sausage Kolaches/Klobasniky
Utah – Green Chile Pork Tacos
Vermont – Maple Baked Beans
Virginia – Country Ham
Washington – Seafood Chowder
West Virginia – Pepperoni Rolls
Wisconsin – Brats
Wyoming – Pig Candy (Candied Bacon)
