DES MOINES, IOWA — The National Pork Board (NPB) has launched a campaign to promote the most popular pork dishes in every state in the country. The NPB, and the 60,000 US pig farmers it represents, recently released the results of a new consumer survey highlighting the most favored pork-based cuisine in each state.

“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 NPB. “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. The United States of Pork offers the opportunity to explore the many flavors and styles of pork, not only in your state, but across America.” 

Each state’s top pork dish is featured on pork.org/porknation, including recipes and inspiration for each state’s dish. Krieger said the list includes a unique blend of restaurant favorites and traditionally homemade fare.  

Some of the highlights of the survey included: 

Pork’s 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– 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 cannot be overlooked, especially as the study dives deeper into the second and third most popular dishes in each state. 

Barbecue and pizza preferences vary widely – The distinct regional preferences in barbecue styles show how while we all 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, to biscuits and sausage gravy, the savory, indulgent flavors that pork-based sausages provide are favorites from coast to coast. 

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)