Virginia Eats The Most Fries, And Only 1 State Lists Waffle Fries As Favorite: Survey

Virginia may be for lovers, but according to a new nationwide survey, it’s also for fry lovers.

A poll of 5,000 U.S. adults revealed that Virginians consume more french fries than residents of any other state, averaging at least 21 pounds per person per year. 

The survey, conducted by Talker Research for McCain Foods ahead of National French Fry Day on July 11, found that Alabama, Georgia, and Maryland closely follow, with residents in each state eating around 20 pounds annually.

According to the survey, the average American can consume at least 17 pounds of fries annually, from accumulated small servings averaging about 69 grams. Taken together, that means Americans eat a minimum of 5.61 billion pounds of fries each year — equivalent to the weight of 155,833 school buses.

While the majority of Americans (72%) agree the best fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, preferences diverge sharply when it comes to fry styles and seasonings. Twenty-eight states favored straight-and-seasoned fries, especially in North Dakota (55%), Mississippi (54%), Alabama (49%), Wyoming (49%), Louisiana (48%), and Utah (48%).

Shoestring fries were the top choice in Hawaii (45%), New Hampshire (45%), Michigan (44%), Maine (42%), and Texas (42%). Curly fries claimed the spotlight in Alaska (46%), Kansas (46%), Connecticut (45%), and Oklahoma (45%). Crinkle-cut fries took first place in Nebraska (51%), Kentucky (46%), Pennsylvania (43%), and Illinois (41%). Only one state — Colorado (44%) — chose waffle fries as its favorite.

Coastal states also led in emotional responses to fries. Californians (59%) and New Yorkers (58%) were most likely to report feelings of happiness or joy while eating them.

Many Americans also took pride in their regions signature fry dishes. Examples include “disco fries” in New York and New Jersey, “boardwalk fries” in Delaware, “horseshoe” and “ponyshoe sandwiches” in Illinois, and the “California burrito” in the Golden State.

“Fries are universally loved, but theres still plenty of debate when it comes to favorites,” said Tracy Hostetler, vice president of marketing North America potatoes at McCain Foods. “From crinkle-cut and curly, to waffle and seasoned fries, everyone has their go-to style. We believe enjoying a variety of fries allows everyone to find their favorite.”

Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) agreed fries can be a main dish, citing “loaded” fries (66%), chili fries (36%), and seasoned varieties (36%) as examples. Favorite seasonings included salt (77%), garlic powder (31%), parmesan (22%), Old Bay (19%), paprika (10%), and cayenne (9%). Top dips were ketchup (68%), ranch (33%), and cheese sauce (28%).

The love for fries goes beyond taste. Seventy-seven percent said theyd share fries when eating in a group — most often with a partner (43%), their kids (28%), or friends (21%). Still, 65% confessed to stealing fries from someone elses plate. Eighty-one percent said fries make family meals more enjoyable, and 83% would even share their last fry with a loved one.

“Preferences aside, its clear that fries hold a special place in peoples hearts across the nation,” Hostetler added. “Theyre the ultimate shareable food — whether enjoying family-style or sneaking one off someone elses plate, fries have a way of bringing family and friends together through that simple, joyful act of sharing.”