Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of soup during the coldest time of the year. Whether you’re a fan of the classic chicken noodle or big on broccoli cheddar, there’s nothing like curling up with your favorite person on the couch and warming up with a bowl of the good stuff. For this study, the soup supporters at Shane Co. analyzed the search volume for each popular type of soup to determine which is each state’s favorite. Curious to learn more about where your home state’s soup loyalties lie? Keep reading to find out!
It probably goes without saying that chicken noodle soup dominates soup search charts across the country; the classic recipe is the most searched-for soup in 22 states. Chicken noodle is the clear winner here, and rightfully so; the quintessential American staple has been there to comfort us through many sick days and icy winters. Perhaps the more appropriate question is, who in their right mind isn’t searching for a delicious chicken noodle soup recipe on a cold winter day?
In the vast ocean of chicken broth and fresh noodles that swept up most of our nation, there were a few splashes of other unique flavors and ingredients. Take Maine, for example; the Pine Tree State’s favorite soup was lobster bisque. Maine is renowned for its fresh local lobsters and numerous dishes that feature these delicious crustaceans as the star of the show. For those who haven’t tried this regional delicacy, bisque is a type of soup of French origin that pairs seafood, like lobster, with a buttery and savory sauce. It’s a rich and comforting dish, guaranteed to be a treat on a cold day by the pier.
Pennsylvanians’ soup of choice was wedding soup, and even if you aren’t getting married in the near future, this dish is worth a try. Wedding soup is a delicious fusion of yummy ingredients, including meatballs, pasta, broth, leafy greens, and other veggies. If you are trying to avoid going to the grocery store on a snow day, there is a good chance you might be able to whip up whatever leftovers you have in the fridge into this decadent Italian-inspired recipe.
Over in the Pacific Northwest, Washingtonians search for split pea soup recipes more than any other state in the nation. Split pea soup might sound too healthy and unappealing to some, but it has plenty of ingredients to ap-peas even the largest of appetites. Washington’s favorite soup features dried split peas, ham fresh off the bone, and an array of vegetables, spices, and seasonings. After letting the soup simmer and removing the ham bone from the pot, you have a dish that’s hot, hearty, and comforting.
Chicken noodle soup is everyone’s favorite soup across most of the U.S., except in the curious case of the American Northeast. Chicken noodle dominates the palettes of people in the Western, Midwestern, and Southern regions of the U.S. but is nowhere in the three-way tie that has us scratching our heads. Minestrone, lentil soup, and French onion soup are the three contenders that fill the hearts and bowls of people living in states like Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts.
Few things are as satisfying as a big bowl of soup on a cold winter day, and it tastes even better with a loved one to share it with! If your state’s favorite dish to dive into during the chilliest season of the year is chicken noodle soup, don’t worry; you’re in good company. For those that sail soupy seas unknown, we salute you.
Whether warming them up or soothing a sore throat, making a hot bowl of their favorite soup can be the perfect sweet gesture for your partner. Soup is at the top of the list when one thinks of “comfort food,” after all. If you’re looking for your next grand gesture that goes above and beyond cooking your loved one’s favorite dish, check out our selection of fine jewelry — just in time for Valentine’s Day.
To find out which type of soup was the coziest for each state to warm up to, we compiled a list of favorite soups across the U.S. and looked at 23 soup-type keywords on Google Trends from December 2017 to 2022.
This post was last modified on December 15, 2023 2:00 pm
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@BriannaBlair
Really enjoyed your well written article and creative, adorable infographic.
Besides the 3-way tie in the upper Northeast, I'm surprised that oceanside states aren't liking fish based soups more, especially Louisiana, and the Midwestern plaines aren't more focused on beef. Makes me wonder how much Covid-19 made an impact.