How Every U.S. State Takes Their Burrito

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of holding a warm, weighty burrito in your hands as you anticipate the delicious combination of flavors and textures that await you just beyond the aluminum foil.

A perfect burrito is a mouth-watering symphony of flavors and textures that simultaneously satisfies the stomach and the soul. But not everyone agrees on what ingredients equal burrito perfection. We wanted to spill the (refried) beans on how American burrito preferences vary from state to state. From proteins to bean and veggie preferences, we left no tortilla unturned to uncover how residents of every U.S. state take their burritos.

So get ready to sink your teeth into the results and read on to see if your idea of burrito nirvana aligns with your state’s favorite ingredient combination!

Every State’s Burrito Base

Did you know the word “burrito” means “little donkey” in Spanish? Legend has it that burritos’ portable, hearty nature and ability to hold hefty ingredient quantities were compared early on to how a donkey carries a heavy load, and the name stuck! But, as you can see from our map, Americans aren’t exactly on the same page about just what ingredients should be rolled up in a tortilla and called a burrito, or how spicy said burrito should be.

Fortunately, there’s one thing every state agrees on when it comes to burrito base ingredients: rice definitely isn’t optional!

Burrito #1 is the national favorite, with 18 states opting for a burrito with chicken, black beans, and rice as base layer ingredients. Next, tied at second place and each a favorite combo in eight states, comes burrito #6 (ground beef, refried beans, and rice) and burrito #3 (steak, black beans, and rice).

Turns out the least popular burrito base layer combinations are burritos #2 (chicken, refried beans, and rice) and #5 (ground beef, black beans, and rice).

How Every State Builds Their Burrito

It’s official: Minnesotans like to spice things up, but in their own unique way. It seems the Land of 10,000 Lakes is all about its corn and is the only U.S. state to opt for corn pico de gallo over the classic pico version in their burritos.

Turns out not all veggies are created equal in the eyes of burrito enthusiasts. While every other state requests all the veggies in their burrito, Florida and Wisconsin residents have joined forces to declare peppers a burrito ingredient non grata.

What to Know When It Comes to Burritos

Let’s talk about guac. To pay extra or not to pay extra? That is the question. For the 52% of Americans who agree it’s worth it, the answer is clear: load it up! And while men might be a bit more indecisive (50/50), guac is always the go-to for 56% of women.

When it comes to where to order a burrito, 57% of respondents and all but one state chose Chipotle, which is a great place to grab a quick and sizable burrito. If you’re one of the 65% who expects free chips and salsa with your order, Chipotle’s got you covered there, too.

Alabama was the lone holdout, with most Alabamians preferring Moe’s Southwest Grill as their go-to spot when they’re craving a savory burrito. But let’s get down to the real debate — queso or no queso? According to our study, most people like it safely contained within their burrito. As for the 18% who like to drizzle it on top and the 28% who prefer to dip their burrito in it, we salute you. You’re living your best life!

Sometimes it’s easiest just to make a burrito at home, right? But once you’ve got your ingredients layered in, the most important part — and some may say the toughest — is rolling that big guy up. How highly would you rate your burrito-rolling skills? Our study found that the average American sees room for improvement in theirs. Americans give their burrito-rolling skills 2.5 stars out of 5. It may be a testament to their respect for a tight roll, but on a scale of 1 to 10, Americans give the skill of rolling a tight burrito a 7 out of 10 on the impressive scale! As for the 14% who said they would rather stub their toe than have their perfectly rolled burrito bust open — we’re not sure we agree, but we certainly see where you’re coming from!

Closing Thoughts

The burrito is more than just an adaptable, portable, and versatile vessel for tasty fillings (and an ode to the humble donkey’s burden). Our study shows it’s a beloved cultural phenomenon that brings people together across the United States, no matter their unique preferences.

No matter where you live, a place to satisfy your burrito cravings is usually just around the corner. So, next time you and your date are waiting for the burritos you ordered for date night and fantasizing about your perfect blend of ingredients, why not think about another perfect combination?

At Shane Co., you’re sure to find a stunning jewelry combination as unique as your burrito preferences. Browse our collection of engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry today, and find the perfect match for your special someone.

Methodology

In March 2023, we surveyed 3,216 people from across every U.S. state to gather information on their burrito preferences regarding ingredients, flavors, spice levels, and much more. From there, we analyzed the results to identify regional variations for burrito lovers and determine which preferences stood out. It’s worth noting that due to their lower populations, we did not receive enough responses from Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming to gain meaningful insights into their burrito preferences.