America’s Favorite Sauces by State: A 2026 Update
Ketchup dominates as the favorite sauce in an impressive 25 states.
Barbecue sauce follows as a popular choice in 5 states.
8 states have a favorite sauce that is unique to their region.
Did you know March is National Sauce Month? While many might not celebrate it, the sheer volume of sauces consumed across America suggests it’s a holiday worth recognizing.
In honor of this culinary occasion, we explored the favorite sauces of each state. A sauce, defined as a “thick liquid served with food to enhance flavor,” includes everything from classic condiments to gourmet options.
The findings reveal a surprising truth: a significant portion of America enjoys their meals with ketchup, often pairing it with a variety of foods.
Additional Insights
-
Following ketchup, both tomato sauce (essentially a thicker variant) and barbecue sauce rank high in popularity.
-
Notably, 4 of the 5 states that prefer barbecue sauce are situated along the southern Atlantic coast.
-
Despite mayonnaise’s overall popularity, it is uniquely favored by only one state.
-
In a twist, while maple syrup isn’t classified as a sauce, residents of Vermont have developed a taste for sriracha!
-
Ranch dressing finds its home as the top choice in South Dakota, a surprising distinction among states.
-
Tartar sauce is a favorite in Alaska (which makes sense) and Montana (which might raise eyebrows).
-
Utah’s preference for fry sauce highlights its unique culinary culture.
Methodology
Using Google Trends data, we identified the sauces that each state searches for disproportionately. We compiled a list of the top 25 sauces and determined the one with the highest search interest in each state.
For instance, while Vermont utilizes many sauces, the heightened interest in “sriracha sauce” sets it apart as their most popular choice.
After thorough consideration, we decided not to classify salsa as a sauce, as it aligns more closely with dips. Apologies to salsa enthusiasts!
Our analysis covered an entire year of search data, ensuring each state had ample time to showcase their sauce preferences.
In conclusion, the search volume reflects a clear trend: ketchup is not just a condiment but a beloved staple across America, dominating the sauce landscape.
Each State’s Favorite Sauce
| State | Sauce |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Ketchup |
| Alaska | Tartar sauce |
| Arizona | Ketchup |
| Arkansas | Worcestershire sauce |
| California | Ketchup |
| Colorado | Ketchup |
| Connecticut | Ketchup |
| Delaware | Barbecue sauce |
| Florida | Ketchup |
| Georgia | Ketchup |
| Hawaii | Mayonnaise |
| Idaho | Ketchup |
| Illinois | Ketchup |
| Indiana | Ketchup |
| Iowa | Ketchup |
| Kansas | Ketchup |
| Kentucky | Gravy |
| Louisiana | Tabasco |
| Maine | Relish |
| Maryland | Ketchup |
| Massachusetts | Tomato sauce |
| Michigan | Ketchup |
| Minnesota | Tomato sauce |
| Mississippi | Gravy |
| Missouri | Gravy |
| Montana | Tartar sauce |
| Nebraska | Ketchup |
| Nevada | Worcestershire sauce |
| New Hampshire | Tomato sauce |
| New Jersey | Ketchup |
| New Mexico | Vinaigrette |
| New York | Ketchup |
| North Carolina | Barbecue sauce |
| North Dakota | Ketchup |
| Ohio | Ketchup |
| Oklahoma | Gravy |
| Oregon | Tomato sauce |
| Pennsylvania | Ketchup |
| Rhode Island | Cocktail sauce |
| South Carolina | Barbecue sauce |
| South Dakota | Ranch dressing |
| Tennessee | Barbecue sauce |
| Texas | Ketchup |
| Utah | Fry sauce |
| Vermont | Sriracha sauce |
| Virginia | Barbecue sauce |
| Washington | Tomato sauce |
| West Virginia | Ketchup |
| Wisconsin | Ketchup |
| Wyoming | Ketchup |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
