StrawPoll

The Most Beloved Food in America, Ranked

Choose the food you think is the most beloved!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:21
Food preferences vary widely across different regions and cultures, making it a subject of endless fascination and debate. Identifying the most beloved food in America can provide insights into culinary trends and regional favorites, offering a snapshot of the country's diverse palette. By participating in ranking these items, people contribute to a collective understanding of what resonates with the American public at large. This ranking serves not only as a guide for those curious about the prevailing food preferences but also as a dynamic list that reflects current tastes and trends. Every vote helps to shape the outcome, ensuring that the ranking remains fresh and relevant. It’s an ongoing conversation about comfort, culture, and cuisine that invites everyone to have their say.

What Is the Most Beloved Food in America?

  1. 1
    47
    votes

    Pizza

    Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in America due to its versatility, convenience, and delicious taste. It can be customized with a variety of toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions.
    Pizza is a popular Italian dish that has become a staple in American cuisine. It typically consists of a round, flat dough base topped with various ingredients and baked in an oven. The toppings often include tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. The combination of these flavors creates a savory and satisfying meal enjoyed by people of all ages.
    • Dough: A flattened round dough made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes olive oil.
    • Toppings: A variety of ingredients can be used, including tomato sauce, cheese (often mozzarella), meats (such as pepperoni, sausage, or ham), vegetables (like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers), and herbs (such as basil or oregano).
    • Baking: Typically baked in a hot oven, reaching temperatures around 475°F (245°C), for a short period of time (usually 10-15 minutes).
    • Styles: There are various regional styles of pizza in America, with New York-style and Chicago-style being among the most famous. Each style has its own unique characteristics, such as the thickness of the crust, the proportion of toppings, and the cooking method.
    • Versatility: Pizza can be customized to suit individual preferences, allowing for countless topping combinations and variations. This versatility contributes to its popularity and widespread appeal.
  3. 2
    50
    votes

    Hamburger

    The hamburger is an American classic and a staple at many fast-food chains. It is favored for its juicy beef patty, soft bun, and toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
    The hamburger is a popular American food item that consists of a patty made from ground beef cooked to varying degrees of doneness, placed between two slices of a round bread bun. It is often accompanied by a variety of condiments, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and cheese. The hamburger is generally served hot and is widely enjoyed as a fast food or casual dining option across the United States.
    • Patty: Made from ground beef, often seasoned with salt and pepper.
    • Bun: Soft, round bread typically made with flour, yeast, water, sugar, and salt.
    • Size: Typically weighs around 4-6 ounces (113-170 grams).
    • Doneness: Varies from rare to well-done, based on individual preferences.
    • Condiments: Commonly includes ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and special sauces.
  4. 3
    19
    votes
    Fried Chicken
    Evan-Amos · CC0

    Fried Chicken

    African American slaves
    Fried chicken is a soul food favorite in America. It is crispy, juicy, and flavorful. Whether served as a sandwich or on its own, it is a comfort food that many Americans can't resist.
    Fried chicken is a popular dish in America consisting of chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned batter or breading and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The chicken is typically seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, which create a flavorful and savory taste. It is a comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often served with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
    • Crispiness: The fried chicken should have a crispy and golden brown exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
    • Flavorful seasoning: The chicken should be seasoned with a combination of spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
    • Cooking method: The chicken is deep-fried in oil at a high temperature, resulting in a crispy and crunchy texture.
    • Variations: Fried chicken can be prepared using different cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks, wings, or breasts. It can also be seasoned differently based on regional preferences.
    • Accompaniments: Fried chicken is often served with various side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or cornbread.
    Fried Chicken in other rankings
  5. 4
    16
    votes
    Mac and Cheese
    Matt MacGillivray from Toronto, Ontario, Canada · CC BY 2.0

    Mac and Cheese

    Mac and cheese is a comfort food that many Americans grew up eating. It is cheesy, creamy, and filling. It can be made from scratch or from a box, but either way, it is a beloved food in America.
    Mac and Cheese is a popular American dish made with macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce. It is a comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. The dish typically consists of cooked macaroni pasta mixed with a creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
    • Pasta: Macaroni
    • Cheese: Cheddar or American cheese
    • Cheese Sauce: Creamy and flavorful
    • Baking: Often baked until golden and bubbly
    • Variations: Many variations can include additional ingredients such as bacon, vegetables, or different types of cheese
    Mac and Cheese in other rankings
  6. 5
    16
    votes

    BBQ Ribs

    BBQ ribs are a favorite food of many Americans. They are slow-cooked to perfection and smothered in a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce. They are often served with sides such as coleslaw and baked beans.
    BBQ Ribs are a popular and beloved dish in American cuisine. They are made by slow-cooking pork ribs over a wood fire or charcoal grill, basting them with a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and flavorful, while the sauce adds a delicious sweet and savory glaze. The result is succulent ribs with a perfect balance of smokiness and tanginess, falling off the bone with every bite.
    • Type of meat: Pork
    • Cooking method: Slow-cooked over wood fire or charcoal grill
    • Basting: Tangy and smoky barbecue sauce
    • Texture: Tender and flavorful
    • Flavor profile: Sweet, savory, and smoky
  7. 6
    9
    votes

    Tacos

    Tacos are a Mexican dish that has become a staple in American cuisine. They are versatile and can be filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and toppings. They are often served with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
    Tacos are a popular Mexican dish that has become a beloved food in America. They consist of a tortilla filled with various ingredients, typically including meat, cheese, vegetables, and salsa. The tortilla is folded around the filling, creating a handheld, portable meal. Tacos are known for their delicious combination of flavors and textures.
    • Variety: Tacos can be made with a wide range of fillings, including beef, chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, or even vegetarian options. This versatility allows for countless variations and customization possibilities.
    • Tortilla: Tacos are traditionally made with a corn tortilla, but flour tortillas are also commonly used. The tortilla serves as the base for holding the fillings together.
    • Salsa and Sauces: Tacos are often accompanied by various salsas and sauces, such as salsa verde, pico de gallo, guacamole, or hot sauce. These condiments add a burst of flavor and enhance the overall experience.
    • Toppings: Tacos can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, sour cream, or avocado. These toppings add freshness, crunch, and additional flavors.
    • Regional Variations: Different regions in Mexico and the United States have their own unique variations of tacos. Examples include street-style tacos, Baja fish tacos, al pastor tacos, carne asada tacos, and more.
  8. 7
    13
    votes

    Sushi

    Sushi is a Japanese dish that has become increasingly popular in America. It is made with rice, seaweed, and raw or cooked fish. It is often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
    Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of vinegared rice combined with various fillings, usually raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. The rice is often wrapped in seaweed (nori) and comes in different shapes and sizes, such as rolls (maki), hand-pressed bites (nigiri), or small clumps (temari). Sushi emphasizes simplicity, freshness, and balance of flavors, making it not just visually appealing but also a delight for the taste buds. The combination of colors, textures, and presentation contributes to its overall beauty.
    • Ingredients: Typically includes raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, tropical fruits, and vinegared rice.
    • Vinegared Rice: The rice used in sushi is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving it a distinct tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
    • Nori: Seaweed sheets that are commonly used to wrap sushi rolls, adding a savory taste and a contrasting texture.
    • Maki: Sushi rolls wrapped with nori, filled with ingredients, and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
    • Nigiri: Hand-pressed sushi with a small mound of rice topped with sliced raw or cooked seafood.
  9. 8
    10
    votes
    Ice Cream
    Peachyeung316 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Ice Cream

    Ice cream is a beloved dessert in America. It comes in a variety of flavors and can be served in cones, cups, or as part of a sundae. It is a refreshing treat that many Americans enjoy on a hot summer day.
    Ice cream is a popular frozen dessert enjoyed by people of all ages in America. It is made from a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, and various flavorings, often including fruits, chocolate, nuts, or candies. The mixture is churned to incorporate air, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Ice cream can be served in various forms, including cones, cups, or as a topping for other desserts. It is typically enjoyed cold and is known for its refreshing and indulgent nature.
    • Ingredients: Milk, cream, sugar, flavorings
    • Texture: Smooth and creamy
    • Serving Form: Cones, cups, or as a topping
    • Temperature: Served cold
    • Variety of Flavors: Numerous flavors available, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, and more
    Ice Cream in other rankings
  10. 9
    4
    votes
    French Fries
    Rainer Zenz · CC BY-SA 3.0

    French Fries

    French fries are a popular side dish in America. They are crispy, salty, and can be dipped in ketchup, ranch, or other sauces. They are often served with burgers, sandwiches, or as a snack on their own.
    French Fries in other rankings
  11. 10
    2
    votes

    Pancakes

    Pancakes are a breakfast favorite in America. They are fluffy, sweet, and can be served with a variety of toppings such as butter, syrup, fruit, and whipped cream. They are a comforting and delicious way to start the day.
    Pancakes are a classic American breakfast dish that are cooked flat and round. They are made from a batter consisting of flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder, which gives them a light and fluffy texture. They are typically served stacked on a plate and topped with butter and maple syrup. Pancakes are often enjoyed with additional toppings such as fruits, chocolate chips, or whipped cream.
    • Type: Breakfast dish
    • Shape: Flat and round
    • Ingredients: Flour, eggs, milk, baking powder
    • Texture: Light and fluffy
    • Toppings: Butter, maple syrup, fruits, chocolate chips, whipped cream

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Ranking factors for beloved food

  1. Popularity
    The number of people who consistently consume or enjoy the food across different regions and demographics.
  2. Taste
    The overall deliciousness and appeal to a wide range of taste palates.
  3. Cultural Significance
    The historical and cultural impact of the food in America, including its presence in regional cuisines and connection to various cultural or ethnic groups.
  4. Versatility
    The ability of the food to be prepared and consumed in various settings, from casual to fine dining, and its adaptability to different culinary styles and flavor profiles.
  5. Availability
    How easy it is to find the food in various parts of the country, from groceries and restaurants to food trucks and home kitchens.
  6. Nutritional Value
    The health benefits or detriments of the food, as well as its ability to accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options.
  7. Affordability
    The overall cost of the food and its accessibility to different income levels.
  8. Sustainability
    The environmental impact of the food, from its production and distribution to waste and resource management.
  9. Presentation
    The visual appeal and aesthetic value of the food, both in its raw form and in prepared dishes.
  10. Innovation and Influence
    The food's impact on culinary trends and the evolution of American cuisine, as well as its ability to inspire new dishes and cooking techniques.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beloved food in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1863 views
  • 179 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beloved food in america

Food is an integral part of American culture, and the country boasts a diverse culinary landscape that is unmatched anywhere else in the world. From fast food chains to fine dining establishments, there is no shortage of delicious cuisine to be found across the United States. But when it comes to determining the most beloved food in America, opinions can vary widely depending on who you ask. Some might argue that pizza is the ultimate comfort food, while others might say that nothing beats a classic burger and fries. Still others might argue that regional specialties like Tex-Mex or New England clam chowder deserve the top spot. Regardless of personal preferences, one thing is certain: food plays a central role in American identity and culture. Whether you're a fan of classic American dishes or enjoy exploring international cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to discover when it comes to food in America.

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