The Most Popular Food in Maine, Ranked

Choose the food you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:38
Food enthusiasts often find themselves in Maine marveling at the diverse culinary options, wondering which dish tops the locals' lists. To settle such culinary curiosities, a live system where people can vote for their cherished eats offers a clear picture of local preferences. This live ranking helps both locals and visitors understand which dishes resonate the most with the community. Engaging in this voting process empowers users to have a voice in shaping a definitive list of the most beloved foods in Maine. Each vote contributes to a broader understanding, turning subjective tastes into collective data. This kind of ranking not only enriches the local food narrative but also guides new and returning visitors toward experiences that have been celebrated by the majority.

What Is the Most Popular Food in Maine?

  1. 1
    59
    votes
    Maine is known for its delicious lobster dishes, and lobster is considered to be the most popular food in the state. The state's lobster industry is one of the largest in the world, and the crustacean is often served steamed, baked, or in a roll.
  2. 2
    26
    votes
    Another popular seafood in Maine, clams are often served either steamed or fried. A popular dish is fried clams with tartar sauce.
    Clams are a type of shellfish found in the Philippines that are highly regarded for their delicious taste and unique texture. They are commonly used in various Filipino dishes and are a popular choice among seafood lovers.
    • Size: Varies, ranging from small to large
    • Color: Most commonly white or off-white, but can also have shades of brown or gray
    • Flavor: Sweet and briny, with a subtle oceanic taste
    • Texture: Soft and slightly chewy
    • Preparation: Often steamed, boiled, or used in soups and stews
  3. 3
    22
    votes
    Maine is known for its wild blueberries, and the state produces more wild blueberries than any other state in the country. Blueberries are often used in pies, jams, and muffins.
    Blueberries are small, round berries that are known for their rich taste and vibrant blue color. They are sweet and slightly tangy, making them a popular choice among dogs and humans alike. Blueberries are often enjoyed fresh or used as an ingredient in various dog treats and recipes.
    • Nutritional Value: Blueberries are low in calories and high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K.
    • Antioxidants: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and promote overall health.
    • Digestive Health: The high fiber content in blueberries promotes healthy digestion in dogs.
    • Immune System: The vitamin C in blueberries supports a strong immune system in dogs.
    • Brain Health: Blueberries contain antioxidants that may contribute to improved brain function and cognitive health in dogs.
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    A classic Maine dessert, whoopie pies are made of two cake-like cookies with a creamy filling in between. They are often chocolate-flavored, but can also be made with other flavors.
    Whoopie pies are a popular dessert in Maine, consisting of two soft, cake-like chocolate cookies sandwiched together with a sweet, creamy filling in the middle. They are often described as a cross between a cookie, a cake, and a sandwich.
    • Ingredients: Main ingredients typically include flour, sugar, cocoa powder, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
    • Size: Whoopie pies are typically around 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
    • Shape: They are round in shape, resembling oversized, flattened cookies.
    • Texture: The cookies have a soft and moist texture, similar to a cake.
    • Filling: The filling is traditionally made with a mixture of marshmallow fluff, vegetable shortening, and powdered sugar.
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Moxie is a soft drink that originated in Maine and is still very popular in the state. It has a unique flavor that is often described as "medicinal" or "herbal."
    Moxie is a unique and distinctively flavored carbonated beverage that hails from the state of Maine. It is often described as an acquired taste, with a bittersweet flavor profile that combines notes of cola, licorice, and citrus. The drink has been a beloved staple in Maine for over a century, evoking a sense of nostalgia and regional pride.
    • Flavor: Bittersweet
    • Taste Notes: Cola, licorice, citrus
    • Carbonation: High
    • Caffeine Content: Moderate
    • Color: Dark brown
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    Maple syrup
    Miguel · Public domain
    Maine produces some of the best maple syrup in the country, and it is often used in cooking and baking.
    Maple syrup is a sweet syrup made from the sap of various species of maple trees. It has a unique and distinct flavor profile that is both sweet and rich. The process of making maple syrup involves tapping the tree to collect its sap, which is then boiled down to remove water and concentrate the sugar content. The resulting syrup is commonly used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or desserts, and it can also be used as a natural sweetener in cooking and baking recipes.
    • Flavor: Sweet and rich
    • Color: Amber to dark brown
    • Consistency: Viscous liquid
    • Usage: Topping for pancakes, waffles, desserts, sweetener in cooking and baking
    • Origin: Indigenous peoples of northeastern North America
    Maple syrup in other rankings
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Bean hole beans
    Michael Rivera · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Bean hole beans are a traditional Maine dish that involves slow-cooking beans in a hole in the ground. The beans are flavored with molasses, salt pork, and other ingredients.
    Bean hole beans is a popular traditional dish in Maine, known for its rich flavors and unique cooking method.
    • Serving Style: Typically served as a side dish with traditional New England meals.
    • Cooking Method: Beans are slow-cooked in a bean hole, a fire pit with hot stones.
    • Ingredients: Naval beans, salt pork, molasses, onions, mustard, brown sugar, and sometimes maple syrup.
    • Flavor Profile: Sweet and savory with smoky undertones.
    • Texture: Tender beans with a thick, hearty sauce.
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Indian pudding is a traditional New England dessert that is popular in Maine. It is made with cornmeal, molasses, and spices, and is often served with whipped cream or ice cream.
    Indian pudding is a traditional New England dessert originating from the state of Maine. It is a thick and creamy pudding made from cornmeal, milk, molasses, and spices, typically including cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The pudding is baked slowly in the oven until it thickens and forms a caramelized crust on the surface. The result is a warm and comforting dessert with a rich, mildly sweet flavor and a smooth, custard-like texture.
    • Ingredients: Cornmeal, milk, molasses, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg)
    • Texture: Smooth and custard-like
    • Flavor: Mildly sweet with a caramelized crust
    • Preparation Method: Baked slowly in the oven
    • Traditional Origin: Maine, New England
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Fried dough
    Arge300exx · Public domain
    Fried dough is a popular fair food in Maine, and it can be topped with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or other sweet toppings.
    Fried dough is a popular food in Maine that is made by frying a simple dough mixture until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is often served hot and sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup for added sweetness.
    • Shape: Commonly round, but can be found in various shapes like squares or rectangles.
    • Size: Typically palm-sized, but can range from small to large.
    • Texture: Crunchy on the outside, soft and doughy on the inside.
    • Ingredients: Flour, water, sugar, yeast, salt, sometimes with additional flavorings like cinnamon or vanilla.
    • Preparation: The dough is mixed, kneaded, and left to rise before being rolled out and cut into desired shapes. It is then deep-fried until golden brown.
    Fried dough in other rankings
  10. 10
    2
    votes
    While poutine is not traditionally a Maine dish, it has become increasingly popular in the state. Poutine is a Canadian dish that consists of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
    Poutine is a popular Canadian dish made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It is known for its savory and indulgent flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The dish originated in the province of Quebec, Canada.
    • French Fries: Made from fresh potatoes, cut into sticks, and deep-fried until crispy.
    • Cheese Curds: Chunks of fresh cheese, typically made from curdled milk, with a mild and slightly salty flavor.
    • Gravy: A hot sauce made from meat drippings or stock, thickened with flour or cornstarch, and seasoned with spices.
    • Cheese Melting: The cheese curds are placed on top of the hot fries, allowing them to partially melt and form gooey, stringy cheese.
    • Gravy Pouring: Hot gravy is poured over the fries and cheese curds, creating a rich and savory combination.

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Ranking factors for popular food

  1. Locally sourced ingredients
    Local ingredients and fresh produce play a significant role in popular Maine dishes. Consider how essential items such as Blueberries, apples, potatoes, and fresh seafood contribute to a dish's popularity.
  2. Seasonal availability
    Some dishes become popular during specific seasons, like boiled lobsters and clambakes in the summer or apple pies and cider donuts in the fall.
  3. Restaurant and diner ratings
    Taking note of restaurant reviews and diner ratings on popular food in Maine can provide a solid benchmark to rank dishes.
  4. Media attention
    Use factors such as food blogs, local magazines, and newspaper articles to gauge the popularity of food items in Maine. Additionally, consider dishes that have been featured on food shows or won food awards.
  5. Social media engagement
    Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) are an excellent indicator of food popularity. Look for Maine-specific foods and dishes with high engagement, i.e., likes, shares, and comments.
  6. Accessibility
    Popular food items should be accessible and easy to obtain, whether from food trucks, local markets, or popular restaurants. This reflects the demand and availability of the food in the region.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Maine. 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

  • 1766 views
  • 173 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

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 popular food in maine

Maine is a state rich in tradition and history, and its cuisine is no exception. Known for its fresh seafood and iconic lobster rolls, Maine's food scene is diverse and flavorful. But when it comes to the most popular food in the state, there are many contenders. From blueberry pie to clam chowder, Maine has a variety of dishes that have become synonymous with the state's culinary culture. So, what is the most popular food in Maine? Let's explore the options and see which dish reigns supreme.

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