What's Inside Each State's Game Day Fridge and Freezer?

Title graphic for a study highlighting what’s inside each state’s game day fridge.

From the spicy nachos of Texas to the fresh seafood spreads of the East Coast, game day snacks are as varied as the landscapes themselves. But what ties them all together? The trusty fridge and freezer, the unsung heroes of every sports gathering.

To uncover what's inside the fridge and freezer of each state’s sports fans, we analyzed Google search interest of over 100 game-day appetizers, chip dips, beer, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks over the past 12 months to find which ones are the most popular across the U.S. So, grab your favorite jersey and let’s crack open a cold one to see what every state brings to their game day feasts.

The Most Popular Game Day Appetizers in Every U.S. State

U.S. map plotting the most popular game day appetizer in every state.

Whether you're in it for the game or just here for the food, one thing's for sure: those mini meatballs and stuffed jalapeños aren't just snacks; they're tiny, edible high-fives bringing us all together. The most searched game day appetizers according to Google Trends search volume are:

  • Buffalo chicken wings - 8 states
  • Air fryer french fries - 6 states
  • Nachos - 6 states
  • Meatballs - 5 states

Americans have a love affair with buffalo chicken wings, and honestly, who can blame them? Each wing is a mini flavor bomb that explodes with the perfect balance of heat, tang, and buttery bliss. These saucy, finger-lickin' delights are the most popular game day app in the U.S., leading Google search volume in eight states, with seven of those on the East Coast –– Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Close runner-ups are air fryer french fries and nachos. Air fryer french fries are top searched in six states sprinkled around the midwestern and western regions of the U.S. –– Idaho (the potato capital of America), Iowa, Montana, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming. This crispy, golden treat has become a symbol of modern American cooking: quick, health-conscious, and deeply satisfying.

Nachos also emerged as the top app in-game day living rooms in six states –– Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or somewhere in between, nachos can be tailored to suit your palate, ensuring that all sports fans can indulge in this delicious snack.

The Most Popular Game Day Dip in Every U.S. State

 U.S. map plotting the most popular game day chip dip in every state.

Chip dips are more than just bowl fillers—they're the soul of the snack table on game day. The most searched game day dips according to Google Trends search volume are:

  • Queso blanco - 8 states
  • Hummus - 6 states
  • Ranch dip - 6 states
  • Buffalo chicken dip - 5 states
  • Guacamole - 5 states

Queso Blanco scores as the most popular game day dip in America, leading Google search volume in eight states, six of which are located in the southern and western regions of the U.S. –– Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Queso is the perfect blend of comfort and excitement, turning any chip, veggie, or frankly, spoon, into a vehicle of cheesy bliss. Closely behind are hummus and ranch dip, both top searched in six states, and buffalo chicken dip and guacamole, top searched in five states.

The Most Popular Game Day Beer and Seltzer in Every U.S. State

U.S. map plotting the most popular game day beer or seltzer in every state.

Next up, we threw the ultimate game day showdown: beer aisle faves, from domestic beers to imported brews, plus the trendy spiked seltzers, all went head-to-head. The most searched game day beers according to Google Trends search volume are:

  • Corona Light - 7 states
  • Michelob Ultra - 5 states
  • Bud Light - 4 states
  • Yuengling Lager - 3 states

Nothing screams "I'm here for a good time" quite like popping a lime into an iconic Corona Light bottle. Corona Light is the most popular game day beer in the U.S., claiming the top spot in seven states –– Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Vermont. It's the light, crisp, and refreshing choice for those looking to enjoy the party vibes without going overboard on the calories.

Another low-calorie beer, Michelob Ultra, landed second place, leading Google search volume in five states –– Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. American classics Bud Light and Yuengling follow in the third and fourth spots, top searched in four and three states, respectively.

Spiked seltzers may not have taken over the entire map, but a few states are definitely “gettin’ fizzy with it.” White Claw, a first mover in the world of hard seltzers, emerged as a Pacific Northwest fan favorite, leading search volume in Oregon and Washington, while Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, earning a cult following in recent years, was top searched in two states –– Colorado and Texas.

The Most Popular Game Day Non-alcoholic Drink in Every U.S. State

U.S. map plotting the most popular game day non-alcoholic drink in every state.

As the zero-proof movement goes beyond “Dry January,” many sports fans are skipping the booze on game days in 2024, opting for flavored sodas, sparkling water, and classic soft drinks as they yell at their TV screens or debate the last call. The most searched game day non-alcoholic drinks according to Google Trends search volume are:

  • Olipop (flavored soda) - 7 states
  • La Croix (sparkling water) - 5 states
  • Coca-Cola - 4 states
  • Ginger ale - 4 states
  • Root beer - 4 states

Seeing $20 million in sales each month, the healthier, flavored soda, Olipop, is certainly striking a chord with Americans who can’t get enough of the brand’s nostalgic flavors, from strawberry vanilla to orange squeeze. The new soda, packed with prebiotics, fiber, and plant-based ingredients, is the most popular game day non-alcoholic drink in the U.S., top searched in seven states –– Arizona, California, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, and New Hampshire.

The tried and true sparkling water, La Croix, is the second-most popular game day non-alcoholic drink in the U.S., leading search volume in five states –– Alaska, D.C., Hawaii, Montana, and Washington. With a rainbow of options from Pamplemousse to Passionfruit, each can of La Croix is a guilt-free voyage to flavor town. Coca-Cola, ginger ale, and root beer take the bronze, with each top searched in four states.

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it, folks — the ultimate playbook of game day greatness, packed with the most popular appetizers, dips, beers, seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages that have fans across America cheering louder than a record-breaking play.

Just as you rely on delicious apps and refreshing beverages to fuel your game-day spirit, Mr. Appliance ensures that your kitchen appliances, like the refrigerator and freezer, are in tip-top shape to keep the party going.

Methodology

To determine the most popular game day food and beverages in every U.S. state, we compiled a list of 113 popular appetizers, dips, beers, seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages to consume on game day, according to Southern Living, Delish, Tasting Table, and Eat This Not That. We then analyzed the state-by-state and national interest of the food and beverage items on our list using Google Trends search data from January 2023 to January 2024. We used high search interest as an indicator of popularity.