What All 50 States Look Like Designed Out of Food
Updated: Sep. 18, 2018Chris Durso, food blogger and founder of Foodiggity.com, likes to play with his food almost as much as his son does. When Chris' son was eight, he suggested that dad recreate all 50 states out of food. (“What if they like had funny names like New Pork or New Jerky?”) After more than a year of food styling and pun-crafting, Durso and son debut the complete Foodnited States. Take a tour of our edible union below.
Alabama
Or should we say, “Alahama”? This ham is one meaty take on the Yellowhammer State. This is the most iconic bucket list activity in all 50 states.
Alaska
Topped with some Alaskan maple syrup, Waffleaska waffles are part of a complete breakfast.
Arizona
When you border Mexico like Arizona, better believe you can get some good arroz (rice!). You know it’s not Z, so can you guess the only letter that’s not in any state name?
Arkansas
The perfect side for any Arkansas barbecue: cole slaw.
California
Los Angeles is all about trendy, clean eating like kale, avocado, and tacos, after all.
Colorado
When you’re one of the healthiest states in America, you better be loaded up on good fats like avocado.
Connecticut
The people of Connecticut are bringing home the bacon in more way than one.
Delaware
A schmear of Nutella for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Don’t mind if we do. Learn where to find the weirdest roadside attraction in every state.
Florida
When you need a beach body year-round, you can bet a salad with romaine and radicchio will be one of your go-to’s.
Georgia
Gorgonzola and peaches are a completely underrated combo—just ask any Georgian. This is the best free tourist attraction in every state.
Hawaii
Sriracha and pineapple: the best sweet-and-hot flavor combination you’ve never tried.
Idaho
Just one question for you: apple, cherry, or pumpkin pie?
Illinois
You’re lying if you say fusilli pasta with red sauce isn’t your favorite easy dinner.
Indiana
Sugar, spice, and everything nice… that’s what cinnamon rolls and Indianans are made of. Here’s where to find the most charming small town in every state.
Iowa
Sometimes seedy with some juicy stories, watermelon and Iowa is always sweet.
Kansas
Not to be reserved for a Thanksgiving side dish, cranberries are always a healthy option.
Kentucky
Gobble gobble! Do you prefer roast turkey or deli turkey?
Louisiana
Forget the Brie and Asiago—Easy Cheese is where it’s at. Learn about the weirdest world records broken in every state.
Maine
When you can’t be bothered to cook, we highly recommend pork lo mein. Better than lahbsta, amiright?
Maryland
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries—we’ve got all your mixed berries here. See how many states you can identify on a completely blank U.S. map.
Massachusetts
Only fitting that the home of Plymouth Rock would also be the site of what we dare say is the best Thanksgiving side dish: mashed potatoes.
Michigan
When you live in the Great Lakes State, might as well take advantage of its excellent fish.
Minnesota
We wouldn’t disgrace Minnesotans with those instant noodles—this is the authentic kind of ramen.
Mississippi
Getting your daily veggie intake is easy with peas on your side. How fast can you spell Mississippeas backwards?
Missouri
Refried bean puns are so much better than those jokes about “living in misery.”
Montana
Montana is famous for its mountains, but naan is known for its flatness and fluffiness—and a side of tikka masala if you’re lucky.
Nebraska
Everything tastes better on a kebab stick, as Nebraskans can attest. This is the best-kept secret you can find in every state.
Nevada
Forget pumpkin—the best thing about fall is the banana bread in Nevada.
New Hampshire
Love it or hate it, Spam is undeniably a cheap source of protein.
New Jersey
Beef jerky, turkey jerky, elk jerky—we’ll take new jerky over old jerky no matter what.
New Mexico
No one can resist a mini quiche at a party.
New York
Pizza and bagels are good and all, but this pork tops everything.
North Carolina
When vegetarians can’t eat North Carolina barbecue, ditch the BBQ sauce, grab a Wet Wipe, and load up on lima beans.
North Dakota
Take a break from chicken and serve up some tasty duck.
Ohio
Like oatmeal raisin cookies, Ohio is completely underrated.
Oklahoma
Skip the ranch dip and dish up a healthy dollop of hummus.
Oregon
Any Oregon camping trip deserves s’mores over the campfire. Don’t forget the marshmallows! Roast yours at the best RV park in every state.
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia cheesesteaks are good, but an Amish pretzel is even better.
Rhode Island
This small state is big on flavor. Chocolate, marshmallow, and nuts … what more could you want from rocky road ice cream?
South Carolina
Your favorite frozen treat is even better with a healthy spoonful of caramel. Care-uh-mell or car-mull? Say these 9 phrases and we’ll tell you where you’re from.
South Dakota
Chocolate for breakfast? No judgment, South Dakota—as long as you don’t let that Cocoa Puff milk go to waste.
Tennessee
We’re not talking tuna salad sandwiches—this is all about sushi-grade tuna.
Texas
You wouldn’t really go to Texas and not get Tex-Mex, would you?
Utah
Prosciutto is almost as salty as the Great Salt Lake.
Vermont
Even in the home state of Ben & Jerry’s, mint chocolate chip ice cream is about as refreshing as it gets.
Virginia
Virginia is for lovers—and for liver.
Washington
Fun fact: Quinoa is pronounced “keen-wah.” More fun fact: It’s a seed, not a grain.
West Virginia
Catch me if you can! A gingerbread man belongs on any West Virginian’s Christmas cookie platter.
Wisconsin
Those Cheesehead Packers fans will attest that cheeses like Swiss deserve their own food group.
Wyoming
White, wheat, or rye? The toast choice is obvious in Ryeoming. Find out how every state in America got its (real) name.
