What All 50 States Look Like Designed Out of Food

Reader's Digest EditorsUpdated: Aug. 20, 2021

Chris 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.

Courtesy Chris Durso

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.

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Alaska

Topped with some Alaskan maple syrup, Waffleaska waffles are part of a complete breakfast.

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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?

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Arkansas

The perfect side for any Arkansas barbecue: cole slaw.

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California

Los Angeles is all about trendy, clean eating like kale, avocado, and tacos, after all.

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Colorado

When you’re one of the healthiest states in America, you better be loaded up on good fats like avocado.

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Connecticut

The people of Connecticut are bringing home the bacon in more way than one.

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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.

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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.

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Georgia

Gorgonzola and peaches are a completely underrated combo—just ask any Georgian. This is the best free tourist attraction in every state.

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Hawaii

Sriracha and pineapple: the best sweet-and-hot flavor combination you’ve never tried.

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Idaho

Just one question for you: apple, cherry, or pumpkin pie?

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Illinois

You’re lying if you say fusilli pasta with red sauce isn’t your favorite easy dinner.

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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.

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Iowa

Sometimes seedy with some juicy stories, watermelon and Iowa is always sweet.

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Kansas

Not to be reserved for a Thanksgiving side dish, cranberries are always a healthy option.

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Kentucky

Gobble gobble! Do you prefer roast turkey or deli turkey?

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Louisiana

Forget the Brie and Asiago—Easy Cheese is where it’s at. Learn about the weirdest world records broken in every state.

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Maine

When you can’t be bothered to cook, we highly recommend pork lo mein. Better than lahbsta, amiright?

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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.

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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.

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Michigan

When you live in the Great Lakes State, might as well take advantage of its excellent fish.

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Minnesota

We wouldn’t disgrace Minnesotans with those instant noodles—this is the authentic kind of ramen.

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Mississippi

Getting your daily veggie intake is easy with peas on your side. How fast can you spell Mississippeas backwards?

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Missouri

Refried bean puns are so much better than those jokes about “living in misery.”

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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.

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Nebraska

Everything tastes better on a kebab stick, as Nebraskans can attest. This is the best-kept secret you can find in every state.

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Nevada

Forget pumpkin—the best thing about fall is the banana bread in Nevada.

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New Hampshire

Love it or hate it, Spam is undeniably a cheap source of protein.

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New Jersey

Beef jerky, turkey jerky, elk jerky—we’ll take new jerky over old jerky no matter what.

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New Mexico

No one can resist a mini quiche at a party.

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New York

Pizza and bagels are good and all, but this pork tops everything.

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North Carolina

When vegetarians can’t eat North Carolina barbecue, ditch the BBQ sauce, grab a Wet Wipe, and load up on lima beans.

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North Dakota

Take a break from chicken and serve up some tasty duck.

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Ohio

Like oatmeal raisin cookies, Ohio is completely underrated.

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Oklahoma

Skip the ranch dip and dish up a healthy dollop of hummus.

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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.

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Pennsylvania

Philadelphia cheesesteaks are good, but an Amish pretzel is even better.

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Rhode Island

This small state is big on flavor. Chocolate, marshmallow, and nuts … what more could you want from rocky road ice cream?

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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.