HelloFresh
STATE-BY-STATE MEDIA CAMPAIGN
We partnered with HelloFresh to celebrate the variety of cuisines across the U.S. and explore the state-level perceptions of the country’s food culture. By asking Americans about their favorite dishes and how they rank states according to their food, the campaign revealed something powerful: food in America isn’t just about taste, it’s about pride, identity and connection.
Americans have spoken. California holds the crown for best cuisine.
01
Mapping America’s favorite dishes state by state
Which U.S. state has the best food? Our latest research-led campaign for HelloFresh didn’t just aim to settle the debate, it set out to explore the deeper role food plays in shaping identity, tradition and connection within American households.
We conducted a Talker Research poll to ask 5,000 Americans (evenly split by state) to identify the dish or flavor that best represents their state, and to rank which state they believe has the best cuisine overall.
Findings like these are natural conversation starters, with clear appeal for both national and regional media. They enabled us to spark friendly debate by ranking states from “best to worst”, while spotlighting the iconic dishes that Americans know and love. The research dug deeper than the league table, asking respondents how they feel when preparing traditional recipes, their cooking habits and who they eat with.
We transformed the research findings into a compelling news story, weaving together the state rankings, the signature dishes named by respondents, and the emotional significance of preparing and sharing food. The copy, distributed and amplified on behalf of HelloFresh, was supported by a nationwide heat map showcasing regional specialties, alongside a comprehensive breakdown of all 50 state rankings.
02
Serving results with reach
The research itself revealed that California was voted the top spot for best food, followed by New York, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. The data showed that confidence in local cuisine ran especially high in Louisiana, where 94% believe their state’s cuisine reigns supreme.
When it came to signature dishes, many respondents leaned into the classics: New York pizza, California’s authentic Mexican food, and Texas’ barbecue. Other regional favorites highlighted include New Hampshire’s apple cider donuts, Utah’s “fry sauce” and Ohio’s “buckeyes.”
Beyond the rankings, our research revealed that Americans are recommitting to the kitchen. Six in 10 said 2026 will be their “year of the kitchen,” with most associating traditional cooking with pride and more than half making an effort to record or document family recipes.
For HelloFresh, this is valuable insight. The research data suggests that consumers aren’t just looking for convenience, they’re also seeking experiences rooted in culture, comfort and shared moments.
By anchoring the story in rich, state-by-state data, it delivered depth, meaning, and relatability. Driving extensive high-quality media coverage, with hundreds of mentions online and on air across major news outlets, niche publications and Spanish media, including Vice, Food & Wine, New York Post, Good News Network, Miami Herald, El Diario de Nuevo York, Scripps News and more. Check out some of the highlights below…
Content that cuts through
Coverage highlights
We write people stories, not product promos.
Our research-led content is memorable and discoverable — boosting your visibility in search and the media alike. Creative storytelling. Proven results.
Campaign numbers
Visual assets
See more of our client coverage here.