The Allure of Junk Food: Why We Can’t Resist
Junk food isn’t just about taste—it’s about nostalgia, rebellion, and the sheer joy of breaking the rules. Scientifically, these treats are engineered to hit our brain’s reward centers, releasing dopamine with every crunchy, sugary bite [Web ID: 11]. The term “junk food,” coined in the 1950s by Michael F. Jacobson, describes foods high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat but low in nutritional value [Web ID: 4]. Yet, their appeal transcends biology. Whether it’s a childhood memory of sneaking candy or a late-night drive-thru run, junk food is woven into the fabric of American culture.
On National Junk Food Day, celebrated every July 21, we’re encouraged to embrace our cravings without guilt—just for one day [Web ID: 14]. A 2025 survey found that 97% of Americans have a go-to indulgence, with pizza (11%), ice cream (8%), and chocolate (8%) topping the list [Web ID: 8]. But beyond these national favorites, each state boasts its own signature junk food, shaped by local traditions, immigrant influences, and regional ingenuity. Let’s dive into this delicious map, state by state, and discover what makes each one’s junk food iconic.
A State-by-State Guide to Iconic Junk Foods
Alabama: Ruffles Potato Chips
In Alabama, the humble Ruffle reigns supreme. According to Zippia’s 2023 analysis of Google Trends data, these ridged potato chips are the state’s top snack, perfect for scooping up hearty dips at tailgates or barbecues [Web ID: 15]. Their sturdy texture and bold flavors—like cheddar and sour cream—make them a Southern staple. Pair them with a plate of smoked ribs, and you’ve got a match made in comfort food heaven.
Alaska: Red Vines
Alaskans reach for Red Vines, the chewy licorice twists that offer a sweet escape in the Last Frontier. These vibrant red ropes, a West Coast classic, are a favorite for movie nights or long winter evenings. Their portability makes them ideal for outdoor adventures, from fishing trips to campfire hangs.
Arizona: Prickly Pear Cactus Candy
Arizona’s desert landscape inspires its junk food pick: prickly pear cactus candy. Made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus, these vibrant, sugary treats are a nod to the state’s Native American and Mexican heritage. Local candy makers like Cactus Candy Company have been crafting these chewy delights for decades, offering a sweet taste of the Southwest.
Arkansas: Fried Pies
Arkansas loves its fried pies—flaky, golden pastries filled with gooey fruit fillings like apple, peach, or cherry. These handheld treats, often found at roadside stands or diners, are a Southern tradition with a junk food twist. Their deep-fried decadence makes them a perfect indulgence for National Junk Food Day.
California: In-N-Out Burger
No surprise here—California’s iconic junk food is the In-N-Out Burger, specifically ordered “Animal Style” with extra sauce, grilled onions, and a mustard-cooked patty [Web ID: 10]. This West Coast chain, with its cult following and not-so-secret menu, has been flipping burgers since 1948. The combination of fresh ingredients and nostalgic drive-in vibes makes it a Golden State legend.
Colorado: Pizza
Colorado’s love for pizza is unmatched, with 27% of residents naming it their top indulgence in a 2025 survey [Web ID: 8]. Whether it’s a thick, cheesy slice from Beau Jo’s mountain pies or a craft pizza from a Denver food truck, the state’s pizza obsession reflects its active lifestyle—after all, you need fuel for those Rocky Mountain hikes.
Connecticut: Foxon Park Soda
In Connecticut, Foxon Park Soda is the junk food of choice. This family-owned company has been bottling fizzy, sugary drinks like White Birch and Cream Soda since 1922. A staple at New Haven’s pizzerias, these sodas are a sweet complement to the state’s famous apizza.
Delaware: Salt Water Taffy
Delaware’s beach boardwalks are synonymous with salt water taffy, those chewy, colorful candies that scream summer. Dolle’s Candyland in Rehoboth Beach has been pulling taffy since 1927, offering flavors from classic vanilla to tangy watermelon. It’s a nostalgic treat that captures the state’s coastal charm.
Florida: Mini Doughnuts
Florida’s favorite junk food is the mini doughnut, a bite-sized indulgence often found at fairs, food trucks, or beachside stands [Web ID:Junk food or cheat food?]. These warm, sugary treats, sometimes dusted with cinnamon or drizzled with glaze, are perfect for a quick snack while soaking up the Sunshine State’s vibes.
Georgia: MoonPies
Georgia’s go-to is the MoonPie, a marshmallow-filled, chocolate-dipped sandwich cookie born in Chattanooga but beloved across the South. Paired with an RC Cola, it’s a classic combo that evokes porch swings and summer nights. The state’s love for this sweet treat runs deep, with festivals celebrating its gooey glory.
Hawaii: Spam Musubi
Hawaii’s iconic junk food is Spam musubi, a sushi-inspired snack featuring grilled Spam atop rice, wrapped in nori. Introduced by Japanese immigrants and popularized during World War II, this salty, portable treat is a staple at convenience stores and food trucks. It’s a perfect blend of island flavors and junk food indulgence.
Idaho: Idaho Spud Bar
Idaho’s namesake candy bar, the Idaho Spud, is a quirky marshmallow center coated in chocolate and sprinkled with coconut. Created by the Idaho Candy Company in 1918, it’s a nod to the state’s potato pride—though thankfully, it’s spud-free. Its retro charm makes it a beloved local treat.
Illinois: Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago’s deep-dish pizza, with its buttery crust, gooey cheese, and chunky tomato sauce, is Illinois’ junk food crown jewel. Lou Malnati’s and Pequod’s battle for supremacy, but one thing’s clear: this hearty pie is a meal and a half, perfect for indulging on National Junk Food Day [Web ID: 17].
Indiana: Hoosier Pie
Indiana’s Hoosier pie, also known as sugar cream pie, is a custard-like dessert with a rich, sugary filling and a flaky crust. This Midwest classic, often found at diners or family gatherings, is pure comfort food, embodying the state’s love for simple, sweet indulgence.
Iowa: Scotcharoos
Iowa’s junk food pick is the scotcharoo, a no-bake bar made with peanut butter, chocolate, and butterscotch atop crispy rice cereal. These addictive treats are a potluck staple, offering a sweet-salty crunch that’s hard to resist. They’re the Midwest’s answer to a candy bar.
Kansas: Bierocks
Kansas’ German heritage shines through in bierocks, savory pastries filled with ground beef, cabbage, and onions. While not as sugary as some junk foods, their buttery dough and hearty filling make them a guilty pleasure, especially at local festivals or bakeries.
Kentucky: Ale-8-One
Kentucky’s iconic junk food is Ale-8-One, a citrusy, ginger-ale-like soda born in Winchester in 1926. Its crisp, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with fried chicken or a Derby Day spread, making it a Bluegrass State favorite for sipping on hot summer days.
Louisiana: Beignets
Louisiana’s beignets, those pillowy, powdered-sugar-dusted doughnuts from Café du Monde, are the state’s junk food pride. These deep-fried delights, often paired with chicory coffee, are a New Orleans tradition, offering a sweet taste of Creole culture [Web ID: 8].
Maine: Whoopie Pies
Maine’s whoopie pies—two soft chocolate cakes sandwiching a creamy filling—are a dessert lover’s dream. Claimed as a state treat, these handheld sweets are a staple at bakeries and farmers’ markets, with flavors ranging from classic vanilla to pumpkin spice.
Maryland: Crab Chips
Maryland’s love for Old Bay seasoning extends to its junk food: crab chips. Utz’s crab-flavored potato chips, dusted with that iconic spicy blend, capture the state’s Chesapeake Bay spirit. They’re a must-have at crab feasts or Orioles games.
Massachusetts: Fluffernutter
The Fluffernutter sandwich—peanut butter and Marshmallow Fluff slathered on white bread—is Massachusetts’ nostalgic junk food. Invented in the state in 1917, Fluff is a local icon, and this sweet, sticky sandwich is a childhood favorite reborn for National Junk Food Day.
Michigan: Better Made Potato Chips
Detroit’s Better Made Potato Chips, crispy and kettle-cooked since 1930, are Michigan’s junk food royalty. Their classic original flavor or tangy barbecue pairs perfectly with a coney dog, making them a Motor City essential.
Minnesota: Hot Dish Tater Tots
Minnesota’s tater tots, often baked into a creamy hot dish, are the state’s comfort food turned junk food. These crispy potato bites, whether from Ore-Ida or a local diner, are a Midwest classic, embodying the state’s love for hearty, no-fuss eats.
Mississippi: Comeback Sauce with Fried Pickles
Mississippi’s junk food is a combo: fried pickles dipped in comeback sauce, a spicy, tangy condiment. This Southern staple, served at diners like The Mayflower in Jackson, is a crunchy, zesty indulgence that screams Delta pride.
Missouri: Toasted Ravioli
St. Louis’ toasted ravioli—breaded, fried pasta pockets filled with meat or cheese—is Missouri’s junk food gem. Born in the city’s Italian-American neighborhoods, these crispy bites are often dipped in marinara, making them a bar food favorite.
Montana: Huckleberry Gummy Bears
Montana’s wild huckleberries inspire its junk food: huckleberry gummy bears. These sweet, tart candies, sold at local shops like The Montana Scene, capture the state’s rugged, natural beauty in a chewy, addictive form.
Nebraska: Runza
Nebraska’s Runza, a handheld sandwich stuffed with ground beef, cabbage, and onions, is a fast-food icon with German-Russian roots. Runza restaurants have been serving these savory pastries since 1949, making them a Cornhusker State staple.
Nevada: Shrimp Cocktail
In Las Vegas, the shrimp cocktail—chilled shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce—is a retro junk food born in the city’s casino era. The Golden Gate Hotel’s 99-cent version is legendary, offering a taste of Sin City’s indulgent past.
New Hampshire: Apple Cider Donuts
New Hampshire’s apple cider donuts, warm and cinnamon-sugar-coated, are a fall favorite turned year-round junk food. Found at orchards like Applecrest Farm, these cakey treats are a sweet nod to the state’s agricultural roots.
New Jersey: Taylor Ham/Pork Roll
New Jersey’s Taylor Ham (or pork roll, depending on where you’re from) is a salty, processed meat sliced and fried, often served on a bagel with egg and cheese. This breakfast sandwich staple is a Garden State obsession, sparking debates over its name.
New Mexico: Green Chile Cheese Fries
New Mexico’s green chile cheese fries—crispy fries smothered in melted cheese and spicy roasted green chiles—are a junk food masterpiece. Local spots like Blake’s Lotaburger serve this fiery dish, blending Southwestern flavors with indulgent comfort.
New York: Buffalo Wings
New York’s Buffalo wings, born at Anchor Bar in 1964, are the state’s spicy, saucy junk food icon. Tossed in a tangy, buttery hot sauce and served with blue cheese dressing, they’re a game-day must-have that’s gone global.
North Carolina: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
North Carolina’s Krispy Kreme, with its melt-in-your-mouth glazed doughnuts, is a Southern institution. Founded in Winston-Salem in 1937, the “Hot Now” sign signals fresh, warm doughnuts that are pure junk food bliss.
North Dakota: Knoephla Soup Dumplings
North Dakota’s knoephla soup, with its soft, chewy dumplings floating in a creamy broth, gets a junk food twist when the dumplings are fried. These bite-sized treats, often served at diners, are a nod to the state’s German heritage.
Ohio: Buckeyes
Ohio’s buckeye candies—peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, resembling the state’s namesake nut—are a sweet junk food tradition. Homemade or store-bought, they’re a staple at tailgates and holiday parties.
Oklahoma: Fried Okra
Oklahoma’s fried okra, crispy and golden, is a Southern junk food classic. Coated in cornmeal and fried to perfection, it’s a side dish turned snack, often found at local spots like Nic’s Grill in Oklahoma City.
Oregon: Voodoo Doughnuts
Portland’s Voodoo Doughnuts, with their wild flavors like Bacon Maple Bar and Cap’n Crunch, are Oregon’s junk food claim to fame. These over-the-top treats, served in a pink box, embody the state’s quirky, creative spirit [Web ID: 8].
Pennsylvania: Tastykake
Pennsylvania’s Tastykake snacks—think Krimpets, Kandy Kakes, and Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes—are a Philly favorite. These pre-packaged treats, born in 1914, are a nostalgic lunchbox staple across the Keystone State.
Rhode Island: Coffee Milk
Rhode Island’s coffee milk, a sweet blend of coffee syrup and milk, is the state’s official drink turned junk food. Brands like Autocrat make this sugary sip a local obsession, often paired with a hot wiener from Olneyville New York System.
South Carolina: Boiled Peanuts
South Carolina’s boiled peanuts—soft, salty, and slightly sweet—are a roadside stand staple. Often sold in plastic bags at gas stations or farmers’ markets, they’re a uniquely Southern junk food with a cult following.
South Dakota: Chislic
South Dakota’s chislic—cubed, fried red meat (often lamb or beef) served on skewers—is a bar food favorite with German-Russian roots. Salty and crispy, it’s a perfect junk food for pairing with a cold beer.
Tennessee: Hot Chicken
Nashville’s hot chicken—spicy, fried chicken slathered in a fiery paste—is Tennessee’s junk food pride. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack started the trend, and its heat-packed flavor has made it a national sensation.
Texas: Funyuns
Texas’ love for Funyuns, those onion-flavored, ring-shaped snacks, was highlighted in Zippia’s 2023 report [Web ID: 15]. Crunchy and savory, they’re a Lone Star State favorite for road trips or barbecues, embodying Texas’ bold, no-nonsense vibe.
Utah: Fry Sauce
Utah’s fry sauce—a creamy blend of ketchup, mayo, and spices—is the state’s junk food secret weapon. Paired with fries at local chains like Arctic Circle, this tangy condiment elevates any fast-food meal to iconic status.
Vermont: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
Vermont’s Ben & Jerry’s, with flavors like Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey, is a global junk food icon born in Burlington in 1978 [Web ID: 10]. Its creamy, chunky pints are a sweet escape for Vermonters and ice cream lovers everywhere.
Virginia: Ham Biscuits
Virginia’s ham biscuits—flaky biscuits stuffed with salty, cured country ham—are a Southern junk food classic. Found at diners or served at parties, they’re a savory indulgence tied to the state’s culinary heritage.
Washington: Dick’s Drive-In Burgers
Seattle’s Dick’s Drive-In, serving no-frills cheeseburgers and milkshakes since 1954, is Washington’s junk food staple [Web ID: 8]. Its affordable, nostalgic eats make it a late-night favorite for locals and tourists alike.
West Virginia: Pepperoni Rolls
West Virginia’s pepperoni rolls—soft bread stuffed with spicy pepperoni—are a coal miner’s lunch turned statewide obsession. Bakeries like Country Club Bakery in Fairmont keep this savory snack alive and thriving.
Wisconsin: Cheese Curds
Wisconsin’s cheese curds, especially when fried, are the state’s junk food pride. These squeaky, cheesy bites, often served at fairs or bars like The Old Fashioned in Madison, are a testament to the Dairy State’s love for all things cheese.
Wyoming: Rocky Mountain Oysters
Wyoming’s quirky junk food is Rocky Mountain oysters—fried bull testicles, often breaded and served with dipping sauce. A staple at rodeos and bars, they’re a bold, protein-packed indulgence for the adventurous eater.
The Health Caveat: A Balanced Perspective
While National Junk Food Day is a celebration of indulgence, it’s worth noting the health implications of these treats. Research shows that 47% of U.S. adults’ energy intake comes from junk food, with sugar-sweetened beverages alone contributing over 40% of total sugar intake [Web ID: 12]. Experts like Dr. Joel Fuhrman warn that frequent junk food consumption is linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, particularly in underserved communities with limited access to fresh foods [Web ID: 13]. “Junk food’s appeal is undeniable, but its long-term effects can be devastating,” Fuhrman notes. The key? Enjoy these treats sparingly, saving the splurge for days like July 21.
Making National Junk Food Day Your Own
Ready to celebrate? Here are some fun ways to embrace the day while honoring your state’s iconic junk food:
- Host a Junk Food Potluck: Invite friends to bring their state’s signature treat, from Maine’s whoopie pies to Texas’ Funyuns. No kale allowed! [Web ID: 14]
- Try a Local Twist: Seek out a regional favorite, like Louisiana’s beignets or New Mexico’s green chile cheese fries, at a local eatery.
- Get Creative: Experiment with junk food fusion—think Voodoo Doughnut-inspired bacon maple bars at home or a homemade version of Mississippi’s comeback sauce.
- Share the Love: Post your indulgence on social media with #NationalJunkFoodDay to join the nationwide celebration [Web ID: 18].
A Taste of America’s Heart
National Junk Food Day isn’t just about calories—it’s about the stories, traditions, and memories baked into every bite. From the accidental invention of the potato chip to the fiery kick of Tennessee’s hot chicken, these iconic treats tell the story of America’s diverse palate. As you savor your state’s favorite on July 21, take a moment to appreciate the creativity and culture behind it. What’s your go-to junk food, and what does it say about where you’re from? Share your thoughts, and let’s keep the conversation as delicious as the snacks themselves.
