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New York Post
08-07-2025
- General
- New York Post
Residents in these states each at least 20 pounds of french fries per year, study reveals
Virginia is for fry lovers, according to a new study. The poll of 5,000 U.S. adults found the average person of the 'Old Dominion' self-reported eating at least 21 pounds of spuds, closely followed by three other heavy-hitting states: Alabama, Georgia, and Maryland, all with the average person eating about 20 pounds per year. On average, a single American can eat at least 17 pounds of a small serving (69 grams) of fries per year. Expanded to the entire nation, that means America eats a minimum of 5,610,000,000 pounds of the stuff, as much as 155,833 school buses. Ahead of National French Fry Day on July 11 and commissioned by McCain Foods, the study conducted by Talker Research revealed variances for one of America's favorite foods. 7 The poll of 5,000 U.S. adults found the average person of the 'Old Dominion' self-reported eating at least 21 pounds of spuds, closely followed by three other heavy-hitting states: Alabama, Georgia, and Maryland. exclusive-design – While all states can agree that the 'best' fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside (72%), there are more debates about what type of fry and what seasonings and sauces are best. Twenty-eight states agreed that straight-and-seasoned fries were top-tier, most popular in North Dakota (55%), Mississippi (54%), Alabama (49%), Wyoming (49%), Louisiana (48%), and Utah (48%). However, the rest of the nation had varied views on which fry was best. Classic shoestring fries were most popular in Hawaii (45%), New Hampshire (45%), Michigan (44%), Maine (42%), and Texas (42%). 7 On average, a single American can eat at least 17 pounds of a small serving of fries per year. Urooj – Curly fries reigned supreme in Alaska (46%), Kansas (46%), Connecticut (45%), and Oklahoma (45%). Crinkle-cut fries earned top scores in states like Nebraska (51%), Kentucky (46%), and Pennsylvania (43%). Crinkle-cut was also the most popular style of fry in Illinois (41%). And waffle fries only got love in one state: Colorado (44%). And no matter what specific type they prefer, two coastal powerhouses were also most likely to experience happiness or joy while eating fries: California (59%) and New York (58%). 7 Curly fries reigned supreme in Alaska, Kansas, Connecticut, and Oklahoma. SWNS Some Americans even have 'hometown heroes,' or classic fry dishes that hail from their own backyards. New Yorkers and New Jerseyans are proud to be the home of 'disco fries,' while 'boardwalk fries' are a Delaware staple. Those in Illinois enjoy 'horseshoe' or 'ponyshoe sandwiches,' and Californians proudly boast their namesake: the 'California burrito.' 'Fries are universally loved, but there's still plenty of debate when it comes to favorites,' said Tracy Hostetler, vice president of marketing, North America potatoes at McCain Foods. 7 Classic shoestring fries were most popular in Hawaii, New Hampshire, Michigan, Maine, and Texas, according to the survey. InversedSlayer – 'From crinkle-cut and curly, to waffle and seasoned fries, everyone has their go-to style. We believe enjoying a variety of fries allows everyone to find their favorite.' Despite the friendly disputes on which fry is best, the study found a number of things Americans can agree on when it comes to the world of fries. Nearly two in three (63%) agreed fries can be considered a main dish, not just a side. According to them, fries shine as mains in dishes like 'loaded' fries (66%), chili fries (36%), and topped with various seasonings (36%). Top seasonings ranged from the classic salt (77%) and garlic powder (31%) to the less orthodox — parmesan (22%), Old Bay (19%), paprika (10%), and cayenne (9%). Top dips were classics as well: ketchup (68%), ranch (33%), and cheese sauce (28%). 7 And waffle fries only got love in one state: Colorado, according to the survey. Christian – Over three-quarters (77%) also agreed they'd share their fries if they were eating with a group of people, being most likely to share with their partner (43%), kids (28%), and friends (21%). However, 65% admit they'd stolen fries from someone else's plate. Eighty-one percent believe fries can even make meals more enjoyable with their family, and 83% said they'd even be willing to share their last fry with someone they love. 7 Nearly two in three (63%) agreed fries can be considered a main dish, not just a side. taffpixture – 'Preferences aside, it's clear that fries hold a special place in people's hearts across the nation,' continued Tracy Hostetler. 'They're the ultimate shareable food — whether enjoying family-style or sneaking one off someone else's plate, fries have a way of bringing family and friends together through that simple, joyful act of sharing.' We asked respondents what 'fry' dish their hometown is known for. Here's what some shared: Boardwalk fries California burrito Carne asada fries Catfish and fries Chili cheese fries 7 'From crinkle-cut and curly, to waffle and seasoned fries, everyone has their go-to style. We believe enjoying a variety of fries allows everyone to find their favorite,' said Tracy Hostetler, vice president of marketing, North America potatoes at McCain Foods. exclusive-design – Disco fries Fish n chips Garbage plate Horseshoe/Ponyshoe sandwich Poutine Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 5,000 American adults, with 100 from each state; the survey was commissioned by McCain Foods and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 28 and June 5, 2025.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
From ‘Girl dinner' to viral fries, 77% of Americans are relying on social media to decide what to eat
In a world where scrolling through a phone replaces flipping cookbooks, it is no surprise that 77 per cent of Americans now decide what to eat based on trends, New York Post reported. And, leading this digital food revolution are the humble fries. A survey of 5,000 adults in the United States, conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by McCain Foods, revealed that social media is increasingly dictating dinner. An overwhelming 93 per cent encounter food posts regularly, with food-related content making up nearly 40 per cent of their feeds. 77% of Americans choose meals based on social media trends according to a recent study The constant digital exposure has inspired action, the research showed. Nearly 58 per cent of respondents, as per the study, have saved enough viral recipes to fill a cookbook. Platforms, which were once dominated by dance trends and memes, have now become hubs for culinary creativity: from late-night snacks to full-blown viral meals. A standout dish that has been capturing attention (and tastebuds) is loaded fries. Reportedly, 72 per cent of those influenced by viral food trends said they have seen it online. Millennials are especially obsessed, with 76 per cent reporting they have spotted the trend on their feeds. According to the study, other viral food and beverages gaining popularity on social media include Caesar salad and fries combo which is dubbed as 'Girl Dinner' and espresso martinis, with 30 per cent and 17 per cent of respondents engaging with them. Fries and martinis together? That's a guilty pleasure for eight per cent of the respondents. Reportedly, when it pertains to viral potential, fries have outranked everything, including chicken (67 per cent), pasts (63 per cent), and pizza (62 per cent). The research quoted Tracy Hostetler, Vice President of Marketing for North American Potato at McCain, saying fries are flexible, familiar, and loved by everyone, which makes them so viral. Fries leads the search result As per the study, beyond social feeds, food is once again bringing people together in person. About 60 per cent of Americans regularly share food with friends, while 47 per cent pass along recipes digitally. Fries are after second only to pizza (71 per cent) as America's favorite food to pass around. Chips, wings, and dips are also common crowd-pleasers. Reportedly, for six per cent who enjoy a bite with a bit of gossip, what some call 'this and yap' time, fries (72 per cent), pizza (61 per cent), and chips and dip (61 per cent) reign. According to the study, 66 per cent of people said fries are a perfect social snack because they are easy to love. Nearly 56 per cent said it is hard to argue with, and nearly 44 per cent of respondents find it nearly impossible to resist. However, even fries come with their rules. A firm 68 per cent enforce a no double-dipping policy, and 43 per cent insist on asking before grabbing the last fry. Hostetler was quoted as saying that whether people are trading bites from the same basket or sharing recipes digitally, fries connect them. They are made to be shared, remixed and loved, she added. ALSO READ: The problematic American diet: Study reveals how ultra-processed foods are taking over the plates FAQs: Q: What is the most viral food in America right now? A: According to the McCain study, fries are the most viral, followed by chicken, pasta, and pizza. Q: What is 'Girl Dinner'? A: A viral food trend that usually involves simple, mix-and-match meals like Caesar salad and fries, often enjoyed solo or casually. Q: Are fries the most shareable food? A: Fries rank second only to pizza as America's favourite food to share with others. Q: How much food content do people see on social media? A: The study found that nearly 40 per cent of people's social feeds are filled with food-related posts.
New York Post
01-07-2025
- General
- New York Post
Majority of Americans turn to social media for mealtime inspiration
In today's fast-scrolling world, what's on your plate might just depend on what's on your feed. A new study of 5,000 U.S. adults found 77% of Americans now make mealtime decisions based on what's trending online. And many believe fries are at the top of many trends. Commissioned by McCain and conducted by Talker Research reveals that for many, food content isn't just entertainment — it's inspiration. 3 A new study of 5,000 U.S. adults found 77% of Americans now make mealtime decisions based on what's trending online. rh2010 – The poll found that nearly everyone (93%) regularly encounters food on social media, and food-related posts make up almost 40% of their feeds. More than half (58%) have saved enough viral recipes to fill a cookbook of their own. Platforms once known for dance challenges and memes are now home to amateur chefs and late-night snackers. From discovering cooking hacks (56%) to exploring new dishes (44%) and prepping their first viral meal, the kitchen has officially gone digital. One standout star for many are loaded fries — 72% of Americans who find viral recipes online say they've seen this decked-out dish online, and millennials prove especially devoted (76%). Other viral staples, like Caesar salad with fries — a.k.a. the now-iconic 'Girl Dinner' — and espresso martinis have also etched themselves into the social food canon (30% and 17%, respectively). Pairing martinis and fries are also a hit for 8% of respondents. 3 Platforms once known for dance challenges and memes are now home to amateur chefs and late-night snackers. JLJ/ – But it's fries that reign supreme in shareability and viral potential: 69% of respondents say fries are the most likely to blow up online, beating out chicken (67%), pasta (63%), and pizza (62%). 'Food content is so popular because it's a creative outlet and a shared language,' said Tracy Hostetler, vice president marketing, North American Potato. 'Fries are the perfect canvas — they're familiar, flexible, and loved by everyone. That's what makes them so viral and so unifying.' The survey also found food culture today is about more than what looks good on screen — it's about connection. Six in 10 Americans say they regularly share food with friends in person, and nearly half (47%) also pass along recipes or food content digitally. Fries again take center stage, nearing the top the list of favorite shareable foods — second only to pizza (71% and 73%, respectively). Chips, wings, and dips round out the table. 3 The survey also found food culture today is about more than what looks good on screen — it's about connection. Flamingo Images – For the 6% of people who enjoy a little chat over chow — or 'this and yap' — fries (72%), pizza (61%), and chips and dip (61%) were go-to favorites. Respondents say this is because fries are easy to love (66%), hard to argue with (56%), and nearly impossible to resist (44%). Of course, even shared snacks come with their own code of conduct. Sixty-eight percent enforce a no double-dipping rule, while 43% agree that asking before grabbing the last fry is sacred etiquette. 'Whether you're swapping fries from the same basket or trading viral recipes in the group chat, food connects us,' added Tracy. 'Fries are a food that invite everyone to the table — whether that table is physical or digital. 'From 'girl dinner' spreads to Friday-night 'this and that' hangouts, food culture is evolving—and fries are at the center of it all. McCain is proud to fuel these moments of togetherness with fries that are made to be shared, remixed, and loved.' Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 5,000 American adults, with 100 respondents from each state; the survey was commissioned by McCain and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 28 and June 5, 2025.
Miami Herald
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
How social media can influence what we eat
In today's fast-scrolling world, what's on your plate might just depend on what's on your feed. A new study of 5,000 U.S. adults found 77% of Americans now make mealtime decisions based on what's trending online. And many believe fries are at the top of many trends. Commissioned by McCain and conducted by Talker Research reveals that for many, food content isn't just entertainment - it's inspiration. The poll found that nearly everyone (93%) regularly encounters food on social media, and food-related posts make up almost 40% of their feeds. More than half (58%) have saved enough viral recipes to fill a cookbook of their own. Platforms once known for dance challenges and memes are now home to amateur chefs and late-night snackers. From discovering cooking hacks (56%) to exploring new dishes (44%) and prepping their first viral meal, the kitchen has officially gone digital. One standout star for many are loaded fries - 72% of Americans who find viral recipes online say they've seen this decked-out dish online, and millennials prove especially devoted (76%). Other viral staples, like Caesar salad with fries - a.k.a. the now-iconic "Girl Dinner" - and espresso martinis have also etched themselves into the social food canon (30% and 17%, respectively). Pairing martinis and fries are also a hit for 8% of respondents. But it's fries that reign supreme in shareability and viral potential: 69% of respondents say fries are the most likely to blow up online, beating out chicken (67%), pasta (63%), and pizza (62%). "Food content is so popular because it's a creative outlet and a shared language," said Tracy Hostetler, vice president marketing, North American Potato. "Fries are the perfect canvas - they're familiar, flexible, and loved by everyone. That's what makes them so viral and so unifying." The survey also found food culture today is about more than what looks good on screen - it's about connection. Six in 10 Americans say they regularly share food with friends in person, and nearly half (47%) also pass along recipes or food content digitally. Fries again take center stage, nearing the top the list of favorite shareable foods - second only to pizza (71% and 73%, respectively). Chips, wings, and dips round out the table. For the 6% of people who enjoy a little chat over chow - or "this and yap" - fries (72%), pizza (61%), and chips and dip (61%) were go-to favorites. Respondents say this is because fries are easy to love (66%), hard to argue with (56%), and nearly impossible to resist (44%). Of course, even shared snacks come with their own code of conduct. Sixty-eight percent enforce a no double-dipping rule, while 43% agree that asking before grabbing the last fry is sacred etiquette. "Whether you're swapping fries from the same basket or trading viral recipes in the group chat, food connects us," added Tracy. "Fries are a food that invite everyone to the table - whether that table is physical or digital. "From 'girl dinner' spreads to Friday-night 'this and that' hangouts, food culture is evolving-and fries are at the center of it all. McCain is proud to fuel these moments of togetherness with fries that are made to be shared, remixed, and loved." Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 5,000 American adults, with 100 respondents from each state; the survey was commissioned by McCain and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 28 and June 5, 2025. We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are: Traditional online access panels - where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentiveProgrammatic - where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan. Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value. Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample. Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes: Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speedersOpen ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant textBots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify botsDuplicates: Survey software has "deduping" based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access. The post How social media can influence what we eat appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
