We love us some potato chips

As mentioned yesterday, we are all about producing holiday foods here in N.C. this time of year. And while the Old North State may not be a top-producing potato state (as compared to, say, sweetpotatoes), that doesn't mean we don't love taters here anyway. 

According to this survey*, North Carolina ranks No. 29 in our love of potatoes. 

For this study (or spudy, if you will), our team asked Americans across the country about their potato preferences. To accomplish this task, we surveyed 2,208 participants throughout August of 2022 about what types of tater temptations they craved and what starchy setbacks to avoid. We also analyzed Google Trends search interest data by state for the most popular potato dishes, like french fries, potato salad, and potato casserole.

How do we prefer to eat them? In chip form, apparently.

These results shouldn’t come as a surprise, as potato chips are a tasty snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as a side to a sub or sandwich.

Mashed potatoes came in second place, claiming 13 states across the U.S. Many would argue that no Thanksgiving spread is complete without mountainous mounds of mashed potatoes on the table. Mashed potatoes are also convenient and easy to make for any other day of the year, especially if you choose to use a mix or a similarly prepared version of the popular potato dish. While less glamorous, many mashed potato mixes made from dehydrated potatoes only require a pot of boiling water to cook.

And, finally, North Carolinians are one of three states that prefer mayonnaise vs. ketchup, ranch or other sauces for dipping french fries.  The other two states? Louisiana and our neighbors to the north, Virginia.
 

*Full disclosure: the company that conducted the survey, Verdesian Life Sciences, is my employer.