4th July: The Most Popular Independence Day Recipes In Every State In 2023

With the Fourth of July just days away, millions of Americans across the country are getting ready to celebrate, and that can only mean one thing, fridges up and down the country are crammed full of our favorite foods.

Independence Day is big business across the US, with up to 65% of Americans planning to celebrate with a cookout, BBQ, or picnic and plan to spend in the region of $94 dollars per person on food items.

Traditionally, the holiday has been dominated by hot dogs, hamburgers, and pork chops but it seems there has been a seismic shift in demand for healthier pescatarian and vegetarian options such as salmon and mushrooms.

YorkTest has scoured Google Keyword Planner data over the past year to reveal which food items are the most popular in each state in the run-up to the national holiday.

While holiday favorites hamburgers and BBQ chicken both saw a modest increase in searches, the food with the biggest rise in searches across America (on average 181% higher than last year), and the most popular dish to be served on the Fourth of July is portobello mushrooms.

Below, look through a state-by-state breakdown of the most popular holiday recipes this year. Is your state mad for mushrooms?

The most popular Independence Day recipes in each state in 2023

The emergence of healthier options

For those in search of a healthier option at a BBQ or cookout, options are often limited. But it seems most Americans are broadening their horizons when it comes to holiday food this year. Portobello mushrooms were the favorite dish of 41 states, and a possible reason for this sharp increase could be due to more people wanting to cater for vegetarians and vegans this year. Smoked salmon salad also gets an honorable mention due to its wealth of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Don’t panic! The staples of a good BBQ are still in demand

While it’s great to see the emergence of alternative BBQ offerings for those with food sensitivities and other dietary restrictions, the classic staples of the great American Barbecue are still very much in demand with hamburgers, hot dogs, and BBQ chicken all seeing big increases in demand in the run-up to the holiday. Even the good old-fashioned s’mores saw a huge increase of 2,665% in searches across America.

Home comforts falling out of favor?

Independence Day is a time for families to get together and celebrate but keyword research found that searches for potato salad, peach cobbler, and mac and cheese were down by a total of almost 1,500%. It seems Americans right across the country are planning to ditch the classic staples in favor of a more varied BBQ selection.

Kerri Ferraioli, expert nutritionist at YorkTest, commented on the research:

“It’s really refreshing to see people opening up to the possibility of healthier options during the holidays. Those with beef or pork sensitivities will welcome the prospect of a bigger variety at this year’s Fourth of July celebrations.

“Portobello mushrooms in particular are a fantastic option for those wanting a healthy alternative at barbecues this year and it’s not hard to understand why they are in such demand. Not only are they low in fat and calories, but mushrooms are also an excellent source of B vitamins and potassium.

“With Independence Day being a time of celebration and sharing food together, it’s important to know what you can and cannot eat before going to a family or friend’s cookout to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Testing for any sensitivities is a great way to ensure you can enjoy the food you love and celebrate in style.”

Methodology

YorkTest analyzed Google Keyword Planner data from the US over the course of a year, to determine which Fourth of July recipes have had the biggest change in searches, to reveal the most popular Independence Day recipes for 2023. Data is up to date as of June 2023.