America’s love affair with hot dogs is nothing short of legendary. Whether it’s a sizzling grill on the Fourth of July, a ballpark classic during the seventh-inning stretch, or a late-night street cart fix, hot dogs are deeply embedded in American food culture.
In fact, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates Americans consume over 20 billion hot dogs every year, that's roughly 70 hot dogs per person. It’s no wonder National Hot Dog Day, celebrated on July 16, has become a mouthwatering excuse for a nation-wide frankfurter fest.
To mark the occasion, the research team at TDM Agency looked at Google Trends data from the past four weeks, right through peak grilling season, to discover which hot dog style reigned supreme in each U.S. state. From cheesy Korean creations to good old-fashioned beef dogs, the results paint a flavorful, and sometimes surprising, map of American cravings.
Korean Hot Dog – 10 states
Claiming the top spot overall, Korean hot dogs were the most searched in 10 states, including Texas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Massachusetts, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
These viral delights are deep-fried in sweet rice batter and often filled with stretchy mozzarella or even french fries. Thanks to social media, particularly TikTok, they’ve exploded in popularity, especially among younger foodies and adventurous eaters looking for a sweet-and-savory snack with global flair. It's no surprise that states with vibrant food truck scenes and large youth populations like Texas and Colorado have jumped on board.
Chicago Style Hot Dog – 9 states
A proud Midwest export, the Chicago dog ranked first in 9 states, including Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Vermont, North Dakota, and Oregon. Piled high with mustard, relish, tomatoes, onions, sport peppers, a pickle spear, and a sprinkle of celery salt, all in a poppy seed bun, this hot dog is practically a salad in sausage form. Its dominance in the Midwest is expected, but its reach to Oregon and Vermont shows how far the Windy City’s influence has traveled.
Foot Long Hot Dog – 5 states
Sometimes, size really does matter. Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, South Carolina, and Missouri all showed a clear preference for the classic foot-long dog. Perfect for slathering with chilli, piling on slaw, or simply going big with ketchup and mustard, the foot-long is a nostalgic nod to state fairs, ballparks, and roadside diners. The South's love for hearty, indulgent foods might explain this pick — after all, everything’s bigger at a backyard BBQ.
Beef Hot Dog – 4 states
In Minnesota, Ohio, New York, and Louisiana, simplicity won out with the 100% beef hot dog topping the charts. These franks offer that unmistakable “snap” and rich, meaty taste without fillers or fuss. New Yorkers in particular have long embraced the classic beef frank — think street carts, dirty water dogs, and no-frills flavour. Minnesota and Ohio’s choices point to traditional tastes and a no-nonsense approach to cookout fare.
Sonoran Hot Dog – 2 states
The Sonoran hot dog, a bold, bacon-wrapped, fully loaded experience, ranked first in Arizona and Tennessee. Originating in the border city of Hermosillo, Sonora (Mexico), this street-style favorite is topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, mustard, mayo, and salsa. Arizona’s pick makes sense given its cultural ties and proximity to Sonora, while Tennessee’s nod likely stems from its love for bold flavors and Southern fusion.
Italian Hot Dog – 2 states
New Jersey and Connecticut were the only two to put the Italian hot dog at the top of their list, which comes as no shock to locals. A true Garden State invention, this dog is served inside pizza bread and stuffed with fried peppers, onions, and potatoes. It's a classic among New Jersey’s Italian-American communities and a go-to at food trucks from Newark to the Jersey Shore. Even Connecticut, another Italian-influenced hub, got on board.
Red Hot Dog – 2 states
Eye-catching and nostalgic, red hot dogs ranked highest in Maine and North Carolina. Known as "red snappers" in Maine, these brightly dyed, naturally cased franks offer a satisfying pop with every bite. North Carolina’s deep-rooted hot dog culture likely helped elevate this vibrant style, often served alongside coleslaw or chili.
Brazilian Hot Dog – 2 states
Kentucky and Pennsylvania took a bold detour from the norm by choosing the Brazilian hot dog, a layered masterpiece featuring mashed potatoes, peas, corn, cheese, and crispy potato sticks. These over-the-top dogs are common street fare in Brazil, and their presence here reflects the growing appetite for global comfort food, as well as strong Brazilian communities in these areas.
Coney Island Hot Dog – 1 state
Despite being named after a New York neighbourhood, the Coney Island dog came out on top in Florida. Topped with chilli, onions, and mustard, this diner classic has roots in Greek-American immigrant history and remains a roadside favorite. Florida’s love for comfort food with flair makes this a fitting choice, especially in cities where Northerners have relocated and brought their tastes with them.
Some states went off the beaten path with more local or niche styles. Idaho went Polish with garlicky sausage, while Maryland and Delaware preferred kosher dogs for their clean, all-beef quality. Virginia stayed regional with the Carolina dog (chilli, slaw, and mustard), and Arkansas chose turkey dogs, a leaner option. Nevada and California, never shy about indulgence, opted for bacon-wrapped hot dogs.
In Washington, the quirky Seattle dog, slathered with cream cheese, stole the show. Hawaii turned to the humble dirty water dog, a nostalgic New York-style staple, while Alaska embraced the hearty reindeer dog. New Hampshire chose the lesser-known white hot, made from pork and veal, and Rhode Island leaned Latin with the Peruvian hot dog, a likely nod to salchipapas. Mississippi kept it simple, just hot dogs with cheese, gooey and satisfying.
List of the most popular hot dog styles in every state:
Methodology
The study was conducted by TDM Agency, which analyzed Google Trends search data over the past four weeks (leading up to National Hot Dog Day, July 16, 2025). The analysis focused on identifying the uniquely most-searched hot dog style in each state compared to the national average, not just which style had the highest volume, but which one stood out most locally.
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