From ballparks to backyard BBQs, hot dogs are more than just a summer snack—they’re a national obsession. A new survey of over 2,000 Americans has revealed the country’s hot dog habits, including favorite toppings and the states that eat the most.
Ketchup Tops the Charts, Mustard and Onions Not Far Behind
Ketchup is the undisputed champ of hot dog toppings, with 53% of Americans picking it as their go-to. It reigns supreme in 23 states, including heavy hitters like California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Following closely behind is yellow mustard (48%), a key player in the classic Chicago Dog, especially popular in Illinois.
America’s Top 10 Favorite Hot Dog Toppings
- Ketchup – 53%
- Yellow mustard – 48%
- Onions – 45%
- Cheese – 43%
- Chili sauce – 27%
- Chili beans – 26%
- Cheese sauce – 23%
- Pickles – 21%
- Sauerkraut – 19%
- Bacon – 19%
Spicy options like Sriracha (5%), Tabasco (6%), and chili peppers (9%) failed to ignite much enthusiasm, and 4% of Americans say they prefer their hot dogs completely plain.
Hot Dog Hotspots: Which States Eat the Most?
According to the survey, on average, Americans eat nearly 7 hot dogs per month, totaling 4,712 over a lifetime—that’s the height of eight Statues of Liberty stacked end to end.
But in Montana, hot dog love reaches legendary levels. Residents there consume an average of 16.7 hot dogs per month—more than double the national average.
States with the Highest Hot Dog Consumption
- Montana – 16.7 / month
- Wyoming – 13.0 / month
- Delaware – 12.7 / month
- Washington, D.C. – 11.3 / month
- Maine – 11.0 / month
- Tennessee – 10.1 / month
- Louisiana – 10.0 / month
- Arkansas – 9.6 / month
- Washington – 9.3 / month
- Arizona – 8.4 / month
At the other end of the spectrum, North Dakota (1.3), South Dakota (1.7), and Utah (2.1) report the lowest average monthly consumption.
A National Obsession with Regional Flair
Whether you love yours smothered in chili and cheese or keep it classic with mustard and onions, one thing is clear—hot dogs remain a beloved staple of American food culture.
They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making them the perfect plate for regional pride and personal taste.
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