There’s a certain state where food isn’t treated like a side note to daily life, but more like a given. The flavors are everywhere, and people speak about the food with an easy confidence because its reputation doesn’t need defending. A recent survey highlighted which state stands out in the food world, along with the reasons people are looking forward to getting back to more home-cooked meals.
The survey
The research, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of HelloFresh, surveyed 5,000 Americans to gauge their opinions on home-cooked food.
According to Talker: “Our survey shows that Americans are returning to the kitchen not just to cook, but to create moments of togetherness, preserve recipes, and enjoy the comfort of home-cooked meals with loved ones. In 2026, the kitchen is truly becoming a place where connection and tradition come alive.”
More than a third of survey participants said cooking traditions with loved ones are a top priority for 2026. Nearly seven in 10 said they feel a strong sense of pride when making recipes tied to their state, and more than half take steps to save or document those dishes so they aren’t lost over time.
About 62% of respondents described 2026 as their personal “year of the kitchen,” with enthusiasm especially high in New York, South Carolina, and Alabama. For many, that focus means putting shared meals back at the center of daily life, as just over half said eating together with loved ones will be a priority.
On average, Americans currently prepare about 12 meals at home each week, including breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Still, only a small portion of those meals are cooked or eaten with others.
Time in the kitchen adds up quickly: the average person spends roughly 67 minutes a day cooking, the equivalent of more than two full weeks each year. Even so, meals are often rushed or distracted, with nearly a third saying they rarely eat breakfast without interruptions, and similar numbers reporting the same for lunch and dinner.
Which state has the best food
Those who participated in the survey were also asked to pick a dish or a flavor that they felt represented their state well. The survey indicated that participants chose California for the best food, with the top flavors being Mexican food, burgers, and shrimp tacos.
What was notable about the survey results is that, although California was named the state with the best food, Louisiana had the highest confidence that its food was the best. Americans also spoke out, saying that Montana and Wyoming were hidden gems for chefs who can make better-quality homemade meals.
Why California is a proud food state
California is a proud food state because its cuisine is shaped by a rare mix of geography and cultural influence that few places can match.
According to California Grown, California grows more food than any other state. It produces the majority of the nation’s fruits, vegetables, nuts, and specialty crops, which means fresh ingredients are the baseline and not a luxury.
Second, immigration has deeply influenced what people eat there. Mexican and Latin American cuisines aren’t treated as “international food” so much as everyday food. Those traditions blended with local ingredients, creating dishes that feel authentic rather than adapted.
California has long driven food trends. Farm-to-table dining and health-forward cooking all took hold there earlier than in most of the country. Even fast-casual chains and grocery habits nationwide often trace back to ideas that first gained traction in California.
Finally, California's food culture values both innovation and simplicity. A taco stand and a high-end tasting menu can all be taken seriously at the same time. That balance between quality and accessibility is what gives the state its reputation as a place where food isn’t just good, it’s central to daily life.
How food resonates with people
Food resonates with people because it’s tied to far more than taste. It carries memory and a sense of belonging that few other everyday experiences can replicate. A single dish can remind someone of where they grew up or moments when life felt simpler and more connected.
It also serves as a shared language. People use food to celebrate and communicate care, often without needing words. Cooking for someone is one of the most universal ways to show love and intention, whether it’s a holiday meal or an ordinary weeknight dinner.
Food is also deeply rooted in culture and place. Family recipes and traditional dishes help people feel anchored to where they come from, even when they’ve moved far away. Preparing or eating those foods can feel like reclaiming a piece of home.
Food resonates because it brings people together. Around a table, differences tend to soften, and routines slow just enough to create connection. That emotional pull is why conversations about food are rarely just about what’s on the plate.
The takeaway
The debate over the best food in the country may never fully disappear, but this research highlights why it matters so much to people in the first place. Food is about identity and the connections built around the table, and not ranking. California may have earned the top spot, but the survey shows that what Americans value most is how food brings people together and creates moments of meaning in everyday life.
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