With America's birthday right around the corner, you might be gearing up for a day filled with fun, fireworks, and food. But here's the question that everyone will be asking: Are you serving hot dogs or hamburgers? 🤔
It's an age-old debate that's almost as controversial as ketchup versus mustard. But that's a question for another day. Right now, we're getting to the bottom of America's preferences for hot dogs vs. hamburgers on the 4th of July.
Luckily, the folks over at Instacart are here to help and settle the score! They looked at bun sales from the week leading up to the 4th of July last year as a way to determine whether hot dogs or hamburgers are more popular across the country. But why look at the buns, you might ask? Buns are a great indicator for which meat will be eaten. After all, you're not going to eat a hot dog on a hamburger bun, are you?
As a result, there was one clear winner that took home the cookout crown—and the answer may just surprise you!
Let's hear it for… drumroll please…
Hot dogs!
Take a look at the map above for a state-by-state breakdown. Hot dogs had the largest share of sales in 32 states, "making them the clear favorite nationally," Instacart said. That includes Ree Drummond's home state of Oklahoma!
On the other hand, hamburgers appeared to be more popular in the Southeast, Northwest, and New England area, as well as in Hawaii and Alaska.
As this year's celebrations draw near, you'll likely be looking for inspiration for hot dog recipes—like our bacon-wrapped hot dogs and BBQ hot dogs with cilantro slaw—or burger recipes—like classic cheeseburgers and a stuffed juicy lucy. Of course, you can always make both.
So, which do you prefer for the 4th of July: hot dogs or hamburgers? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
Kara Zauberman is the Senior Editor of Content Strategy at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, lifestyle, news, and more. When she’s not writing and editing, you can find her seeking out new restaurants or cooking for friends and family.
