FOOD NEWS
The State That Consumes More Hot Dogs Than Any Other
By Alexander Billet
Hot dogs are deeply embedded in America's food culture, but when it comes to the state that loves hot dogs the most, that honor goes to West Virginia.
Residents of the Mountain State eat, on average, 481 hot dogs per person per year, and like many other regions in the U.S., West Virginia has a specific take on the hot dog.
All versions of the classic West Virginia dog have mustard, chili con carne (no beans), and onions. Some regions of the state also include coleslaw in their hot dog.
State folklorist Emily Hilliard linked the origins of the hot dog's popularity in the state to industrialization in the '20s and accompanying waves of Greek and Italian immigrants.
Illinois boasts a per capita consumption of 317, well behind West Virginia and ahead of Pennsylvania's third place with 289.