Even though it’s simple to prepare a large steaming pot of
pasta
There are numerous choices to make before getting started. Initially, you must select your option.
pasta shape
Next, you need to pick the sauce that will coat your noodles. Will it be marinara or perhaps alfredo? Regardless of your choice, the result is sure to be delightful. As Ree Drummond puts it, “In my world, pasta fixes pretty much whatever might be bothering you.”
However, did you realize that your preference for certain types of pasta sauce might reveal quite a bit about your origins? It’s absolutely pasta-licious! Take a look at this map showing the favorite pasta sauces across different states in America.
Instacart
compile the data from grocery orders throughout the United States in 2024—and as anyone who loves pasta could likely guess, these statistics definitely heat up!
Looking at
Instacart’s sales data
Marinara sauce unquestionably reigns as the favorite pasta sauce across America! This traditional sauce dominated in over half of the nation, representing 20% of all pasta sauce sales from the previous year. Numerous states including California, Montana, Colorado, Texas, Iowa, Florida, New York, and Maine exhibit a distinct preference for this topping. As per Instacart’s Trends Analyst Alex Orellana, “The statistics reveal that four out of the five most favored sauces have a tomato base, highlighting their lasting popularity.”
When it comes to sauces, Alfredo takes the runner-up spot! The states located in the Southern part of the U.S., including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and the Carolinas, appear to have a preference for this rich and creamy cheese-based sauce. Orellana comments, “It’s intriguing to observe the varying buying trends for Marinara and Alfredo throughout the nation; Marinara leads virtually everywhere apart from a smaller area predominantly found in the Midwest and South. This highlights how our geographical location can significantly influence our choice of foods when shopping.”
Following this, we have the Tomato Basil sauce, which has gained significant traction among consumers in several states such as Ree’s home state of Oklahoma. Other prominent regions include Missouri, Alabama, Delaware, and Maryland. Meanwhile, West Virginia stands out uniquely when it comes to their preference for traditional tomato sauce. Notably, sauces like marinara, Alfredo, and tomato basil were so favored that they made up more than fifty percent of total sales across the nation last year.
Discussing a delightful data exploration! Whether you lean towards the smooth, velvety texture of Alfredo sauce or the vibrant, tangy flavor of marinara, you’re definitely not alone in your love for Italian cuisine. Perhaps this chart might encourage you to try a new brand the next time you prepare your noodles. Enjoy your meal!
