INDIANA – A new survey by CanadaCasino, polling over 2,000 Americans, has delved into the nation’s hot dog preferences, revealing everything from favorite toppings to state-by-state consumption habits.
The undisputed champion of hot dog toppings across the United States is ketchup, favored by 53% of respondents. It secured the top spot in 23 states, including California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Yellow mustard sauce came in a close second at 48%, notably reigning supreme in Illinois, a key ingredient for the iconic Chicago Dog. Onions (45%) and cheese (43%) followed, with chili sauce appealing to more than one in four Americans (27%).
When it comes to consumption, the average American reportedly enjoys about 4,712 hot dogs over a lifetime, equating to nearly seven per month. The average Indiana Hoosier eats 6.2 hot dogs a month (about 74.4 a year). However, residents of Montana take the lead as the nation’s biggest hot dog enthusiasts, consuming an average of 16.7 hot dogs per month, more than double the national average. Wyoming (13.0), Delaware (12.7), and the District of Columbia (11.3) also showed significant appetites. At the lower end of the spectrum, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah reported the lightest hot dog habits.
Indiana’s 10 Favorite Hot Dog Toppings Revealed
| Rank | Topping | % of people who say this is their favorite topping |
| 1 | Ketchup | 57% |
| 2 | Onions | 49% |
| Chili sauce | ||
| 3 | Yellow mustard sauce | 41% |
| 4 | Cheese | 38% |
| Pickles | ||
| Chili beans | ||
| 5 | Coleslaw | 27% |
| 6 | Cheese sauce | 24% |
| 7 | Jalapeños | 19% |
| 8 | Chili Peppers | 16% |
| 9 | Sauerkraut | 14% |
| 10 | Bacon | 11% |
| Ground beef | ||
| Lettuce |
Conversely, the survey found that spicy toppings are among the least popular. Only a small percentage of Americans opt for Sriracha (5%), Tabasco (6%), or chili peppers (9%). Interestingly, 4% of respondents prefer their hot dog entirely plain.
The survey highlights the hot dog’s enduring status as a cherished American culinary staple, adaptable to diverse regional tastes and enjoyed in a myriad of settings, from ballparks to backyard barbecues.
