The United States of America is a hotbed of industry and commercial success. For centuries, the US has produced some of the most iconic and innovative brands that are recognized throughout the world. America’s food industry (especially its infamous fast food industry) has a long-tenured history, so let's take a look at the most famous food brands from these 20 states.
1. Vermont: Ben & Jerry's
Easily one of the most beloved and recognized names in ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s was founded in Burlington, Vermont in 1978. The company has made a name for itself with its creative flavour combinations, high-quality ingredients, and avowed commitment to social and environmental causes that reflect the values of its famous founders.
2. California: In-N-Out Burger
This beloved burger joint got its start more than 75 years ago in the city of Baldwin Park, California. With a well-touted emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, In-N-Out Burger has amassed a cult-like following among foodies and burger lovers alike. The iconic fast food chain has gained a worldwide following despite its limited reach.
3. Connecticut: Pepperidge Farm
Do you remember Pepperidge Farm being from Connecticut? Pepperidge Farm remembers. Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, the internationally recognized producer of cookies, crackers and bread has been a household name since its founding in 1937. Its famous Milano cookies and, of course, Goldfish crackers have catapulted the brand’s popularity.
4. Florida: Publix Super Markets
Easily one of the largest and most recognizable supermarket chains in the United States, Publix has been around for almost 100 years. Based in Lakeland, Florida this massive employee-owned company has been providing quality products and exceptional service throughout the Southeastern United States.
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5. Arkansas: Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, the meat-processing juggernaut known for its litany of chicken, beef, and pork products, is headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas. Tyson Foods is not only a fixture in American households, but it also happens to be among the largest food companies in the world, even ranking 79th in 2020 on the Forbe 500 list of largest American companies.
6. Illinois: Kraft Heinz
Kraft Heinz, the outcome of a merger between two iconic household names in the American food industry was officially completed in 2015. Co-headquartered in the respective origins of each brand — Chicago and Pittsburgh — Kraft Heinz is recognized around the world for popular products like Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, Heinz Ketchup, and the Oscar Mayer line, all of which hold a special place in the kitchens of millions of Americans.
7. Kentucky: Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
Nobody does fried chicken quite like the Colonel. Kentucky Fried Chicken has been a household name since its founding in North Corbin, Kentucky almost 100 years ago. Globally recognized for their finger-lickin' good secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices, KFC is a beloved comfort food worldwide, with over 30,000 locations throughout 150 countries.
8. Louisiana: Tabasco
Produced by the McIlhenny Company on Avery Island, Louisiana, Tabasco is easily one of the most famous and recognizable hot sauce brand names in the world. It owes its popularity to a delicious combination of tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt, all of which are then aged for three years in oak barrels, giving it that distinctive flavour and heat the brand has been known for since 1868.
9. Maryland: Old Bay Seasoning
This unique blend of herbs and spices has become a pantry staple in America, particularly when used to season seafood like crab and shrimp. Old Bay Seasoning was formulated in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1939 and has since gone on to amass a loyal following of devotees who swear by its distinct flavour, with many using it beyond just seafood.
10. Massachusetts: Dunkin'
Everyone knows America runs on Dunkin’. That’s because the beloved donut shop and coffee chain has been a fixture of American food culture since its founding in 1950. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, the company formerly known as “Dunkin’ Donuts,” has grown into one of the largest coffee and donut chains in the world, with almost 13,000 locations in 42 countries.
11. Michigan: Kellogg's
Headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan, this leading cereal and snack brand is known for creating iconic breakfast table staples like Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Frosted Flakes. With over 100 years as America’s preeminent breakfast brand, Kellog’s (now Kellanova) is an undeniable titan of the American food industry.
12. Minnesota: General Mills
Although known primarily as a cereal manufacturer, this iconic company has expanded its diverse portfolio to include beloved brands like Betty Crocker and Pillsbury in addition to cereal brands like Cheerios. Found in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1928, General Mills has gone on to become a household name in the American food industry, with some of the nation’s most iconic brands under its belt.
13. Missouri: Anheuser-Busch
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Anheuser-Busch is widely recognized as America’s predominant brewery. With iconic brands the likes of Budweiser and Bud Light in its repertoire, this industry giant has certainly made a name for itself since its founding way back in 1852. The company and its plethora of famous brands are an unabashed symbol of America’s rich beer culture.
14. New Jersey: Campbell's Soup Company
Founded in Camden, New Jersey, this iconic soup manufacturer has been a household name in America since 1869. Known for its wide array of canned soups and other food products, Campbell’s and its distinct red and white soup cans have been a fixture in American pantries for over 155 years.
15. New York: Nathan's Famous
This Coney Island icon has been serving up delicious hot dogs since 1916. A beloved staple at ballparks and backyard BBQs, Nathan’s Famous is a famous American brand that has amassed a loyal following since its humble beginnings over 100 years ago, when it was just a hot dog stand in Brooklyn.
16. Ohio: J.M. Smucker Company
If you’ve ever fancied yourself a PB&J connoisseur then this iconic American brand is sure to ring a bell. Known for its famous jams, jellies, and peanut butter, the J.M. Smucker Company has been a household name since its founding in Orrville, Ohio in 1897. Beyond its most recognizable products, Smucker’s has expanded its reach to a variety of foods, including the acquisition of Hostess Brands in 2023.
17. Pennsylvania: Hershey's
Headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania (hence the name), this iconic chocolate brand is known around the world for its famous array of chocolate bars. Since its founding in 1894, Hershey’s has cemented itself as a household name in the American candy industry, with the some of the world's most famous chocolate products (including Reese’s, M&M's, and Kit Kat) a part of its repertoire.
18. Georgia: Coca-Cola
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Coca-Cola is undeniably one of the most famous and recognizable soft drink brands (if not, food brands) in the entire world. The brand’s rich history and iconic products (including Fanta and Sprite) have been a ubiquitous part of American culture and history since the company’s founding in 1886.
19. Washington: Starbucks
This titan of industry, hailing from Seattle, Washington, has gone on to become the world’s largest coffee chain since its humble beginnings in 1971. Known for its iconic branding, high-quality coffee, and being on practically every corner, Starbucks is an undeniable fixture of American (and global) food and beverage culture.
20. Tennessee: Jack Daniel's
This unabashed American icon has been a household name since its founding in 1866. Based in Lynchburg, Tennessee, Jack Daniel’s has made a name for itself producing one of the world’s most famous whiskey brands, thanks in part to the smooth, rich taste of the legendary Old No.7. With over 150 million bottles of the legendary whiskey sold each year, its safe to say that Jack Daniel’s is the #1 whisky in the world.
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