Regional food identity in the United States

Regional food identity in the United States often differs from a state's actual agricultural production. Research from Michigan State University indicates that consumers frequently associate specific foods with a state's identity regardless of whether those items are produced locally, and are often willing to pay a premium for them.

While many states have popular regional delicacies debated in public opinion, few have legally official state foods. For example, although Mississippi is a leader in farm-raised catfish production, it lacks an official state dish tied to it. Conversely, New Mexico has integrated its culinary identity into its civic life; in 1996, the state legislature designated ‘Red or Green?’ as the official state question regarding chile preference.