The United States of Pop-Tarts: What’s Your State's Signature Flavor?

Author: Editorial Team

As we all gear up for the release of "Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story" on May 3 (and a big dose of Jerry Seinfeld’s sweet sarcasm), we had to ask: what Pop-Tart flavors reign supreme in each state?

From the beloved classic Frosted Strawberry in coastal California to the preferred brambled forests of Wild Berry in Maine, exploring America's favorite Pop-Tart flavors is like taking a cross-country trip with your taste buds. Buckle up, because we're about to take a toaster pastry tour for the ages – just don’t be surprised if you’re craving their processed, packaged glory afterward.

Key Takeaways:

• Over a quarter of Americans say they consume Pop-Tarts several times a month (26%), while eight states had people say they did daily.
• Even though warm and toasty is most preferred (48%), the data still proves that a whole lot of Pop-Tart lovers appreciate them straight out of the box (42%).
• Frosted Strawberry is the most popular flavor across numerous states
• Oh, and Jerry Seinfeld? A Brown Sugar Cinnamon (toasted) devotee since day one.

With a host of flavors ranging from fruity to chocolatey to a little out of the ordinary (lookin’ at you, Frosted Watermelon), it makes sense that preferences would vary across America. So what confectionary categories are at the top for each state?

Classically Fruity

Perhaps it’s no surprise that the ever-popular Frosted Strawberry leads the pack when it comes to fresh and fruity flavors, with states like California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and a wealth of others in agreement. This classic flavor, capturing 39% of the fruity category, suggests a shared love for nostalgic tastes that echo sunny days and simpler times. Summer vacation and Saturday morning cartoons, anyone?

States like Alaska and Maryland selected sweet Frosted Cherry as their preference, hinting at a penchant for bold flavors that stand out – even in the depths of winter. Hawaii's tart pick, Frosted Raspberry, is even more off the beaten path but still vibrant, much like the state itself.

Chocoholics Unite

Although fruity fun is what many may think of when they picture unwrapping a Pop-Tart, that unfortunately leaves out a whole sect of people: chocoholics. Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Nevada (among other states) declare their love for Frosted S'mores, making up 37% of the chocolate category. This gooey, campfire-inspired choice speaks to an adventurous spirit and a belief that variety can create a beautifully harmonious bite.

Frosted Chocolate Fudge? Okay, Arkansas. Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae? Bring it on, Alabama and Kansas. Cookies & Creme brings it home for those in Idaho. Maybe the nuanced love for chocolate in these heartland states is enough to combat the prairie blues – or maybe they just really love chocolate.

Up north, Rhode Island's unique tilt towards Frosted Chocolatey Churro reflects a culturally-aware and unique side of the Pop-Tart spectrum (that even Ivy Leaguers can get behind).

A Dash of Dessert

Did you know that when Pop-Tarts were first introduced in 1964, they were even less dessert-y than they are anyway because they were – you guessed it – Unfrosted?

Jokes about this bressert (see what we did there?) aside, a United States of Pop-Tarts map wouldn’t be complete without the enduring love for one of the OGs: Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon. This cozy delight scoops up 49% of the dessert category, with major fans in states like Arizona, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. Whispering tales of comfort with a sprinkle of spice over a cozy fire, it's a flavor that will continue to stand the test of time (like we said, even for Jerry Seinfeld).

Montana's lone stand with Frosted Chocolatey Strawberry seems to represent a love of taking the road less traveled – especially if it’s one in the Northwest.

Eccentric and Unique

Amidst the many flavors Pop-Tarts has to offer, there are just some that aren’t as widely beloved, but are still appreciated by specific demographics.

Maine's top choice of Wild Berry might be seen as a nod to its rugged, untamed landscapes, offering flavors as vibrant and varied as its scenery, whereas South Dakota's preference for Unfrosted Blueberry (yes, that’s right, unfrosted) is the culinary equivalent of a minimalist masterpiece, appreciating the simplicity of sweetness.

West Virginia's pick of Frosted Apple Cinnamon seems like a homage to traditional American values – like the simple pleasure of a fresh pie.

Pop-Tart Consumption: A National Snapshot

Interestingly, while 60% of Americans claim they rarely indulge in Pop-Tarts, New Mexico leads the charge with 52% admitting to enjoying Pop-Tarts at least weekly. This high frequency of consumption is echoed, to lesser extents, in states like Tennessee and Michigan, revealing regional hotspots of Pop-Tart passion.

Here’s a rundown of the favorites, grouped by state:

• Frosted Strawberry: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah
• Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae: Alabama, Kansas, Vermont
• Frosted Cherry: Alaska, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas
• Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon: Arizona, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Wisconsin
• Frosted Chocolate Fudge: Arkansas
• Frosted Blueberry: Colorado, Wyoming
• Frosted S’mores: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, Washington
• Frosted Raspberry: Hawaii
• Frosted Cookies and Creme: Idaho
• Wild Berry: Maine
• Frosted Chocolatey Strawberry: Montana
• Unfrosted Blueberry: South Dakota
• Frosted Chocolatey Churro: Rhode Island
• Frosted Apple Cinnamon: West Virginia

As for the best way to enjoy these treats (a controversial topic, we know), Americans are almost evenly split, with the slight majority (48%) preferring the warm, crispy edges that only toasting can provide and 42% preferring to simply tear the shiny, silver wrapper open and go to town.

Overall, though widely varied, Americans’ Pop-Tart preferences reflect a nation united by its love for this iconic treat – and a desire to hold on tight to those little bits of childhood for as long as possible. The next time you literally pop a Pop-Tart into the toaster (or don't!), remember that you're partaking in a 60-years-long nationwide tradition, one sweet, sentimental bite at a time.

Methodology

This survey was conducted in March 2024 among 2,000 Americans with 37% identifying as male, 61% as female, and 2% as non-binary. The median age of respondents was 35.